Pakistan's No.1 Ranking Reward For Wonderful Planning: Misbah-ul-Haq

Pakistan have scaled the pinnacle of the Test ranking after the fourth Test between India and West Indies ended in a damp draw at Port-of-Spain. Misbah-ul-Haq's team drew the four-Test series against England 2-2 and it represents a remarkable achievement for a team that has not played any Tests at home since 2009.

This is the first time that Pakistan have become the No.1 ranked team in the world ever since rankings were introduced in 2003. Speaking on the achievement, Misbah said the No.1 ranking is part of a long-term journey.

"Our long-term objective and strategy is to remain competitive, continue to challenge the top sides with good cricket and once again become the most followed side like the Pakistan teams of yesteryears. If we can achieve these on a consistent basis, then I am sure there will more laurels like this down the line," Misbah said.

The Pakistan skipper said that this was a proud moment in his career. "Number-one ranking is a reward for something we had planned as a group a few years ago and have worked extremely hard to achieve it. To top the Test table, which boasts some of the best sides and players, is something to be very proud of," he added.

Ever since playing their Tests away from the country, Pakistan have played their Tests mostly in the UAE. They have not lost a single series in the UAE and in the last five years, they have lost only two Test series, one to South Africa and one to Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka's 3-0 whitewash of Australia, combined with India's 2-0 series win over the West Indies, resulted in Pakistan securing the number one ranking after their 10-wicket win over England at The Oval.