The 2025-2027 ICC World Test Championship (WTC) cycle is fast approaching, with every Test match counting and the race getting tighter with every team fighting for a place in the 2027 Lord’s final with 71 matches remaining. Early performances have already set the stage for a dramatic contest, with some teams making strong statements and others having to bounce back. As the competition heats up, all eyes are on the main series that will determine the frontrunners for the coveted WTC final berth.
1. Australia
Immaculate beginnings, but ultimate test benches
Australia got off to a flying start to their WTC campaign, posting a perfect 100% scoring percentage (PCT) after a clean sweep of the West Indies in the Caribbean. Their flawless performance has put them in a commanding position, but the real test is yet to come.
The upcoming five-match Ashes, England’s series against arch-rivals starting on November 21, will be the defining moment of the era. Having dominated the last two Ashes series with Australia winning 4-0, the home team has a strong record and they will be hoping for a similar result to clinch a result. After the Ashes, Australia face India in 2026 in a series that could have massive implications for both teams’ qualification hopes.
Key performances so far
- Matches played: 3rd
- Won by: 3rd
- Percentage of points (PCT): 100%
- Lead runner: Travis Head (224 runs)
- Leading Wicket-Taker: Mitchell Starc (15 Wickets)
The rest of the series
- English (5) – home
- New Zealand (4) – far away
- Bangladesh (2) – home
- South Africa (3) – away
- India (5) – far away
2. Sri Lanka
A solid start, but tough challenges against
Sri Lanka have made an impressive start to their campaign with a solid 66.67% pct after a narrow 1-0 series win over Bangladesh in June. Their top performers, Pathum Nissanka and Tharindu Ratnayake, played a pivotal role in putting the team in a strong position.
But Sri Lanka’s future is easy. Upcoming tours of the West Indies and Pakistan in 2026, home series against France and South Africa could test or test their qualification hopes. With a packed schedule of challenging opponents, Sri Lanka will need to find their best form to stay in the competition.
Key performances so far
- Matches played: 2nd
- Won by: 1
- Percentage of points (PCT): 66.67%
- Lead runner: Pathum Nislanka (369 runs)
- Leading Wicket-Taker: Tharindu Ratnayake (9 Wickets)
The rest of the series
- India (2) – House
- South Africa (2) – House
- West Indies (2) – far away
- Pakistan (2) – far away
- New Zealand (2) – far away
3. India
On the threshold of great opportunities
India, two-time WTC Runners-up, started strongly with 61.90% pct, but their fate will depend on the upcoming series. After a 2-2 draw in England, they dominated the western function at home with a 2-0 sweep. Their next major challenge comes with a critical two-match series against South Africa at home starting November 14, which could push them higher in the standings. However, there will be a definite series for India’s qualification hopes in 2026, which is the five-match series against Australia. If they can navigate these tough challenges, they will have a strong shot at the finals.
Key performances so far
- Matches played: to 7
- Won by: to 4
- Percentage of points (PCT): 61.90%
- Lead runner: Shubman Gill (946 runs)
- Leading Wicket-Taker: Muhammad Siraj (33 Wickets)
The rest of the series
- South Africa (2) – House
- Australia (5) – House
- Sri Lanka (2) – far away
- New Zealand (2) – far away
4. South Africa
Strong at home, but away tests could decide his fate
South Africa currently sit at 4th place with 50% PCT and while they showed resilience in their 1-1 draw against Pakistan, they settle the two-match away series in India starting on November 14. A positive result in India would have boosted their hopes significantly as they have favorable home series against Australia, Bangladesh and England later in the period. But to keep their promotion hopes alive, they need to maximize their points from these tough fixtures.
Key performances so far
- Matches played: 2nd
- Won by: 1
- Percentage of points (PCT): 50%
- Lead runner: Tony de Zorzi (175 runs)
- Leading Wicket-Taker: Simon Harmer (13 Wickets)
The rest of the series
- Australia (3) – House
- Bangladesh (2) – House
- England (3) – House
- India (2) – far away
- Sri Lanka (2) – far away
5. Pakistan
Tough rounds ahead but a long way to go
Pakistan started their campaign with a split series against South Africa, but they will look to improve their performance in the away series for 2026. Their future is full of opportunities, but they must capitalize on every chance to not be left behind in situations.
Key performances so far
- Matches played: 2nd
- Won by: 1
- Percentage of points (PCT): 50%
- Leading runners: Shan Masood, Agha Salman (Each One Runs)
- Leading Wicket-Taker: Noman Ali (14 Wickets)
The rest of the series
- Sri Lanka (2) – House
- New Zealand (2) – House
- Bangladesh (2) – far away
- West Indies (2) – far away
- England (3) – far away
6. England
Ashes decider: Can England overcome Australia’s struggles?
England made a mixed start with a 2-2 draw at home to India, but their qualification prospects rest on the outcome of the five-match Ashes series in Australia, which starts on November 21. Their performances in the home series against New Zealand and Pakistan will also play a key role in picking up enough points to stay in the competition.
Key performances so far
- Matches played: Scorpio
- Won by: 2nd
- Percentage of points (PCT): 43.33%
- Lead runner: Joe Root (537 runs)
- Leading Wicket-Taker: Josh Deely (19 Wickets)
The rest of the series
- New Zealand (3) – House
- Pakistan (3) – Home
- Australia (5) – Away
- South Africa (3) – away
- Bangladesh (2) – Away
7. Bangladesh
Struggling for points but their home streak is key
Bangladesh sit near the bottom with just 16.67% pct, but they will travel in 2026 with home series against the West Indies and England, as well as against Pakistan and South Africa. Bangladesh can rejoin contention if they can get some bowlers out and pick up vital points from their upcoming home set-up.
Key performances so far
- Matches played: 2nd
- Won by: 0
- Percentage of points (PCT): 16.67%
- Lead runner: Najmul Hossain Shanto (300 runs)
- Leading Wicket-Takers: NAEEM Hasan, Taijul Islam (9 wickets each)
The rest of the series
- Pakistan (2) – far away
- West Indies (2) – House
- England (2) – House
- South Africa (2) – far away
- Australia (2) – far away
8. New Zealand
A late start means they have to start strong
New Zealand, the inaugural WTC winners, are the only team still to play a match in the 2025-2027 period. Their campaign begins in December with a home series against the West Indies and they need to hit the ground running. Their tough tours in England and Australia in 2026 will require strong performances if they are to mount a serious challenge for qualification.
Key performances so far
- Matches played: 0
- Won by: 0
- Percentage of points (PCT): 0%
- Lead runner: N / a
- Leading Wicket-Taker: N / a
The rest of the series
- West Indies (3) – House
- India (2) – House
- Sri Lanka (2) – House
- England (3) – far away
- Australia (4) – far away
9. West Indies
The clock is ticking: Can West Indian break losing streak?
West Indians are yet to secure a win in the period, currently sitting at the bottom with 0% pct. They have lost all their series so far and will be hoping to break their losing streak with a loss during the three-match series in New Zealand. West Indies need to turn their ‘looks’ of form into back-to-back wins if they are to avoid finishing last.
Key performances so far
- Matches played: Scorpio
- Won by: 0
- Percentage of points (PCT): 0%
- Lead runner: Shai Hope (279 runs)
- Leading Wicket-Taker: Shamar Yusuf (22 Wickets)
The rest of the series
- Sri Lanka (2) – House
- Pakistan (2) – House
- New Zealand (3) – far away
- Bangladesh (2) – far away
