England got started to their three-match Test series against New Zealand by winning at Lord’s Cricket Ground by quite an impressive scoreline of 115 runs. But while they took a 1-0 lead in the series, it still couldn’t mean any significant improvement for them in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 points table. It was yet another low-scoring type of game in which the bowlers ruled most of the time. England stayed calm during crucial stages of the game and eventually managed to secure their fourth victory in the current WTC cycle England Stay Seventh Despite Important Victory Even though England gained some WTC points, they finished seventh in the table rankings. Their points percentage increased by 6% to 37.88%, but it was not enough to overtake India, who currently occupy the sixth spot. To date, England have participated in eleven games during this WTC series. The team won four matches, suffered six defeats, and achieved one draw, with the additional penalty of losing two points for their previous misconduct playing their part. Nevertheless, England will continue to maintain some hope, particularly because they only have two matches remaining in the series. If they can win both Tests in the remaining series against New Zealand, there is a chance they might improve their ranking significantly. As for New Zealand, the match was quite costly for them as they entered into the match holding the second rank but were unable to hold onto their lead. As a result, their PCT dropped sharply from 77.78% to 58.33%. South Africa and Sri Lanka were the clear winners from New Zealand’s slip. South Africa jumped to second with a PCT of 75.00, while Sri Lanka moved into third with 66.67 ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 Points Table Pos Team Played Won Lost Draw Ded Points PCT 1 Australia 8 7 1 0 0 84 87.50 2 South Africa 4 3 1 0 0 36 75.00 3 Sri Lanka 2 1 0 1 0 16 66.67 4 New Zealand 4 2 1 1 0 28 58.33 5 Bangladesh 4 2 1 1 0 28 58.33 6 India 9 4 4 1 0 52 48.15 7 England 11 4 6 1 2 50 37.88 8 Pakistan 4 1 3 0 8 4 8.33 9 West Indies 8 0 7 1 0 4 4.17 Also Read | Watch: Prasidh Krishna Sends Stumps Flying With Beauty to Dismiss Sediqullah Atal in IND vs AFG Test Match Australia and South Africa Lead the Race As the season moves closer to the halfway mark, Australia keep looking like the side to beat. They’ve won seven of eight matches, and they’re currently on a PCT of 87.50 South Africa, the defending champions, are also sitting in a strong position, with three wins from four Tests. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka’s climb into third has added yet another team to the fight for next year’s final. New Zealand and Bangladesh are level on points and PCT, so the fight for the upper places is getting even more intense. India remain sixth , and they’ll need a solid run in the next set of matches if they want a better shot Pakistan and West Indies have struggled so far. Pakistan have just one win from four matches, while West Indies are still waiting on their first victory of the cycle How England Won the First Test Bowlers really dominated the Lord’s Test, from both camps. England were dismissed for 140 in their first innings, and Kyle Jamieson was the star, finishing with a five-wicket haul But England bounced back quickly, thanks to Ollie Robinson, who also grabbed five wickets as New Zealand were skittled for only 113. That left the hosts with a small, but meaningful, first-innings edge In the second innings, Emilio Gay put together a gritty half-century, helping England post 226. New Zealand’s Nathan Smith impressed with six wickets in that innings, and ended the match with nine in total New Zealand had to chase 254 but they never really found a steady rhythm. England’s bowlers kept grabbing breakthroughs , and the visitors were finally bowled out for 138. Gus Atkinson led from the front with 5 for 30, and that sealed England’s comfortable 115-run win , giving them a nice early series advantage