Queen Park Oval’s travails with drying an outfield dampened by rain spilled over to a fourth successive day before match officials called the Test off on the fifth morning after a quick consultation with Anil Kumble and Phil Simmons, the head coaches of India and Pakistan.
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With only one day left and a draw inevitable, India will win the four-test series 2-0.
But they needed to defeat the West Indies 3-0 to prevent their arch-rivals from supplanting them at the top, following a 2-2 series draw in England.
Heavy rains on Thursday’s opening day limited play to one and three quarter hours in which time West Indies reached 62 for two, after opting to bat first.
Seeking another victory to complete a 3-0 series triumph and formalise their return to the top of the global Test rankings, the tourists made two early strikes on a heavily overcast morning before the showers swept in just before the lunch interval to bring an end to the day’s play. “This is what cricketers play for and want to achieve in their careers”, said the veteran batsman. Our long-term objective and strategy is to remain competitive, continue to challenge the top sides with good cricket and once again become the most followed side like the Pakistan teams of yesteryears. “The ascension to the top of the ICC Test rankings culminates an incredible journey for Pakistan”, Khan said.
“Misbah and his side deserve our heartiest congratulations. The battle for the top ranking has made it even more exciting for all fans”, he added. Further, it was told that if India will be failing to do so Pakistan will be the Number 1 Test Team. The details of the presentation ceremony will be announced in due course.
Within days the Pakistan team has been declared the World No. 1 Test team, mainly thanks to the washed out fourth Test match between India and West Indies.
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Their rise to No. 1 was built on the back of a run of unbeaten Test series since August 2014, when they were down at No. 6.
