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Team Australia on the downslide
18th Feb 2007 20.45 IST
By Agencies

Australia have lost their world number one ranking.

The three-time world champions slipped from the top spot in LG ICC ODI team rankings following their defeat to New Zealand in the Chappell-Hadlee one-day series in Auckland today.

It was Australia's fifth loss in six matches and fourth in a row following losses to England in the CB triangular series at home.

Australia's stumble, with less than a month to go for the World Cup, paved the way for South Africa to ascend the throne.

It is the first time since the listings began in October 2002 that Australia has not occupied top position.

The five-wicket loss to New Zealand cost Australia, led by Michael Hussey in the absence of Ricky Thomas Ponting , two rating points.

And even if Australia wins the final match of the three-match series against the Black Caps, at Hamilton on Tuesday, it will not be enough for them to regain top spot in the ODI Championship table.

But with the World Cup starting in the Caribbean on March 13, there is still an opportunity for Australia to win the annual champions' cheque of USD 175,000 that is awarded to the side that leads the table on April 1.

The second-placed team stands to win USD 75,000.

India, meanwhile, are only two rating points further back in fifth place, having moved ahead of Sri Lanka with the recent 2-1 series win.

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