ICC Rankings: India become No. 1 Test side in the world

Bengaluru, Jan 17: India have become the number one Test side in the world again after South Africa lost 0-2 to England yesterday (January 16) in Johannesburg.

In the third Test on Saturday, England South Africa by 7 wickets to hold an unassailable 2-0 lead in the 4-match series. This series loss meant South Africa were knocked off from the top of the ICC Test Team Rankings. (Kohli breaks De Villiers' record)

File photo: India captain Virat Kohli (left) and his team-mates celebrate after their 3-0 series win against South Africa last month in Delhi

Virat Kohli-led India, who were 2nd before the start of South Africa-England series, have now benefitted from Proteas' debacle. Last month, in their 4-match series at home, India had beaten South Africa 3-0 to rise to 2nd in rankings.

After 4 years, India have regained the number one rank. They had been on top in 2011 but following their 0-4 whitewash in England, lost the numero uno spot.

Now, India, with 110 Rating Points, are the new number one side in the world. Australia are 2nd while South Africa have slipped to 3rd. England rose to 5th.

India will lose the No. 1 position if Australia win their next month's 2-match series against New Zealand 1-0. The first Test is from February 12 in Wellington.

Here are the latest ICC Test Rankings (As on January 16, 2016)