Australia drop to fifth after Ashes defeat

SYDNEY, (Reuters) – Australia have dropped to fifth   place in the test rankings after losing the Ashes series to   England, who edged closer to second-placed South Africa on the   latest official list issued today.
Third-placed England went into the series with 112 ratings   points and have added three to their tally following their   comprehensive 3-1 victory in Australia, the International   Cricket Council said in a statement.
England now trail South Africa by two rating points after   Graeme Smith and his men drew the three-match home series   against table-topper India 1-1.
For Australia, their first Ashes defeat on home soil in 24   years cost three ratings points and dropped them behind Sri   Lanka.
South Africa started against India on 116 ratings points   and gained just one while the drawn series cost India one   point but they continue to lead on 128.
New Zealand have an opportunity to rise to the sixth place   if they can beat Pakistan in the two-test series that started   in Hamilton today.