In the latest yearly update of the ICC men’s Test team rankings, India have regained the top spot from Australia. The update takes into account all Test series played since May 2020, and the results from the 2019-20 season have been removed. Due to this, India’s 2-0 loss to New Zealand in March 2020 was deleted from the rankings, resulting in their rating points increasing from 119 to 121.
India previously held the top rank for a full month in December 2021. Australia, who have been the top-ranked Test team since January 2022, will face India in the ICC World Test Championship final at The Oval on June 7. They overtook New Zealand to grab the top spot after a 4-0 series win over England.
England, who have steadily played in recent times, have reduced the gap between them and the second-ranked team from 13 to two rating points. Their 4-0 Ashes loss and 1-0 West Indies loss were weighted, and they are still in third place. The rankings for other teams remain unchanged, except for Zimbabwe, who have improved by five rating points to secure the 10th position.
India have also consolidated their top rank in the men’s T20I team rankings, increasing their lead over second-placed England from six to eight points. New Zealand have moved up to the third spot, surpassing South Africa and Pakistan. Meanwhile, Ireland and Afghanistan still need to participate in more Test matches to be included in the rankings.
The annual update for the ODI team rankings will take place on May 10, after the ongoing Pakistan-New Zealand series. With this update, the teams’ rankings will reflect their performances in all series played since May 2020.
