ICC Rankings: India retain number one position in Tests
India retained their number one position in the ICC Test Rankings for Teams following the update of the same on Thursday. They also closed down the gap on leaders England to just two points in the ICC ODI Rankings. Meanwhile, India's lead in the ICC Test Rankings is now only two points over second placed New Zealand. Here is all about it.
Important criteria that played a part in the annual update
According to the ICC, the annual update on Thursday sees series results from 2015-16 removed. Further, the outcomes from 2016-17 and 2017-18 are now being weighted at 50 per cent. This has resulted in the shifting of points.
How India lost three points and Kiwis gained the same?
India have 113 points in the Test Rankings. The Black Caps follow suit with 111. India were actually on 116 points and NZ were on 108 prior to the update. India's series wins over South Africa and Sri Lanka in 2015-16 got purged which saw them losing three points. NZ's two 2-0 losses to Australia got removed and it sees them gain three points.
England overtake Australia in ICC Test Rankings
England (105 points) have overtaken Australia for fourth position in the table. Australia dropped six points (98) as their four Test series victories in 2015-16 wasn't a part of the calculation. The gap between Pakistan and West Indies has trimmed down to two points.
How England can go into CWC as the top-ranked side?
England have retained the number 1 ranking in the ODIs. Meanwhile, to go into the 2019 World Cup as the top-ranked side, Eoin Morgan-led side will need to beat Ireland in the one-off ODI. They also need to beat Pakistan 3-2 or better in the five-match series. The other criteria is to lose against Ireland but then beat Pakistan 4-1 or better.
India can go into CWC as top-ranked ODI side
If England beat Ireland, but then lose the 5-match series against Pakistan, that could see India go into the World Cup as the number one ranked side. The series between England and Pakistan starts from May 5 onwards.
