India return to top of ICC Test rankings

Dubai: India on Tuesday regained its top Test status after a gap of nearly four-and-half years following England's 2-1 series victory over former leaders South Africa.

The Proteas registered a thumping 280-run win over England in the fourth Test in Centurion. Despite the win, it failed to stop their slide from the top of the rankings chart to the third spot.

The ICC's official Twitter handle posted the rankings on Tuesday.

BREAKING: After England's 2-1 series win v SA. India are officially No. 1 in Test Rankings https://t.co/SNq8xEqYeO pic.twitter.com/S1n40SUzXG — ICC (@ICC) January 26, 2016

India are the new leaders with 110 rating points followed by Australia and the Proteas.

Pakistan are fourth ahead of England (5th), New Zealand (6), Sri Lanka (7), West Indies (8), Bangladesh (9) and Zimbabwe (10)

India returned to the summit of the Test rankings for the first time since August 2011. 

India moved to the second spot in the Test rankings in December 2015, when they mauled South Africa 3-0 on home soil. This comes as a big news for Virat Kohli led India who will hope to continue well in the longest format after months of Twenty20 cricket action.