After another big defeat against Australia, South Africa has dropped from third to the fourth position in the ICC World Test Championship points table.
The Proteas are now placed below Australia, India, and Sri Lanka in the standings.
Heading into the series against Australia, South Africa held the second position in the ICC World Test Championship points table. A win in the series against the Aussies would have almost guaranteed the Proteas a place in the WTC 2023 Final
However, they have already conceded an unassailable 0-2 lead to Australia with the third match still remaining. South Africa’s points percentage has reduced from 54.55% to 50% after the defeat in the recently-concluded Boxing Day Test match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Australia, on the other hand, have tightened their grip on the number one position in the points table. The Aussies are likely to qualify for the WTC 2023 Final, scheduled to take place in England next June. Australia’s tally stands at 78.57% of the points after 14 matches.
Australia can touch the 80% points percentage mark in ICC World Test Championship points table soon
Looking at the way Australia have dominated South Africa in the three-match series so far, it should not be a surprise if they complete a 3-0 clean-sweep by winning the New Year’s Test match. A win in that game will take Australia’s point percentage to 80%.
If South Africa lose the series by 0-3, they will slip to the fifth position with 46.15%. However, if the Proteas make a comeback and win the third Test, then they will return to the third position with 53.85% of the points to their name.
ICC World Test Championship: David Warner’s Double Ton, Alex Carey’s Century Help Australia Pile Up A Huge Total
David Warner looked at his absolute best in his 100th Test match and smashed a sensational double century, before being retired hurt. He became just the second cricketer after Joe Root in the history of Test cricket to register a double century in the 100th Test match.
The wicketkeeper-batter Alex Carey smashed a terrific ton while Steve Smith, Travis Head and Cameron Green registered incredible half-centuries to help Australia pile up truckloads of runs in the first innings. Australia declared the innings at a score of 575/8.
Before the match, Australia were at the top spot on the ICC World Test Championship 2021-23 Points Table with a PCT of 76.92 and South Africa were in the third spot with a PCT of 54.55.
With a dominant triumph in the Boxing Day Test, Australia retained their top spot and now they have a PCT of 78.57 while South Africa have dropped to the fourth spot and they have a PCT of 50.
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