Ricky Ponting led his side back into top spot with a win over England © Getty Images Enlarge

Australia have again seized the No. 1 ODI ranking after seven weeks of sitting in second place behind South Africa. Bangladesh's upset victory over South Africa combined with Australia's comfortable defeat of England restored Ricky Ponting's men to top spot.

However, Australia have 128 points and are only three clear of Graeme Smith's side, meaning the standings could change a number of times before the World Cup ends. South Africa timed their brief period at the head of the table to perfection - as the No. 1-ranked country at the end of the ICC year on April 1 they pocketed US$175,000.

Australia stumbled from the top position after their 3-0 Chappell-Hadlee Trophy loss in February and it was the first time since the ODI rankings were introduced in October 2002 they were not No. 1.

Sri Lanka have jumped Pakistan to take the No. 4 place, meaning the four favourites to make the semi-finals - Australia, South Africa, New Zealand and Sri Lanka - are officially the four best teams in the world. England's loss to Australia kept them in seventh position but a poor finish in the Caribbean could yet see West Indies leapfrog them.