Photo via Hindustan Times

Australia lose their No.1 ICC, WTC positions after 2-1 defeat against South Africa

Australia’s two-decade dominance in Test cricket has been disrupted after a 2-1 series loss to South Africa, dropping them from the top spot in both the ICC Test rankings and the World Test Championship (WTC). The Proteas, who secured a commanding 176-run victory in the Cape Town decider, now lead the ICC rankings at 124 points, surpassing Australia’s 122.

In the WTC standings, New Zealand has claimed the top position with 72.22%, while South Africa moves into second at 71.43%, leaving Australia in third at 69.23%—a steep fall from their pre-series 80%. The series win marks South Africa’s first WTC title since their thrilling 2021 final victory over the same opponents, and captain Temba Bavuma hailed the achievement as a historic milestone for the team.

Meanwhile, India’s path to the WTC final remains uncertain, with seven remaining Tests in the current cycle, including a two-match series against New Zealand later this month and a five-game home rubber against Australia early next year.

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