Test champions
ENGLAND have been confirmed as ICC Test champions after South Africa drew with New Zealand at Dunedin
That result ensures England will top the Test rankings on the April 1 cut-off date, landing the ECB a $175,000 (£111,000) prize while Andy Flower’s side retain the championship mace they claimed against India last summer. England remain the world’s best team, despite being whitewashed 3-0 by Pakistan in their recent series in the UAE.
The Proteas needed to sweep New Zealand in the three-match series to claim top spot, but play on the fifth day of the first Test in Dunedin was washed out, meaning they can do no better than a 2-0 win.
Graeme Smith’s side will remain second unless they lose both remaining matches in New Zealand, meaning the world’s two best sides will go head-to-head when South Africa tour England this summer.
ICC Test Championship table
1-England 118 points
2-South Africa 117
3-India 111
4-Australia 111
5-Pakistan 108
6-Sri Lanka 98
7-West Indies 87
8-New Zealand 83
9-Bangladesh 4  (Eurosport)