India’s resounding victory in the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia has propelled them to the top of the World Test Championship (WTC) standings for the 2023-2025 cycle. This dominant win not only increased their points tally but also significantly enhanced their prospects of securing a spot in the WTC final.
In the opening Test in Perth, India claimed a 295-run victory, after a stellar performance in both batting and bowling. Stand-in captain Jasprit Bumrah spearheaded India’s bowling attack, claiming eight wickets across both innings, including a five-wicket haul in the first innings. His contributions were pivotal as Australia, set a daunting target of 534, were bowled out for just 238 in their second innings.
With the bat, India’s top-order was exceptional. Yashasvi Jaiswal, in particular, impressed with a commanding 161, while Virat Kohli reached a long-awaited milestone of 30 Test centuries, contributing 100 runs. The partnership between Jaiswal and KL Rahul, who scored 77, set the tone for India’s large second-innings total of 487/6.
This comprehensive victory lifted India’s points percentage to 61.11%, pushing them back to the top of the WTC table, ahead of Australia, who now sit second with 57.69%. India’s nine wins from 15 matches, alongside one draw and five losses, reflect their consistent performance over the cycle so far. Australia, meanwhile, have a slightly lower percentage due to their four losses from 13 matches.
With this win, India not only asserted their dominance but also reaffirmed their status as one of the strongest contenders for the WTC final. As the series progresses, India will look to consolidate their position at the top and continue building on their momentum.
Team India’s climb to the top of the WTC table highlights their strong all-round performance and determination. Their win against Australia showcased not only individual brilliance, such as Bumrah’s match-winning spell, but also the depth of their batting lineup with significant contributions from the likes of Jaiswal, Kohli, and Rahul. With a strong set of fixtures ahead, India is well-positioned to maintain their momentum and solidify their place in the final, as the team continues to demonstrate their strength in all formats of the game.