ICC World Test Championship points table (updated) as of December 21 after AUS vs ENG 2025-26 3rd Test 

Australia maintained their lead at the top of the 2025-27 World Test Championship (WTC) Standings after securing the Ashes with an 82-run win in the third Test at the Adelaide Oval. The Men in Yellow bagged the remaining wickets on Day 5 to retain the urn, and win their sixth Test in a row in the cycle.

Australia had set a mammoth target of 435 courtesy of Travis Head's stunning hundred in the second innings. England showcased promise during the run chase, led by Zak Crawley initially, followed by a late resistance from Jamie Smith and Will Jacks. However, Mitchell Starc picked up three wickets on the final day to bowl England out for 352.

England are struggling in the WTC cycle after yet another loss

Australia maintain their first place in the WTC Standings with a PCT of 100, over the second-placed South Africa, who have a PCT of 75 in the early stages of their cycle. The Pat Cummins-led side have lost only one out of their last 13 Tests, which was the all-important WTC Final in 2025 at Lord's.

England, on the other hand, remain rooted in the seventh place, but their PCT worsens to 27.08 from 30.95. They began their cycle with a 2-2 draw against India at home, but they have lost three matches in a row since the series, and only maintain a marginal lead over the seventh-placed Bangladesh.

Fourth 2025-26 Ashes Test to begin on December 26

With the series already lost, England seeks to salvage some points to improve their position in the WTC table. The fourth Test of the Ashes is set to begin on Boxing Day, December 26, at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground.

After the Ashes, England have a massive home season in 2026 in red-ball cricket, which includes a three-match Test series against both New Zealand and Pakistan. They will conclude the year with a tour of South Africa, and play against Bangladesh in the subcontinent in early 2027 to end their cycle.

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Edited by Gokul Nair