Australia’s imperious 184-run victory over India in the Melbourne Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy has significantly boosted their chances of securing a spot in the ICC World Test Championship 2025 final. The Pat Cummins-led side now needs just one more Test win to guarantee their place at Lord’s next year, according to the ICC.
While Australia is firmly in contention for a top-two finish, Rohit Sharma’s India still has an outside chance. Sri Lanka also remains in the race but requires a series of favorable results to keep their hopes alive.
In Centurion, Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen’s stunning tenth-wicket partnership propelled South Africa to a thrilling two-wicket win over Pakistan in the Boxing Day Test. This victory secured the Proteas’ place in the World Test Championship final, becoming the first team to do so.
The dramatic 148-run chase in Centurion’s fourth innings witnessed several twists, but Rabada and Jansen held firm, replicating their heroics from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 semi-final against Afghanistan. The teams will next meet in Cape Town on January 3 for the second Test, now a mere formality for the home side.
Australia rebounded strongly after losing the opening Test of the Border-Gavaskar series to India. Dominant performances in Adelaide and Melbourne ensured victories in the following three Tests, putting them in a commanding position for a top-two finish. With three matches remaining, Australia needs just one win to secure a spot at Lord’s.
India began the 2024/25 season with a 2-0 home series win over Bangladesh. However, an unexpected series loss to New Zealand at home disrupted their momentum. On the challenging tour of Australia, under stand-in captain Jasprit Bumrah, India rekindled hopes for a third consecutive WTC final appearance with a win in Perth. But subsequent losses have significantly dented their chances.
To qualify, India must win the final Test against Australia and hope for favorable results when Pat Cummins’ side tours Sri Lanka early next year.
Meanwhile, New Zealand’s historic series sweep in India had raised their WTC title hopes, but losses to England in Christchurch and Wellington, coupled with a three-point penalty for a slow over-rate, have derailed their campaign. Despite a resounding 423-run victory in the final Test, New Zealand now sits fourth in the standings, effectively ending their qualification chances.