WTC Points Table: South Africa slip to 2nd after defeat to England, Australia reclaim TOP SPOT, Check WTC Standings

WTC Points Table: ENG vs SA LIVE: Australia have reclaimed the top spot in World Test Championships standings. With South Africa losing the Old Trafford Test by an innings and 85 runs to England, Dean Elgar & Co slipped to 2nd spot. England despite the win remain 7th while Sri Lanka are 3rd. India are 4th in WTC Standings. Follow England vs SouthAfrica LIVE & World Test Championships LIVE Updates on InsideSport.IN.

WTC Standings:

Australia (70)
South Africa (66.67)
Sri Lanka (53.33)
India (52.08)
Pakistan (51.85)

WTC Points Table: South Africa slip to 2nd after defeat to England, Australia reclaim TOP SPOT, Check World Test Championships standings

ENG vs SA 2nd Test Highlights: Ben Stokes, James Anderson complete REVENGE as England thrash South Africa by an innings and 85 runs – Check Highlights

WTC Points Table: South Africa slip to 2nd after defeat to England, Australia reclaim TOP SPOT, Check World Test Championships standings

South Africa would be hurting for one wrong decision, winning the toss and opting to bat. Dean Elgar’s decision completely backfired in Manchester as South Africa crumbled in the first innings. In seaming conditions, Stuart Broad and James Anderson rattled the Protean batting line-up, bowling them out for 151.

In reply, England struggled initially as well. From 43/3, Jonny Bairstow and Zak Crawley added 91 runs to steady the ship. While Anrich Nortje fought back on Day 2, dismissing both to reduce England to 147/5, the captain Ben Stokes and wicketkeeper Ben Foakes nullified that Protean pace attack. The two added 173 runs to take England to 415/9 before declaring the innings.

The moment we levelled the Test series! 💪

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 #ENGvSA 🇿🇦 pic.twitter.com/FKC7QHoZ0T

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) August 27, 2022

WTC Points Table: South Africa slip to 2nd after defeat to England, Australia reclaim TOP SPOT, Check World Test Championships standings

But South Africa once again struggled. From overnight 23/0, they were dismissed for 179. Only Keegan Petersen and Rassie van der Dussen scored 42 and 41, respectively. Ollie Robinson was the wrecker in chief, bagging 4 wickets for 43 runs while James Anderson scalped three wickets for 30 runs.

However, despite the defeat, South Africa are still one of the favourites to play the final in 2023 at Lord’s. South Africa’s Australia tour will provide more clarity on who will play the final. As for India, the home series against Australia is crucial while short Bangladesh series can also help them in their aspirations.

WTC Points Table: South Africa slip to 2nd after defeat to England, Australia reclaim TOP SPOT, Check World Test Championships standings

WTC Points Table: How can India qualify for WTC Finals 2023?

Australia are currently on top with 70 percentage points. South Africa are 2nd with 66.67.
With Asia Cup and T20 World Cup, India have just two series left.
India’s next Test assignment will be only in December against Bangladesh and Australia in February.
The 2021-23 cycle ends on June 30 and India will need to win both series to be in contention.
Rohit Sharma & Co currently have 52.08 percentage points.
If India win all 6 matches (2 against Bangladesh, 4 against Australia), India’s chances will be boosted while Australia will drop down.
However, India will also have to depend on Australia vs South Africa results.
If South Africa win against Australia, it will benefit India immensely as South Africa will retain their top spot on the WTC Standings.
Australia could drop down to 3rd depending on the result of the Pakistan vs England series.
That will help India jump into Top 2 with better percentage points.
India also have 5 penalty points for slow over rate and Rohit Sharma must avoid anymore in the remaining 6 Tests.