India to finish third in ICC Test rankings

Dubai: India will have to settle for the third spot behind England in the ICC Test team rankings after the latter managed to salvage a draw in the final Test against New Zealand in Auckland on Tuesday.

India not only needed to win the Delhi Test but also had to hope for a New Zealand victory in the Auckland Test. India could have earned USD 350,000 if New Zealand won the series 1-0, as they would have finished second in the rankings table at the cut-off date of April 1. India, for finishing third, will now have to settle for USD 250,000 while Australia will bag USD 150,000 for being fourth. India, for their 4-0 whitewash of the Australians, gained seven ranking points to finish the season on 112. While England lost four points after all their three Tests against the Kiwis ended in a draw. South Africa, with 128 points, have already sealed its position as the number-one ranked Test side at the cut-off date and have been assured of a reward of USD 450,000. PTI