WTC Cycle 2023-25: India benefit as Australia thrashes Trans-Tasman rivals New Zealand in Wellington

Alongside the ongoing India vs England Test series, the New Zealand vs Australia series is also part of the WTC 2023-24 cycle. In the first Test between the Trans-Tasman rivals, the visitors, Aus won by 172 runs on Day Four (March 3) of the game. The Blackcaps needed to chase 369 runs and were bowled out for 196 runs. They started the day with 111/3 with Rachin Ravindra and Daryl Mitchell batting at the crease.

Early in the day, the WTC holders managed to pick seven wickets and win the game. Nathan Lyon, who took four wickets in the first innings, completed a 10-for in the game. Cameron Green, who remained unbeaten on 174 and helped the team get 383 all-out. In the first innings, the Aussies led by 204 and decided to bat again. In the second innings, Glenn Phillips’s maiden Test fifer helped the home team make a comeback and bowl out the opposition for 179.

Meanwhile, with this win, India has benefited the most as they have moved to first place in the points table. The 2021 WTC winners, New Zealand are in the second spot. The two-time finalists, India are leading the five-match Test series by 3-1 with one game to go. England, who started the WTC 2023-25 cycle alongside Australia, is lagging at number eight in the points table.

WTC 2023-25 updated points table

Meanwhile, Jasprit Bumrah has returned to the team for the upcoming fifth Test against England. He was rested for the Ranchi Test played last month. On the other hand, KL Rahul continues to be ruled out after playing the first Test.