Australia drop to fifth in ICC Test Team rankings after series defeat in UAE

Australia has dropped places after suffering a big defeat at the hands of Pakistan in the second and final game of the Test series played at Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi. The side has slipped to fifth place in the latest ICC Test Team Rankings. Pakistan has certainly consolidated their position with a series win at Abu Dhabi.

Sarfaraz and co. came under heavy criticisms after Australia escaped with a draw in the first game of the Test series played at Dubai. Australia were placed at third position with 106 points before the two-match Test series began against Pakistan. Tim Paine and co. were marginally behind South Africa in the ICC Test Team Rankings before Pakistan series. England and New Zealand have taken overtaken Australia in the latest ICC Test Team Rankings due to a series defeat in UAE.

Pakistan has earned valuable points and have 95 points to their name. The green shirts are still placed at seventh position despite their series win against Australia in the UAE. Pakistan is just two points behind Sri Lanka according to latest ICC Test Team Rankings. India continues to rule the roost at the top with 116 points to their name.

Pace bowler Mohammad Abbas must be credited for Pakistan’s comprehensive win in Abu Dhabi. He became the first pace bowler to pick up a ten-wicket haul in the UAE in Test cricket. His career-best figures of 10 for 95 helped Pakistan beat Australia by a big margin and win the Test series. For Australia, Usman Khuwaja and Travis Head really played well and produced consistent scores for the side on the tour. Off-spinner Nathan Lyon also deserves appreciation for his good bowling performances in the two-match Test series.

The conclusion of the two-match Test series will see Australia play three-match T20I series that will begin from 24^th October in Abu Dhabi.