Despite a seven-wicket win in Cape Town to draw its two-match series in South Africa, India was knocked off the top spot in the ICC Test rankings on Friday by Australia.
Australia’s strong performance in taking a 2-0 lead over Pakistan at home in the ongoing three-match series has helped it climb the rankings. The third match of that series is now taking place in Sydney.
“Australia’s impressive run at home against Pakistan helped it take the crown of the No. 1 Test team once again, having last held the spot briefly following its WTC Final victory,” the ICC stated in a release.
Despite being level with Australia at 118 rating points, India had more points in the previous update.
However, due to the drawn series in South Africa, Australia has above India.
“With India drawing their the two-Test series against South Africa 1-1 and Australia recording two wins in as many matches against Pakistan, the Pat Cummins-led side now top the Test rankings,” the ICC said.
“It’s the latest feat in a year full of them for Australia, alongside their ICC World Test Championship Final victory and their ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup triumph.”
Following its triumph at Newlands, India now leads the World Test Championship points chart with 54.16 percentage points from four Tests, including two wins, one loss, and a draw.
With 50 percentage points each, South Africa is second, New Zealand is third, and Australia is fourth in the WTC table.
“The ongoing third Test between Australia and Pakistan and the upcoming five-match Test series between India and England will likely lead to further activity in the Test Team Rankings, with the top spot on the line alongside crucial ICC World Test Championship points,” the ICC added.
