Ludhiana, January 14
India has improved its Test ranking to the sixth in the world posting a scintillating display Down Under. Australians continue their domination in the World Test and ODI rankings. Pakistan follows Australia as the second best team in ODIs while they share the second spot with South Africa in Test ranking. Sachin Tendulkar has regained his top position in ODIs, while West Indian Brian Lara rules the world in Tests, according to the just released Samsung Cricket Ratings.
Australia continues to rule the kingdom of Test cricket with 80 points, while India (40 points) has improved its Test ranking to number six. Pakistan and South Africa share the second spot with 65 points followed by England and West Indies who share the fourth spot with 50 points. New Zealand is on seventh with 33 points, Sri Lanka on the eighth spot with 15 points. Zimbabwe and Bangladesh are yet to ‘score.’
Australia remains the clear leader in the World ODI Team Rankings with 88 points. Following them at the second spot are Pakistanis with 75 points. The 5-0 victory in the five-match one-day series against the Kiwis at home has a lot to do with Pakistan’s standing in the list. India is a joint fourth with England (65 points) behind South Africa (66). Following these teams are: Sri Lanka (53 points), West Indies (39 points), New Zealand (37 points), Zimbabwe (35 points) and Kenya (18 points). Bangladesh, however, have not been able to ‘score’ in the shorter version of the game also.
In world ODI bating rankings, Sachin Tendulkar with 108 points has reclaimed the top spot. Imran Farhat of Pakistan slips to the second spot with 98 points. The third position is secured by Jacques Kallis of South African (93 points) and the fourth position is held by Chris Gayle of West Indian (92 points). Sourav Ganguly shows himself at the fifth spot with 72 points.
In world Test batting, Brian Lara of West India is on top with 164 points. Ricky Ponting of Australia has moved to second spot with 160 points after his good showing in the recently-concluded Test series. Graeme Smith of South Africa has slipped to the fourth spot with 124 points behind Matthew Haden (139 points). Rahul Dravid is at the sixth spot with 112 points.
In world Test bowling, Makhaya Ntini of South Africa with 142 points dominates the chart. Muttiah Muralitharan is behind him with 128 points with Shoaib Akhtar closing in with 126 points at the third spot. Shaun Pollock of South Africa (111 points) and Jason Gillespie of Australia are at fourth and fifth positions with 108 points. Anil Kumble is on the 10th spot with 77 points.
Muttiah Muralitharan leads World ODI bowling chart with 139 points. Makhaya Ntini of South Africa is all set to step on his toes with 138 points. Following them are James Anderson (132 points) and Andrew Flintoff (123 points). Nathan Bracken of Australia has moved to fifth spot with 117 points.
