Australia have suffered a major setback after losing their three-match Test series against South Africa 2-1.Following their defeat in the series-deciding Test in Cape Town, Australia have dropped to third place in the World Test Championship (WTC) standings and also lost their No.1 position in the ICC Test rankings to South Africa.New Zealand now lead the WTC table, while South Africa have moved up to second. India are currently placed fourth and will have an opportunity to improve their position when they take on New Zealand in a two-match Test series in November-December.South Africa have 71.43 percentage points in the WTC standings, compared to Australia’s 69.23. Before the series began, Australia were comfortably placed with 80 percentage points.

World Test Championship 2025-27 Standings

Pos.TeamPlayedWonLostDrawDed.PointsPCT1New Zealand641105272.222South Africa752006071.433Australia13940010869.234India1154206851.525Bangladesh733104047.626England16781147438.547Sri Lanka612302433.338West Indies1338224226.929Pakistan92701954.63New Zealand remain at the top with 72.22 percentage points, while India have 51.52.South Africa captain Temba Bavuma expressed happiness over his team’s rise to the top of the Test rankings.“That [No.1 ranking] is exceptional. I think that’s obviously been a part of our ambition as a team,” Bavuma said.He also described the series victory as one of his team’s biggest achievements, adding, “Every time you get an opportunity to come up against Australia, you savour that. I don’t think I’ve been involved in a better series. So yeah, this is definitely there at No.1 [best Test win].”

What’s next for Australia and South Africa?

Australia will look to bounce back when they host New Zealand in a four-match Test series starting December 9 in Perth.Meanwhile, South Africa will get a two-week break before hosting Bangladesh for a two-match Test series in November. The Proteas are also the defending World Test Championship champions after winning the title at Lord’s last year.