Bangladesh’s heavy defeat to Australia in the second Test in Mackay has opened up a fresh opportunity for India in the race for the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 final. Australia bounced back from their shock defeat in the opening Test in Darwin with an innings-and-51-run victory, with Mitchell Starc taking 10 wickets in the match.
The result has significantly changed the equation for India. Bangladesh had moved ahead of India after their historic win in Darwin, but their defeat in Mackay has seen their points percentage drop from 66.67 to 55.56. Bangladesh now have 40 points from six Tests, including three wins, two defeats and one draw. India, meanwhile, have 64 points from 10 Tests and a points percentage of 53.33.
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India therefore have a straightforward opportunity to reclaim fourth place. A victory over Sri Lanka in the ongoing second Test in Colombo would take Shubman Gill’s side above Bangladesh in the WTC standings. The result would not, however, guarantee India a place in the final. The top two teams at the end of the league phase qualify for the WTC final, meaning India still need a strong run of results in their remaining matches.
Australia remain firmly on top of the table after their win over Bangladesh. They now have 96 points from 10 Tests and an impressive points percentage of 80. South Africa occupy second place with 75 per cent, while New Zealand are third with 72.22 per cent. Bangladesh are fourth on 55.56 per cent, followed by India at 53.33 per cent. Sri Lanka are sixth with 33.33 per cent.
For India, the immediate target is therefore clear: beat Sri Lanka in Colombo and move into fourth position. The larger challenge will be maintaining momentum through the remainder of the WTC cycle. India have already suffered four defeats in 10 matches, leaving little room for further setbacks if they are to challenge for one of the two final berths. The team’s remaining Tests, including the upcoming assignments against New Zealand and Australia, will be crucial to their qualification hopes.
Bangladesh’s defeat also highlights how quickly the WTC table can change. Their first-ever Test victory in Australia had briefly lifted them to fourth place with a strong 66.67 per cent, but Australia’s emphatic response brought them back to 55.56 per cent.
