Australia have a chance to reclaim the top spot in the Reliance ICC Test team rankings when it face hosts Pakistan in the two-Test series in UAE, which starts on Wednesday in the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. A two-nil series win over Pakistan will lift Michael Clarke’s charges to the top of the summit? one point clear of South Africa, which currently holds top spot. A one-nil series victory will move Australia to join South Africa level on 124 points, but the Proteas will continue to hold the slenderest of 0.24 of an advantage.
In contrast, a one-nil victory for sixth-place Pakistan, which currently lies level on points with India, will move it up two ratings places to fourth, while a 2-0 win will push them even further up the ladder into third place, 12 points behind Australia, which will lose further ground on South Africa. Even a 1-1 draw will see Pakistan edge clear of India, while Australia will slip three points behind the leaders.
In contrast, a one-nil victory for sixth-place Pakistan, which currently lies level on points with India, will move it up two ratings places to fourth, while a 2-0 win will push them even further up the ladder into third place, 12 points behind Australia, which will lose further ground on South Africa. Even a 1-1 draw will see Pakistan edge clear of India, while Australia will slip three points behind the leaders.