Pakistan retain third spot in Test rankings post crushing win against England

London, Aug 14 (ANI): Pakistan remained in third position on the ICC Test team rankings after securing a 2-2 draw in the four-match series against England at The Oval on Sunday. The Misbah-ul-Haq-led side trounced England by 10 wickets in the fourth and final Test, thanks to veteran batsman Younis Khan's double century and leg-spinner Yasir Shah's five wicket-haul in the second innings. Pakistan, however, could rise to number-one depending on how the Colombo Test between Sri Lanka and Australia, and the fourth Test between the West Indies and India in Port of Spain pan out. Sri Lanka's win by 2-0 or 3-0, coupled with a 2-0 or 2-1 win for India against the West Indies will give Pakistan the number-one ranking for the first time since the official rankings were introduced in 2003. The highest Pakistan has ever reached is second position following its series win over England in the United Arab Emirates last year. However, if Steve Smith's side wins the third Test, then it will join Pakistan on 111 points and will be ranked above Misbah's side when the points are calculated beyond the decimal point. This result plus West Indies' win or draw in Port of Spain will mean Australia will return home as the number-one ranked Test side. India undoubtedly has the best chance to finish on top as it has destiny in its own hands. It needs to win the Port of Spain Test to reclaim the number-one ranking which it had conceded to Australia following Australia's 2-0 series win over New Zealand in February this year. (ANI)