Australia has kicked off the new year on a high note, mirroring their success from the previous year by clinching the Test series against Pakistan at the beginning of 2024.
In a remarkable achievement, Ajira has ascended to the top of the Test rankings after overcoming India. This elevation in ranking is not solely attributed to their recent victory against Pakistan; Cummins' team secured the Test championship title by defeating India in London the previous year. Since then, both teams have been engaged in a tussle for the coveted top spot in the rankings.
India, despite facing defeat in the Test Championship final, concluded the year on a positive note, topping the rankings in all formats. However, Australia has been relentlessly pursuing them, and despite the equal rating points of both teams at 118, India held a slight lead. Recently, Rohit's team slipped behind after drawing the Test series 1-1 in South Africa.
Contrastingly, Australia, having claimed the ODI World Cup at the year's end, surged forward by defeating Pakistan in two Tests. Their success continued into the new year with a 2-0 series win. Nevertheless, their rating points remain at 118. In a turn of events, India's rating points have dipped to 117, placing Ajira in the lead by just one point.
However, India has an opportunity to reclaim the top spot in the upcoming series against England, commencing on January 25. Australia, too, has a chance to widen the gap by winning the final match of the ongoing series against Pakistan. Meanwhile, England stands in third place with 115 points.
The rest of the rankings have stayed unchanged, with South Africa in fourth place (106), followed by New Zealand (95), Pakistan (92), Sri Lanka (79), West Indies (77), Bangladesh (51), Zimbabwe (32), Afghanistan (10), and Ireland (0). The battle for supremacy in international Test cricket promises to be intense, with each team vying for a higher standing in the rankings.
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