Ashes 2017/18: Australia and England Switch Places in the ICC Test Rankings

Australia defeated England in the fifth and final Ashes Test by an innings and 123 runs and regained the Ashes Urn after winning the series 4-0. The series win over their arch-rivals meant that the two teams have now switched places with each other on the ICC Test rankings. Australia have jumped to the third spot in the MRF ICC Test Rankings following the conclusion of the Ashes in Sydney on Monday.

On the other hand, England have slipped to the fifth spot after their humiliating 4-0 loss Down Under. The Aussies came into the Ashes in the fifth position with 97 points, while England were at the third position with 105 points. After the series, Australia have gained seven rating points to jump to the third spot with 104 points whereas, England have dropped six rating points to 99 points to slip to the sixth position.

Australia now trail top placed India (124 points) by 20 points and second-placed South Africa (111 points) by seven points in the ICC Test rankings. The top two ranked teams are currently involved in a three-match Test series in South Africa which will conclude in Johannesburg on 28^th January after which the rankings table will be updated again.

Australia had finished their 2017 home season in the second position following a series victory against Pakistan. However, their average outings in the sub-continent resulted in a slip in their position as they drew the two-match series in Bangladesh.

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In contrast, England entered 2018 on the third position after a successful home season beating South Africa and Windies but have now slipped to the fifth spot after losing the Urn Down Under.

Australia will now travel to South Africa to play a four-match Test series from 1^st March to 3 April, while England’s next Test series is a two-match series against New Zealand in New Zealand from 22 March to 3 April.

Rank Team Points

1. India 124
2. South Africa 111
3. Australia 104 (+7)
4. New Zealand 100
5. England 99 (-6)
6. Sri Lanka 94
7. Pakistan 88
8. Windies 72
9. Bangladesh 72
10. Zimbabwe 01

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