NEW DELHI: Australia reclaimed the top spot in the ICC Test rankings, surpassing India after securing an unassailable 2-0 lead over Pakistan in their ongoing three-match series.
Despite India's seven-wicket win at Cape Town to draw the two-match series against South Africa, Australia's impressive performance elevated them to the No. 1 position.
The ICC noted that Australia's successful run at home, coupled with their victories in the ICC World Test Championship Final, contributed to their resurgence in the Test rankings.
Pat Cummins, leading the side, played a pivotal role in Australia's recent achievements.
"In the previous update, India had more points in their kitty despite being tied with Australia at 118 rating points each. But the drawn series in South Africa meant India were leapfrogged by Australia," the ICC stated in a release.
Although India slipped from the top spot in the Test rankings, they currently lead the World Test Championship points table with 54.16 percentage points from four Tests, featuring two wins, one loss, and a draw.
South Africa hold the second position, followed by New Zealand at third and Australia at fourth, with each team having 50 percentage points in the WTC table.
The ongoing third Test between Australia and Pakistan, along with the upcoming five-match Test series between India and England, is expected to influence further changes in the Test Team Rankings and determine the leadership in the ICC World Test Championship points race.
Australia's ascent to the No. 1 spot adds another milestone to their remarkable year in international cricket.
(With inputs from PTI)
