There is an incentive for Australia to take from the upcoming four-match Test series against the Proteas.

If they manage to win the series by a 3-0 margin or better, they will go ahead of South Africa and will clinch $500,000 prize for 2nd spot finish in the Latest ICC Test Rankings on the cut-off date 3rd April. The number one team in the world, Team India might have been handed the Test Championship mace already after confirming their place in the No 1 position, but the 2nd spot will get decided after the conclusion of the South Africa-Australia Test series.

India bagged the $1 million prize money for the 2nd straight year. South Africa who sealed the 2nd spot last year will look for the same. The 2nd placed team will bag $500,000. The Aussies will go on to topple South Africa if they win 3-0 or better.

However, Australia who is currently on 104 points and might face the danger of sliding down the table. They might slip from their 3rd position which in turn could help England or New Zealand take up the 3rd slot. They are slated to play a two-match Test series which will conclude on 3rd April.

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Morne Morkel
(Photo credit should read GIANLUIGI GUERCIA/AFP/Getty Images)

Australia could slip to as low as 100 points if they suffer a 4-0 hounding at the hands of the Proteas. If New Zealand wins the series against England, they will finish on 104 points while England can also do the same if they win by a similar margin.

Here are the possible scenarios:

South Africa win 4-0 – South Africa 120, Australia 100

South Africa win 3-0 – South Africa 118, Australia 101

South Africa win 2-0 or 3-1 – South Africa 117, Australia 102

South Africa win 1-0 – South Africa 116, Australia 103

Drawn series – South Africa 114, Australia 106

Australia win 4-0 – Australia 111, South Africa 108

Australia win 3-0 – Australia 110, South Africa 110 (behind on decimals)

Australia win 2-0 or 3-1 – South Africa 111, Australia 109

Australia win 1-0 – South Africa 112, Australia 109

Current Standings

Rank     Team                    Points
1              India                       121
2              South Africa          115
3              Australia               104
4              New Zealand        100
5              England                 99
6              Sri Lanka               95
7              Pakistan                 88
8              Windies                72
9              Bangladesh          71
10           Zimbabwe             01

A Cricket Expert who loves revolving his life around the game. An extremely passionate music lover who loves singing and listening to Arijit Singh songs.