ICC Test rankings: Australia back to the summit, Proteas drop to sixth

South Africa have plummeted to sixth in the latest ICC Test rankings, just four months after they were sitting pretty at the top.

The Proteas have endured a fall from grace in the longest format of the game, suffering a 3-0 hammering in India before going down 2-1 to England on home soil.

AB de Villiers replaced Hashim Amla as captain during the series defeat to England and now faces the task of trying to lead South Africa back up the rankings, which are led by Australia.

Steve Smith’s side have extended their advantage to six points over India, while Pakistan are just a point behind their arch-rivals in third place as they prepare to tour England.

Alastair Cook’s England side are six adrift of Pakistan in fourth spot, while New Zealand are ranked fifth.

Sri Lanka occupy seventh spot and West Indies are languishing in eighth spot ahead of Bangladesh and Zimbabwe.