South Africa can topple England from No. 1 spot in ICC Test rankings

By CricketCountry Staff

 

South Africa could regain the No.1 spot in the ICC Test rankings if they manage to secure a clean sweep against New Zealand in their bilateral series in March 2012.

South Africa need to beat the Kiwis in all three Tests Down Under © Getty Images

By CricketCountry Staff

Dubai: Jan 17, 2012

South Africa could regain the No.1 spot in the ICC Test rankings if they manage to secure a clean sweep against New Zealand in their bilateral series in March 2012.

South Africa remained at the third spot in the ICC Test rankings which was released this Monday, and if they manage to beat New Zealand in their backyard, they can reach the No. 1 spot in Test rankings. 

India’s poor outings in England and in Australia have opened a door of opportunity for the Proteas, as along with England, they would be competing for the top spot at the April 1 cut-off date.

“England will give South Africa a window of opportunity to top the table if it loses to Pakistan by 2-0 or more,” the ICC said in a statement.

“In the scenario of England losing 2-0 and South Africa winning 3-0, both sides will be locked on 119 ratings points, but South Africa will be ranked above England by one 10th of a decimal point,” the ICC added.

However, to become world number one in Tests, South Africa need to beat the Kiwis in all three Tests Down Under and also need the other results to go their wa, Sports24 reported.

South Africa takes on New Zealand in a three-match series, with the first Test starting at Dunedin from March 7.