AUS, INDIA SLIP AS SOUTH AFRICA GRABS TOP SPOT IN ICC WORLD TEST CHAMPIONSHIP

Adelaide, Australia - In a dramatic turn of events, the Indian cricket team's 10-wicket loss in the second Test against Australia has pushed them to the third spot in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) standings. Meanwhile, Australia regains its top spot after securing a dominating win in Adelaide.

As the current 2023-25 WTC cycle nears its end, each match will play a crucial role in determining the final standings. A single win or loss by one team could have severe implications for the other team's chances of making it to the World Test Championship final.

Australia is currently leading with 60.71 percent of possible points, while India is a distant third with 57.29 percent and South Africa second with 59.26 percent.

The Border-Gavaskar series between Australia and India is now tied at 1-1, which has given the Australians a strong chance to finish in the top two spots. The series will conclude with an additional two Tests in Sri Lanka next year, making it even more crucial for Australia to perform well.

South Africa, on the other hand, secured a thrilling win over New Zealand and followed it up with a comprehensive victory against England at home, propelling them to the second spot in the WTC standings. Their upcoming series against Sri Lanka and Pakistan will be critical for their World Test Championship bid.

India's hopes of making it to the finals were dealt a blow by their loss to Australia, but they still have a fighting chance if they win all three of their remaining matches against Australia. Sri Lanka, currently seventh in the standings, needs a strong showing in both their upcoming Tests to make a push for a top-spot finish.

The other teams are also dealing with significant challenges as they navigate the final stretch of the 2023-25 WTC cycle.