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India remain No. 1 in Test rankings in 2018, whilst New Zealand advance to third place

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New Zealand won their fourth consecutive Test series and finish the year on 107 points, two points ahead of South Africa, whom they have overtaken.

New Zealand have overtaken South Africa to take third place in the MRF Tyres ICC Test Team Rankings after completing a 1-0 win over Sri Lanka in their two-Test series.

The home side, which the second Test in Christchurch by a record 423 runs, reaped the dividends of a fourth consecutive Test series win to finish the year at 107 points.

They started the series with 105 points and could have gone up to 109 points and second place had they won both matches against Sri Lanka.

However, fourth-placed South Africa, who lead 1-0 in an ongoing three-Test series against Pakistan, can reach 110 points and second spot by blanking the opposition.

India, who lead 2-1 after three matches of their four-Test series in Australia, remain at the top of the year-end rankings with 116 points. England are second with 108 points and Australia fifth on 102 points.

https://www.icc-cricket.com/media-releases/961547
 
Stupid that we aren't playing tests vs NZ next month.
 
Wow another great year for Indian team. Undoubtedly the best team at present and one of the best ever.
 
Wow another great year for Indian team. Undoubtedly the best team at present and one of the best ever.

Yes to the former, no to the latter.

Our fast bowlers are our best ever, but our batsmen have several shortcomings. Too many to ignore.
 
8 points ahead of England.

Let the home season begin and stretch this lead a bit.
 
I know that we are not a ATG team... infact far from it, but after looking into records of all the teams away from home, we are undoubtedly no.1 at the moment.

India won tests everywhere it went, almost won the series in SA. On the other hand, England lost 0-4 to India in India, 0-4 to Australia in Australia, coud'nt even win against Pak and SL at home. SA lost to India and SL in India, lost to Eng at home.
 
How did u manage to come to that conclusion. Anyway, I already know the answer :))

Thanks bro...you cant ignore the obvious for long, so its no surprise you got the answer (Finally). But what is most impressive is, even after having the richest and best cricket league in planet earth, Indian players never ignored test cricket. Someone like Kohli always maintained test cricket being the pinnacle and due to mindset like this we are best team in the world today.
 
Yes to the former, no to the latter.

Our fast bowlers are our best ever, but our batsmen have several shortcomings. Too many to ignore.

India is no.1 team for 3 straight years now. With home games coming up, I expect us to remain no.1 for long time. If we maintain this no.1 ranking for 5+ years, I hv no doubt this team will be remembered as 3rd best ever after Lloyds WI and Waugh's Aust. :)
 
That's disappointing.I thought India were going to play Tests in NZ.

It is a shame. We did not play for 8 months and then went on to beat Pakistan in UAE. We are clearly one of the better test sides right now with Australia in decline. I think we deserve the ranking but this lack of tests means we will not get the recognition we deserve.

Williamson is routinely considered one of the weaker of the fab 4 but he is arguably one of the better ones with his amazing consistency and adaptability.
 
It is a shame. We did not play for 8 months and then went on to beat Pakistan in UAE. We are clearly one of the better test sides right now with Australia in decline. I think we deserve the ranking but this lack of tests means we will not get the recognition we deserve.

Williamson is routinely considered one of the weaker of the fab 4 but he is arguably one of the better ones with his amazing consistency and adaptability.

I think there's a Test series scheduled in early 2020, which will be a part of Test championship.
 
India is no.1 team for 3 straight years now. With home games coming up, I expect us to remain no.1 for long time. If we maintain this no.1 ranking for 5+ years, I hv no doubt this team will be remembered as 3rd best ever after Lloyds WI and Waugh's Aust. :)

But not an ATG side. An ATG side is expected to win series everywhere they go.
 
How did u manage to come to that conclusion. Anyway, I already know the answer :))

Many congratulations once again for your number 9 rankings in tests, number 7 in ODIs and number 10 in T20s. Truly a modern day powerhouse.
 
India is no.1 team for 3 straight years now. With home games coming up, I expect us to remain no.1 for long time. If we maintain this no.1 ranking for 5+ years, I hv no doubt this team will be remembered as 3rd best ever after Lloyds WI and Waugh's Aust. :)

Will be interesting to see how the rankings change at next annual update at the end of April. Series from 2015-15 (won 5 tests, lost 1) will be taken out, 2016-17 (won 12, lost 1) and 2017-18 (won 5 lost 2) will have 50% weightage and 2018-19 results (won 6 lost 5) will have full weightage.

We should still be ahead of others with NZ and Eng a very close second.
 
I think we would just hang on No.1 at April 2019 cutoff.

Also, the test championship starts after World cup where each team will play 6 series in 2019-2021 ( 3 home, 3 away) with the final being held in June 2021 at England. So, would these ranking be applicable after the world cup? The test championship will have its own point system for each series so these ranking may be stopped. Not sure though.
 
I know that we are not a ATG team... infact far from it, but after looking into records of all the teams away from home, we are undoubtedly no.1 at the moment.

India won tests everywhere it went, almost won the series in SA. On the other hand, England lost 0-4 to India in India, 0-4 to Australia in Australia, coud'nt even win against Pak and SL at home. SA lost to India and SL in India, lost to Eng at home.

:facepalm: They should try and make those test wins actual series wins. Like the Aussies, Windies and SA sides did. Then they'll be considered ATG.
 
Will be interesting to see how the rankings change at next annual update at the end of April. Series from 2015-15 (won 5 tests, lost 1) will be taken out, 2016-17 (won 12, lost 1) and 2017-18 (won 5 lost 2) will have 50% weightage and 2018-19 results (won 6 lost 5) will have full weightage.

We should still be ahead of others with NZ and Eng a very close second.

Interesting point no one considered. The series from 2016 - 17 was already 50%, so it wont have an impact on the rankings. The big difference will be moving from 2015-16 to 17-18 for 50% - won 5 lost 1 vs won 5 lost 2 & moving from 17-18 to 19-20 won 5 lost 1 vs what we do next year.

The 50% move should be fine. But the 100% move might impact our rankings. Also, it would depend on how teams close to us in the rankings - England, NZ, SA and Aus did in that period.
 
The problem with some fans is that they expect a #1 ranked side to dominate the game like the Windies and the Aussies did during their domination. It doesn't work like that. There is a reason why those 2 teams are regarded the best ever in the game's history.
 
We are definitely no.1 until September 2019 no matter what happens now. Only England can usurp our reign as the mace holders if they win 3-0 in WI and 5-0 in the Ashes. If we win the Sydney tests, even England don't have a chance.
 
The problem with some fans is that they expect a #1 ranked side to dominate the game like the Windies and the Aussies did during their domination. It doesn't work like that. There is a reason why those 2 teams are regarded the best ever in the game's history.

These fans leave no stones unturned to pooh poor India as the weakest number one ranked side ever, but very conveniently gloss over the fact that their own teams, by the same reckoning are the weakest ranked number 7th or 9th test team(as the case may be) in test history.
 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Updated ICC Test rankings <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cricket?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cricket</a> <a href="https://t.co/lH0StGyxvU">pic.twitter.com/lH0StGyxvU</a></p>— Saj Sadiq (@Saj_PakPassion) <a href="https://twitter.com/Saj_PakPassion/status/1079396662597111809?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Updated ICC Test rankings <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cricket?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cricket</a> <a href="https://t.co/lH0StGyxvU">pic.twitter.com/lH0StGyxvU</a></p>— Saj Sadiq (@Saj_PakPassion) <a href="https://twitter.com/Saj_PakPassion/status/1079396662597111809?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
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O wow...fantastic. So proud to see we are no.1 by huge margin in the most important format. :)
 
Whether India deserves No 1 is debatable but what about teams ranked no 2 and below?
Ranking doesn't show current form of team but long term trends and results
Also India is not playing home series all the times so this current indian team is not ATG by any yardstick but definitely above other current adversaries
 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Updated ICC Test rankings <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cricket?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cricket</a> <a href="https://t.co/lH0StGyxvU">pic.twitter.com/lH0StGyxvU</a></p>— Saj Sadiq (@Saj_PakPassion) <a href="https://twitter.com/Saj_PakPassion/status/1079396662597111809?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Amazed at how bad Bangladesh are in Test format. Probably the only sport they play, 200 million Cricket crazy population, board is making enough money ...yet such poor results!
 
Amazed at how bad Bangladesh are in Test format. Probably the only sport they play, 200 million Cricket crazy population, board is making enough money ...yet such poor results!

One of the fastest improving test teams in the history of cricket. There r teams who couldn't even win a single test in their first couple of decades. Then we have Bangladesh who has taken the cricket World by a storm and already won multiple test series both at home and away even though 18 years haven't even passed since they have started playing test cricket. But obviously I don't expect u know these details. :))
 
Amazed at how bad Bangladesh are in Test format. Probably the only sport they play, 200 million Cricket crazy population, board is making enough money ...yet such poor results!

Wait till Afg surpass them. They already have in T20s and only a matter of time in test cricket. Its a well known fact that BCB is scared of inviting Afg for a series after that t20 whitewash. And after Zimb drawn the series against BD in BD, I have no doubt likes of Rashid Khan etc would beat BD anyday. But they wont invite Afg for a series anytime soon though :))
 
Zimbabwe would be embarrassed for being rated lower than Bangladesh. They should be. They were a pretty descent team from the mid 90's till the 2003 WC. Really sad.
 
Apart from New Zealand at 3 and South Africa at 4, this is a very accurate representation.
 
NZ deserve third. They have been really good this year and should be playing more tests.
 
NZ deserve third. They have been really good this year and should be playing more tests.

Yeah, agreed. NZ beat England in a series earlier this year, and have looked really good home and away. Having said that, not a lot to choose between NZ, England and South Africa atm (though if Steyn can stay fit they may pull away into clear 2nd before long).
 
NZ deserve to be at the TOP.

Probably the best Test team right now, winning away series comfortably.

And, also has the best Test batsman - Kane.
 
NZ deserve to be at the TOP.

Probably the best Test team right now, winning away series comfortably.

And, also has the best Test batsman - Kane.
They lost to us 3-0.. they only beat Pak away..who else they defeated away 'comfortably' Kane is the best captain maybe but not the best batsman..
 
They lost to us 3-0.. they only beat Pak away..who else they defeated away 'comfortably' Kane is the best captain maybe but not the best batsman..

Lol how they defeated Pakistan comfortably, they won by just 4 runs in 1st test they were just lucky that day.
 
They lost to us 3-0.. they only beat Pak away..who else they defeated away 'comfortably' Kane is the best captain maybe but not the best batsman..

You are only saying this because they beat us LOL.

I do rate beating Pak in the UAE as a big achievement. Which it is!

Of course, under Sarfraz it is not as difficult as it was under Misbah. But it's still the place we play at our best.

It's not just based on that. They probably have the best Test pace attack, alongside SA. Can you imagine any other pace attack making the ball talk like NZ did in the lifeless UAE?

So, IMO, they deserve to be on top. At least 2nd. On a neutral venue, they'll probably beat IND.
 
I do rate beating Pak in the UAE as a big achievement. Which it is!

Of course, under Sarfraz it is not as difficult as it was under Misbah. But it's still the place we play at our best.

It's not just based on that. They probably have the best Test pace attack, alongside SA. Can you imagine any other pace attack making the ball talk like NZ did in the lifeless UAE?

So, IMO, they deserve to be on top. At least 2nd. On a neutral venue, they'll probably beat IND.

Other than in New Zealand and perhaps England, New Zealand have no chance of beating India.

A good team but below India, England and South Africa in my opinion.
 
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India will remain number 1 for a while .

Not sure. If India lose the next test, and Eng blank WI 3-0 and then Aus 5-0 they will be ahead.

Also, I have not taken into account the May point adjustment. India will lose a 5-1 score to a 5-2 score for the 50% weightage. We will lose the humongous points we gained by beating SA 3-0, who were #1 in that period. The 5-2 is only beating SL 4-0 and losing to SA 1-2. So, definitely losing lots of points there.

So, effectively, if Eng can win against WI without dropping a test, and win the Ahses 4-1, they should overtake India. India would need to win the next test against Aus, to stand any chance of keeping the #1 slot in August after the Ashes.
 
Not sure. If India lose the next test, and Eng blank WI 3-0 and then Aus 5-0 they will be ahead.

Also, I have not taken into account the May point adjustment. India will lose a 5-1 score to a 5-2 score for the 50% weightage. We will lose the humongous points we gained by beating SA 3-0, who were #1 in that period. The 5-2 is only beating SL 4-0 and losing to SA 1-2. So, definitely losing lots of points there.

So, effectively, if Eng can win against WI without dropping a test, and win the Ahses 4-1, they should overtake India. India would need to win the next test against Aus, to stand any chance of keeping the #1 slot in August after the Ashes.
That will be fair and no issues with it.
but what about our home series this year?
 
India has 4 victories in SENA this year 2018.
Johannesburg, Nottingham, Adelaide and Melbourne.
Never before has any Asian team managed 4 victories in SENA countries in a year.
Not to mention, that in tests lost, India came very close to winning at least two of them lost tests.
Indian seamers Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami and Ishant Sharma created the record of becoming the most successful pace trio in a calendar year with a total of 131 wickets in 2018

So congratulations India.. .wish 2019 is better with a worldcup win :)
 
Not sure. If India lose the next test, and Eng blank WI 3-0 and then Aus 5-0 they will be ahead.

Also, I have not taken into account the May point adjustment. India will lose a 5-1 score to a 5-2 score for the 50% weightage. We will lose the humongous points we gained by beating SA 3-0, who were #1 in that period. The 5-2 is only beating SL 4-0 and losing to SA 1-2. So, definitely losing lots of points there.

So, effectively, if Eng can win against WI without dropping a test, and win the Ahses 4-1, they should overtake India. India would need to win the next test against Aus, to stand any chance of keeping the #1 slot in August after the Ashes.


England won't win those series by whitewashes. India will whitewash most teams at home .
 
I do rate beating Pak in the UAE as a big achievement. Which it is!

Of course, under Sarfraz it is not as difficult as it was under Misbah. But it's still the place we play at our best.

It's not just based on that. They probably have the best Test pace attack, alongside SA. Can you imagine any other pace attack making the ball talk like NZ did in the lifeless UAE?

So, IMO, they deserve to be on top. At least 2nd. On a neutral venue, they'll probably beat IND.


Southee is not that great. Wagner is getting on in age. Boult is the standout bowler. India ,SA,and Australian attack are ahead.

We are 7th in the test rankings. Winning away at England or India is a bigger achivemeant.
 
I do rate beating Pak in the UAE as a big achievement. Which it is!

Of course, under Sarfraz it is not as difficult as it was under Misbah. But it's still the place we play at our best.

It's not just based on that. They probably have the best Test pace attack, alongside SA. Can you imagine any other pace attack making the ball talk like NZ did in the lifeless UAE?

So, IMO, they deserve to be on top. At least 2nd. On a neutral venue, they'll probably beat IND.

They won't beat us in Asia and Windies the only places they have a good chance is England and NZ. In Aus and SA at best is matched.
 
How many teams have played in 3 out of the 4 SENA countries in the same calendar year as well,
You’re even playing NZ in NZ. What a year for Indian cricket fans.
 
I do rate beating Pak in the UAE as a big achievement. Which it is!

Of course, under Sarfraz it is not as difficult as it was under Misbah. But it's still the place we play at our best.

It's not just based on that. They probably have the best Test pace attack, alongside SA. Can you imagine any other pace attack making the ball talk like NZ did in the lifeless UAE?

So, IMO, they deserve to be on top. At least 2nd. On a neutral venue, they'll probably beat IND.

India beat the pulp out of them, 3/0.

I don't think NZ is as good at home either, Lakmal got them at 70/7. So if India was touring NZ, we would have had very good chance of beating them.

Let me also add, if Pak was captained by any other guy apart from Sarfaraz, you would have won the series 2/1 or 3/0
 
Too much overrating Kiwis here just because they beat world #6 and #7 sides recently.

They will be whitewashed in India, and will likely lose a series in NZ too.

Let's not judge teams based on how they perform against Pakistan or Sri Lanka.
 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Updated ICC Test rankings <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cricket?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cricket</a> <a href="https://t.co/lH0StGyxvU">pic.twitter.com/lH0StGyxvU</a></p>— Saj Sadiq (@Saj_PakPassion) <a href="https://twitter.com/Saj_PakPassion/status/1079396662597111809?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Fair reflection of rankings. NZ deserve to be #3 as they not only blanked Pak but also beat Eng.

India will be #1 for 3-4 more years.
 
If Smith and Warner don't return for the Ashes, it will be 0-5.

This Australian batting line up is pathetic and I can't see them doing any better against England.

First time I've seen an Aus team where none of their batsmen would make it into our Test XI.
 
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India beat the pulp out of them, 3/0.

I don't think NZ is as good at home either, Lakmal got them at 70/7. So if India was touring NZ, we would have had very good chance of beating them.

Let me also add, if Pak was captained by any other guy apart from Sarfaraz, you would have won the series 2/1 or 3/0
A lot of talk after beating up on a Aussie team missing their 2 best batsmen.

Going to laugh if you end up drawing this series losing 2 Tests to this pathetic Aussie team.
 
One of the fastest improving test teams in the history of cricket. There r teams who couldn't even win a single test in their first couple of decades. Then we have Bangladesh who has taken the cricket World by a storm and already won multiple test series both at home and away even though 18 years haven't even passed since they have started playing test cricket. But obviously I don't expect u know these details. :))

I bet your world famous post "BD is a powerhouse" post was 30 years too soon then. See you in 2049!! Lol
 
If Smith and Warner don't return for the Ashes, it will be 0-5.

This Australian batting line up is pathetic and I can't see them doing any better against England.

First time I've seen an Aus team where none of their batsmen would make it into our Test XI.
Smith and Warner may not be the same.. They may be physically fit to the same level but they would be mentally scared. I very much doubt they can avoid a 5-0 white wash to England
 
A lot of talk after beating up on a Aussie team missing their 2 best batsmen.

Going to laugh if you end up drawing this series losing 2 Tests to this pathetic Aussie team.

Lot of talk after beating #6 and #7 ranked self destructive teams . See you three weaks later.
 
A lot of talk after beating up on a Aussie team missing their 2 best batsmen.

Going to laugh if you end up drawing this series losing 2 Tests to this pathetic Aussie team.

Whether India loses or wins the next test, it would have no bearing on what I have said.
 
A lot of talk after beating up on a Aussie team missing their 2 best batsmen.

Going to laugh if you end up drawing this series losing 2 Tests to this pathetic Aussie team.

Smith and Warner will be back for the ashes lol.
 
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