The India National Cricket Team has retained the Test Championship for three years in a row. The Virat Kohli-led side is at the numero uno position in the ICC Test rankings. Consequently, the Indian team will receive a hefty sum of USD 1 million for the third year running. Meanwhile, the Indian team has performed consistently in the red ball version, which has helped them retain the Test championship.
India had lost the Test series against South Africa by 2-1 while playing in the latter’s home conditions. Furthermore, they also lost by 4-1 on the England tour despite giving a run for the money to the England team.
India continues to dominate the ICC Test rankings.
Finally, they were able to churn out desirable results when they defeated Australia by 2-1 in the four-match series. In fact, this was the maiden Test series triumph for the Indian team on the Australian soil.
Meanwhile, India was successful in retaining the acme position whereas New Zealand secured second place in the ICC Test rankings before the cut off date of 1st April.
“Retaining the ICC Test Championship Mace once again is something we are all really proud of. Our team has been doing well across formats but it gives us extra pleasure to come out on top of the Test rankings,” India captain Virat Kohli said reiterating his love for Test cricket.
“We all know of the importance of Test cricket and of how only the best can prosper in the format,” he added as per PTI.
Virat Kohli has led with aplomb.
On the other hand, New Zealand finished at second place in the ICC Test rankings. In fact, all the Kiwis needed to do was not to lose the home series against Bangladesh. They won it by 2-0 which helped them climb to 108 rating points, which is eight points shy of India, who have 116 points.
Consequently, the Blackcaps have earned USD 500,000 for their second rank. South Africa, who finished at the third rank will get USD 200,000 whereas Australia who piped England for the fourth place will seal USD 100,000.
“Our team has a lot of depth and I am sure this will stand us in good stead once the ICC World Test Championship commences later this year. That is again something we are really looking forward to as it adds more context to Test match cricket,” Kohli said.
India has been a consistent side over the last three years. Thus, the Virat Kohli-led side will like to continue their good show going in the red ball version.