SL v ENG 2018: England jump to second spot in Test rankings after 3-0 series sweep

Strong batting tactics and the ability to consistently take 20 wickets, proved to be decisive for England.

England were magnificent in the three-match Test series against Sri Lanka | Getty

England gained three spots after their historic series sweep in Sri Lanka and jumped up to the second spot, behind only India, in the latest rankings update released by the International Cricket Council(ICC).

Having begun the series with 105 points and at third position, the Joe Root-led side is now only eight points behind the no.1 ranked Virat Kohli led Indian side, which resumes playing Test Cricket with the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy starting December 6.

Meanwhile, following the disappointing performance at home, Sri Lanka have succumbed and drowned to the seventh spot.

As per the latest update, India at the top with 116 points, followed by England (108 points), South Africa (106), Australia (102) and New Zealand (101). The order is likely to go through changes in the immediate future, with India taking on against Australia and South Africa facing off Pakistan at home soon.

Lavishing high praise over a "complete team effort" from England in their astonishing 3-0 Test series whitewash in the Island nation, skipper Joe Root has said that he is extremely satisfied and "proud" of each and every member and his contribution towards the great win.

England eventually completed a hard-fought 42-run victory in the third and final Test of the series at the SSC, Colombo, and finished off the series having perfectly reaffirmed their status as the better side.

(Inputs from ICC)

 
 

By Kashish Chadha - 27 Nov, 2018

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