The World Test Championship (WTC) 2025–27 race has taken a thrilling turn after India’s nail-biting 6-run win over England in the fifth and final Test at The Oval. The victory not only leveled the five-match Test series 2–2 but also caused a major shake-up in the WTC points table. With this result, India climbs to third place, pushing England down to fourth after a costly slow over-rate penalty. Australia still lead the standings with a perfect record, while Sri Lanka hold second place.
In this detailed update, we’ll break down:
- The latest WTC points table after the India-England series
- How PCT (points percentage) shapes the standings
- Key player performances from the series
- The WTC final qualification scenario for top teams
🔍 India's Rise After Oval Thriller
- India collected 12 championship points with their dramatic win by 6 runs at The Oval, elevating their tally to 28 points from five matches with a PCT of 46.67%.
- England also have two wins and one draw, but lost two extra points due to a slow over-rate penalty during the series—the defining factor pushing them into 4th place.
🎯 WTC Insights & Tie-Break Rules
Points system: Win = 12 points; Draw = 4; Tie = 6; Loss = 0. Rankings based on Points Percentage (PCT) of points won vs contested.
If percentages tie, standings are decided by series wins, then away points, finally ICC Test Rankings as of April 2027.
📊 WTC Points Table Snapshot (After India vs England Series)
| Rank | Team | Matches Played | Won | Lost | Draw | Deductions | Points | PCT (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Australia | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 36 | 100.00 |
| 2 | Sri Lanka | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 16 | 66.67 |
| 3 | India | 5 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 28 | 46.67 |
| 4 | England | 5 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 2 (slow over-rate) | 26 | 43.33 |
| 5 | Bangladesh | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 16.67 |
| 6 | West Indies | 3 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 |
🏏 Teams yet to play in this cycle: New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, each with no points yet.
🧠 Key Performers of India-England Series
- Shubman Gill top-scored the series with 754 runs across five Tests, averaging 75.40, including four centuries.
- Mohammed Siraj, with 23 wickets, emerged as India’s leading wicket-taker of the series, including two five-fors, and sealed the decisive wicket at the Oval.
- On England’s side, Josh Tongue managed 19 wickets at an average of 29.05, while Harry Brook contributed heavily with the bat (over 500 runs).
🧩 What This Means for WTC Final Push
📈 India
- A jump from 4th to 3rd place enhances India’s chances for the WTC final. But they still trail behind Sri Lanka (66.67%) and leaders Australia (100%).
- Every subsequent result—especially away series—will be crucial in maintaining or improving the PCT.
📉 England
- The 2-point deduction could prove costly. Despite statistical parity with India, England’s lower PCT and point deductions leave them with slim margins.
- They now need a dominant campaign ahead to climb back into the top two.
🌍 Others
- Sri Lanka’s unbeaten run keeps them in 2nd place.
- Bangladesh, with a draw and a loss, stand in 5th with minimal points.
- Australia continues their perfect start with 3 wins from 3.
📅 WTC Series Outlook
- Top two teams at end of league stage will play the WTC final.
- India, currently 3rd, must avoid loss-heavy series and not accumulate point deductions.
- Future series—especially in Asia and away—will be critical for deciding finalists.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Why did England drop to 4th despite matching India’s win-loss record?
A: They were docked 2 penalty points for slow over-rate infractions, dropping from 28 to 26 total points.
❓ Which teams have yet to start their WTC campaigns?
A: New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa have played no WTC matches yet in this cycle. They start at zero.
❓ What points percentage does India need to make the final?
A: A consistent PCT above 50% is advisable in the multi-series cycle, especially against top-tier teams.
❓ When was the points table last updated?
A: All figures reflect standings as of August 4, 2025—just after the India vs England final Test.
🏁 Final Thoughts
India’s nerve-wracking win at The Oval didn't just restore pride with a 2-2 series draw—it also propelled them into a strong position in the WTC points race. As they chase a spot in the final, this victory underscores the importance of tight margins in Test cricket. With Australia perfect and Sri Lanka looking competitive, the race to the WTC final promises high drama ahead.