England's nine-wicket victory over South Africa in the fifth and final Test at The Oval on Monday has helped them narrow the gap on third-ranked New Zealand in the World Test Championship standings.
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Although they remain fourth in the table, they are now just two points behind New Zealand and 10 clear of fifth-ranked India.
World one-day champions Australia maintain their grip at the top of the standings on 129 points, with South Africa second on 116.
But the third place will be at stake next month when New Zealand face a tough away series in India while England travel to Bangladesh.
That same month, South Africa meet Pakistan away and Australia host Zimbabwe.
The Test standings are updated at the end of each Test series.
The ICC Test Championship Table, August 8, 2003:
| Position | Team | Rating |
| 1 | Australia | 129 |
| 2 | South Africa | 116 |
| 3 | New Zealand | 106 |
| 4 | England | 104 |
| 5 | India | 94 |
| 6 | Pakistan | 92 |
| 7 | Sri Lanka | 91 |
| 8 | West Indies | 83 |
| 9 | Zimbabwe | 58 |
| 10 | Bangladesh | 0 |
