The Ashes are over, and Australia have triumphed 4-1 at home. In 35 years following cricket, I have witnessed England win down under just twice; and this time, it wasn't close. My world ratings now look like this:
- Australia 282 +9
- South Africa 262
- India 156
- New Zealand 150
- England 149 -9
- Sri Lanka 42
- Pakistan 28
- West Indies -46
- Bangladesh -96
- Ireland -289
- Zimbabwe -315
- Afghanistan -324
The official rankings look similar, although they are a little kinder to England:
- Australia 128 +4
- South Africa 116
- England 109 -3
- India 104
- New Zealand 98
- Sri Lanka 88
- Pakistan 82
- West Indies 69
- Bangladesh 63
- Ireland 23
- Zimbabwe 12
- Afghanistan 10
And with that, there's a several month break, with no new cricket due until New Zealand and Pakistan tour England in the summer.
