The ICC World Test Championship (WTC) resumes this week with South Africa well placed in the early stages of their title defence.
However, Temba Bavuma & Co face potentially defining series against Australia and England.
The Proteas sit third on the standings after an impressive start to the new 2025-2027 WTC cycle.
This included a landmark 2-0 away series win over India — South Africa’s first Test series victory on Indian soil in 25 years – and a drawn series against Pakistan.
The WTC cycle resumes after a five-month pause with Bangladesh hosting Pakistan from May 8 as Test-playing nations battle it out to finish in the top two for a place in the 2027 WTC final at Lord’s.
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Current Standings
1. Australia (Points Percentage 87.50)
Have won seven of their first eight Tests including a 4-1 Ashes drubbing and clean sweep of the West Indies away.
Travis Head leads their batting efforts with 853 runs, while Mitchell Starc has helped himself to 46 wickets already.
However, tough tours to South Africa and India await.
2. New Zealand (77.78)
The Kiwis lie second after a dominant home series win over West Indies where Devon Conway (452 runs) and seamer Jacob Duffy (23 wickets) starred.
However, the Black Caps face far sterner opposition in the form of a home series against India and away series against England and Australia.
3. South Africa (75)
A solid start with three wins from four Tests against India and Pakistan away.
Tony de Zorzi with 278 runs and Simon Harmer with 30 wickets have been the early performers in this cycle.
The Proteas welcome Australia and England later in the year. When the Aussies touch down in October, it will be their first visit to these shores since 2018 and the Sandpaper-gate scandal.
4. Sri Lanka (66.67)
Early days and only have a 1-0 series win over Bangladesh to show.
Sri Lanka are still to face the likes of West Indies, Pakistan, India and South Africa.
5. Pakistan (50)
Did well to draw series against reigning WTC champions South Africa, but face further tests in the shape of Bangladesh, West Indies and England.
6. India (48.15)
The reigning T20 world champions have serious work to do on the Test front.
The 2-0 defeat to the Proteas at home did massive damage and they have won only four out of nine Tests during this cycle.
India now face crucial series against Sri Lanka, New Zealand and Australia if they are to harbour hopes of getting back into the WTC race.
7. England (31.67)
The same goes for England who have won only three out of ten Test matches and are staring down the barrel.
The masterful Joe Root has scored 937 runs but the rest of the England squad will need to step up in upcoming series against New Zealand, Pakistan and South Africa.
Photo: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images
