DOHA: Australia cricket team removed India from the top since October 2016 of the official Test rankings on Friday.
Despite Australia’s rise, coach Justin Langer said India still remained their benchmark.
“I said in my first conference as coach we will know we are a great team if we can beat India in India and that is certainly a great goal for us,” Langer said in a Cricket Australia news release.
“We know they are so tough to beat so only then will we really know we can claim the number one spot.”
Virat Kohli and his men’s impressive 12-1 win-loss record in the 2016-17 period saw them claim the top position.
Professional cricket remains suspended because of the coronavirus pandemic, which has also clouded the outlook for this year’s Twenty20 World Cup in Australia.
India, who registered their maiden test series victory in Australia last year, are scheduled to tour Down Under later this year.
Whitewashed 2-0 in their last test series in New Zealand this year, India slipped to third position, behind the Blackcaps, with only two points separating the top three teams.
Australia retained the Ashes in England last year and were unbeaten in five home tests against Pakistan and New Zealand.
Australia replaced another South Asian team, Pakistan, to top the Twenty20 rankings as well, boosting their confidence ahead of their home World Cup.
