SA fall back but still in second place, India cement position at top of Test Rankings

DUBAI – India have consolidated their position at the top of the ICC Test Team Rankings following the annual update in which series results from 2014-15 are removed and outcomes from the 2015-16 and 2016-17 seasons are weighted at 50 percent.

India have stretched their lead over South Africa from four to 13 points after gaining four points to reach an aggregate of 125 while South Africa have lost five points and slipped to 112.

South Africa, are, however, still comfortably ahead of the remaining sides.

Australia are placed third with 106 points after gaining four points following the update, taking back the position from New Zealand, who had overtaken them at the last cut-off date of April 4.

That change in placings saw New Zealand assure themselves of $200,000 (R2.7-m) for finishing third.

India and South Africa had won $1-m (R12.45-m) and $500,000 (R6.2-m), respectively for finishing first and second at the cut-off date.

After the update, New Zealand remain on 102 points while England have inched closer, reaching 98 after gaining one point.

In another interesting movement, Bangladesh have moved ahead of the Windies, who are in ninth position for the first time ever. The Windies have lost five points and are now on 67 points while Bangladesh have gained four points to reach 75, eight points clear of the Windies.

Sri Lanka remain in sixth position after losing one point while Zimbabwe have gained one point to reach two. The table will see new additions in the form of Afghanistan and Ireland after they have played their first Tests following their Full Membership status.

Ireland are due to play their first Test against Pakistan in Malahide, Dublin, from May 11-15 while Afghanistan’s first Test will be against India in Bengaluru from June 14-18.