WTC 2025-27 updated points table after England register dominant win over New Zealand at Lord's

England handed New Zealand a drubbing in the first Test of the three-match series at the iconic Lord's as Gus Atkinson and Ollie Robinson starred with the ball in a 115-run victory.

Back after a long hiatus, Robinson adapted to Test cricket like a fish to water, taking five wickets in the first innings and another two in the second on a bowler-friendly surface at the Home of Cricket. He swapped the fifer with Atkinson who took 5/30 in the second innings as the visitors were bowled out for 138 in pursuit of their target of 253.

All four English bowlers enjoyed success with the ball, with Josh Tongue and skipper Ben Stokes also taking two and one wicket respectively. The Kiwis were up against it as the target was way beyond what they could have handled. Devon Conway and Glenn Phillips chipped away for the Black Caps. Conway was fighting a lone battle with England seamers making inroads as he was running out of partners for his 41 off 91 balls.

He nicked one to gully off Stokes to end his stay, but the 53-run stand between Conway and Phillips was broken as England fought for a bit longer. He hit 44 from 52 balls, trying to delay the inevitable before Atkinson mopped up Matt Henry for his fifer.

New Zealand slipped two places on the World Test Championship points table after suffering their first defeat in the 2025-27 cycle. They had been second with two wins from three matches and one draw. Their PCT was 77.780.

However, the loss has seen them slip to the fourth spot with 58.33%, below WTC holders South Africa and Sri Lanka. England remain seventh despite the win. This was their fourth win in 11 games this season, after suffering six losses plus a draw. The Three Lions have now moved closer to India in the standings and are at 37.88 PCT. India’s PCT is 48.15.