Top 10 longest streaks as the No 1 Test team

In a series of surprise of events recently, Pakistan became the number one side in the ICC Test rankings for the first time in the history of the game. Take no credit away from Pakistan, as they have been doing exceedingly well in the format and had drawn level with England in a recently concluded series. However, it was the washed out game between India and West Indies that saw India slip down the rankings and Pakistan emerge as the top-ranked team.

With India lined up for a heavy Test schedule in the next 18 months, it will be interesting to see if Pakistan hold on to their numero uno spot or whether the Virat Kohli-led side dethrones Pakistan from the top spot and regain the number one ranking.

Getting to the top spot is an uphill task for sure, but holding the top most position is an ever tougher nut to crack. How long will Pakistan hold on to the spot? Well, for now, here are the top 10 longest streaks as the number 1 Test team since the beginning of official ICC Test rankings in 2003:

10. India – 5 days

India had the shortest stay at the top of the Test rankings in 2016. India rose to the top of the rankings by a virtuoso of Australia losing 3-0 against the Sri Lankans. Australia slipped down in the rankings as India rose up. However, in their bid to stay at the top of the points table, India needed to win by a margin of 3 Tests against West Indies.

India were unfortunate to have won the series 2-0 as they final Test was washed out. The draw in the final Test of the series meant that the third party, i.e. Pakistan, reaped entire benefits. But again, taking no credit away from the Misbah Ul Haq-led Pakistan, India lost their top spot.

Pakistan had levelled 2-2 against England in the Test series and hence were just one point behind India in the rankings before the final India-West Indies Test. The draw saw India lose out 2 points and hence Pakistan scraped through to the top spot.