New Delhi:
World number one Test side India will look to at least draw the five-Test series against England, starting in Rajkot tomorrow, to ensure that it seals the number one Test spot at the end of the year.
The top four-ranked Test sides (India, Pakistan, Australia and England) are separated by just 10 points and as these four sides are already or preparing to flex their muscles in the longest format of the game, changes in the upper half of the draw are on the cards depending on how the upcoming series pans out.
However, if India manage to even draw the series against England, they would retain their top position irrespective of the outcome of the Australia versus South Africa (ranked fifth) and the New Zealand versus Pakistan series.
In case of a draw, India, who are currently on 115 points, will finish on 113 points and will, thus, be untouchable even if Australia bounce back to win the remaining two Tests against South Africa or Pakistan win both the Tests against New Zealand.
A 3-2 series win will lift India to 116 points, while a4-1 series win will put them on 119 points and they will jumpto 122 points in case of a 5-0 win.
For England, a 3-2 series win will put it on 108 points,while a 4-1 series win will mean it will move ahead of Indiato 110 points. Meanwhile, India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwincontinued to hold on to the top spot in the bowlers' chart,while middle-order batsman Ajinkya Rahane has gained a placeto be at the fifth position in the batsmen's list in thelatest ICC Test rankings.
