DOWNWARD SLIDE

South Africa slip to sixth in Test rankings

by Cricbuzz Staff • Published on

The Proteas have lost 17 points and are sixth with 92 points to their name. © Cricbuzz

The International Cricket Council's annual update on Tuesday (May 3) revealed that South Africa have dropped three places down to be placed sixth in the Test rankings. The Proteas have lost 17 points and are sixth with 92 points to their name. Australia, India, Pakistan, England and New Zealand are the team above South Africa.

Considering the rankings work on a four-year cycle, the results from the 2012-13 season weren't considered. This proved to be South Africa's downfall as their wins over Australia, England, New Zealand and Pakistan in that period didn't count.

West Indies suffered a similar fate as their wins over New Zealand, Bangladesh and Zimbabwe didn't count. They are still placed eighth in the rankings but have lost nine points. That has significantly reduced the gap between them and ninth placed Bangladesh to just eight points currently.

Australia, who became number one in February this year after defeating New Zealand 2-0, have extended their lead at the top to six points. They will have a chance to widen the gap with second-placed India when they take on Sri Lanka in July. India currently have 112 points and are slightly ahead of Pakistan (111), who were benefitted by the 2014-15 results losing 50% of its impact in the update.ICC Test rankings (following the annual update)1. Australia 1182. India 1123. Pakistan 1114. England 1055. New Zealand 986. South Africa 927. Sri Lanka 888. West Indies 659. Bangladesh 57

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