India can topple Australia from No 1 spot with 4-0 win over WI

Dubai, July 25

Australia may have just won the ICC Test Championship mace but India can topple them from the number one spot if they are able to blank the West Indies 4-0 in the ongoing series and results in the other two marquee series go as per their wish.

If India win 4-0, England-Pakistan series ends in a draw and Sri Lanka win by 1-0 or better, then India will jump to the number one position, the ICC said in a statement on Monday.

India thrashed the West Indies by an innings and 92 runs in the first Test in Antigua.

To permanently shut the door on their nearest rivals India, Australia need to beat Sri Lanka by 1-0 or better and at the same time hope that England win at least one Test against Pakistan.

Meanwhile, Australia captain Steve Smith received the ICC Test Championship mace on Monday and USD 1 million in prize money for leading his side to the number one ranking on the MRF Tyres ICC Test Team Rankings on the annual April 1 cut-off date.

ICC Chief Executive David Richardson made the presentations to Smith in Pallekele, who captained Australia to 10 Test victories over the 12-month period.

"The mace is a symbol of excellence and recognition of a side's outstanding achievement in the toughest format of the sport. Australia's winning performances have been exceptional and they thoroughly deserve to be awarded the mace," said Richardson.

"These are exciting times for Test cricket as the top four ranked countries are involved in high profile series across three different continents showcasing the very best this format of the sport has to offer. I am sure the incentive of achieving the number one ranking will further motivate them, bringing out the best in the players," added Richardson. — PTI