World Test Championship race hots up following Sri Lanka victory

Sri Lanka's stunning victory over Australia in the second Test in Galle has had major ramifications on the race for next year's World Test Championship final.

The island nation completed a remarkable innings and 39 runs triumph over Pat Cummins' side on Monday and in the process jumped ahead of a trio of rivals and up to third on the latest World Test Championship standings.

But it's right at the top of the standings that now has a new look, with Australia losing their place at the head of proceedings following their disappointing loss to Sri Lanka.

South Africa take over as the new leader on the latest standings with a win-loss percentage of 71.43 percent, while Australia drop to second with 70 percent after their first Test loss in the current period.

Sri Lanka are now firmly in the mix for the World Test Championship final next year, with their win helping them jump in front of Pakistan, India and West Indies and up to third on the standings.

Despite the absence of a host of key players due to Covid, Sri Lanka got dominant performances from star batter Dinesh Chandimal and debutant Prabath Jayasuriya in the second Test to cruise to an easy victory.

It means Dimuth Karunaratne's side now has a 54.17 win-loss percentage and has them ahead of a host of close rivals in the race for the World Test Championship mace.

Sri Lanka don't have to wait long to close the gap even further on the sides in front of them on the standings, with a two-match Test series at home against Pakistan commencing later this month.

Australia, meanwhile, take a short break from five-day cricket, with their next Test outing coming at home against West Indies at the end of November.