The Australian cricket team has overtaken India to become the new number one ranked team in Test cricket. This came after the Rohit Sharma-led team achieved a draw in the recently concluded two-match Test series against South Africa.
Australia acquired the number one spot after their sensational performance in the ongoing Test series against Pakistan. The winners of the ICC World Test Championship 2023 have won both games against their opponents and are on the verge of winning the ongoing third game in Sydney as well.
Before the new ratings, India and Australia had the same rating of 118. But the Rohit Sharma-led team’s defeat in Centurion saw them lose crucial points. Australia, on the other hand, won both matches against Pakistan, which is the main reason why they are now at the top of the rankings.
If Australia manages to win the series against Pakistan by a margin of 3-0, their ratings will be boosted and they will consolidate the first position. However, India will have a great chance to regain the top position during the upcoming series against England.
India and England will face each other in the five-match Test series, which will begin on January 25. The series will be extremely crucial for both the teams in the context of the ICC World Test Championship as it may decide the fate of the finalists of the tournament.
Australia will also be seen in action again after the Pakistan series. The Pat Cummins-led team will take on the West Indies in the two-match Test series. The games will be played from January 17 to 29. The series will once again provide Australia with the opportunity to strengthen its position.
PAK vs AUS: Australia likely to win third Test against Pakistan
The Sydney Test between Australia and Pakistan keeps everyone on edge. The game is nearing the end, but it is fair to say that the hosts took control of the game during the end of Day 3 and are now favorites to win the match and complete a 3-0 whitewash.
Opting to bat, Pakistan had a great outing with the bat despite being under pressure. They were reeling at 96/5 but did a magnificent job after that. Mohammad Rizwan played a sensational innings and scored 88 runs. Agha Salman (53) supported him well and brought the team back into the game.
However, after that, they lost wickets in quick succession but Aamer Jamal (82) bowled blindly and propelled his team to a total of 313 runs. Pakistan then were brilliant waiting for the ball. Jamal chose a 6-fer and made sure to help his team come out on top.
Their entertaining effort saw Pakistan surpass Australia by 299 runs, taking a comfortable lead. But in the second inning he received with an amazing effort with the ball. They bowled impeccable lines and lengths and reduced the visitors to 68/7 at Stumps on Day 3.
Pakistan are 82 runs ahead of Australia but have only three wickets in hand. The Pat Cummins-led team would hope to pick those wickets as soon as possible and then chase the target to complete the whitewash.
