New Zealand on Monday has maintained the winning streak of unbeaten 15 test matches on their home soil as they defeated West Indies and bagged the test title.
After an emphatic win over West Indies on Monday, New Zealand has already clinched the test series title and lead the series by 2-0. Meanwhile, New Zealand is also a decimal away of Australia to be on the top of ICC test rankings.
Team Australia is at the top of the ICC test rankings with rating points of 116.461 as compared to team New Zealand with 116.375. Australia has a chance of strengthening their top-spot as they are goining to play a four-match Test series against India, starting December 17.
New Zealand, on the other hand, would be playing two Tests against Pakistan from December 26 onwards. New Zealand has never been the number-one Test team and if they manage to cross the mighty Australians, they would be making history, but it should be also noticed that to cross the Aussies, India and Australia test series needs to be draw.
“It’s neck and neck at the top of the ICC Test Team Rankings. Australia is still No.1 with 116.461 rating points. New Zealand is just behind with 116.375,” ICC tweeted.
Team India are at the third spot in ICC Test rankings with 114 while England and Sri Lanka are at fourth and fifth position respectively. South Africa (sixth), Pakistan (seventh), West Indies (eight), and Bangladesh (ninth), makes up the other half of the table.
The Black Caps also toppled England at the third spot in the World Test Championship standings after winning the two-match Test series against West Indies.
On Sunday, Kiwi pacer Trent Boult was asked how it would feel if his side becomes the number one ranked team in the Test format.
“Obviously, it will be a tremendous achievement. But, one of those things that are grafted over many seasons and the way, looking back at last five-six years, Test cricket is my favorite format. What we have been able to achieve at home, and some special wins overseas as well, that has been amazing,” said Boult in a video posted on the official Twitter handle by team New Zealand.
“If we reach the number one ranking, it would be nice to reflect on the work that has been done over the last few seasons. It would be a pretty special achievement in my opinion,” he added.
New Zealand is now looking forward to a two-match series against Pakistan from 26th of December.
Also India will be playing a four-match series with Australia beginning from 17th of December.
