With Bangladesh set to host Pakistan, the ICC World Test Championship 2025–27 resumes, and Sri Lanka re-enter the frame aiming to build on their early gains in the push towards the final at Lord’s next year.

The last stretch of action in the ongoing ICC World Test Championship cycle saw a clinical Australia side dominate the Ashes at home, sealing a 4-1 win and further strengthening their hold at the top of the standings.

Their neighbours, New Zealand, sit second after a convincing 2-0 home series win over West Indies.

As the cycle enters a crucial phase the teams now look to strengthen their case for a top-two finish.

With Bangladesh taking on Pakistan from 8 May, the WTC returns after almost five months. We take a look at where each team stands and what lies ahead:

1. Australia

The 2023 World Test Championship winners have made a near-perfect start to the cycle. A series sweep over West Indies in the Caribbean was followed by a dominant Ashes retention at home.

With just one loss – the Boxing Day Test – Australia are firmly on course for a third WTC final appearance.

2. New Zealand

The inaugural WTC champions had to wait for their first outing this cycle but made an immediate impact against West Indies.

After a hard-fought high-scoring draw, New Zealand bounced back with a clinical nine-wicket win before sealing the series emphatically with a 323-run victory in the third Test.

3. South Africa

The defending champions have underlined their credentials with a commanding 2-0 away series win over India – their first success on Indian soil in 25 years.

Having also drawn a series against Pakistan, the Temba Bavuma-led side has already navigated two challenging away tours, emerging with three wins.

4. Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka began their campaign with a 1-0 series win over Bangladesh.

The road ahead, however, presents tougher challenges. Tours to the West Indies and Pakistan in 2026 are among the key fixtures, while India and South Africa are also scheduled to visit during the cycle.

5. Pakistan

Pakistan opened their campaign with a drawn home series against South Africa and now travel to Bangladesh for a two-match series.

Away tours to the West Indies and England in 2026 will test the side, while home series against Sri Lanka and New Zealand offer opportunities to build momentum.

6. India

India find themselves under pressure following a 0-2 home series defeat to South Africa. The two-time WTC runners-up have reached the halfway stage of their campaign with ground to make up.

7. England

England began their campaign with a 2-2 home series draw against India but have since struggled, losing four of five Tests against Australia.

8. Bangladesh

A draw in Galle helped Bangladesh register their first points of the cycle, despite losing the series to Sri Lanka.

9. West Indies

West Indies have endured a difficult campaign so far, losing seven of their eight Tests, including series defeats to Australia at home and India and New Zealand away.

Their only bright spot came in Christchurch, where they produced a fighting draw with the highest fourth-innings total in over 80 years. 

ICC