Pakistan have become the world’s No1 ranked Test side after a wet ground at the Queen’s Park Oval in Port of Spain denied India the chance to beat West Indies and so retain their position at the top of the list. It is the first time Pakistan has topped the Test rankings. In order to remain the top Test side, India needed to win and claim a 3-0 victory in the four-match series. However, heavy showers left the ground saturated meaning that no play has been possible since lunch on the first day of the fourth Test with the match finishing a draw. It means India claimed 110 ranking points, leaving them one point behind Pakistan in the top spot.
Pakistan have at times dropped as low as seventh, last doing so in February 2010, but since Misbah-ul-Haq took over the captaincy at the end of that year, they have risen steadily despite having had to play almost in the UAE rather than at home since the 2009 attacks on the touring Sri Lanka side’s bus.
“There is no greater feeling than to achieve the No1 ranking in the most traditional and purest format of the sport,” said Misbah. “This is what cricketers play for and want to achieve in their careers. No1 ranking is a reward for something we had planned as a group a few years ago and have worked extremely hard to achieve it. To top the Test table is something to be very proud of.
“I want to compliment everyone who has been involved in the process, including all the players, the support personnel, the management, as well as our loyal fans and followers who remained committed to us and continued to back and support the side through the good and not-so-good days.”
He added: “For us, the No1 ranking is not a destination but part of a journey. Our long-term objective and strategy is to remain competitive, continue to challenge the top sides with good cricket and once again become the most followed side like the Pakistan teams of yesteryears. If we can achieve these on a consistent basis, then I am sure there will more laurels like this down the line.”
Pakistan will be presented with the ceremonial mace, which is awarded to the No1 Test side. The squad is currently in England and about to embark on a one-day series after levelling the Test series 2-2 with the hosts.
Latest Test rankings
1. Pakistan 111 points
2. India 110
3. Australia 108
4. England 108
5. New Zealand 99
6. Sri Lanka 95
7. South Africa 92
8. West Indies 67
9. Bangladesh 57
10. Zimbabwe 8
[Source:- The Guardian]
