Lahore, Nov 11: After thrashing the world champions, Australia, by 172 runs in the fourth and last Test in Nagpur yesterday and winning the series 2-0, India has gained seven ratings points to be placed at the second spot, along with South Africa with 116 points, according to the latest ICC ratings.

With the historic win, India regained the Border-Gavaskar Trophy after five years.

Graeme Smith’s South African team now slips just below India to third position by a fraction of a ratings point, the Daily Times reported.

But, all is not lost for the Proteas. If they win both Tests in the two-match series coming up against Bangladesh, they will be back into second position. However, with India looking forward to two more Tests against England beginning on December 10, not to mention the six Tests coming up in total between Australia and South Africa over the coming months, there will be plenty of opportunities for sides to make their moves in the ICC Test Championship.

Now, there are just 13 points separating Australia from India and South Africa, with plenty of opportunities for that gap to be cut further.

With a big 12 months of Test cricket ahead of the Aussies, however, including two series against South Africa, one against the Black Caps and the Ashes in England, they will have chances of their own to prevent that from happening, said the paper. (ANI)