ICC Test Team Rankings Before ENG vs IND Test Series. The five-match Test series between India and England begins on January 22, 2025, and the most recent ICC Test rankings show both teams are relatively close. India’s current position is 4th, whereas England is sitting in 3rd in the ICC Test rankings. After the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023–25 Final concluded at Lord’s, the International Cricket Council (ICC) released its latest Men’s Test Team Rankings, which showed some notable movements.
Even though Kangaroos lost in the WTC final against South Africa, they remain at No. 1 with 123 points, given that they played the most consistent cricket throughout the WTC cycle. They remain a benchmark in the world of red-ball cricket. However, South Africa made the most significant movement by surpassing England to rank No. 2. Because of South Africa’s historic victory in the 2025 WTC Final, they now have 114 points and also gained crucial points for their significant victory that helped them earn their first WTC title.
ICC Test Rankings
| TEAM | Matches | Pts | Rating |
| Aus | 26 | 3200 | 123 |
| SA | 22 | 2501 | 114 |
| Eng | 34 | 3839 | 113 |
| Ind | 27 | 2837 | 105 |
| NZ | 22 | 2094 | 95 |
| SL | 24 | 2078 | 87 |
| Pak | 22 | 1705 | 78 |
| WI | 22 | 1613 | 73 |
| Ban | 24 | 1487 | 62 |
| Ire | 5 | 152 | 30 |
| Afg | 5 | 104 | 21 |
| Zim | 11 | 131 | 12 |
Table Source- ICC
The latest rankings show South Africa’s rise as a genuine Test force, especially under the leadership of Temba Bavuma and Aiden Markram, who was Player of the Match in the Final. Their disciplined bowling attack and steady batting lineup have placed them amongst the best. England slides to No. 3 despite a long run of quality performances. Although they have an opportunity to respond as hosts to India on June 20 in a challenging Test series.
India remains at No. 4 in a transition period with new Test captain Shubman Gill. Their tour of England consists of five Tests, which is simply the start to the new World Test Championship (WTC) 2025–27 cycle and will be an early test for their leadership transition and squad depth.
Also Read: WTC 2025-2027 Schedule: Full Team-Wise Home Away Fixtures
The new WTC 2025-27 cycle is now underway, and the rankings are not going to settle down anytime soon. The next month will see the rankings fluctuate once again, with the tours of the South Africa team to Zimbabwe and England to India as significant contributors to how the rankings stand early in the new cycle. Australia will also be keen to build on their early lead when they return to the field for a home series later this year against Pakistan.
