Virat Kohli-led India can become No. 1 in Tests with 4-0 win over West Indies

Bengaluru, July 25: Virat Kohli-led Team India can return to the top of the ICC Test Rankings if they whitewash West Indies 4-0 and other series results go in their favour.

India won the first Test in Antigua yesterday (July 24) by a record margin of innings and 92 runs. This was their biggest victory outside of Asia. The second Test starts in Jamaica on July 30.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) today (July 25) said India can achieve the number one ranking if they win the next 3 Tests and Australia-Sri Lanka, England-Pakistan series results work in the favour of Kohli and his men. (Kohli aims to whitewash West Indies)

India (112 points) are currently in 2nd position in the ICC Test rankings. Australia are on top with 118 points while Pakistan is at third place.

"Competition for the number-one ranking on the ICC Test Team Rankings this year remains extremely tight as only 10 points separate the top four sides. Second-ranked India, third-ranked Pakistan and fourth-ranked England have a chance to move into the number-one position, depending how West Indies-India, England-Pakistan and Sri Lanka-Australia series pans out," ICC said in a media release.

"To permanently shut the door on their nearest rivals, Australia need to beat Sri Lanka by 1-0 or better and at the same time hope that England wins, at least, one Test against Pakistan.

"If India win 4-0, England-Pakistan series ends in a draw and Sri Lanka win by 1-0 or better, then India will jump to the number-one position. If Pakistan beat England and Sri Lanka defeat Australia, then Pakistan will claim the number-one ranking for the first time in their history, irrespective of how West Indies-India series finishes.

"England too can top the Test rankings. But to make it happen, they will have to win the remaining three Tests against Pakistan and hope West Indies win, at least, one Test against India and Sri Lanka beat Australia," it added.

Australia captain Steve Smith, on Monday (July 25) received the ICC Test Championship mace and also $1 million prize money after the team finished as the number one side in the world at 1 April cut-off date.

ICC Test Team Rankings (as on 25 July 2016)

(Read as Rank, Team, Points)

1. Australia 118

2. India 112

3. Pakistan 111

4. England 108

5. New Zealand 98

6. South Africa 92

7. Sri Lanka 85

8. West Indies 65

9. Bangladesh 57

Note: Zimbabwe has 12 points but has not played the required eight Test matches over the new rating period to be included on the main table. It will reflect on the table as soon as it plays two more Tests

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