AUS vs PAK: Australia Overtake India To Become New No.1 Test Team

Australia Cricket Team have pipped India to become the new No.1 ranked team in Test cricket. This came after the Rohit Sharma-led side managed a draw in the recently concluded two-match Test series against South Africa.

Australia acquired the No.1 spot after their sensational performance in the ongoing Test series against Pakistan. The ICC World Test Championship 2023 winners have won the two games against the opposition and are on the verge of winning the ongoing third game as well in Sydney.

Before the new ratings, India and Australia were on the same rating of 118. But Rohit Sharma-led side’s defeat in Centurion made them lose crucial points. Australia on the other hand won both the games against Pakistan, which is the main reason why they are now at the top of the rankings.

If Australia manage to win the series against Pakistan by the margin of 3-0 then their ratings will be bolstered and they will get a stronghold at the top position. India however, will be having a great opportunity to reclaim the top position during the upcoming series against England.

India and England will be squaring off with each other in the five-match Test series, starting 25th January. The series will be extremely crucial for both teams in the context of the ICC World Test Championship as it can decide the fate of the finalists for the tournament.

Australia also will be seen in action again after the Pakistan series. The Pat Cummins-led side will be locking horns with West Indies in the two-match Test series. The games will be played from 17th January to 29th January. The series will again provide an opportunity to Australia to strengthen its position.

PAK vs AUS: Australia likely to win the third Test against Pakistan

The Sydney Test between Australia and Pakistan is keeping everyone on the edge. The game is heading towards the wire but it’s fair to say that the hosts have taken the command of the game during the fag end of Day 3 and are now favorites to win the match and complete a 3-0 whitewash.

Opting to bat, Pakistan had a great outing with the bat despite being under pressure. They were tottering at 96/5 but after that, they did a magnificent job. Mohammad Rizwan played a sensational innings and scored 88 runs. He was well supported by Agha Salman (53) as they brought the team back into the game.

However, after that, they lost wickets in quick succession but Aamer Jamal (82) played a blinder and powered his side to a total of 313 runs. Pakistan then were brilliant waiting for the ball. Jamal picked a 6-fer and made sure that he helped his team to be at the top.

His rollicking effort saw Pakistan bundling out Australia for 299 runs, taking a handy lead. But in the second innings host with a staggering effort with the ball. They bowled impeccable lines and lengths and reduced visitors to 68/7 at the Stumps on Day 3.

Pakistan are 82 runs ahead of Australia but have only three wickets in hand. The Pat Cummins-led side would be hoping to pick those wickets as early as possible and then chase the target to complete the whitewash.