Published: Feb 24, 2016, 02:18 PM (IST)
Edited: Feb 24, 2016, 02:49 PM (IST)
Australia replaced India at the apex of the ICC Test rankings after defeating New Zealand convincingly by seven wickets in the second Test of the two-match series at Christchurch on Wednesday. With this win, they have whitewashed the hosts by 2-0 and now occupied the top position in world rankings as India have been dropped down to second position with 110 points in their basket.
Before the start of Trans-Tasman Trophy, Australia were just a point behind with 109 points from 40 outings whereas India had 110 from 32 Tests. But Australia have put up a clinical performance in New Zealand to climb up the points table.
Australia were chasing a target 201 runs in the second innings of the second Test after cleaning New Zealand for 370 and 335 in two innings respectively. Australia posted a mammoth total of 505 and looked into the game from the start. They chased down the target with ease as Joe Burns scored a tenacious 65 with Steve Smith contributing with a determined fifty. Eventually, they won the game by seven wickets.
Australia have had a prolific run in the Test cricket in the recent times. They have some good games lined up in the current calendar year and will be interesting to see how they fare. The third and the fourth position in the points table are occupied by South Africa and Pakistan respectively. This Test was also the final game of New Zealand skipper Brendon McCullum as he has bid farewell to the game.
