Australia drop in world cricket rankings despite dominant day

On one of Australia’s most dominant days in Test cricket, Steve Smith’s men have ironically been relegated to No.3 in the ICC Test rankings.

Pakistan’s 127-run third Test win over England in Sharjah for a 2-0 series win, lifted Misbah-ul-Haq’s men to No.2 behind South Africa in the new standings.

The sub-continental giants have won four of their last five series and lost just once in their last nine series, dating back to September 2013.

Australia began a new era under Smith at the Gabba on Thursday in promising fashion, compiling 2-389 on the first day against New Zealand with vice-captain David Warner smashing 163 and Usman Khawaja making an unbeaten 102.

Rankings:
(Team – Points – Rating)

1. South Africa – 3008 – 125
2. Pakistan – 2977 – 106
3. Australia – 3376 – 106
4. India – 2710 – 100
5. New Zealand – 2875 – 99
6. England – 3940 – 99
7. Sri Lanka – 2988 – 93
8. West Indies – 2218 – 76
9. Bangladesh – 1026 – 47
10. Zimbabwe – 53 – 5