Updated ICC World Test Championship Points Table After ENG vs WI 3rd Test 2024

England’s 10-wicket victory over the West Indies in the third Test of the 2024 series was nothing short of spectacular. This win not only clinched the series with a clean sweep but also added crucial points to England’s tally in the ICC World Test Championship. Let’s check the Updated ICC World Test Championship Points Table After ENG vs WI 3rd Test 2024.

ICC World Test Championship Points Table After ENG vs WI 3rd Test

England needed just 87 runs to win the third Test, and they did so with flair. In a surprising move, captain Ben Stokes decided to open the innings. His bold decision paid off as he smashed a quickfire 57 off 28 balls, including nine fours and two sixes. This not only marked the quickest Test fifty for England but also the third-quickest in the history of Test cricket. At the other end, Ben Duckett remained unbeaten on 25 off 16 balls, helping England reach the target in just 7.2 overs.

West Indies won the toss and opted to bat first. They put up a respectable total of 282, thanks to some lower-order resistance. Jason Holder scored 59, while Joshua De Silva added 49. The top-order was held together by skipper Kraigg Brathwaite, who scored a steady 61. However, it was the English bowlers who stole the show. Gus Atkinson took four wickets, while Chris Woakes and Mark Wood chipped in with three and two wickets, respectively. The West Indies struggled to handle the pace and precision of England’s bowlers, setting the stage for an exciting contest.

England’s innings got off to a shaky start. At 54/5, it seemed like the West Indies bowlers were going to pull off a coup. But then came the partnership that turned the game around. Ben Stokes and Joe Root put together a crucial 115-run stand, with Stokes scoring 54 and Root anchoring the innings with 87.

The recovery was further bolstered by a brilliant 95 from Jamie Smith, who narrowly missed out on a century. Contributions from Chris Woakes (62) and Gust Atkinson (21) added valuable runs, taking England’s total to 376. This innings demonstrated the depth and resilience of England’s batting line-up.

West Indies’ Second Innings Collapse

The second innings saw the West Indies struggling once again. They were bowled out for 175, with only Mikyle Louis (57) and Kavem Hodge (55) showing any resistance. England’s bowlers were relentless, with Mark Wood leading the charge with five wickets. Gus Atkinson, who was named Player of the Series for his 16 wickets, added two more to his tally. Chris Woakes, Shoaib Bashir, and Gus Atkinson each took one wicket, sealing a comprehensive victory for England.

The Points Table: England’s Ascent

This win was crucial for England in the context of the ICC World Test Championship. Before the series, they were languishing at the bottom of the table. The 3-0 series win against the West Indies has catapulted them to the sixth position. They now have 57 points from 13 matches and a PCT (Percentage of Points) of 36.54. This is a significant improvement, showing that England is on the right track under the leadership of Ben Stokes.

ICC World Test Championship Top of the Table: India and Australia

While England celebrates their rise, India and Australia continue to dominate the top of the table. India is leading with 74 points and a PCT of 68.51. They have been consistent throughout the championship, showcasing a balanced team effort. Australia, despite having 90 points, has a lower PCT of 62.5, placing them second. This is because the PCT is calculated based on the ratio of points won to points contested, not just the total points. Both teams have been powerhouses in Test cricket, and their competition at the top is intense.

The Mid-Table: New Zealand and Sri Lanka

New Zealand and Sri Lanka are both tied with a PCT of 50. They have been in the mix, winning some and losing some, keeping their hopes alive for a top-two finish. New Zealand, known for their fighting spirit, and Sri Lanka, often the dark horse, have made the championship interesting with their performances. The mid-table battle is crucial, as a few wins can significantly alter the standings.

The Strugglers: South Africa, Bangladesh, and West Indies

At the bottom of the table are South Africa, Bangladesh, and West Indies. These teams have struggled to find consistency in their performances. For the West Indies, the series loss to England was a significant setback. They showed glimpses of potential but failed to capitalize on crucial moments. South Africa and Bangladesh also face challenges, particularly in adapting to different conditions and maintaining a strong squad.

One of the standout performers of the series was Mark Wood, who took seven wickets in the final Test. His pace and aggression were too much for the West Indies to handle. Gus Atkinson, with his all-round abilities, was rightfully named the Player of the Series. His 16 wickets played a crucial role in England’s series win. However, it was Ben Stokes who stole the spotlight in the final innings. His 57 off 28 balls, a record-breaking quick fifty, exemplified the new aggressive brand of cricket that England is playing under his captaincy.

Looking ahead, England’s rise in the points table is a positive sign. They have a challenging schedule ahead, with series against strong opponents. The key for England will be to maintain their aggressive approach while ensuring stability in the batting order. The bowlers, especially the likes of Mark Wood and Gus Atkinson, will be crucial in their campaign. England’s ability to adapt to different conditions and their depth in both batting and bowling make them a formidable team.

This series win has significantly impacted the dynamics of the ICC World Test Championship. With the points table constantly evolving, every match becomes crucial. England’s leap to the sixth position brings them back into contention, and with several series left in the cycle, the race to the top two spots is wide open. The competition is fierce, with India, Australia, New Zealand, and Sri Lanka all vying for a place in the final.

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