India slipped to no.3 spot in the latest Test rankings published by the International Cricket Council on Monday. India moved down a rank after its 1-3 series loss against Australia.

South Africa, meanwhile, moved up a place and claimed the second spot. The Proteas beat Pakistan 2-0 in the two-match Test series. The series victory helped the African nation book a spot in the 2025 ICC World Test Championship final where they will be facing reigning Test champions Australia.

Australia remain the highest ranked men's Test team in the world.

South Africa and India have had contrasting sets of fortunes in Tests from later half of 2024 till early days of January.

South Africa have been won their last six Tests on a trot. In this span they have registered series wins over Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Pakistan. India on the other hand have suffered defeats in six of its last eight Tests. India were first white-washed 0-3 at home by New Zealand. This was followed by the series defeat in Australia.

England are ranked fourth. The team toured New Zealand in December where they played a three-match Test series. They beat New Zealand 2-1 in the series.

New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, West Indies, Bangladesh, Ireland, Zimbabwe and Afghanistan are placed from fifth till twelfth on the 12-team ranking table.