Test cricket rankings: India lose crucial points

Dubai -- India lost crucial rating points following their 1-2 Test series loss to South Africa but managed to retain their fourth place in the International Cricket Council (ICC) Test rankings.

India had 111 before the three-Test series started, and ended the forgettable tour at 107. India also lost the one-day internationals series 0-4.

South Africa's success gave them a gain of four rating points, but that was not enough for the Proteas to improve their sixth place, ICC said. But it has put South Africa within striking distance of getting past Sri Lanka, who are fifth with 102 points.

A series win by just one match against Pakistan will see the Proteas equal Sri Lanka. Pakistan, with 112 points, will draw level if they beat South Africa 2-0 in the three-match Test series that gets underway in Centurion Thursday.

Australia stretched their lead at the top of the rankings with 21 points after a 5-0 rout of England in the just-concluded Ashes series in Australia. The Ricky Ponting led side gained five rating points, taking their tally to 135 - the highest rating since the Test rankings assumed the current format in 2003.

It also gave Australia their biggest lead at the top of the rankings list since May 2005 when they had a lead of 22 rating points ahead of second-placed England. England retained their second spot with 114 points.

Test teams' rankings:

1. Australia 135
2. England 114
3. Pakistan 112
4. India 107
5. Sri Lanka 102
6. South Africa 98
7. New Zealand 93
8. West Indies 72
9. Zimbabwe 28
10. Bangladesh 2