Australia are in danger of losing their top position to a resurgent
South Africa in the International Cricket Council (ICC) One-day International
(ODI) Championship table following the Proteas' series win over Pakistan.
ICC said Thursday that if Australia (120 points) lose their
upcoming three-match Chappell Hadlee ODI series to New Zealand
the World Cup winners will have to relinquish top spot to Graeme Smith's
South African side (128 points).
The last time Australia were displaced was way back in October
2002. The series between a depleted Australia and hosts New Zealand starts in
Wellington Friday.
India are placed fifth with 108 points while Kenya at the 11th
spot is the only country without a point.
But the Rahul Dravid-led side has scope for plenty of
movement when it plays Sri Lanka in the fourth and final ODI in Visakhapatnam
Saturday.
Australia is without regular captain Ricky Ponting,
vice-captain Adam Gilchrist and also the injured duo Andrew Symonds
and fast bowler Brett Lee.
Lee damaged his ankle in training that forced him to sit out at least the first
clash.
"The reason why that lead is now so slim is down to a combination of factors.
On the one hand, Australia 's ranking has slipped 10 points since May 2005,
when it stood at 140 points," ICC said.
"And on the other, South Africa has enjoyed a real surge in its ODI form
over the past 12 months or so, starting with its 3-2 series win over Ponting's
men in early 2006."
In the same period that Australia has dropped those 10 rating
points, the Proteas have gained 16 points and now they are within touching distance
from the summit, just ahead of World Cup that starts in the Caribbean March
11.
Teams' rankings:
1 Australia 130 points
2 South Africa 128
3 Pakistan 111
4 Sri Lanka 109
5 India 108
6 New Zealand 107
7 England 106
8 West Indies 101
9 Bangladesh 42
10 Zimbabwe 22
11 Kenya 0
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