Mumbai: India’s dream to retain their No. 1 status in ICC test rankings was dealt with a heavy blow as the fourth day of the final Test was abandoned owing to the wet outfield on Sunday.
Only 22 overs were bowled on the first day of the fourth Test at Port-of-Spain before rain brought an end to the proceedings. Continuous rain for three days resulted in no play at all. If the match ends in a draw, it will clearly be bad news for India as Pakistan will clinch the no. 1 position.
For the record, India attained world No 1 ranking following Australia’s 3-0 drubbing at the hands of Sri Lanka only last week. But to maintain a lead, Virat Kohli’s men needed a 3-0 win in the Caribbean islands, which looks unlikely with rain playing the spoilsport at the Quenn’s Park Oval.
As a result, Pakistan will become the top ranked side thanks to their recent 2-0 win against England.
Everything was going well for Virat Kohli and the squad in the West Indies series. India was 2-0 up against the West Indies. Owing to Australia’s whitewash by Sri Lanka, England had a chance to become no. 1. But they ended their series 2-2 against Pakistan. This propelled Pakistan to no.2 position and just one point away from the being no. 1.
India had to win the fourth and final test to retain their apex position. According to the latest ICC rankings, India had to maintain a 3-0 win over West Indies to maintain the top spot, but due to no play for three days, it is highly likely that the final test in Trinidad will end in a draw making Pakistan the no. 1 side in ICC rankings.