INDIA have retained second position on the ICC Test rankings following the Wellington Test, which ended in a draw to give New Zealand a 1-0 series win.
However, the series result has made Australia’s task of finishing ahead of India on the table before the April 1 cut-off date slightly easier.India have slipped from 117 ratings points to 112 ratings points, and are ahead of Australia by just one ratings point.
This means Australia, who lead South Africa 1-0 in their three-Test series, now need a minimum of a draw in the series to move ahead of India.
If Australia win the series 1-0, they will rise to 115 ratings points, whereas a 2-0 win will put them on 116 ratings points.
In contrast, if South Africa bounce back and win the next two Tests, then they will not only retain their pre-series rating of 133 ratings points, but Australia will also remain behind India on 110 ratings points.
South Africa are already guaranteed the number-one position at the cut-off date and will retain the mace and also collect a cheque of US$450 000.
The side to finish second will pocket US$350 000 while US$250 000 will go to the third-ranked side.
England will collect US$150 000 as they will finish fourth.
Meanwhile, New Zealand have gained five ratings points following their 1-0 series win over India.
The Blackcaps have now joined the West Indies on 87 ratings points but are ranked above the West Indies when the ratings are calculated beyond the decimal point, the ICC says.
ICC Test Team Rankings
1. South Africa 133
2. India 112 (-5)
3. Australia 111
4. England 107
5. Pakistan 100
6. Sri Lanka 89
7. New Zealand 87 (+5)
8. West Indies 87
9. Zimbabwe 34
10. Bangladesh 19 (CA)