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After reclaiming the Ashes and ending Australia’s worst losing streak in thirty years, captain Michael Clarke already has his sights set far beyond an Ashes whitewash.
The goal? Reclaiming the No. 1 Test team ranking. But what’s the road ahead for Clarke and his men?
Before the 2013/14 Ashes, Australia was ranked fifth on 101 points, trailing Pakistan on 102.
However, with a 3-0 lead already in this Ashes series, Australia is certain to break into the top four, even if England manages to somehow pull off victories in both Melbourne and Sydney.
A final series result of 3-0 for the Australians means fourth on 108 points; 4-0 third on 109 points; 5-0 third on 111 points.
This is behind second placed India with 119 points and first placed South Africa with 131 points.
Focusing on that top three, India and South Africa are currently halfway through a two Test series, with the epic first Test match resulting in a draw.
Australia’s next Test series is a three match tour of South Africa in February, while India will be playing a two Test series against New Zealand.
Unfortunately for the Australians, however, reclaiming the No. 1 Test ranking will be impossible by the end of the summer; a surprise to no-one.
The best Australia can achieve is still third place on 117 points, tied with India and South Africa but ranked lower due to the higher number of Test matches they’ve played in the past four years.
And this is only if Australia can also manage to whitewash South Africa in February, under the proviso that India wins their next Test against South Africa, only to lose 2-0 to New Zealand; highly unlikely.
Clarke and his men will have to win their next five Test matches and pray for a miracle to even be close to reclaiming the No. 1 Test team ranking any time soon.
But considering Australia’s dismal form against quality opposition these past few years, the journey to the top of the world rankings was always going to be a long one.
And with eight of Australia’s current XI over thirty years of age, will they be part of that top ranked side, whether in 2014 or even further down the track? Only time will tell.
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