South Africa Drop in WTC Rankings After Australia Hand Them Heavy First-Test Defeat
- The Proteas have slipped in the World Test Championship standings after a difficult opening against Australia
- South Africa's next two Tests could shape their position as the defending champions pursue another final
- New Zealand have moved ahead of the Proteas, while Australia continue to lead the standings
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Source: Getty Images
South Africa have dropped to third in the World Test Championship (WTC) rankings after losing the first Test against Australia by 214 runs at Kingsmead in Durban. The result leaves the defending champions with 36 points and a points percentage of 60.00%, according to the updated standings published on 13 October 2026.
Australia remain top with 81.82%, while New Zealand have climbed to second on 72.22%. Bangladesh are fourth with 55.56%, followed by India in fifth place on 51.52%.
The updated standings show the full picture of the competition, with nine teams ranked according to their percentage of available points earned.
Position | Team | Matches | Wins | Losses | Draws | Points | PCT |
1 | Australia | 11 | 9 | 2 | 0 | 108 | 81.82% |
2 | New Zealand | 6 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 52 | 72.22% |
3 | South Africa | 5 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 36 | 60.00% |
4 | Bangladesh | 6 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 40 | 55.56% |
5 | India | 11 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 68 | 51.52% |
6 | England | 16 | 7 | 8 | 1 | 74 | 38.54% |
7 | Sri Lanka | 6 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 24 | 33.33% |
8 | West Indies | 12 | 2 | 8 | 2 | 30 | 20.83% |
9 | Pakistan | 9 | 2 | 7 | 0 | 5 | 4.63% |
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PCT means percentage of available points earned. The table reflects the latest standings according to Wisden.
Matt Renshaw and Josh Hazlewood punish the Proteas
Australia recovered from 124/6 to score 390 in their first innings, with Matt Renshaw making 190. South Africa replied with 284 before Australia declared their second innings at 314/6, setting the hosts a target of 421.
Aiden Markram scored 75 from 237 balls, but South Africa were bowled out for 206. Hazlewood finished with figures of 6/49 in the innings.
South African captain Temba Bavuma acknowledged the shortcomings. Speaking after the match, he said:
“In the second innings they played like a team that was in front. They put us under pressure, took command of the game, and in our second innings, there was just not enough fight and mental aptitude from us.”
Source: Getty Images
Proteas prepare for crucial remaining Tests
South Africa face Australia at St George’s Park in Gqeberha from 18 to 22 October, followed by the third Test at Newlands in Cape Town from 27 to 31 October.
The Proteas will need improved performances to strengthen their standing. The top two teams at the end of the WTC cycle qualify for the 2027 final.
Proteas made bold selection call before Australia series
Briefly News previously reported that South Africa made a surprise selection decision ahead of their first Test against Australia in Durban, with Anrich Nortje returning to the side despite his lengthy absence from first-class cricket.
Captain Temba Bavuma also explained why Kagiso Rabada was left out as he recovered from a hamstring injury. The Proteas were hopeful that the fast bowler would return for the second Test in Gqeberha.
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Source: Briefly News
