Australia Ousts India to Reclaim ICC Test Team Top Spot
Australia’s men’s cricket team dethroned India as the no.1 ICC team across formats on January 5, clinching the coveted top position in Test cricket after a resounding victory over Pakistan. Despite India’s recent Test win against South Africa, their slip in the rankings occurred due to a drawn series result against the Proteas. The latest ICC Test team rankings now feature Australia at the summit with 118 ratings, while India trails closely at 117 ratings. The shift in leadership comes as Australia dominates the red-ball series at home, marking the end of India’s reign as the top Test team.
ICC Test Team Rankings
- Australia – 118 ratings
- India – 117 ratings
- England – 115 ratings
- South Africa – 106 ratings
- New Zealand – 95 ratings
- Pakistan – 92 ratings
- Sri Lanka – 79 ratings
- West Indies – 77 ratings
- Bangladesh – 51 ratings
- Zimbabwe – 32 ratings
In a roller-coaster second Test match in Cape Town, Team India emerged victorious, showcasing resilience despite facing significant challenges in both batting and bowling departments. The triumph, though not without flaws, demonstrated the team’s ability to overcome hurdles and secure a historic win on South African soil.
The test commenced with India’s batsmen grappling with pace and bounce, a factor that had been anticipated but seemingly caught the visitors off guard. While a promising partnership between Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill was formed, the rest of the lineup faltered, with Virat Kohli being the sole exception. The unexpected collapse resulted in India’s dismissal for a mere 153 runs in the first innings.
However, the narrative took a turn in the second innings as India, determined to move past their batting nightmare, witnessed a more composed and resilient performance. Though wickets fell early, the team managed to regroup, learning from the mistakes of the previous day.
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South Africa, finding themselves in a similar challenging position, needed something extraordinary to revive their hopes. Aiden Markram emerged as the beacon of hope for the hosts, showcasing his batting prowess. Markram’s remarkable innings, complemented by a 51-run stand with Kagiso Rabada, provided a glimmer of resistance for South Africa. Despite Markram’s brilliance, India regained control after his dismissal, eventually bundling out the hosts.
A standout performer for India was Mohammed Siraj, whose six-wicket spell in the first innings proved instrumental in restricting South Africa. Siraj’s adaptability to varying conditions highlighted his growth as a reliable all-format pacer. His crucial dismissals, including that of Markram, showcased his prowess as a wicket-taker.
On the flip side, Yashasvi Jaiswal faced challenges in adapting to South African conditions, raising questions about India’s opening combination. Jaiswal’s struggles and inconsistencies have prompted discussions about potential changes in the batting order. The question arises whether Shubman Gill should open with Rohit Sharma, considering their successful partnerships in limited-overs cricket.
As Team India prepares to face England in the upcoming Test series at home, the management will likely assess Jaiswal’s performance as an opener. The tour has provided valuable insights into individual player dynamics, contributing to strategic considerations for future Test matches.