On Thursday afternoon, Australia once again retained the iconic Ashes trophy at home, defeating England by five wickets at the Sydney Cricket Ground to claim a 4–1 series victory. This marks the fifth consecutive series that Australia have held onto the Urn, reinforcing their dominance over their arch-rivals. The win also helps them maintain the top spot in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) table for the 2025–27 cycle.
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For England, despite a spirited fight in the fifth Test, they could not secure a second consecutive victory on Australian soil after their win at the MCG. The loss keeps the visitors in the lower half of the WTC standings, highlighting the uphill battle they face in this cycle.
SCG triumph strengthens Australia’s WTC credentials
| POSITION | TEAM | MATCHES | WINS | DEFEATS | DRAW | POINTS | DED | PCT% |
| 1. | Australia | 8 | 7 | 1 | 0 | 84 | 0 | 87.50 |
| 2. | New Zealand | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 28 | 77.78 | |
| 3. | South Africa | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 36 | 0 | 75.00 |
| 4. | Sri Lanka | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 16 | 0 | 66.67 |
| 5. | Pakistan | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 12 | 0 | 50.00 |
| 6. | India | 9 | 4 | 4 | 1 | 52 | 0 | 48.15 |
| 7. | England | 10 | 3 | 6 | 1 | 26 | 2 | 31.66 |
| 8. | Bangladesh | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 16.67 |
| 9. | West Indies | 8 | 0 | 7 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 4.17 |
With consecutive WTC final appearances in 2023 and 2025 against India and South Africa, combined with series wins in the West Indies and at home against England, Australia are well-positioned to finish in the top two once again. Their record in the ongoing cycle is impressive, having won seven of eight matches for a win percentage of 85.71, with their next Test scheduled away against South Africa.
Australia have taken a healthy lead in the early stages of the cycle, with challenging away tours against South Africa and India scheduled in 2026–27. Even a few setbacks will not significantly dent their stronghold atop the table.
New Zealand also remain a team to watch, having played only one series so far against the West Indies. With three major series against England, India, and Australia lined up over the next 12 months, the Black Caps have the opportunity to make history in the WTC cycle with a full-strength roster.
England, India face uphill battles
England, who have never featured in a WTC final, host the next summer series against New Zealand and Pakistan. Their current win percentage of 35.19, combined with a heavy loss to Australia, puts them at risk of missing a fourth straight final.
India, two-time finalists who are yet to win the WTC mace, began the cycle well with a drawn series in England and a home win against the West Indies. However, their 0–3 whitewash against South Africa in November has dampened hopes of reaching the 2027 final. India now sit just above England in the standings with 48.15%, and upcoming tours of New Zealand and Sri Lanka, followed by hosting Australia in 2027, will be crucial for their campaign.
