India stay at No.1 in Test rankings

India maintained their supremacy at the top of ICC rankings for Test teams after winning the three-Test series against New Zealand.

However, India with 129 points given their huge difference with the Kiwis (80) at the start of the series, lost one rating point despite the triumph.

On the other hand, the 1-0 defeat after draws in the first two Tests helped New Zealand earn two rating points and gain a place in the rankings chart, released after the completion of the three-match series.

Thanks to their fighting efforts in the first two Tests, New Zealand replaced West Indies from the seventh position.

India had entered the series leading eighth-placed New Zealand by 52 ratings points. This gap meant Mahendra Singh Dhoni's side was expected to win the series convincingly.

Meanwhile, the upcoming five-match Ashes series will give hosts Australia a chance to leapfrog England, placed fourth with 112 rating points.

A 1-0 or 3-2 series win will put Australia on 112 ratings points, leaving England on 109 points, while a 3-0 or 4-1 series win will lift Australia to 115 ratings points, with England on 107.

However, if England win the series they will not only retain the Ashes but also extend their advantage over the traditional rivals.

The much-anticipated series will also provide off-spinner Graeme Swann with an opportunity to become the first English bowler in over six years to top the ICC player rankings for Test bowlers.

Currently in second position, Swann trails South Africa spearhead Dale Steyn by just six ratings points. Steve Harmison was the last English bowler to top the rankings.

ICC rankings for Tests and ODIs

ICC Test Championship

Team Matches Points Rating
India 38 4893 129
South Africa 29 3463 119
Sri Lanka 23 2635 115
England 39 4355 112
Australia 37 4061 110
Pakistan 23 1918 83
New Zealand 29 2318 80
West Indies 21 1668 79
Bangladesh 19 131 7

ICC ODI Championship

Team Matches Points Rating
Australia 36 4595 128
Sri Lanka 33 3892 118
India 34 3993 117
South Africa 25 2873 115
England 28 3147 112
Pakistan 27 2704 100
New Zealand 24 2307 96
West Indies 18 1207 67
Bangladesh 28 1867 67
Ireland 11 425 39
Zimbabwe 30 1110 37
Netherlands 6 103 17
Kenya 8 1 0