ICC World Test Championship points table (updated) as on December 30 after IND vs AUS 2024-25 BGT 4th TestÂ
Australia have secured a crucial win over India to extend their lead at the second place of the World Test Championship (WTC) standings. The Men in Yellow dug deep and recorded an 184-run triumph in the final session of the final day in the Boxing Day Test at the MCG.
Following South Africa's nervy two-wicket win over Pakistan in Centurion on December 29, they confirmed their place in the WTC Finals, leaving India and Australia fighting for the last remaining spot.
Pat Cummins and Co. headed into the Boxing Day Test with 106 points from 15 matches, with a win percentage of 58.59, marginally ahead of third-placed India. The Men in Blue had 114 points in 17 matches with a win percentage of 55.88.
The result of the fourth Test drastically changes the complexion of the table. With the win, Australia remain in the second spot, with an improved win percentage of 61.46. India, on the other hand, stay in third place, but their win percentage has now dropped to 52.78.
This result now ensures that India will have to rely on how Australia fare in their two-match series against Sri Lanka in January-February 2025. For the Men in Blue to qualify for the WTC Finals on their merit, they needed to secure the series by at least a margin of 3-1.
India's final Test of the WTC cycle is against Australia in Sydney
Wins in both Melbourne and Sydney would have propelled their win percentage to 60.53, which would have been enough for a second-place finish.
Stakes are high for India ahead of the final Test of the series in Sydney, scheduled to begin from January 3 onwards. They need a win to not only retain the Border-Gavaskar series but also remain alive in the WTC race.
A win in the fifth Test will mean that India end the cycle with a win percentage of 55.26. For Australia to finish below this mark, they will have to return with a result of 0-1 or worse from Sri Lanka.