ICC World Test Championship Points Table, WTC Table After AUS vs ENG 3rd Test – Ashes 2025-26
Australia Clinches Ashes Early as England’s Struggles Continue Down Under
Australia’s Dominance in the Third Ashes Test
Australia, under the leadership of Pat Cummins, secured a convincing 82-run victory over England in the third Ashes Test of the 2025-26 series. The match took place at the Adelaide Oval in Adelaide on Sunday, December 21. This win allowed the Men in Yellow to maintain their top position in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 points table with an impeccable record.
On the final day of the Test, Jamie Smith and Will Jacks displayed positive intent for England, forming a crucial 91-run partnership. Smith managed to reach a half-century before being dismissed by Mitchell Starc. Despite efforts from Jacks and Brydon Carse to reduce the target to below 100, Australia’s relentless bowling attack eventually wrapped up the remaining wickets to secure the victory.
Updated ICC World Test Championship Points Table
Prior to the third Test, Australia held the top spot in the World Test Championship table and maintained their position after a dominant performance. They are comfortably ahead of South Africa, who currently sit in second place in the standings. In contrast, England’s struggles in Australia have led to three consecutive defeats, impacting their position on the table.
Before the third Test, England occupied the seventh position with a low points percentage. The defeat in Adelaide further decreased their numbers, leaving them with a PCT of 27.08, just below India in the rankings.
England’s Continued Woes on Australian Soil
England’s loss in the Ashes marked the fourth consecutive tour where they were defeated after just three Tests. Their recent struggles in Australia have seen them lose 16 out of their last 18 Tests on Australian soil. Pat Cummins, returning from a lengthy injury break, played a pivotal role in Australia’s victory by taking four wickets in the first innings and delivering another strong performance in the second.
Nathan Lyon made history by surpassing Glenn McGrath on the all-time wickets list, further showcasing Australia’s dominance in the series. Mitchell Starc also contributed significantly with the bat, adding valuable runs to the scoreboard. Australia’s bowling unit worked cohesively throughout the match, applying relentless pressure on England and never allowing them to settle.
While Australia operated as a well-oiled machine, England heavily relied on individual performances, highlighting the gap in quality between the two teams. Australia’s execution of their game plans was nearly flawless, securing their early Ashes victory and continuing England’s struggles down under.
Overall, Australia’s triumph in the third Ashes Test solidified their position as the team to beat in the current World Test Championship cycle, while England faces an uphill battle to climb the rankings and improve their performance on foreign soil.
The Impact of Australia’s Early Ashes Victory
Australia’s early clinching of the Ashes series against England has significant implications for both teams. With this victory, Australia has not only retained the Ashes urn but has also demonstrated their dominance in the longer format of the game. The comprehensive nature of their win showcases the depth and strength of their squad, with players stepping up when needed to deliver match-winning performances.
For England, this defeat raises questions about their ability to compete in Australian conditions. The struggles faced by the English team highlight the challenges of touring Down Under, where the pace and bounce of the pitches often favor the home side. England will need to reassess their strategies and make adjustments to their game plan if they hope to be more competitive in future tours of Australia.
Key Players in Australia’s Success
While Pat Cummins led the team admirably as captain, there were several other key players who contributed significantly to Australia’s success in the third Ashes Test. Mitchell Starc’s explosive bowling and crucial breakthroughs played a vital role in dismantling the English batting lineup. His ability to swing the ball at pace troubled the English batsmen and put them under constant pressure.
Nathan Lyon’s milestone achievement of surpassing Glenn McGrath on the all-time wickets list not only solidified his place as one of Australia’s greatest spin bowlers but also showcased his importance in the team’s success. Lyon’s ability to control the game in the middle overs and pick up crucial wickets in key moments was instrumental in Australia’s victory.
Lessons for England to Learn
England’s continued struggles in Australia point to a need for introspection and improvement in various areas. The team will need to address their batting frailties against quality fast bowling and find ways to build partnerships in the middle order. Additionally, their bowling attack will need to find ways to apply sustained pressure on the Australian batsmen and take wickets at regular intervals.
Furthermore, England will need to work on their team cohesion and tactical awareness to compete effectively against a formidable opponent like Australia. Learning from their mistakes in this series and implementing changes going forward will be crucial for England to bounce back and become more competitive in future Test matches.
Looking Ahead to the Future
As Australia celebrates their early Ashes victory and looks ahead to upcoming series, they will aim to maintain their momentum and continue their winning ways. With a well-balanced squad and confidence flowing through the team, Australia will be a force to be reckoned with in the international cricketing arena.
Meanwhile, England will need to regroup, identify areas for improvement, and work towards building a stronger and more resilient team. The challenges faced in Australia will serve as valuable lessons for the English side, pushing them to strive for excellence and overcome obstacles in their quest for success in Test cricket.
Overall, Australia’s triumph in the Ashes series highlights their prowess as a cricketing powerhouse, while England’s struggles underscore the competitive nature of the sport and the relentless pursuit of excellence at the highest level.


