KJ @ Sports

Ever since October 2002, India raised to the second spot in the ICC one day rankings for the first time. This however does not come from team India’s performance in the recent past, It’s the downfall of the new-look Australian side losing to South Africa in the current series. India now stand in the second spot with 122 points. The 1-3 scoreline so far has pushed Australia to third place after being at the helm for 52 successive weeks while, the Proteas grabbed top spot having won seven out of nine ODIs played against Australia this year, with 127 points.
Australia held their top spot for a record 69 months before they were forced downwards by the performances by the Indian and the South African sides. It was in January 2007, when South Africa over took Australia for a brief moment to gain the first spot, however Australia fought back with a number of away wins to regain their spot. Since then they have been on the top until recently when they lost the home series 3-2 to South Africa, A CB series loss to India, which helped South Africa inch closer. South Africa finally made it to as far as pushing the Australian rank downwards with a series win at home, which they lead 3-1 with one match remaining.

But Australia have a good opportunity to go second again by beating the Proteas in the last match in Johannesburg on Friday. The top spot however belongs to South Africa at the end of the series. Chances of India gaining the first spot, and South Africa holding their first spot look slim. India play in West Indies immediately after the T20 world championships, while South Africa play no international one day cricket until the champions trophy in September. Australians stand a chance of regaining top spot if they win the 5 match series against Pakistan starting 22nd of April in Abu Dhabi.

Ponting’s side will retake the place if they end their tour on a winning note, earning two points to go one clear of India at 123 ratings points and three behind South Africa. On the other hand, if South Africa win, they will finish the series on 128 points, while Australia will head off to the UAE to face Pakistan in a five-match series in third on 120 points, trailing India by two.

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Kunal Janu