A lot will be at stake when Team India takes on Australia in the upcoming four-match Border-Gavaskar series. One of them will be India’s No.1 Test ranking. While India are perched on the top of the list, Australia are languishing at fifth.
However, the hosts could displace India from the top if they manage to replicate their heroics of 2011 home series when they had defeated the touring Indian side 4-0. But India could manage to its number one position with just one draw.
“A 4-0 series win for Australia will move them into No.1 position in Test rankings; India need to draw one Test to retain top spot,” the ICC said in a statement.
In case, Australia does manage to pull-off an unexpected whitewash, the visitors will go down to third, fractionally behind England, who are currently in second place with 108 rating points.
With 102 rating points, Australia are currently tied with New Zealand at the fifth position. Australia’s position could change once the ongoing third Test between Pakistan and New Zealand concludes, with a draw or a Pakistan win pushing Australia up to fourth.
India have been No.1 in Tests since October 2016, when they beat New Zealand at the Eden Gardens to move to the top. The 25-month stay at the top is India’s longest-ever reign at the top. And just a draw would ensure India would remain at top for at least few more months.
In case, the series ends in a draw, India will lose two rating points to be on 114. However, they will continue to lead the rankings. The visitors will remain on 116 rating points if they win the series by a one-Test margin, and increase their tally if they win by more. Sweeping the series 4-0 will mean India rise to 120 rating points. In such case, there is also a possibility of seeing Australia drop at No.6.