Dubai, UAE (BBN)-Pakistan has jumped three places to third in the ICC Test Championship table following a seven-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the third and final cricket Test in Pallekele on Tuesday.
Pakistan had entered the series in sixth position on 97 points, one ahead of Sri Lanka. The 2-1 series win has earned it four ratings points and because the middle of the table is so tightly-packed, a leap of three places, reports ICC.
Pakistan now trails second-ranked Australia by 10 points and leads fourth-ranked New Zealand by two points.
Sri Lanka, in contrast, has dropped four points and has slipped to 92 points, while retaining its seventh position overall.
The Ashes begins on Wednesday and England will not only be aiming to reclaim the Urn but also improve its ranking. England is currently sitting in sixth position and a series win by 3-0 or better will move it to as high as second.
ICC Test Championship table (as on 7 July 2015)
RANK TEAM POINTS
1 South Africa 130
2 Australia 111
3 Pakistan 101
4 New Zealand 99
5 India 97
6 England 97
7 Sri Lanka 92
8 West Indies 81
9 Bangladesh 41
10 Zimbabwe 5
BBN/SK/AD