South Africa's defeat would be India's gain as MS Dhoni's men stand to get back the 2nd spot in ICC one-day rankings if England beat the Proteas in a 5-match ODI series starting Friday in Johannesburg.
India had tripped to 3rd after losing a 7-match ODI series against Australia 2-4 a few weeks ago.
In individual rankings, South African Skipper Graeme Smith has the opportunity to put pressure on top ranked Indian foil MS Dhoni and 2nd-placed Michael Hussey in the list for ICC ODI batsmen.
An all-out triumph for the 6th-placed England would see them rise to 3rd and leave the 2nd-placed hosts 5th.
But if Graeme Smith's side manages to win the ODI series 5-0 it will close the gap with Australia to just two points. However, if the Proteas win 3-2, their triumph margin will not be enough to maintain 2nd place and they will slip to 3rd behind India.
If Andrew Strauss' side win the ODI series 3-2, it would rise to 5th in the ICC ODI rankings and South Africa would drop to 3rd, again providing India with 2nd place.
No victory situation can see either team putting any pressure on the current table toppers Australia.
In the Rankings for ODI batsmen, Graeme Smith is still the highest-ranked player of either side at the 3rd spot.
India had tripped to 3rd after losing a 7-match ODI series against Australia 2-4 a few weeks ago.
In individual rankings, South African Skipper Graeme Smith has the opportunity to put pressure on top ranked Indian foil MS Dhoni and 2nd-placed Michael Hussey in the list for ICC ODI batsmen.
An all-out triumph for the 6th-placed England would see them rise to 3rd and leave the 2nd-placed hosts 5th.
But if Graeme Smith's side manages to win the ODI series 5-0 it will close the gap with Australia to just two points. However, if the Proteas win 3-2, their triumph margin will not be enough to maintain 2nd place and they will slip to 3rd behind India.
If Andrew Strauss' side win the ODI series 3-2, it would rise to 5th in the ICC ODI rankings and South Africa would drop to 3rd, again providing India with 2nd place.
No victory situation can see either team putting any pressure on the current table toppers Australia.
In the Rankings for ODI batsmen, Graeme Smith is still the highest-ranked player of either side at the 3rd spot.