2-0 Test win against England can put India in third place

New Delhi, Nov 12 (IANS) India can jump two places to the third spot in Test rankings if they beat England 2-0 in the four-match Test series starting Nov 15 in Ahmedabad.

England are also in their pursuit of first Test series win in India since 1984-85. But besides aiming to end the 27-year wait for success in India, England are also targeting at getting back the number one spot in the Reliance ICC Test Championship table, just a few months after losing the top spot to South Africa.

England have to beat the hosts by 3-0 or even bigger margin in the series starting Thursday at Ahemedabad.

However, England’s return to the top will be dependent on some help from rival Australia, who take on South Africa in a series that began Friday in Brisbane.

If Australia win against South Africa by a margin of 1-0, 2-0 or 2-1, then it would become the No. 1 team. But England could displace Australia from the top if it were then to beat India by a margin of 3-0 or 4-0.

Similarly, if the Australia-South Africa series is drawn level at 0-0 or 1-1, it would see Graeme Smith’s side retaining the number-one spot. If this were to happen, England could displace South Africa if it were then to beat India by a margin of 3-0 or 4-0.

IANS 2012-11-12 22:28:09