ICC Test Rankings: Australia climb to third place, overtake England
Australia's innings victory over England in Sydney helped them overtake England and climb to third spot in the latest ICC Test Team Rankings. The hosts came in to the series in fifth place with 97 points but moved up to third spot and gained seven points following their 4-0 series triumph. England, who came into the series in third place are now in fifth spot with 99 points (losing six).
The Ashes began with a 10-wicket victory for Australia at the Gabba before a 120-run win in the Day-Night Ashes Test at Adelaide. The series was sealed with the innings victory at Perth but any hopes of another whitewash was dashed after the draw during the Boxing Day Test at the MCG. Another dominant bowling display helped Australia seal a 4-0 win and climb up the rankings.
Only No.1 ranked India (124) and South Africa (111) are above Australia and the two are currently playing in a three-match Test series in South Africa. Steve Smith's side began 2017 in second place but fell to third before the annual update on May 1. England started 2017 in fourth place and climbed up to third following a successful home series.
Both sides will now travel overseas for their next Test assignment. While Australia will travel to South Africa to play a four-match Test series beginning on March 1, England travel across the Tasman sea to play New Zealand in a two-match Test series. Both sides will now compete in a five-match ODI series following which the two sides will take part in a T20I tri-series along with New Zealand.
The next update will be after the conclusion of India's tour of South Africa, which ends with the final Test in Johannesburg that begins on January 27.
Here is the latest ICC Test team rankings:
