India climb to 2nd spot in ICC Test rankings

Despite England having won its last two Test series against India, it now finds itself below M S Dhoni's side on account of less consistent performances in other recent series, in particular against Pakistan (0-3), South Africa (0-2) and tie in the away series against eighth ranked New Zealand (0-0).

Team India. File Pic

However, Alastair Cook's team can reclaim the number two spot by winning the upcoming Ashes series, starting on July 10 in Trent Bridge, Nottingham. England need to win by a margin of 3-0 or better to regain the second position.

The Proteas have gained seven ratings points, lifting them to 135 points 19 ratings points clear of second-ranked India. The annual update ensures that the table continues to reflect recent form, with past results being discarded.

At the recent ICC Board meeting, it was decided that the annual update to t

he Test, ODI and T20I rankings would now take place on May 1 each year, rather than August 1, since it aligns better with the current international calendar. "This change has been incorporated in the latest update, and has been backdated to May 1, 2013," the ICC said in a release. The updated table now reflects all Test series completed after August 1, 2010.u00a0