The Proteas have slipped from third to sixth in the latest ICC Test rankings, while Australia have extended their lead at the top.

This follows the annual update, as the results from 2012-13 are no longer included in the calculations, and the results from 2014-15 are now weighted at 50%.

Australia are now six points ahead of second-placed India, who lead Pakistan by just one point. Pakistan have benefited as they lost to the Proteas 3-0. It affects the Proteas the most as they had a very successful 2012-13, earning series victories against England, Australia, New Zealand and Pakistan.

As a result they’ve lost 17 ranking points, allowing New Zealand, England and Pakistan to move ahead of them. West Indies have also been affected by this, because their victories over New Zealand, Bangladesh and Zimbabwe have all been dropped. Only eight points separate them and Bangladesh.

Latest ICC Test Team Rankings

Rank  Team               Points

1(-)      Australia          118(+6)

2(-)      India                112(+2)

3(+1)   Pakistan           111(+5)

4(+1)   England           105(+3)

5(+1)   New Zealand  98(+2)

6(-3)    South Africa   92(-17)

7(-)      Sri Lanka         88(-1)

8(-)      West Indies     65(-11)

9(-)      Bangladesh     57(+10)

 

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