New Delhi: Team India is not new to permutations and combinations. The run-rate calculations to reach the knockouts in limited-over format has now moved onto a fight to stay in the top four to qualify for the ICC Test Championship.In October 2010, the ICC Board approved the FTP to accommodate a Test league to provide a meaning to all the Test matches. Based on the results, ICC rankings will keep changing, with the teams finishing in the top four qualifying for the ICC Test play-off.
Another loss at The Oval, and India will drop two places to third in the ICC Test rankings.
To be held once every four years, the play-off will determine the champion Test side, with the first such team to be crowned in 2013.
But after conceding a 0-3 lead in the ongoing Test series against England, India have been knocked off as the No. 1 Test team. Replaced by England, who are playing like a dream, India now find themselves in a familiar territory – drawing scenarios that help them stay in the top four.
Another loss in the fourth Test at The Oval, and India will drop two places to third in the ICC Test rankings. This is how it may happen:
If England win the fourth Test, they will finish on 125 ratings points while India will drop to third on 117 ratings points. However, if India win or draw the Test, they will stay ahead of South Africa in second position. While a win will allow India to finish on 120 ratings points, a drawn Test will mean they finish on 119.
Wonder if MS Dhoni now laments the ranking point he lost when he decided to draw the third Test against the West Indies, needing just 86 runs off 15 overs on the final day with seven wickets in hand.
But from the cash-hungry BCCI's point of view, the scenario is set to add interest to the upcoming drab home series against the struggling West Indies. Not only will it fatten the gate earnings at the venues, it will add more zeroes to the advertising cheques.
But spare a thought for the Indian cricketers, who will once again be asked to produce their best in a chock-a-block international calendar to regain what they lost in England.
