Pakistan have received a boost going into the Royal London ODI series with England after becoming the fifth team in history to top the ICC Test rankings.
Their feat was secured after the fourth, and final, Test between the West Indies and India ended in a draw; as India, who were previously number one in the rankings, needed a victory at the Queen Park Oval, in the Port of Spain, to stay in pole position.
But, due to adverse weather hampering play in Trinidad & Tobago, India won the series against the Windies 2-0 and finished on 110 points – one behind Pakistan and two ahead of Australia, who sit third.
Pakistan, meanwhile, soared to top-spot having played out an enthralling two-all drawn series on British soil this summer.
Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq said there is no greater feeling to reach number one in the rankings – and that it is a reward for something they had targeted a few years ago and worked hard to achieve.
“To top the Test table, which boasts some of the best sides and players, is something to be very proud of,” he said.
“For us, the number-one ranking is not a destination but part of a journey.
“Our long-term objective and strategy is to remain competitive, continue to challenge the top sides with good cricket and once again become the most followed side like the Pakistan teams of yesteryears.
“If we can achieve these on a consistent basis, then I am sure there will more laurels like this down the line.”
And ICC chief executive David Richardson congratulated Pakistan’s achievement, adding: “The past few weeks of Test cricket have been incredibly absorbing with some high-quality competitive series being played, exhibiting what is so special about Test cricket.
“The battle for the top ranking has made it even more exciting for all fans.”
Trent Bridge hosts the third match of the Royal London One-Day International series between England and Pakistan on Tuesday, 30 August.