AUSTRALIA have widened the gap between themselves and the rest of the teams in the ICC ODI rankings, extending their rating to 130, eight ahead of South Africa and India.

Australia were the top-placed team at the start of the ODI series against India, who were No.2. But following the 4-2 win, Australia have surged further ahead while India have dropped two places.

Australia have had a busy year in ODIs, winning 23 and losing 14 of their 39 games. They began on a disappointing note, with losses to South Africa both home and away, interrupted by a tied series against New Zealand.

The recovery began in April with a 3-2 series win over Pakistan in Abu Dhabi, followed by a 6-1 humiliation of England two months later, which propelled them to second place.

The highlight of the year came in the Champions Trophy in South Africa, where they emerged triumphant to take the top spot. Finally, victory against India after trailing 1-2 has ensured a fitting conclusion to the year on the ODI circuit. (Cricinfo)