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Australia have dropped to fifth place in the Test rankings after losing the Ashes series to England , who edged closer to second-placed South Africa on the latest official list issued on Friday (January 7, 2011). Third-placed England went into the series with 112 ratings points and have added three to their tally following their comprehensive 3-1 victory in Australia, the International Cricket Council said in a statement. England now trail South Africa by two rating points after Graeme Smith and his men drew the three-match home series against table-topper India 1-1. For Australia, their first Ashes defeat on home soil in 24 years cost three ratings points and dropped them behind Sri Lanka. South Africa started against India on 116 ratings points and gained just one while the drawn series cost India one point but they continue to lead on 128. New Zealand have an opportunity to rise to the sixth place if they can beat Pakistan in the two-Test series that started i...

Australia 's Shane Watson says his team have been " totally outplayed " by England as the tourists close in on a 3-1 Ashes series win . With one day of the fifth and final Test in Sydney remaining, Australia are 213-7 in their second innings, still 151 short of making England bat again. "We had so much to play for in this game but we've been totally outplayed again," said opening batsman Watson. "They've continually stood up, all of their players, throughout the season." England wicketkeeper Matt Prior enjoyed what he called "the best day of my career" as he hit 118 of England's 644 runs, then took four second-innings catches. "It was phenomenal," he said. "It will go down as one of, if not the, best day of my career. "The atmosphere and support we've had from the Barmy Army all tour has been phenomenal and this has been a great day for England. "The guys did all the hard work [on day three] an...