Australia's 2-1 Ashes defeat, confirmed with a heavy 197-run loss at The Oval on Sunday, has cost them their No. 1 spot in the ICC Test rankings. They have slipped to fourth, with South Africa now the No. 1 Test team in the world, followed by Sri Lanka and India.
It is the first time the Australians have lost their grip on the top spot since 2003, when the ICC introduced its current ranking system. The defeat has cost them eight points but despite the series result they remain ahead of their arch rivals England, who are in fifth place. England gained six points but are still 11 behind Australia.
Australia were in danger of losing their No. 1 ranking towards the end of last year, when they lost a home Test series to South Africa 2-1. A consolation win in the third Test in Sydney ensured they retained top spot and they also held on thanks to their follow-up series victory in South Africa.
ICC TEST CHAMPIONSHIP RANKINGS
| Team | Matches | Points | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Africa | 30 | 3672 | 122 |
| Sri Lanka | 24 | 2852 | 119 |
| India | 28 | 3327 | 119 |
| Australia | 31 | 3600 | 116 |
| England | 39 | 4102 | 105 |
| Pakistan | 17 | 1424 | 84 |
| New Zealand | 22 | 1794 | 82 |
| West Indies | 25 | 1910 | 76 |
| Bangladesh | 19 | 255 | 13 |
- Ricky Ponting has admitted that they had got the playing 11 wrong in omitting Nathan Hauritz.. The Oval took turn from the first day itself.. Swann had picked up 5 wickets in the 1st innings and part time spinner Marcus North picked 4 wickets..
- Ponting became the first Australian captain since Billy Murdoch to twice lead Australia to Ashes series defeats in England..
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