The Proteas received $500,000 (R6,250,500) for solidifying second place on the ICC Test rankings. 

As stated in an ICC media release on Tuesday, the annual update was finalized after results from the 2014-15 season were removed and the outcomes from the 2015-16 and 2016-17 seasons are weighted at 50%.

After the calculations, India stretched their lead over the Proteas from four to 13 points as they gained four points to reach 125 while South Africa have lost five points and slipped to 112. However, the Proteas still lead the remaining sides comfortably.

Australia are placed third with 106 points after gaining four points following the update, taking back the position from New Zealand, who had overtaken them at the last cut-off date on 3 April.

New Zealand receive $200,000 (R2,514,340) for finishing third before the cut-off date, while India and South Africa won $1-million (R12,555,600) and $500,000 (R6,250,500) respectively for finishing first and second.

After the update, New Zealand remain on 102 points while England have inched closer, reaching 98 after gaining one point.

In another interesting move, Bangladesh have moved ahead of the Windies, who are in ninth position for the first time ever. The Windies have lost five points and are now on 67 points while Bangladesh have gained four points to reach 75, eight points clear of the Windies.

Sri Lanka remain in sixth position after losing one point while Zimbabwe have gained a point to reach two points. The table will see new additions in the form of Afghanistan and Ireland after they have played their first Tests following their Full Membership status.

Ireland are due to play their first Test against Pakistan in Malahide, Dublin, from 11-15 May while Afghanistan’s first Test will be against India in Bengaluru from 14-18 June.

Test Rankings (as on 1 May, following the annual update):

 

Rank    Team              Points

1          India                 125 (+4)

2          South Africa      112 (-5)

3          Australia            106 (+4)

4          New Zealand     102 (-)

5          England             98 (+1)

6          Sri Lanka          94 (-1)

7          Pakistan             86 (-2)

8          Bangladesh       75 (+4)

9          Windies              67 (-5)

10        Zimbabwe            2 (+1)