India and England Play Out Stalemate in Manchester
The 2025–27 ICC World Test Championship (WTC) saw its second draw as India and England battled to a stalemate in the fourth Test at Old Trafford, Manchester, on Sunday, July 27. With England ahead in the series 2-1, the result ensured India stayed alive in the contest, taking the series to a decider at The Oval.
Despite trailing by a huge margin of 311 in the first innings, India mounted a remarkable comeback on Days 4 and 5. Anchored by gritty centuries from Shubman Gill, Washington Sundar, and Ravindra Jadeja, India finished strong at 425/4, securing a hard-fought draw. England’s hopes of a late victory were dashed as India refused to declare, allowing the batters to complete their centuries and consume time.
ICC WTC Points Update After Old Trafford Test
Before the fourth Test, India were fourth on the World Test Championship points table with one win and two losses, holding a win percentage (PCT) of 33.33%. England sat third with a PCT of 61.11%, despite earlier penalties due to a slow over rate.
The drawn Test awarded both teams four points each. Here’s how it affected the standings:
- India remain fourth with 16 points and a PCT of 33.33%
- England move to 26 points, but their PCT drops to 54.17% due to two draws
Latest ICC World Test Championship Table (As of July 28, 2025)
| Position | Team | Played | Won | Lost | Draw | Deductions | Points | PCT (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Australia | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 36 | 100.00 |
| 2 | Sri Lanka | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 16 | 66.67 |
| 3 | England | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 26 | 54.17 |
| 4 | India | 4 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 16 | 33.33 |
| 5 | Bangladesh | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 16.67 |
| 6 | West Indies | 3 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 |
| 7 | New Zealand | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 |
| 8 | Pakistan | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 |
| 9 | South Africa | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 |
What’s Next: 5th Test at The Oval
The final Test of the series begins on Thursday, July 31 at The Oval. With the series standing at 2-1 in England’s favor, India now have the chance to level it 2-2.
However, India face fitness concerns ahead of the decider:
- Jasprit Bumrah appeared fatigued after completing his planned three-Test workload.
- Mohammed Siraj and Rishabh Pant were seen struggling with injuries.
Despite these setbacks, India’s morale remains high after their dominant Day 5 performance in Manchester. A win at The Oval would be vital for their WTC final qualification hopes.
India’s Path to ICC WTC 2027 Final: Qualification Scenario
India’s WTC journey began with a tough five-match away series in England. To remain contenders for the World Test Championship 2027 Final, India must capitalise on upcoming home matches.
Key Fixtures Left in WTC 2025–27 Cycle:
| Opponent | Location | No. of Tests | Dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| England | Away | 5 | June–August 2025 |
| West Indies | Home | 2 | October 2–14, 2025 |
| South Africa | Home | 2 | November 14–26, 2025 |
| Sri Lanka | Away | 2 | August 2026 |
| New Zealand | Away | 2 | October–November 2026 |
| Australia | Home | 5 | January–February 2027 |
Qualification Outlook:
- If India win the 5th Test against England, they’ll move to 24 points and surpass England in PCT to claim 3rd position.
- By winning all 5 remaining Tests in 2025, India could rise to 76 points with a PCT of 70.37%, positioning themselves within the top two.
- Strong home performances vs West Indies and South Africa are essential stepping stones.
FAQs
❓ How many points are awarded for a draw in WTC?
Each team receives 4 points for a draw in the World Test Championship.
❓ What is PCT in the WTC points table?
PCT stands for Percentage of Points Earned. It’s calculated based on the total points earned divided by the total points contested.
❓ Can India still qualify for the WTC 2027 final?
Yes. India must win most of their remaining matches—especially at home—and avoid point deductions to stay in contention.
❓ Who is currently leading the WTC table?
Australia leads the table with 36 points and a perfect PCT of 100%, followed by Sri Lanka at 66.67%.
Conclusion
The draw in the 4th Test between India and England has reshaped the middle order of the ICC World Test Championship points table. With the final Test looming, India has a chance to turn the tide. Strong performances at The Oval and in upcoming home series will be key for India’s long-term WTC qualification hopes.
As the 2025–27 cycle progresses, the race to the WTC 2027 final remains open and fiercely competitive.
