Australia drop to 5th spot in Test rankings

New Delhi:

Once hailed as 'The Invincibles', Australia have dropped to the fifth position in the ICC Test rankings after they lost both Tests of the series against World No 1 India in Bangalore on Wednesday.

While India have consolidated their number-one ranking, Australia have slipped behind England into fifth spot.

ICC Test Rankings | India win Test series

India and Australia had entered the series on 127 and 113 ratings points, respectively. However, India's victories, by one wicket in Mohali and by seven wickets in Bangalore, have helped them earn three ratings points which have put them 11 points clear of second-placed South Africa.
 
In sharp contrast, Australia have conceded three ratings points, which means they have slipped to fifth position on 110 ratings points, two behind England. This is Australia's lowest ranking since the ICC Test Championship rankings were introduced in 2003.
 
However, Australia will have a chance to regain their fourth position when they go head to head with England in a five-Test Ashes series which starts in Brisbane on 23 November.
 
The next couple of months will be exciting times for Test cricket as apart from the Ashes, Pakistan will be hosting South Africa in a two-Test series in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), while New Zealand will be travelling to India for a three-Test series, following which India will tour South Africa for a three-Test series. Sri Lanka will also be in action when it hosts the West Indies for a three-Test series.