WTC Points Table: Australia remain top despite first loss to England

England finally registered a Boxing Day Test victory at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Saturday, ending an 18-match winless streak against Australia at the iconic venue. The four-wicket win on Australian soil not only helped England restore pride in the Ashes but also triggered significant movement in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025–27 standings.

While Australia continues to hold a 3-1 lead in the five-match series, England’s victory ensured they avoided a complete whitewash. More importantly, Ben Stokes’ side handed Australia their first defeat of the ongoing WTC cycle, ending the hosts’ unbeaten run and opening the door for rival teams to close the gap at the top of the table.

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Before the loss, Australia was leading the WTC standings with a perfect 100% points percentage (PCT). The defeat has now reduced their PCT to 85.71, though Pat Cummins’ side still retains the top spot.

The result has benefited New Zealand and South Africa, who have narrowed the gap behind Australia. New Zealand currently sits second with a PCT of 77.78, followed closely by South Africa in third with 75.00.

India, meanwhile, are placed sixth on the table with a PCT of 48.41 and will need strong performances in their upcoming fixtures to push for a top-two finish and qualification for the WTC final.

England earned 12 crucial WTC points from the Melbourne Test, but they still face an uphill task. They remain seventh in the standings with a PCT of 35.18, well adrift of the top five teams. However, the Boxing Day victory could provide momentum as they look to improve their position over the remainder of the WTC cycle.

The Ashes series now moves to the Sydney Cricket Ground for the fifth and final Test starting January 4. Australia will aim to reassert control of both the series and their WTC campaign, while England will look to build on their Melbourne momentum and climb the World Test Championship standings.