Cricket: Black Caps move ahead of Australia in test rankings

Australia's cricket players applaud during the post match presentation on the fifth day of the final cricket test match between South Africa and Australia. Photo / AP

More bad news for the Australian Cricket team.

The side have been leapfrogged by New Zealand in the test rankings following Australia's 492-run thrashing at the hands of South Africa in Johannesburg overnight.

The defeat ended a disastrous tour for Australia after captain Steve Smith, vice captain David Warner and opening batsman Cameron Bancroft were sent home for ball tampering in the third test defeat.

With the Black Caps securing a 1-0 series win over England following a dramatic draw in Christchurch, New Zealand edged out Australia into third spot before the cut-off date of April 3.

Both teams finished on 102 points in the team rankings. However, New Zealand are ahead by a wafer-thin margin, as they are now on 102.263 points and Australia are on 102.2 points.

The change in rankings means that New Zealand will now get a prize money of US$200,000 for finishing third while Australia will have to be content with US$100,000.

Today's results mean New Zealand finish above Australia in the year-end @MRFWorldwide ICC Test Team Rankings and claim a $200,000 prize!https://t.co/OFOfZdmMIf pic.twitter.com/cMidnKpWGR

— ICC (@ICC) April 3, 2018

India have already been presented with the ICC Test Championship Mace and a $1 million prize money after finishing in top spot. South Africa remained in second following their series win over Australia.