The embattled Australian team has slipped to a 34-year low in the ICC ODI rankings, dropping to sixth place following back-to-back defeats against England in the ongoing five-match series.
With losses to the world no.1 ODI team in London and Cardiff, Australia has fallen to 102 rankings points to sit a fraction of a point below the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy winners Pakistan.
According to cricket.com.au, the last time Australia found themselves in the sixth position was back in January 1984.
Less than two years ago, the Aussies were ranked no. 1 heading into an away series against South Africa. But when an under-strength squad with a group of rookie fast bowlers was whitewashed 5-0 by the Proteas (the first time Australia had lost a bilateral series 5-0), cracks were revealed in a 50-over game plan that suddenly looked dated cricket.com.au added further.
Thereafter, the five-time world champions have lost 13 of their 15 completed ODIs, in which time they have lost three successive bilateral series — to New Zealand, India and England — and exited the Champions Trophy at the group stage.
England, India and South Africa currently occupy the top three spots in the ICC One-Day International (ODI) rankings.
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