ICC Test rankings: India replace England to reach the second position

New Delhi: The Indian cricket team has taken the second spot in the International Cricket Council's Test rankings, announced on Monday. While South Africa consolidated it's place at the top, England slipped to fall behind India and take the third spot

India's ascent is attributed mainly to England's inconsistent performances against Pakistan, South Africa and eight-ranked New Zealand. Also, India's massive defeats against Alastair Cook's team and Australia are now weighted at 50 per cent which means the impact of the losses has been reduced in the rankings

England though have a chance to reclaim the second spot if the team claims the Ashes series against Australia. To do that, Cook and Co. will have to seal the series by a 3-0 margin or better. If however, Michael Clarke's touring party prevails, England will further go down a place with the Aussies taking the third position.

Latest Test rankings: 1) South Africa, 2) India, 3) England, 4) Australia, 5) Pakistan, 6) West Indies, 7) Sri Lanka, 8) New Zealand and 9) Bangladesh.