Australia’s chances of making it to the WTC final have taken a hit after a 176-run loss against South Africa in the third and final Test. They have slipped to third spot in the points table, behind South Africa and New Zealand. They were leading the standings but lost to the top spot after a defeat in the series decider, with New Zealand becoming the new No.1 team.
The Proteas are still second in the World Test Championship standings despite their series win by a margin of 2-1. India are fourth, and the sub-continent nation will have an opportunity to improve their points when they compete against the Kiwis in the upcoming two-Test series, starting in December.
World Test Championship Points Table
| Pos | Team | Played | Won | Lost | Draw | Points | Percentage points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Zealand | 6 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 52 | 72.22 |
| 2 | South Africa | 7 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 60 | 71.43 |
| 3 | Australia | 13 | 9 | 4 | 0 | 108 | 69.23 |
| 4 | India | 11 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 68 | 51.52 |
| 5 | Bangladesh | 7 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 40 | 47.62 |
| 6 | England | 16 | 7 | 8 | 1 | 74 | 38.54 |
| 7 | Sri Lanka | 6 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 24 | 33.33 |
| 8 | West Indies | 13 | 3 | 8 | 2 | 42 | 26.92 |
| 9 | Pakistan | 9 | 2 | 7 | 0 | 5 | 4.63 |
Australia will host New Zealand for four Test matches, with the series opener in Perth on December 9.
Bangladesh will travel to South Africa for two five-day games. Temba Bavuma-led team is the defending WTC Champions, having won the final last year at Lord’s.
New Zealand have 72.22 percentage points, while South Africa are second with 71.43.
Australia are third, having amassed 69.23 percentage points. On the other hand, India are placed fourth with 51.52.
Australia were chasing 288 in the fourth innings on Day 5 of the match, but they managed just 111, with the batters failing to get going under pressure. Simon Harmer took 6 wickets in the second innings and took his match tally to 10 scalps, his first 10-for in his Test career. Kagiso Rabada took three wickets with the new ball.