Australia comfortably chased a target of 160 runs in 31.2 overs on Thursday (Jan 8) to win the fifth and final Test of the 2025-26 Ashes series. The match was played at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Earlier, England were bowled out for 342 in their second innings, setting Australia a small target on the final day. The home team had no trouble reaching it, as openers Travis Head (29) and Jake Weatherald (34) gave Australia a quick start by putting on 62 runs in just 63 balls. Josh Tongue then dismissed both batters before the lunch.&nbsp;&nbsp;After that, captain Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne steadied the innings for their team before getting out. In the end, Alex Carey scored 16*, while Cameron Green remained unbeaten on 22 as Australia completed the chase. With this win, Australia claimed their fourth victory of the series and sealed the Ashes 4-1.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/vijay-hazare-trophy-sarfraz-khan-scripts-history-becomes-fastest-to-achieve-this-record-1767866054137">Vijay Hazare Trophy: Sarfraz Khan scripts history, becomes fastest to achieve THIS record</a>&nbsp;Australia have now won seven of their eight matches in the current World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 cycle and continue to lead the points table. Their win in Sydney improved their points percentage from 85.71 to 87.5. &nbsp;Whereas, England are struggling in the WTC standings, as they sit seventh on the table, with their points percentage dropping from 35.19 to 31.66. They have won only three of their 10 Tests so far in this cycle. As a result, their chances of finishing in the top two and reaching the WTC final in 2027 are now under serious threat.&nbsp;Also Check - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-starc-to-stokes-meet-top-5-bowlers-with-most-wickets-in-ashes-2025-26-1767873278653">From Starc to Stokes: Meet top 5 bowlers with most wickets in Ashes 2025-26</a>&nbsp;For England to qualify for the WTC final for the first time, they must win all of their remaining matches and avoid losing any more points.<h2>Updated WTC 2025-27 points table after Australia beat England in 5th Ashes&nbsp;</h2>

<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Position</td><td>Team</td><td>Matches</td><td>Won</td><td>Lost</td><td>Draw</td><td>Points</td><td>PCT%</td></tr><tr><td>1</td><td>Australia</td><td>8</td><td>7</td><td>1</td><td>–</td><td>84</td><td>87.5</td></tr><tr><td>2</td><td>New Zealand</td><td>3</td><td>2</td><td>–</td><td>1</td><td>28</td><td>77.78</td></tr><tr><td>3</td><td>South Africa</td><td>4</td><td>3</td><td>1</td><td>–</td><td>36</td><td>75.00</td></tr><tr><td>4</td><td>Sri Lanka</td><td>2</td><td>1</td><td>–</td><td>1</td><td>16</td><td>66.67</td></tr><tr><td>5</td><td>Pakistan</td><td>2</td><td>1</td><td>1</td><td>–</td><td>12</td><td>50.00</td></tr><tr><td>6</td><td>India</td><td>9</td><td>4</td><td>4</td><td>1</td><td>52</td><td>48.15</td></tr><tr><td>7</td><td>England</td><td>10</td><td>3</td><td>6</td><td>1</td><td>32</td><td>31.66</td></tr><tr><td>8</td><td>Bangladesh</td><td>2</td><td>0</td><td>1</td><td>1</td><td>4</td><td>16.67</td></tr><tr><td>9</td><td>West Indies</td><td>8</td><td>0</td><td>7</td><td>1</td><td>4</td><td>4.17</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



For England to qualify for the WTC final for the first time, they must win all of their remaining matches and avoid losing any more points.

Australia comfortably chased a target of 160 runs in 31.2 overs on Thursday (Jan 8) to win the fifth and final Test of the 2025-26 Ashes series. The match was played at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Earlier, England were bowled out for 342 in their second innings, setting Australia a small target on the final day. The home team had no trouble reaching it, as openers Travis Head (29) and Jake Weatherald (34) gave Australia a quick start by putting on 62 runs in just 63 balls. Josh Tongue then dismissed both batters before the lunch. After that, captain Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne steadied the innings for their team before getting out. In the end, Alex Carey scored 16*, while Cameron Green remained unbeaten on 22 as Australia completed the chase. With this win, Australia claimed their fourth victory of the series and sealed the Ashes 4-1. Also Read - Vijay Hazare Trophy: Sarfraz Khan scripts history, becomes fastest to achieve THIS record Australia have now won seven of their eight matches in the current World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 cycle and continue to lead the points table. Their win in Sydney improved their points percentage from 85.71 to 87.5. Whereas, England are struggling in the WTC standings, as they sit seventh on the table, with their points percentage dropping from 35.19 to 31.66. They have won only three of their 10 Tests so far in this cycle. As a result, their chances of finishing in the top two and reaching the WTC final in 2027 are now under serious threat. Also Check - From Starc to Stokes: Meet top 5 bowlers with most wickets in Ashes 2025-26 For England to qualify for the WTC final for the first time, they must win all of their remaining matches and avoid losing any more points. Updated WTC 2025-27 points table after Australia beat England in 5th Ashes

For England to qualify for the WTC final for the first time, they must win all of their remaining matches and avoid losing any more points.

Updated WTC 2025-27 Points Table: Australia consolidate top spot, England's woes continue

Australia’s perfect record in the World Test Championship (WTC) came to an end on Saturday (Dec 27) after they were beaten convincingly by England at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Playing on Day 2, England chased down 175 runs in the final session, meaning the Aussies were condemned to their first loss of the season. Despite the defeat, Australia remain top of the standings at the end of 2025 while England made no progress, having won the Ashes Test at the MCG by four wickets.<h2>England end Australia’s perfect record WTC cycle</h2>The four-wicket defeat for the home side was their first against England in almost 15 years in the red-ball format. As things stand, Australia have a win percentage of 85.71 from seven matches played in the cycle. The Baggy Greens had so far won six matches from seven before today and will look to win the final Test in Sydney, which starts on Sunday (Jan 4).&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-steve-smith-to-joe-root-5-active-batters-with-most-runs-in-ashes-ben-stokes-jonny-bairstow-usman-khawaja-1762275784636">From Steve Smith to Joe Root, 5 active batters with most runs in Ashes</a>&nbsp;On the other hand, England remain at seventh place, having registered just their third win of the season. They have so far won three matches, drawn one and lost five in the current WTC cycle. India are sixth, having most recently lost to South Africa 2-0 on home turf and face a tough task to play in the final of the 2027 WTC.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-leonard-hutton-to-don-bradman-5-batters-with-highest-individual-score-in-ashes-bob-simpson-bob-cowper-ashes-2025-26-1762276944046">From Leonard Hutton to Don Bradman, 5 batters with highest individual score in Ashes</a><h2>What happened in Boxing Day Test?</h2>England’s wait for a Test win on Australian soil finally came to an end as they beat Australia by four wickets in the fourth Ashes Test. Playing at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in the traditional year-ending fixture, the contest ended England’s almost 15-year winless streak on Australian soil in red-ball format. The result also means Australia lost its first match in the current World Test Championship (WTC) but still have an unassailable 3-1 lead in the five-match series.

Playing on Day 2, England chased down 175 runs in the final session, meaning the Aussies were condemned to their first loss of the season. Despite the defeat, Australia remain top of the standings at the end of 2025 while England made no progress, having won the Ashes Test by four wickets.

Australia’s perfect record in the World Test Championship (WTC) came to an end on Saturday (Dec 27) after they were beaten convincingly by England at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Playing on Day 2, England chased down 175 runs in the final session, meaning the Aussies were condemned to their first loss of the season. Despite the defeat, Australia remain top of the standings at the end of 2025 while England made no progress, having won the Ashes Test at the MCG by four wickets. England end Australia’s perfect record WTC cycle The four-wicket defeat for the home side was their first against England in almost 15 years in the red-ball format. As things stand, Australia have a win percentage of 85.71 from seven matches played in the cycle. The Baggy Greens had so far won six matches from seven before today and will look to win the final Test in Sydney, which starts on Sunday (Jan 4). ALSO READ | From Steve Smith to Joe Root, 5 active batters with most runs in Ashes On the other hand, England remain at seventh place, having registered just their third win of the season. They have so far won three matches, drawn one and lost five in the current WTC cycle. India are sixth, having most recently lost to South Africa 2-0 on home turf and face a tough task to play in the final of the 2027 WTC. ALSO READ | From Leonard Hutton to Don Bradman, 5 batters with highest individual score in Ashes What happened in Boxing Day Test? England’s wait for a Test win on Australian soil finally came to an end as they beat Australia by four wickets in the fourth Ashes Test. Playing at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in the traditional year-ending fixture, the contest ended England’s almost 15-year winless streak on Australian soil in red-ball format. The result also means Australia lost its first match in the current World Test Championship (WTC) but still have an unassailable 3-1 lead in the five-match series.

The four-wicket defeat for Australia was their first against England in almost 15 years in the red-ball format. As things stand, Australia have a win percentage of 85.71 from seven matches played in the cycle.&nbsp;

Updated WTC standings: England halt Australia's perfect record with Boxing Day Test win, India stay sixth

The World Test Championship (WTC) saw a major turnaround on Friday (Dec 12) as India slipped to sixth spot in the standings. This came after New Zealand lifted themselves to third spot with a win over the West Indies in the Wellington Test. While the credit for the New Zealand win went to Jacob Duffy for his superb spell with the ball, it is India who have been on the receiving end of the result as they now sit sixth, below Pakistan in the WTC standings.<h2>India slip to sixth spot</h2>Having registered their first win of the WTC cycle, New Zealand lifted themselves from sixth spot to third as they now have a win percentage (PTC) of 66.67. They have one win in two matches and will look to stay in the hunt for a place in the 2027 final. India, on the flip side, have a PCT of 48.15 from nine matches and were fifth before beating the West Indies by nine wickets. However, they will now sit fifth and could further drop down to seventh if England stage a comeback in their Ashes against Australia.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-leonard-hutton-to-don-bradman-5-batters-with-highest-individual-score-in-ashes-bob-simpson-bob-cowper-ashes-2025-26-1762276944046">From Leonard Hutton to Don Bradman, 5 batters with highest individual score in Ashes</a>&nbsp;If that is the case, by the time India entered their next Test series against Sri Lanka in August 2026, they could find themselves as low as seventh. For now, though, Gautam Gambhir and Co. will need to focus on their T20I series against South Africa, where they are level at 1-1 with three matches still to go.&nbsp;The Indian team lost 2-0 at home to South Africa in November, their second such whitewash under the coaching of Gautam Gambhir.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-steve-smith-to-joe-root-5-active-batters-with-most-runs-in-ashes-ben-stokes-jonny-bairstow-usman-khawaja-1762275784636">From Steve Smith to Joe Root, 5 active batters with most runs in Ashes</a><h2>Who leads the standings?</h2>Currently, Australia are top of the table with five wins out of five, followed by South Africa, who have a PTC of 75. Sri Lanka and Pakistan are fourth and fifth, respectively, in the standings, while India sit sixth. England’s dream of reaching their first WTC final look slim as they sit seventh with two wins in seven matches. Bangladesh and the West Indies complete the rest of the line-up in the WTC standings.

While the credit for the New Zealand win went to Jacob Duffy for his superb spell with the ball, it is India who have been on the receiving end of the result as they now sit sixth, below Pakistan in the WTC standings.

The World Test Championship (WTC) saw a major turnaround on Friday (Dec 12) as India slipped to sixth spot in the standings. This came after New Zealand lifted themselves to third spot with a win over the West Indies in the Wellington Test. While the credit for the New Zealand win went to Jacob Duffy for his superb spell with the ball, it is India who have been on the receiving end of the result as they now sit sixth, below Pakistan in the WTC standings. India slip to sixth spot Having registered their first win of the WTC cycle, New Zealand lifted themselves from sixth spot to third as they now have a win percentage (PTC) of 66.67. They have one win in two matches and will look to stay in the hunt for a place in the 2027 final. India, on the flip side, have a PCT of 48.15 from nine matches and were fifth before beating the West Indies by nine wickets. However, they will now sit fifth and could further drop down to seventh if England stage a comeback in their Ashes against Australia. ALSO READ | From Leonard Hutton to Don Bradman, 5 batters with highest individual score in Ashes If that is the case, by the time India entered their next Test series against Sri Lanka in August 2026, they could find themselves as low as seventh. For now, though, Gautam Gambhir and Co. will need to focus on their T20I series against South Africa, where they are level at 1-1 with three matches still to go. The Indian team lost 2-0 at home to South Africa in November, their second such whitewash under the coaching of Gautam Gambhir. ALSO READ | From Steve Smith to Joe Root, 5 active batters with most runs in Ashes Who leads the standings? Currently, Australia are top of the table with five wins out of five, followed by South Africa, who have a PTC of 75. Sri Lanka and Pakistan are fourth and fifth, respectively, in the standings, while India sit sixth. England’s dream of reaching their first WTC final look slim as they sit seventh with two wins in seven matches. Bangladesh and the West Indies complete the rest of the line-up in the WTC standings.

While the credit for the New Zealand win went to Jacob Duffy for his superb spell with the ball, it is India who have been on the receiving end of the result as they now sit sixth, below Pakistan in the WTC standings.

Updated WTC standings: Jacob Duffy propels New Zealand to third spot, India slip to sixth spot

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Updated WTC 2025-27 Points Table: Australia consolidate top spot, England's woes continue

WTC standings: England halt Australia's perfect record with Boxing Day Test win

Updated WTC standings: Duffy propels NZ to third spot, India slip to sixth spot