New Delhi: The next two months will be crucial for the 2025–2027 World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. Several teams will face each other directly to strengthen their position in the race for the final. The two-Test series between India and South Africa and the Ashes series between Australia and England will play a significant role in determining the direction of this cycle. Australia – Top with a 100% record Australia has earned 100% points by winning all three matches so far. Travis Head (224 runs) and Mitchell Starc (15 wickets) are their top performers in this cycle. The Ashes series starting November 21 will be the real test for them. After winning the last two home Ashes series 4–0 the Kangaroos are hoping for a similar result to maintain their top position. India – Next challenge against South Africa India has made a strong start winning four out of seven matches with 61.90% points. Shubman Gill (946 runs) and Mohammed Siraj (33 wickets) have shone in this cycle. Now India faces the challenge of South Africa in a home series followed by the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia and tours to Sri Lanka and New Zealand which will determine whether the team reaches the final or not. South Africa – Must aim to collect points in India South Africa has won one out of two Tests and currently has 50% points. Tony de Zorzi (175 runs) and Simon Harmer (13 wickets) are the teams key players. The two-Test series against India is a big opportunity for them. The team will only tour Sri Lanka at the end of the cycle so the points earned in India will be extremely important. England – Ashes could change fortunes England has registered two wins in five matches so far and has 43.33% points. Joe Root (537 runs) and Josh Tongue (19 wickets) are the teams stars. After a 2–2 draw against India at home England will now look to get back on track for the final by winning the Ashes in Australia. However winning on Australian soil has been difficult for England in recent years. Sri Lanka – Confidence from early lead Sri Lanka started this cycle brilliantly by winning the series against Bangladesh 1–0. Pathum Nissanka (369 runs) and Tharindu Ratnayake (9 wickets) are the teams key players. Series against teams like India South Africa Pakistan and New Zealand will be the real test for them. Story Highlights The two-Test series between India and South Africa will have a major impact on the final race. Australia tops the WTC table with 100% points. Shubman Gill and Mohammed Siraj emerge as star performers for India. England hopes to turn its fortunes around in the Ashes. South Africa is ready to earn points in India while Sri Lanka gains confidence from an early lead.