Australia slips to third in WTC standings after South Africa series loss
South Africa won the three-match series 2-1 after defeating Australia by 176 runs in the final Test at Newlands.
Australia fell to third place in the ICC World Test Championship standings after losing the Newlands Test to South Africa by 176 runs, according to The Indian Express. The defeat allowed South Africa to win the three-match series 2-1 and move up to the second position on the points table.
Chasing 288 runs on the final day, Australia was reduced to 42 for six in the first session. Kagiso Rabada took wickets including Matt Renshaw, Marnus Labuschagne, and Travis Head, while off-spinner Simon Harmer took three wickets, including Mitchell Starc.
The loss reduced Australia's points percentage from 75 to 69.23. South Africa improved its points percentage from 66.67 to 71.42 to secure the second spot.
New Zealand moved to the top of the table with a points percentage of 72.22 after playing six Tests. Meanwhile, Bangladesh lost the first Test against the West Indies in Mirpur by eight wickets, affecting their position in the standings.
Australia is scheduled to play four Tests against New Zealand at home before touring India for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy early next year. South Africa will host Bangladesh and England in five Tests before travelling to Sri Lanka in February 2027.