Clean sweep will catapult India to top ODI spot

India plays a tri-series in Sri Lanka later this week and if Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s men can win all the three matches then India will go on top of the table for the first time since the rankings were introduced in October 2002.

Meanwhile, England, who knocked off Australia from the top in Tests, will have another opportunity to leapfrog their arch-rivals in the ODI ranking during the seven-match ODI series which begins at The Oval this Friday.

Andrew Strauss’ men can surpass the visitors if they win 5-2 or better in the series, while for Ricky Ponting’s side it will also be an opportunity to reclaim the number-one position.
Australia currently occupy the third place with 119 ratings points, one place ahead of England, who have eight points.

South Africa head the ladder with 127 ratings points followed by India on 126. However, England can move ahead of Australia if they win the series 7-0, 6-1 or 5-2. If the hosts win 7-0, it will push Australia to as low as seventh place, depending how the tri-nation series in Sri Lanka to be held from September 8-14 pans out.

A 5-2 series result in England’s favour will put it on 118 ratings points and four ahead of Australia. For Australia to regain the number-one spot not only will they have to win all the matches against England but will also require either New Zealand or Sri Lanka to beat India at least once in Colombo.