Australia have dropped to fifth place in Test cricket rankings after losing the Ashes series to England, who have edged closer to second-placed South Africa.
The International Cricket Council says third-placed England went into the series with 112 ratings points and have added three to their tally following their comprehensive 3-1 victory in Australia.
England now trail South Africa by two rating points after Graeme Smith and his men drew the three-match home series against table-topper India 1-1.
For Australia, their first Ashes defeat on home soil in 24 years cost three ratings points and dropped them behind Sri Lanka.
New Zealand have an opportunity to rise to the sixth place if they can beat Pakistan in the two-Test series in Hamilton.
