New Zealand has advanced to the third spot in the latest ICC Test Rankings for the teams. The result came after the Kiwis defeated Sri Lanka in the Christchurch Test by 423 runs. By virtue of the big win, New Zealand also won the two-match Test series 1-0. Meanwhile, Kane Williamson-led side leapfrogged South Africa by two points on the rankings chart to enter top three.
India on top, Australia sits at fifth
The Boxing Day saw six teams squaring off in the Test format. As New Zealand and Sri Lanka were involved in a Test in Christchurch, India-Australia was fighting out at the iconic MCG. Furthermore, South Africa hosted Pakistan in Centurion, where they won the game by six wickets. For India, they beat Australia by 137 runs at the MCG and took a 2-1 lead in the four-match Tests. As the winnings teams saw their points getting raised, sides like Australia, Pakistan and Sri Lanka suffered demotions in their ratings.
.@BLACKCAPS advance in @MRFWorldwide ICC Test Rankings https://t.co/No2bdmcIbX via @ICC
— ICC Media (@ICCMediaComms) December 30, 2018
England stays comfortably at the second spot
England is second on the ICC Test Rankings for the teams with 108 points. New Zealand, who began the series with 105 points had the chance to make it 109 and sit at the second spot had they beaten Sri Lanka in both the games. As of now, the Kiwis have 106 rating points in their kitty.
However, fourth-placed South Africa, who leads the three-match Tests against Pakistan can also secure the second spot by blanking their opponents. Furthermore, India also gained the rating points with 116 to their name.
New Zealand on a winning spree
The New Zealand team has been on a winning spree of late. With a record 423-run victory over Sri Lanka, the side has won their fourth Test series on the trot. In November, they also beat Pakistan in the three-match Tests in the UAE.
