LAHORE - The series-levelling victory against England in the final Test at the Oval has helped Pakistan cricket team move to number two in the ICC Test Rankings for the second time in less than a year.

According to the latest Test rankings announced by the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Wednesday, Australia has come down to number three from number one slot after Sri Lanka whitewashed them in the three-Test series in Colombo on Wednesday.

After thrashing England 2-0 last year in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Pakistan had climbed to second slot for the first time, since the current rankings system was introduced in 2003.

To retain number one position, India will now have to win the fourth and final Test of the four-Test series against the West Indies, which begins in Port of Spain today (Thursday). India's failure to win the Test means Pakistan will become the number one ranked side for the first time.

Australia had reached Colombo as number team with 118 points, but consecutive defeats of 106 runs in Pallekele, 229 runs in Galle and 163 runs in Colombo, they joined England on 108 points but is ranked above Alastair Cook's side, while Sri Lanka has jumped to 95 points.

With Australia come to number three, Indian team become the number one ranked side on the ICC Test Team Rankings, while Pakistan moved to number two spot - just one point behind.

If Indian team wins the fourth Test against West Indies, it will finish on 112 points - one ahead of Pakistan - but it will end on 110 points if the Test is drawn or on 108 points in the fourth place in case of West Indies earning a consolation win.

As regards Sri Lanka, it has been a magnificent effort by Aneglo Mathews' side. It had entered the series in seventh position on 85 points, but has climbed to sixth position after earning 10 points.

ICC TEST RANKINGS

Rank Team Pts

1 India 112
2 Pakistan 111
3 Australia 108
4 England 108
5 New Zealand 99
6 Sri Lanka 95
7 South Africa 92
8 West Indies 65
9 Bangladesh 57
10 Zimbabwe 8