India in danger of losing 2nd spot in ICC Test rankings

India will be battling to salvage not just lost pride but also their second spot in the ICC Test rankings when they take on New Zealand in the second Test in Wellington from tomorrow.

South Africa are guaranteed to retain the mace as well as collect a cash award of USD 475,000 that is presented to the side that tops the Reliance ICC Test Team Rankings on the April 1 cut-off date, but battle for second and third places remains tight as both Australia and India have a chance to finish in the top two.

South Africa are currently sitting on 133 ratings points -- 16 ratings points clear of second-ranked India with Australia occupying third place on 111 ratings points.

This means even if South Africa lose all the three Tests to Australia and India win the second Test against New Zealand to draw the series at 1-1, South Africa will finish seven ratings points ahead of Australia, which will claim the second position on 117 ratings points and followed by India (114) and England (107).

For Australia to finish in second place and grab USD 350,000, they will need to win the series against the Proteas. In this situation, India will finish third and will have to be happy with USD 250,000.

Nevertheless, if the Wellington Test ends in a draw or New Zealand wins, then Australia will only need to draw the series to stay ahead of India in second place at the April 1 cut-off date.

Meanwhile, Australia have been assured of number-one ranking while India have sealed the second position on the ICC ODI Team Rankings, on the April 1 cut-off date.

Australia will now receive the ODI Shield as well as a cheque of USD 175,000 for finishing atop while India will collect a cheque of USD 75,000.

India, the number-one ranked team since January 2013, ceded the top position to Australia after losing the recent series against New Zealand 0-4. India can now finish second irrespective of how they finish in the upcoming Asia Cup.