Only 22 overs of play were possible over the five days of the fourth Test at Queen’s Park Oval, and there was no play on the last four days despite the ground receiving plenty of sunshine in that time.
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It needed a win, and a 3-0 series scoreline, to retain the spot that came its way earlier this week after Sri Lanka defeated Australia 3-0 and Pakistan drew with England 2-2.
Pakistan Test captain Misbah-ul-Haq has said achieving top Test ranking for Pakistan for the first time is something to be very proud of and the entire nation is delighted over this special feat. They had featured at No. 2 for the first time in November 2015, after beating England 2-0 in the UAE.
The team – who have replaced India at the top – have not played a Test at house in six years for security reasons. “In recognition of such an occurrence, the ICC and the home board [in this case the Pakistan Cricket Board] will plan the presentation event which would require the presence of all stakeholders including the captain because the mace is presented to the man leading the team”. We have Dhawal Kulkarni, we have identified a few bowlers back home as well who we want to keep fit and want to keep them up-to-date with the fitness levels required to play at this level in Test-match cricket, so that for me is one aspect that’s been really pleasing to see.
Pakistan will play three Tests in Australia during the 2016/17 summer, in Brisbane, Melbourne (Boxing Day Test) and Sydney.
Talking to a private Pakistani TV channel in Rose Bowl, Southampton, Intikhab Alam said that being number one in ICC Test Ranking is a great achievement, especially considering the conditions Pakistan cricket has been in for the past eight years. “Our long-term objective and strategy is to remain competitive, continue to challenge the top sides with good cricket”.
To mark Pakistan’s number-one Test status, it will be presented with the ICC Test Championship mace.
ICC Chief Executive David Richardson congratulated Pakistan on achieving the number-one Test ranking. Pakistan, meanwhile, have moved ahead of the Indian team. “The key to success of the Test team was consistency and I hope if we remain consistent in ODIs then we will also achieve better results very soon”, Malik added.
Pakistan Cricket Board should encourage its player to play county cricket and league cricket to adjust in the English condition because there are many important events lined up over the next few years in England.
Darren Bravo, West Indies’ best batsman, had a poor series, with only one half-century in seven innings, and ended the series with his Test average dipping below 40.
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“It is a symbol of excellence for any team to top the ranking”.
