India has consolidated its position at the top of the ICC Test Team Rankings following the annual update in which series results from 2014-15 are removed and outcomes from the 2015-16 and 2016-17 seasons are weighed at 50 percent.
India has stretched its lead over South Africa from four to 13 points after gaining four points to reach an aggregate of 125 while South Africa have lost five points and slipped to 112. South Africa, are, however, still comfortably ahead of the remaining sides.
Australia is placed third with 106 points after gaining four points following the update, taking back the position from New Zealand, who had overtaken them at the last cut-off date of 3 April.
That change in placings saw New Zealand assure themselves of $200,000 for finishing third. India and South Africa had won $1 million and $500,000, respectively for finishing first and second at the cut-off date.
After the update, New Zealand remains on 102 points while England has inched closer, reaching 98 after gaining one point.
In another interesting movement, Bangladesh has moved ahead of the West Indies, who are at ninth for the first time ever. The Windies have lost five points and are now at 67 points while Bangladesh has gained four points to reach 75, eight points clear of the Windies.
Sri Lanka remains at the sixth position after losing one point while Zimbabwe has gained one point to reach two. The table will see new additions in the form of Afghanistan and Ireland after they have played their first Tests following their Full Membership status.
Ireland is due to play its first Test against Pakistan in Malahide, Dublin, from 11 to 15 May while Afghanistan’s first Test will be against India in Bengaluru from 14-18 June.
Here are the latest ICC Test rankings:
| Rank | Team | Points |
| 1 | India | 125 (+4) |
| 2 | South Africa | 112 (-5) |
| 3 | Australia | 106 (+4) |
| 4 | New Zealand | 102 (-) |
| 5 | England | 98 (+1) |
| 6 | Sri Lanka | 94 (-1) |
| 7 | Pakistan | 86 (-2) |
| 8 | Bangladesh | 75 (+4) |
| 9 | West Indies | 67 (-5) |
| 10 | Zimbabwe | 2 (+1) |
