Australia secured a 2-0 Test series win over Sri Lanka, finishing second in the WTC 2023-25 points table with a 67.54% win rate. They dominated both matches in Galle, with significant contributions from bowlers Nathan Lyon and Matt Kuhnemann, and batters Steve Smith and Alex Carey. The final against South Africa is anticipated in June.
Australia secured the second position in the World Test Championship 2023-25 points table following a decisive 2-0 victory in the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka. Their performance in the league stage culminated in a win percentage of 67.54, placing them just behind South Africa, who achieved 69.44% after competing in 12 matches.
In the first Test at Galle, Australia achieved a resounding win by an innings and 242 runs. Building on that success, the Australian team continued their dominance in the second match. Sri Lanka batted first but struggled, scoring just 257 runs in their first innings, with Nathan Lyon and Matt Kuhnemann each taking three wickets.
Steve Smith and Alex Carey led Australia’s response, establishing a significant double-century partnership and scoring crucial centuries. This partnership allowed Australia to build a 157-run lead in the first innings. In the second innings, Lyon and Kuhnemann maintained pressure on Sri Lanka’s batting lineup, contributing to their dismal performance.
Sri Lanka’s batting woes persisted as they managed to only secure a minimal lead. In the end, Australia achieved the target with ease, losing just one wicket. The match marked the conclusion of Dimuth Karunaratne’s Test career, which spanned nearly 13 years and included his 100th Test appearance.
Looking ahead, the next significant contest is the World Test Championship Final scheduled at Lord’s, where South Africa will face Australia from June 11 to June 15.
The World Test Championship (WTC) is a competition among the leading Test cricket teams organized by the International Cricket Council (ICC). The event spans several years, with the current cycle running from 2023 to 2025. Each match contributes points to a team’s standings based on their performance, ultimately leading to a final that determines the champion. Australia’s recent series against Sri Lanka was crucial in solidifying their position in the WTC points table. Their exemplary performance, characterized by match-winning contributions from players like Nathan Lyon and the batting pair of Steve Smith and Alex Carey, highlights their strength and resilience as a team in the longest format of the game. The upcoming final against South Africa adds to the anticipation of the tournament, as both teams have demonstrated strong capabilities throughout the championship cycle.
Australia’s confirmation of the second position in the World Test Championship 2023-25 points table showcases their competitive spirit and performance excellence. The series against Sri Lanka not only solidified their standings but also marked a respectful farewell to Dimuth Karunaratne. With the final against South Africa on the horizon, Australia will aim to clinch the championship title and assert their dominance in Test cricket once more.
Original Source: www.lokmattimes.com
