wtc points table, In one of the most memorable Test series of the modern era, the five-match battle between India and England concluded in a 2-2 draw. What started as a highly anticipated clash between two Test powerhouses turned into a rollercoaster ride of emotions, drama, skill, and raw passion. From heated on-field exchanges to extraordinary individual performances, this series had it all. And as England head coach Brendon McCullum admitted — this was the best five-Test series he has ever been part of.
But beyond the drama and heroics, this series has significantly impacted the WTC points table (World Test Championship), making the battle for the top positions more intense than ever.
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India Clinches Oval Test to Level the Series
The final match of the five-Test series took place at the iconic Oval in London, where India managed to snatch a thrilling win by just 6 runs. England were chasing a massive 374-run target and looked well on course at 339/6. But India’s pacer Mohammed Siraj turned the game on its head with a fiery spell, taking the final four wickets for just 28 runs. His final victim, Gus Atkinson, was bowled clean, sealing a dramatic win for India and leveling the series 2-2.
McCullum, while disappointed with the result, praised Siraj’s fighting spirit.
“When Siraj took that final wicket, as much as I was disappointed, I had admiration for him — for the fight he’s got as a cricketer,” McCullum said.
This win not only brought immense pride to Indian fans but also gave Team India crucial points in the WTC points table, tightening their grip on one of the top positions.
Brendon McCullum: “This is the Best Test Series I’ve Ever Been Involved In”
Speaking to Sky Sports after the series concluded, Brendon McCullum described the five-match contest as the best he has seen or been part of. He praised both sides for their resilience, mental strength, and high-quality cricket.
“It just oscillated so much throughout the six weeks. There was hostility at times, camaraderie at times, great cricket at times, and some average cricket too, due to the pressure both teams were under.”
The series featured unforgettable performances — from young talents like Shubman Gill and Harry Brook to seasoned campaigners like Joe Root and Jasprit Bumrah. Every match saw momentum shifts that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
And with every Test match having WTC points at stake, the intensity was natural. The teams weren’t just battling each other but also fighting to climb higher in the WTC points table.
How the 2-2 Draw Affects the WTC Points Table
The World Test Championship (WTC) is now at the center of every bilateral Test series. The points awarded in each match affect the overall rankings, and ultimately, who gets to play the WTC final.
Updated WTC Points Table (After IND vs ENG Series)
| Team | Matches Played | Wins | Losses | Draws | Points | PCT (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | 10 | 6 | 2 | 2 | 78 | 65.00 |
| Australia | 9 | 5 | 2 | 2 | 66 | 61.11 |
| England | 12 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 64 | 53.33 |
| South Africa | 7 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 54 | 51.42 |
| Pakistan | 8 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 44 | 45.83 |
Note: PCT refers to the percentage of points won out of total points contested.
India’s win at the Oval gave them 12 valuable WTC points, boosting their PCT and pushing them closer to qualifying for the final. On the other hand, England’s loss means they need to perform consistently in their remaining series to remain in contention.
The WTC points table has become a battleground where even a single draw or loss can significantly affect qualification chances. Hence, every Test match in the series carried enormous weight.
Siraj’s Heroics: A Game-Changer
Mohammed Siraj has emerged as India’s go-to man in pressure situations. His five-wicket haul at the Oval wasn’t just statistically impressive but mentally crushing for England. In the final session of a long series, Siraj unleashed a spell of 3 wickets for just 9 runs, changing the course of the game.
Brendon McCullum could only admire the pacer’s spirit.
“He didn’t back down when India were under pressure. That’s what makes him a top-class bowler.”
Siraj’s performance not only won India the match but added 12 points to India’s tally in the WTC points table, which could prove vital down the line.
A True Test of Mental Strength and Endurance
Playing five Test matches in six weeks is no easy task. The physical exhaustion is immense, but as McCullum pointed out, it’s the mental toll that truly tests a player.
“It is the hardest thing in cricket — playing a five-match series and being tested as much as you are. It tests your skill and your character.”
Both teams made rotation choices to deal with fatigue. England had to bring in fresh legs for the final Test. India too juggled bowlers to maintain intensity.
These adjustments and selections were not just tactical; they were strategic moves in a bigger game — climbing the WTC points table and staying in the hunt for the final.
Emotions Run High in the Dressing Rooms
India’s win at the Oval was met with wild celebrations. Videos went viral showing Gautam Gambhir being mobbed in the dressing room and captain KL Rahul emotionally reflecting on how “this has taken everything out of the team.”
Even legendary figures like Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly couldn’t hide their excitement. Sachin mentioned getting “goosebumps” after the thrilling win, while Ganguly praised the courage of this “young Indian team.”
Such reactions underline how much was at stake — pride, redemption, and crucially, WTC points.
Key Moments That Defined the Series
- Rohit Sharma’s Century at Headingley
A captain’s knock that kept India alive in the series. - Ben Stokes’s Counterattack at Lords
Showed England’s never-say-die attitude, swinging the momentum. - Jasprit Bumrah’s fiery spell in the 3rd Test
Dominated the English batters and reminded everyone of his match-winning capabilities. - The Collapse at the Oval
England looked set to chase the target, but Siraj and Bumrah’s fiery bowling ended all hopes.
Every one of these moments impacted the WTC points table and kept the race to the final thrilling.
Looking Ahead: The Road to WTC Final
With the India-England series now concluded, all eyes shift to the upcoming fixtures in the WTC cycle. India still have away series in Australia and home matches against New Zealand. England will face South Africa and West Indies.
Each match, each session, each wicket now matters more than ever.
Teams are no longer just playing for pride — they’re playing for their place in the top two of the WTC points table.
Why This Series Will Be Remembered Forever
This five-Test series wasn’t just a display of talent — it was a mental and emotional showdown. With a packed crowd in every stadium, sledging moments, unexpected heroes, and heart-stopping finishes, it had everything a cricket fan dreams of.
Brendon McCullum’s words perhaps say it best:
“As a fan of the game, I thought it was an unbelievable spectacle.”
And beyond the spectacle, it was a crucial chapter in the journey towards the WTC final. The WTC points table is now tighter, more competitive, and fiercely contested.
India’s win at the Oval, England’s fight throughout the series, and the emergence of new stars will echo in cricketing conversations for years. But more than anything, it will be remembered as a turning point in the race to the World Test Championship Final.
Final Words: Test Cricket is Alive and Thriving
The 2-2 draw between India and England is proof that Test cricket is far from losing its charm. If anything, it’s evolving, becoming sharper and more meaningful with the inclusion of the WTC points table.
Players are giving it their all, fans are getting emotionally invested, and coaches like McCullum are openly expressing admiration for the opponent — this is the spirit of the longest format.
The next few series across the world will be even more important. And with the WTC points table becoming the ultimate judge, every game is a final in itself.
Let the race to the WTC Final continue.