ICC Test rankings: Australia aiming to cement second spot

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The Aussies are currently ranked second on 117 points, seven adrift of the Proteas while India is 21 behind in sixth position, on 96 rating points.

While they cannot reclaim the No.1 mantle they briefly held at the start of 2014, Michael Clarke's men must win the series against India to maintain second position.   

If Australia wins the series 4-0, it would close the gap on South Africa to four rating points, with India dropping to seventh, while a 3-1 win would cut the Proteas' lead to six.

In contrast, a 4-0 win for the visitors would see them jump to 107 ratings points, one behind Australia.

A 3-1 series victory, meanwhile, would see India join England on 104 points, although Alastair Cook’s side would hold a slender 0.4 point advantage when the ratings are calculated beyond the decimal point.

A 2-2 series deadlock would see both sides maintaining their pre-series rankings, although Australia would drop to 114 points while India would climb to 99.

South Africa faces West Indies in a three-match Test series starting December 17 at Centurion.