Image Source : GETTY IMAGES Ajinkya Rahane and Tim Paine
Kane Williamson’s New Zealand reached the highest spot within the ICC Test rankings for the primary time of their historical past, after a dramatic win over Pakistan within the Test collection opener on the Bay Oval earlier this week. But the Black Caps should consolidate their spot amid threats looming from Australia and India, who as properly have a particular probability to reclaim their spot.
ICC updates the rankings of the respective codecs on the conclusion of a collection. New Zealand, no matter their consequence within the second Test towards Pakistan that begins on Sunday, will take the highest spot on the conclusion of the two-game collection. The Border-Gavaskar collection between India and Australia will nonetheless be underway and therefore their previous rankings shall be mirrored within the up to date desk.
A draw will go away New Zealand with 117 factors, putting them solely fractionally forward of Australia (by 0.1 rankings), whereas a win will make the determine 118. However, their place is subjected to alter relying on the consequence within the Border-Gavaskar contest which can finish in Brisbane on January 19.
If both India or Australia win the collection, the successful crew will take the highest spot within the ICC Test rankings and New Zealand shall be pushed to the second spot.
If Australia win by a 2-1 margin, they’ll end with 119 factors and India will stay at No.3 with 111 factors. The corresponding numbers shall be 121 and 110 if the Aussies go on to win the ultimate two matches of the collection.
If India win the collection 2-1, New Zealand will stay atop, standing marginally forward of India. However, a draw for New Zealand of their second Test towards Pakistan can go away India within the prime spot underneath related circumstances. A 3-1 win for India will hand them 119 rankings and the No.1 rating, with New Zealand positioned second and Australia third with 11 rankings.
New Zealand, therefore shall be anticipating a 2-2 draw within the Border-Gavaskar collection, which can assist them retain their rating. But it will occur underneath the situation that they beat Pakistan within the second Test. A subsequent loss would go away Australia atop with 116 factors, adopted by India (115) and New Zealand (113).
In a nutshell, New Zealand should win the collection towards Pakistan and anticipate a tie within the Border-Gavaskar collection. India and Australia will solely be aiming for a win no matter different outcomes.