England looking at No. 1 Test ranking?

England last tasted a series-win in India almost 28 years ago. So while Alastair Cook and boys will be looking to fulfill this long cherished dream as they take to the field on November 15, something else too will be playing on their minds -- regaining the No.1 Test ranking.

Though a rather uphill task, given they will be playing in India this time, but mathematically they can get back the top-slot by the end of this series itself.

But for that, quite a few things need to go their way.

First, Australia need to beat South by a margin of atleast one Test in the ongoing series.

In that way, they will become the No.1 ranked team, And push South Africa to the second spot.

After that, England will have to beat India atleast 3-0, so that they can dislodge Australia from the number one spot.

Here's a predictor on how England could become number one on the Test ranking table:

Australia wins 1-0, England wins 3-0
1          England  120
2          Australia 119

Australia wins 1-0, England wins 4-0
1          England   121
2          Australia  119

Australia wins 2-0, England wins 4-0
1          England 121
2          Australia 121 (behind by a fraction of a ratings point)

Australia wins 2-1, England wins 3-0
1          England 120
2          Australia 119

Australia wins 2-1, England wins 4-0
1          England 121
2          Australia 119

Australia-South Africa draw level 0-0, England wins 3-0
1          England 120
2          South Africa 120 (behind by a fraction of a ratings point)

Australia-South Africa draw level 0-0, England wins 4-0
1          England 121
2          South Africa 120

Australia-South Africa draw level 1-1, England wins 3-0
1          England 120
2          South Africa 120 (behind by a fraction of a ratings point)

Australia-South Africa draw level 1-1, England wins 4-0
1          England 121
2          South Africa 120

But if South Africa were to win the series against Australia by a margin or 1-0 or better, England could, at best, hope to take second place if it were to beat India.

India on the other hand may be away from the race to the pinnacle but can manage to jump up two places and take the third spot if the team secures a 2-0 win in the series.