Series draw with West Indies puts http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Australia-c746’s top ODI team status in danger – Cricket News Update
While their victory in the first ODI of their 5-match series against the http://www.senore.com/Cricket/West-Indies-c760 enabled them to hold on to the number 1 spot on the ICC’s top ODI team rankings, Australia’s ultimate 2-2 series draw put their status as the top team on shaky ground.
Fresh from their victory in the Commonwealth Banks series they hosted in February this month, the Aussie team got off to a good start in the Caribbean, securing a 64-run win in the first match of the series. However, things took a downward turn when the
host team made a strong comeback in the second game, defeating the tourists by 5 wickets.
The 3rd match looked to be in the visitors’ control, but ended in a tie. Victory continued to elude the Aussies in the 4th game, as they conceded a 42-run defeat. However, the alarming state of affairs jolted the team back into action
and they managed to end the series on a draw after clinching a 30-run victory in the very last match.
Their slip-up against the Windies has cost the Australian team four ranking points. They currently have a rating of 123, and the Proteas, second on the rankings, are just five points behind, with 118.
The team status is not the sole concern, as individual players also suffered set-backs. http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Shakib-Al-Hasan-c2492, who had proved
to be a key figure in his team’s recent improved performances in the Asia Cup.
However, the series proved beneficial for the Windies, who found themselves directly below the http://www.senore.com/Cricket/New-Zealand-c754 team with an equal 86 points (after having gained 7 ranking points). However, they continue to occupy the 8th position on the rankings.
In addition, captain http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Andre-Dwayne-Russell-c44235 found themselves moved up on the rankings.
With the ODI series concluded, both teams have a chance to improve their Test rankings as they gear up to face off in a 3-match series scheduled to commence on April 7 at the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados. Australia is currently ranked 4th
while the West Indies occupy the 7thspot.
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