India moved into the second place of the International Cricket Council (ICC) Test Championship table after completing a 3-0 drubbing of South Africa in the four-Test series, which concluded with the fourth match in New Delhi today. Hosts India notched up a massive 337-run victory over South Africa in the fourth and final Test at the Ferozshah Kotla stadium after dismissing the visitors for 143 in 143.1 overs.
The 3-0 series result has helped Virat Kohli’s side gain 10 points, which has lifted it from 100 points to 110 points, ahead of Australia and Pakistan, which have slipped one place each to third and fourth, respectively. Hashim Amla’s side has retained its number one Test ranking, but its lead at the top has been slashed from 16 points to just four points.
India don't play Tests till cut-off date of April 1
India have no more Tests before the annual 1 April cut-off date, but Australia will host eighth-ranked West Indies in a three-Test series from December 10, sixth-ranked New Zealand will go head to head with seventh-ranked Sri Lanka also from December 10, while fifth-ranked England will travel to South Africa for a four-Test series which will start in Durban on December 26.
To finish as the number one ranked Test side at the annual cut-off date, South Africa will have to, at least, draw the series with England. Their failure to do so will result in it falling from the top pedestal and handing the number one position to Australia (provided it wins the series against the West Indies by 3-0).
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