South Africa finish second in ICC Test rankings

Dubai, March 29 (IANS) The recent Test series win against New Zealand helped South Africa earn two points which helped them move a point ahead of Australia into second place on the International Cricket Council (ICC) Test team rankings.

South Africa defeated New Zealand 1-0 after rain played spoilsport on the fifth day of the third and final cricket Test match in Hamilton -- thus ending the match in a draw and handing the Proteas the series.

Following the result, New Zealand dropped two points and consequently slipped behind Pakistan into sixth place, according to an ICC release.

As the Test series between New Zealand and South Africa was the last series to finish before the April 1 annual cut-off, the No.2 ranking earned the Proteas $500,000, while Australia, in third place, will collect $200,000. 

England, which ended up fourth, will receive $100,000.

On Tuesday, India retained the ICC Test Championship mace following its 2-1 series win over Australia. They stand to pocket $1 million for the achievement.