New Delhi: India has taken the lead in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) standings, following New Zealand’s loss to Australia in the first Test of their two-match series. The WTC is a league competition for the top nine Test-playing nations, which culminates in a final between the top two teams in June 2024.
How the points system works
The WTC points system is based on the percentage of points (PCT) earned by each team from the matches they have played. Each series has a total of 120 points available, regardless of the number of matches. The points are distributed as follows:
- Win – 12 points
- Tie – 6 points
- Draw – 4 points
- Loss – 0 points
*Point Deductions: Points are deducted for slow over rates
The PCT is calculated by dividing the total points earned by the total points available and multiplying by 100. The team with the highest PCT at the end of the league stage qualifies for the final.
How the standings changed after the Wellington Test
Before the start of the Wellington Test, New Zealand was at the top of the table with 36 points in four games and a PCT of 75. They had won two and drawn two of their matches and were the only unbeaten team in the competition.
However, they suffered a heavy defeat by 172 runs to Australia at the Basin Reserve on Sunday, losing their first match of the WTC. This resulted in them dropping to the second spot, with their PCT falling to 60.
India, who were at the second spot with 62 points in eight games and a PCT of 64.58, moved up to the first spot, replacing New Zealand. India have won five and lost three of their matches, and are the two-time finalists of the WTC, but have never lifted the trophy.
Australia remain in the third position, but gained 12 crucial points with the win in Wellington, taking their points tally from 66 to 78. Their PCT also increased from 55 to 59.09. Australia have won six and lost four of their matches, and are the reigning champions of the WTC, having won the inaugural edition in 2021.
What lies ahead for the top three teams
The second and final Test of the New Zealand-Australia series will be played in Christchurch, starting from March 8. The hosts can bounce back and reclaim the top spot if they win the match. A draw or a loss would keep them in the second spot, but reduce their PCT further.
The India-England series, which has already been decided in favor of the visitors, will conclude with the fourth and final Test in Dharamsala, starting on March 7. Both teams still have 12 WTC points to play for, which could affect their standings. A win for India would consolidate their lead, while a win for England would boost their chances of finishing in the top four.
Australia have a chance to overtake both New Zealand and India and secure their place in the final, if they win the second Test against New Zealand, and England beat India in the fourth Test. A draw or a loss for Australia would keep them in the third spot, but lower their PCT.
