‘Ifs and buts’ surround Pakistan’s chances for no.1 Test ranking spot

Following a 2-all series draw, both Pakistan and England have maintained their pre-series points of 111 and 108, respectively. However, if Sri Lanka beats Australia by 2-0 or better, then Australia will slip behind Pakistan, which would move to second, said the ICC.

Sri Lanka’s win by 2-0 or 3-0, coupled with a 2-0 or 2-1 win for the West Indies against India will give Pakistan the number-one ranking for the first time since the official rankings were introduced in 2003.

The highest Pakistan has ever reached is second position following its series win over England in the United Arab Emirates last year.

However, if Steve Smith’s side wins the third Test, then it will join Pakistan on 111 points and will be ranked above Misbah-ul-Haq’s side when the points are calculated beyond the decimal point. This result plus West Indies’ win or draw in Port of Spain will mean Australia will return home as the number-one ranked Test side.

India has the best chance to finish on top as it has destiny in its own hands. It needs to win the Port of Spain Test to reclaim the number-one ranking which it had conceded to Australia following Australia’s 2-0 series win over New Zealand in February this year.

1. Australia 118

2. India 112

3. Pakistan 111

4. England 108

5. New Zealand 99

6. South Africa 92

7. Sri Lanka 85

8. West Indies 65

9. Bangladesh 57

10. Zimbabwe 8