MICHAEL ARCHER

May 1, 2014

Australia has regained the number one position in the International Cricket Council test cricket rankings for the first time since August 2009.

In the latest rankings update released by the ICC last night, Australia took the top position from South Africa.

The African nation had held the position since August 2012, but were edged out by a fraction of a point by Australia.

Australian captain Michael Clarke expressed his admiration on Twitter for those who helped Australia achieve the position.

“Two years of hard work from all getting to number one, now it’s going to take even more work to stay there. A very proud day!” he said.

“To all of the players, staff and everyone who has supported us through the tough times THANK YOU!”

Those “tough times” refer to Australia’s 2010-11 season when the team lost a home Ashes series to England 3-1 and then lost to India 2-0.

The results from the 2010-11 season have been dropped from the rankings calculations, which means the series losses did not count.

WA Cricket Association communications coordinator Ben Somerford said the result was beneficial for the sport by helping promote the game in Australia.

“It’s fantastic for Australian cricket when the national team is on top,” he said.

“[Coach] Darren Lehmann has made good decisions that have contributed to the success of the team.

“The return of Mitchell Johnson and Ryan Harris has helped the team and, from afar, the team looks more positive and intact.”

Since the rankings were introduced in 2003 Australia has been the number one test nation for a total of 74 months followed by South Africa with 23 months at the top.