India has overtaken Australia to become the No. 1 Test side in the world, according to the latest International Cricket Council (ICC) rankings released on Tuesday. India, which has been in fine form in recent months, leapfrogged Australia to claim the top spot with a rating of 121.
Some excellent performances in recent series have spurred India’s rise to the top of the Test rankings. They beat Australia 2-1 at home earlier this year.
The ICC rankings are based on a team’s performance over the past three to four years, with recent performances carrying more weight. India’s recent success has been rewarded with a surge up the rankings, while Australia has slipped to second place with a rating of 116.
Although India has topped the ICC ranking just before the WTC final, which will be played between India and Australia at the oval, it will boost the confidence of Indian players. But, the real winners will be the ones who will lift the WTC trophy.
Meanwhile, India have also consolidated their position at the top of the T20I rankings. They have a rating of 267 in the T20I rankings, which is 8 points ahead of second-placed England.
The ICC rankings are updated regularly, and with several high-profile Test series and T20I tournaments scheduled in the coming months, the rankings are likely to see further changes soon.
