#ICCODIRankings: India could close gap with England by one point
What's the story
Team India could close gap with leaders England in the ICC ODI Rankings. India are second (121 points) in the rankings behind number one side England, who lead the proceedings with 126 points. The Virat Kohli-led side faces Australia in a three-match ODI series next. India also play against New Zealand post that. Here is how India could reduce the gap.
Condition
India need to whitewash both Australia and New Zealand
India will play three ODIs against Australia starting January 12. Post that the side will play against an in-form New Zealand in five ODI matches over the next month. If India manage to win all these matches on the trot, then they will see their points tally rise to 125. That will see them close the gap with England by a solitary point.
Test
India will face a stiff task in beating New Zealand
India's main test will be against New Zealand. The Kiwis have played some terrific brand of cricket against both Pakistan and Sri Lanka. They blanked the Lankans 3-0 in the recently concluded ODI series. India's last away ODI assignment came against England. They lost the series 1-2. New Zealand are third in the ODI charts with 113 points in their bag.
AUSvIND
India will be focusing on Australia
India will be confident to get the job done against Australia first. After winning the Test series 2-1, India would be seeking to inflict more misery on the Aussies, who have struggled in this format since quite sometime. A series win for India will give them the confidence to build on. Ahead of the World Cup, teams will be keen to address major areas.
Information
India and Australia to lock horns on Saturday
India play their first ODI against Australia on Saturday at the SCG. The second and third ODI will be played on January 15 and 18 respectively in Adelaide and Melbourne. The ODI series against NZ starts from January 23 onwards.