Credit: ICC
As the fourth edition of the World Test Championship (WTC) began last month with a two-match Test series between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, Test cricket fans are enjoying top-notch red-ball cricketing action. After witnessing eight Tests in the last 30 days, fans are now eager to know where their teams are standing on the WTC points table. During the first installment of the distinguished Test tournament, the International Cricket Council (ICC) received fierce criticism for its rules regarding the distribution of points. In the second edition of the red-ball championship, cricket’s apex-body came up with new guidelines regarding points allocation, which continued in the third edition.
What is the rule of the WTC points table?
Since the second installment of WTC, the participant sides earned points on the per-match basis earlier from 2019-20, the teams were gaining points according to series.
Winning teams get 12 points for extracting a victory while in case of a draw, four points will be handed to two teams respectively. When it comes to a tie, six points will be given six points apiece. There is also a penalty imposed on sides in case of slow over-rate. Teams will be deducted one point for each fall behind.
How do percentage points work in the WTC?
Rankings in the WTC standings are determined by Percentage of Points (PCT) and teams hoard points through outcomes of matches. PCT is calculated according to the ratio of points a side has gained to the total points they could’ve got across all contests. This system ensures that rankings display a team's performance linked to the number of matches they show up.
Talking about WTC table-toppers of all three editions, India became the best side in the 2019-21 edition of the tournament while in the 2021-23 installment, Australia topped the tally. In the 2023-25 edition, South Africa emerged as the superlative side. In the ongoing edition, Australia are on the top spot.
FAQs
Q. What is India's position on the WTC 2025-27 points tally?
A. India are in the fourth spot on the WTC 2025-27 points tally.
Q. Why are all WTC finals held in England?
A. The way the WTC cycle is designed, the competition can be held in the northern hemisphere summer. As of now, this condition can be found in England only.
Q. How are WTC points calculated?
A. As per the current rule, winning teams get 12 points for extracting a victory while in case of a draw, four points will be handed to two teams respectively. When it comes to a tie, six points will be given six points apiece. There is also a penalty imposed on sides in case of slow over-rate. Teams will be deducted one point for each fall behind.
