SYDNEY, Jan 7: Australia’s 103-run victory against South Africa in the third and final Test of the series on Wednesday has ensured they stay top of the ICC Test rankings.

However, the gap at the top has been reduced to just five rating points as South Africa clinched the series 2-1.

However, they will be keen to grab the opportunity in the return series, with the first Test getting underway on Feb 26 in Johannesburg. Any sort of victory in the three-match series will result in South Africa going top.

With India, currently at No 3, in the ascendancy as well after back-to-back series wins against Australia and England at home, there are now just eight points separating the top three teams.

Sri Lanka also strengthened its hold on the fourth place with a 2-0 series win in Bangladesh. The victory put Sri Lanka within 10 of India and six ahead of England, who are at fifth.

Pakistan are three points behind in sixth place, while the West Indies stayed just ahead of New Zealand by a fraction of a point.—Agencies