India consolidate No 1 Test ranking

India consolidated its position atop the Reliance Mobile ICC Test Championship table, but Australia dropped behind England into fifth position, after losing both Tests of the just-concluded series in Bangalore on Wednesday.

India and Australia entered the series on 127 and 113 ratings points, respectively. However, India's victories, by one wicket in Mohali and by seven in Bangalore, helped it earn three ratings points, which now puts it 11 points clear of second-placed South Africa.

In sharp contrast, Australia conceded three ratings points, which saw it drop to fifth place on 110 ratings points, two behind England.

This is Australia's lowest ranking since the ICC Test Championship rankings were introduced in 2003.

However, Australia will have a chance to regain its fourth position when it goes head-to-head with England in a five-Test Ashes series, which starts in Brisbane on November 23.

The next couple of months promises excitement for Test cricket, as apart from the Ashes, Pakistan will host South Africa in a two-Test series in the United Arab Emirates, while New Zealand travel to India for a three-Test series, following which India will tour South Africa for a three-Test series.

Sri Lanka will also be in action when it hosts the West Indies for a three-Test series.

Reliance Mobile ICC Test Championship rankings (as of October 13)