Australia regain top spot

Australia have returned to the number one spot in the ICC ODI rankings, ending South Africa’s reign at the top.

They were displaced by the Proteas after losing the Commonwealth Bank Series finals, and being whitewashed in the Chappell-Hadlee series. South Africa meanwhile, were able to leapfrog them after a strong performance against Pakistan. It was fortunate for South Africa to be ranked number one when they were, they earned a cash reward for being ranked top on April 1, the end of the ICC’s year.

But now, Australia’s winning record in the World Cup has taken them back up to 128 points, while defeats to Bangladesh and the Australians themselves have seen South Africa move down to 125.

Other moves include Sri Lanka taking fourth place from Pakistan, meaning that the likely World Cup semi-finalists, Australia, South Africa, New Zealand and Sri Lanka, occupy the top four places in the rankings.