Great feeling to become No. 1 Test side: Pakistan's captain Misbah-ul-Haq

Bengaluru, Aug 22: Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq has said "there is no greater feeling" than to achieve the number one position in the International Cricket Council's (ICC) Rankings, which they did today (August 22).

On Monday, Pakistan, for the first time in history, topped the Test ranking table, after the 4th Test between India and West Indies ended in a draw in Port of Spain.

India rose to the number one position on August 17 after Sri Lanka had whitewashed Australia 3-0 at home. However, Virat Kohli's men had to win the 4th Test against the Caribbean side to retain their position at the top.

Rain ruined the 4th Test with 4 days in a row washed out. With the draw, India surrendered the top rank to their neighbours and slipped to 2nd. Pakistan have 112 points while India have 110.

"There is no greater feeling than to achieve the number-one ranking in the most traditional and purest format of the sport. This is what cricketers play for and want to achieve in their careers," Misbah was quoted as saying in an ICC media release on Monday.

He continued, "Number-one ranking is a reward for something we had planned as a group a few years ago and have worked extremely hard to achieve it. To top the Test table, which boasts some of the best sides and players, is something to be very proud of.

"I want to compliment everyone who has been involved in the process, including all the players, the support personnel, the management, as well as our loyal fans and followers who remained committed to us and continued to back and support the side through the good and not-so-good days.

"For us, the number-one ranking is not a destination but part of a journey. Our long-term objective and strategy is to remain competitive, continue to challenge the top sides with good cricket and once again become the most followed side like the Pakistan teams of yesteryears. If we can achieve these on a consistent basis, then I am sure there will more laurels like this down the line."

Pakistan gained valuable points after they drew 2-2 against England in the recently concluded series.

OneIndia News