Updated World Test Championship Table After Australia Clinch Ashes Series Against England: What Does It Mean For India?

Australia extended their lead at the top of the World Test Championship (WTC) points table following their win in the fifth Ashes Test match against England on Thursday. The Steve Smith-led side registered a five-wicket victory in Sydney to clinch the five-match Ashes series 4-1. Australia remains at the top of the points table with a points percentage (PCT) of 87.50. On the other hand, England slipped to the seventh spot with their sixth loss in 10 matches; their PCT is currently 31.66. India remained sixth with a PCT of 48.15, keeping them within striking distance of the top four. New Zealand are currently second in the table with a PCT of 77.78, followed by South Africa (75.00) and Sri Lanka (66.67). Pakistan are in the fifth position with a PCT of 50.00, but they have played just two matches in this WTC cycle so far.

Australia claimed a 4-1 Ashes series win after securing a five-wicket victory in the fifth Test at the SCG, as Usman Khawaja bowed out as a winner in his farewell Test.

After bowling England out for 342 early on day five, Australia set themselves a 160-run target to win.

Chasing 160, the hosts made a brisk start, with Travis Head and Jake Weatherald putting on a 62-run opening partnership to set up Australia's run chase.

The tourists, however, spoiled Usman Khawaja's hopes of a fairytale finish, as Josh Tongue had him chopping on to his stumps for six.

Then a steady 40-run stand between Alex Carey (16 not out) and Cameron Green (22 not out) got the hosts over the line despite a brief stutter on an up-and-down fifth-day pitch.

Earlier, Mitchell Starc struck with the second new ball to bring an end to England's second innings, removing Jacob Bethell shortly after the left-hander brought up his 150.

The 22-year-old Bethell shown admirable composure while batting with the tail, but Player of the Series Starc eventually found the edge on 154, with Alex Carey completing a straightforward catch behind the stumps.

Several Australian batters made starts in the chase, but Travis Head (29) and Jake Weatherald (34) were both undone by Josh Tongue.

A mix-up cost Marnus Labuschagne his wicket on 37, and Steve Smith (12) was beaten by a Will Jacks peach before Tongue forced Khawaja into a mistake.

Carey and Green took the sting out of the final English push, with a boundary by the former through cover, finishing off the match.

(With IANS Inputs)

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