India, by virtue of a dominating performance against New Zealand, has claimed the number 1 spot in the latest ICC Test Rankings, replacing their arch-rivals Pakistan. Indian Cricket Team, led by Virat Kohli, whitewashed New Zealand and sent a strong message to England ahead of their tour of India, in which they will play 5 Test matches.
The ICC Test Championship Mace was presented to India’s Test captain Virat Kohli by former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar after the third Test match of the recently concluded Test series between India and Australia.
As per the International Cricket Council regulations, the side that tops the Test Team Rankings on that date will receive a cash award of USD 1million. The side placed second will get USD 500,000 while those finishing third and fourth will receive USD 200,000 and USD 100,000, respectively.
India were already assured of finishing at the top of the MRF Tyres rankings after winning the second Test at Eden Gardens thus regaining the position from Pakistan who had climbed up post a 2-2 draw with England. But they were officially given the ICC Test Mace after the completion of the series in Indore.
India’s Test skipper Virat Kohli became only the second India captain after Mahendra Singh Dhoni and 10th overall to receive the ICC Test Championship Mace, even though it is for the third time since Kohli took over as captain that India have led the rankings table.
