India retain their numero uno status in Tests but Proteas breathing down their neck

Team India who is currently the No.1 side in the ICC Test Rankings retained their numero uno status in the latest rankings but they are getting tough competition from the Proteas who have reduced the gap with India to just 6 points. They have gained 8 rating points and is breathing down India’s neck. While Australia is 3rd on the ratings, they have lost 8 rating points and have a gap of only 9 points with 7th placed Sri Lanka. The islanders haven’t been a great Test side off late due to their transition period.

The inventors of the game are at the 4th position followed by New Zealand and Pakistan. While England has lost two rating points and is now at 99 points, the Kiwis lost a solitary point to drop to 97 points. The Asian giants Pakistan are at the 6th position with 93 points after losing 4 rating points. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka has gained a point to move to the 7th position with 91 points while the Caribbeans have gained 5 rating points but still stands at only 75.

The last two positions are held by Bangladesh and Zimbabwe respectively. While Bangladesh gained 3 points to finish on 69, Zimbabwe lost 5 rating points and are yet to open their account on the points tally. India will further get a chance to consolidate on their numero uno status when they tour Sri Lanka in August for a full tour while South Africa will be touring England in July and a brilliant performance by the Men in Green might just help them edge past India.

Here is the MRF ICC Test Rankings for teams (Latest)

Rank    Team               Points

1. India                 123 (+1)
2. South Africa      117 (+8)
3. Australia           100 (-8)
4. England            99 (-2)
5. New Zealand     97 (+1)
6. Pakistan           93 (-4)
7. Sri Lanka          91 (+1)
8. West Indies       75 (+5)
9. Bangladesh       69 (+3)
10. Zimbabwe         0 (-5)