ICC Men’s Test Team Rankings 2025: Australia Leads, India and South Africa in Tight Race

August 6, 2025 – The International Cricket Council (ICC) has released the latest Men’s Test Team Rankings, offering a snapshot of the top Test-playing nations as of August 6, 2025. With the 2025–2027 ICC World Test Championship (WTC) cycle underway, the rankings reflect the competitive landscape of Test cricket, calculated using a points-based system over the last 3–4 years. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the current standings, key performances, and what’s at stake for the top teams.

ICC Men’s Test Team Rankings: Full List

The ICC Test Team Rankings are determined by a mathematical formula that awards points based on match and series results, with no bias for home or away conditions. Points are calculated as follows: 12 for a win, 6 for a tie, 4 for a draw, and 0 for a loss, with deductions for slow over rates. The ratings are derived by dividing a team’s total points by a figure based on matches and series played. Below is the complete list of rankings as of August 6, 2025, based on the latest available data:

Note: Afghanistan and Ireland are included in the rankings but have not played enough matches to receive a full rating, as per ICC criteria.

Key Highlights from the Rankings

1. Australia’s Continued Dominance
   Australia holds the No. 1 spot with a rating of 123, reinforced by their consistent performances in the 2023–2025 WTC cycle. Despite losing the WTC final to South Africa in June 2025 at Lord’s, their recent 9-wicket and innings victories over Sri Lanka in Galle demonstrate their strength. Mitchell Starc’s resilient 58 not out in the WTC final and their overall win/loss ratio keep them at the top.
2. South Africa’s Surge to No. 2
   South Africa’s maiden WTC title win against Australia in June 2025 propelled them to second place with a rating of 114. Aiden Markram’s century (136) and Temba Bavuma’s 66 in the final were pivotal, showcasing their batting depth. Their 2-wicket victory over Pakistan in Centurion (December 2024) further solidified their position as a formidable force.
3. England’s Climb to No. 3
   England’s ascent to third place (rating 113) follows a successful run, including a 2-1 series win over New Zealand and a 2-2 draw against India in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. Their nine wins in 17 matches over the past year, with a win/loss ratio of 1.125, reflect their aggressive “Bazball” approach under Ben Stokes.
4. India’s Fight to Stay in Contention
   India, at No. 4 with a rating of 109, has shown resilience despite a challenging period. The 2-2 draw against England in 2025, highlighted by Shubman Gill’s consistent batting and Mohammed Siraj’s fiery bowling, keeps them in the hunt for the WTC final. However, a historic home whitewash against New Zealand in 2024 saw them slip from the top spot. Their upcoming series against West Indies and South Africa will be crucial.
5. New Zealand’s Steady Presence
   New Zealand holds fifth place with a rating of 97. Despite a 2-1 series loss to England, their consistent performances, including strong showings in the 2023–2025 WTC cycle, keep them competitive. They aim to build momentum in the current WTC cycle.
6. Mid-Tier Battles: Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and West Indies
   • Sri Lanka (No. 6, rating 86): A 2-0 loss to Australia at home showed moments of promise, with young players stepping up. They aim for consistency in the WTC 2025–2027 cycle.
   • Pakistan (No. 7, rating 82): A 2-0 win over Bangladesh at home was offset by a 2-1 loss to England, highlighting areas for improvement. Their bowling strength remains a key asset.
   • West Indies (No. 8, rating 76): A 1-1 draw against Pakistan at home showed potential, but they need more wins to climb the rankings.
7. Lower-Ranked Teams: Bangladesh, Ireland, Zimbabwe, Afghanistan
   • Bangladesh (No. 9, rating 65): Struggling for consistency, Bangladesh aims to leverage home conditions in upcoming series.
   • Ireland (No. 10, rating 30): With limited Test matches, Ireland continues to develop their red-ball game.
   • Zimbabwe (No. 11, rating 11): Limited Test action and challenging results keep them near the bottom.
   • Afghanistan (No. 12, rating 0): Yet to establish a foothold in Test cricket due to infrequent matches.

ICC World Test Championship 2025–2027 Context

The 2025–2027 WTC cycle, which began with Sri Lanka vs. Bangladesh on June 17, 2025, features 27 series and 71 matches, culminating in the final at Lord’s in June 2027. Teams are ranked by percentage of points won (PCT), with South Africa as defending champions after their 2025 triumph. The recent England-India series, ending in a 2-2 draw at The Oval, saw standout performances from Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar, who secured a draw with unbeaten centuries. This result has kept both teams in the WTC race, with upcoming series set to shape the standings.

Notable Player Contributions

• India: Shubman Gill’s consistent run-scoring and Mohammed Siraj’s leadership with the ball were highlights of the England series. Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar’s resilience in Manchester earned praise.
• South Africa: Aiden Markram and Temba Bavuma’s performances in the WTC final underscored their batting prowess.
• England: Joe Root’s return to form and Chris Woakes’ all-round efforts were pivotal in their climb to No. 3.
• Australia: Mitchell Starc’s lower-order heroics and consistent bowling keep Australia dominant.

Upcoming Fixtures to Watch

• India vs. West Indies: Two Tests in Ahmedabad (October 2–6, 2025) and Delhi (October 10–14, 2025).
• India vs. South Africa: Eden Gardens (November 14–18, 2025).
• The Ashes: Australia vs. England begins in Perth (November 21, 2025).
  These series will significantly impact the rankings and WTC standings, with teams vying for crucial points.

Why It Matters

The ICC Test Rankings reflect the ebb and flow of Test cricket’s competitive landscape. Australia’s dominance, South Africa’s resurgence, and India’s fight to reclaim the top spot highlight the intensity of the format. As the WTC cycle progresses, every series will shape the race for the final, making Test cricket as thrilling as ever.

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