Australia, in a fall from grace on Sunday, slipped to the fourth spot in ICC Test rankings following their 2-1 series loss to England and a huge 197-runs loss in the Oval test.

South Africa is now the no.1 team in test cricket followed by Sri Lanka at two and India at number three.

It is the first time since 2003, when ICC had introduced its current ranking system, that Australia has lost their top spot. The defeat has cost them eight points but despite the series result they remain ahead of their arch rivals England, who are in fifth place. England gained six points but are still 11 behind Australia.

Australia were in danger of losing their No. 1 ranking towards the end of last year, when they lost a home Test series to South Africa 2-1. A consolation win in the third Test in Sydney ensured they retained top spot and they also held on thanks to their follow-up series victory in South Africa.

Test team rankings as on 23 Aug 2009:

Team                               Matches                            Points                    Rating

South Africa                       30                                         3672                      122

Sri Lanka                              24                                         2852                      119

India                                      28                                         3327                      119

Australia                               31                                        3600                      116

England                                  39                                          4102                      105

Pakistan                                  17                                          1424                        84

New Zealand                         22                                          1794                        82

West Indies                           25                                           1910                        76

Bangladesh                             19                                              255                        13

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