India bounced back to the top of the WTC points table standings on Monday after defeating Australia by 295 runs in Perth in the first Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test.
After ceding the top spot to Australia following a 0-3 whitewash loss to New Zealand at home earlier this month, India’s ninth win of this cycle helped them leapfrog the Aussies to the top.
India’s point percentage (PCT) moved back up into the 60s, to 61.11, as Australia’s corresponding numbers dipped from 62.5 to 57.69, marginally ahead of third-placed Sri Lanka (58.33).
India cannot afford another loss in their remaining four games to reach the WTC final on their own terms. With five wins in Australia, India can, at best, finish with 158 points and a points PCT of 69.29.
India and Australia will next lock horns in the Day-Night pink-ball Test at the Adelaide Oval from December 6-10.
