India climb to third spot in ICC table

India's triumph in the Kolkata Test, and their series win over South Africa, has lifted them to third place in the ICC Test Championship table, the highest they have been ranked.

This was the first time India broke into the top three of the table since it was launched in May 2001. India currently trail England by two points and with an away series against Bangladesh coming up, they will be expected to close the gap. A 2-0 victory in Bangladesh would boost their ratings to 108 points. England have a tough assignment in South Africa starting later this month.

Australia's comfortable series win against New Zealand has extended its lead at the top of the table. The whitewash meant that Australia were on course to ending the year with a big lead.

The defeats rounded off a disappointing year of Test cricket for South Africa and New Zealand which has seen their ratings fall by nine points and 11 points respectively.