New Zealand closing in on second in Test table

Victory for New Zealand in the final Test of its three match home series against South Africa will take it within two points of second place in the ICC Test Championship table.

A 2-0 victory over South Africa coupled with the mandatory bonus points for a series win would boost New Zealand's rating from 100 to 106, lifting it from sixth to third in the official table.

At the same time this result would cause second place South Africa's rating to fall from 113 to 108 putting New Zealand well within striking distance of second when it plays a three-Test series against England in May and June.

South Africa has never been outside the top two in the ICC Test Championship since it was first launched in May 2001, even topping the official standings from January to May 2003. Anything less than a win in the final Test against New Zealand will make this impressive track record vulnerable.

If South Africa can win the final Test in Wellington to tie the series it will remain in a healthy second position with a rating of 112 while New Zealand's rating will only improve by one point from 100 to 101. A draw in the last match will see South Africa slide to 109 while New Zealand will climb to 105.

The ICC Test Championship table correct on 22 March 2004

The official Test table is updated at the end of each series once the final outcome of the series is known. The winning team from a Test series receives bonus points equivalent to one additional match victory.

The impact future results will have on the ratings is available on the official ICC website. For a full explanation of how the ratings are calculated, visit www.icc.cricket.org.

For further information: