adminWELLINGTON. — New Zealand’s series win over India has done a favour for arch-rivals Australia by putting them on the verge of reaching the world number two Test cricket ranking, officials said yesterday.
The Black Caps wrapped up a 1-0 win in Wellington but they were not the only ones celebrating with Australia now needing only to draw their three-Test series with South Africa to go second.
Australia are already 1-0 up against the top-ranked Proteas, who are under pressure after lethal speedster Mitchell Johnson recorded match-winning figures of 12 for 127 in the first Test.
According to an International Cricket Council (ICC) statement, India are just one point ahead of third-placed Australia in the rankings after slipping from 117 to 112 points.
New Zealand have moved up one place to seventh out of the 10 Test-playing nations after going ahead of the West Indies, who are also on 87, by fractions of a point.
Test rankings
1. South Africa 133 points
2. India 112
3. Australia 111
4. England 107
5. Pakistan 100
6. Sri Lanka 89
7. New Zealand 87
8. West Indies 87
9. Zimbabwe 34
10. Bangladesh 19 .— AFP.
Online Reporter