India need just one draw against Australia to hold on to top spot in Test rankings

India are just a few days away from going up against the mighty Aussies in their own backyard. Virat Kohli & Co. will back themselves to pull off a rare win away from home as they enter the four-match Test series as favorites. The absence of Steven Smith and David Warner will certainly affect the Aussies but a strong bowling department will ensure that they will give the Indian batsmen a tough time down under.

However, the visitors need to draw just one Test match from the four in order to hold on to their top spot in the ICC Test rankings. Meanwhile, the hosts’ who have a tally of 102 points, will have to beat India by a margin of 4-0 in order to jump to the top of the list. Australia are currently ranked fifth on the table while India occupy the number one spot with a tally of 116 points. 

If India win the series 4-0, they will move to 120 points while Australia will drop to 97 points. However, if the series result is reversed, then Australia will move to pole position with 110 points and India will slip to third at 108 points, behind England at number two.

The four-match Test series is scheduled to begin in Adelaide on Thursday. At present, there is a difference of 14 points between both teams which meant that India are expected to win the series comfortably. But if they fail to do so, the table-toppers will definitely end up losing points, ICC stated.