Australia have dropped to third place in the WTC standings after losing their Test series 2-1 to South AfricaScroll down to read the full story.
Published: November 1, 2026, 12:53 PM IST
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Australia’s WTC Ranking takes a hit after South Africa series loss (Image- ICC)
Australia have suffered a huge blow after losing the three-match Test series against South Africa 2-1They lost the final Test in Cape Town which also sealed the seriesThis loss saw Australia slip to third in the World Test Championship (WTC) standingsThey have been replaced by South Africa at the No1 spot in the ICC Test rankings too.
New Zealand now sit top of the WTC table with South Africa secondIndia, currently fourth, will get a chance to move up when they play two-match Test series against New Zealand in November and December.
South Africa now have 71.43 points on the WTC table, with Australia on 69.23Australia were well placed on 80 points before the series began.
World Test Championship 2025-27 Standings
| Position | Team | Played | Won | Lost | Draw | Ded | Points | PCT |
| 1 | New Zealand | 6 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 52 | 72.22 |
| 2 | South Africa | 7 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 60 | 71.43 |
| 3 | Australia | 13 | 9 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 108 | 69.23 |
| 4 | India | 11 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 68 | 51.52 |
| 5 | Bangladesh | 7 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 40 | 47.62 |
| 6 | England | 16 | 7 | 8 | 1 | 14 | 74 | 38.54 |
| 7 | Sri Lanka | 6 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 24 | 33.33 |
| 8 | West Indies | 13 | 3 | 8 | 2 | 2 | 42 | 26.92 |
| 9 | Pakistan | 9 | 2 | 7 | 0 | 19 | 5 | 4.63 |
New Zealand remain at the top with 72.22 points while India are on 51.52 pointsSouth Africa captain Temba Bavuma was delighted to see his team become the No1 Test side.
“That [No.1 ranking] is exceptionalI think that’s obviously been a part of our ambition as a team,” Bavuma said.
He also said that winning the series was one of the biggest moments for his team“Every time you get an opportunity to come up against Australia, you savour thatI don’t think I’ve been involved in a better seriesSo yeah, this is definitely there at No.1 [best Test win].”
Australia will now try to make a comeback when they play a four-match Test series against New ZealandThe series will start on December 9 in PerthAll four matches will be played in AustraliaAfter losing the series against South Africa, Australia will look to forget this defeat and play better cricketThey will aim to win the series and get back to winning ways in front of their home fans.
South Africa, meanwhile, will get a two-week break before playing their next seriesThey will host Bangladesh for a two-match Test series in NovemberThe Proteas will go into the series with confidence after beating Australia 2-1They are also the current World Test Championship winnersSouth Africa won the title at Lord’s last year and will now look to continue their good form against Bangladesh.
