WTC Standings: Australia slip after series defeat; where are India?

NewsSports NewsCricket NewsUpdated WTC Standings: Australia slip after series defeat in South Africa; where are India? Updated WTC Standings: Australia slip after series defeat in South Africa; where are India? Edited by Jyotirmoy Halder / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Oct 31, 2026, 21:44 IST Australia have suffered a major setback after losing their three-match Test series against South Africa 2-1.Following their defeat in the series-deciding Test in Cape Town, Australia have dropped to third place in the World Test Championship (WTC) standings and also lost their No.1 position in the ICC Test rankings to South Africa.New Zealand now lead the WTC table, while South Africa have moved up to second.

India are currently placed fourth and will have an opportunity to improve their position when they take on New Zealand in a two-match Test series in November-December. Watch Devdutt Padikkal Interview: India's No.3 opens up on Perth, Sri Lanka and preps for New Zealand South Africa have 71.43 percentage points in the WTC standings, compared to Australia's 69.23.

Before the series began, Australia were comfortably placed with 80 percentage points.World Test Championship 2025-27 Standings Pos.TeamPlayedWonLostDrawDed.PointsPCT1New Zealand641105272.222South Africa752006071.433Australia13940010869.234India1154206851.525Bangladesh733104047.626England16781147438.547Sri Lanka612302433.338West Indies1338224226.929Pakistan92701954.63 New Zealand remain at the top with 72.22 percentage points, while India have 51.52.South Africa captain Temba Bavuma expressed happiness over his team's rise to the top of the Test rankings."That [No.1 ranking] is exceptional.

I think that's obviously been a part of our ambition as a team," Bavuma said.He also described the series victory as one of his team's biggest achievements, adding, "Every time you get an opportunity to come up against Australia, you savour that.

I don't think I've been involved in a better series. So yeah, this is definitely there at No.1 [best Test win]."What's next for Australia and South Africa? Australia will look to bounce back when they host New Zealand in a four-match Test series starting December 9 in Perth.Meanwhile, South Africa will get a two-week break before hosting Bangladesh for a two-match Test series in November.

The Proteas are also the defending World Test Championship champions after winning the title at Lord's last year. Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app. Jyotirmoy Halder is a journalist and sports writer at TOI (digital), with a post-graduation in English Journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, New Delhi.

A passionate follower of sports since childhood, he has covered everything from mainstream to niche disciplines. His career began in 2018 with SportsKeeda, followed by roles at Fansided and Get Football, where he primarily covered European football.

Experienced in digital storytelling, data analysis, and athlete interviews, Jyotirmoy now works as a Digital Content Producer with The Times of India's sports team. ‘Gyanesh Won’t Survive As CEC’: Rahul Gandhi’s BIG Warning At Mock Impeachment 'Treason': Kharge BLASTS CEC Gyanesh Kumar, Lists 6 Charges At INDIA Bloc's Mock Parliament Rahul Gandhi Invites People For Ramlila Maidan March, Delhi Police Say No Permission Sought ‘Rahul Refused, You Are Last Hope’: Delhi Traders Turn To Congress Allies Over Nov 1 Rally AAP First List For Punjab Polls: CM Mann To Defend Dhuri, Jailed Minister Sanjeev Arora Gets Ticket Abhijeet Dipke Apologises To Diljit Dosanjh After Punjabi Singer Slams CJP Over Satluj Mockery