New Zealand win boosts arch-rival Aussies

Sydney: New Zealand`s series win over India has done a favour for arch-rivals Australia by putting them on the verge of reaching the world number two Test ranking, officials said Tuesday.

The Black Caps wrapped up a 1-0 win in Wellington but they were not the only ones celebrating with Australia now needing only to draw their three-Test series with South Africa to go second. Australia are already 1-0 up against the top-ranked Proteas, who are under pressure after lethal speedster Mitchell Johnson recorded match-winning figures of 12 for 127 in the first Test. According to an International Cricket Council (ICC) statement, India are just one point ahead of third-placed Australia in the rankings after slipping from 117 to 112 points. New Zealand have moved up one place to seventh out of the 10 Test-playing nations after going ahead of the West Indies, who are also on 87, by fractions of a point.