Australia enhance WTC tally with Galle Test triumph: Details
What's the story
Australia have solidified their second place in the 2023-25 World Test Championship (WTC) standings after a thumping win over Sri Lanka.
The first Test of the two-match series saw Australia winning by an innings and 242 runs at the Galle International Stadium.
The victory comes after their successful Border-Gavaskar Trophy campaign on home soil, which had already ensured the Aussies a place among the top two in the WTC table.
Here's more.
Summary
How did the game pan out?
Australia's commanding position in the match was largely due to their first innings, where they declared at 654/6.
This was supported by Usman Khawaja's double century, Josh Inglis's debut hundred, and Steve Smith's 141.
Despite Dinesh Chandimal's 72, SL were folded for 165 in their first outing.
The Aussies hence en forced a follow on as the hosts perished for 247 in their second outing.
While Matthew Kuhnemann recorded nine scalps,Nathan Lyon took seven in the game
Performance boost
Australia's win percentage rises after defeating Sri Lanka
The dominating win against Sri Lanka has improved Australia's win percentage from 63.73 to 65.74, with their third consecutive win in the format.
Despite the stellar performance, they remain second in the points table, behind fellow ICC World Test Championship (WTC) finalists South Africa, who have a better tally of 69.44.
Meanwhile, even if Australia win the upcoming second Test against Sri Lanka, they won't be able to dethrone South Africa atop the WTC table.
Ranking drop
Sri Lanka's WTC standing dips after loss to Australia
Sri Lanka's defeat to Australia has reduced their win percentage from 45.45 to 41.67, dropping them to sixth in the WTC table.
England now sit at the fifth spot with a win percentage of 43.18.
Meanwhile, if Sri Lanka beat the visitors in the second Test, which is set to be played at the same venue, they can take back the fifth spot from England.
Potential changes
Upcoming 2nd Test could alter WTC standings
If Australia win the second Test, their win percentage will increase to 67.54, above their 2021-23 cycle win percentage of 66.67 when they topped the table.
For Sri Lanka, a loss would further decrease their win percentage but not drop them below sixth place as Bangladesh's win percentage is significantly lower at 31.25 in seventh place.
The second Test will begin on February 6 in Galle and will be the last contest of this WTC cycle before the championship match.
Information
How do the other teams fare on the table
India, whose WTC campaign ended with an away series defeat to Australia, are third with a PCT of 50. New Zealand, whose WTC campaign ended with a home series defeat to England, are currently 4th with 48.21 PCT. On the other hand, England are placed 5th. They are followed by Sri Lanka, Bangladesh (31.25), Pakistan and West Indies.