Ashes will be contested by top two

The rematch will be between the top two teams in the world © Getty Images

The Ashes series will be contested by the top two teams in the world rankings after England's 167-run victory against Pakistan at Headingley sealed the series. Whatever the result of the final Test at The Oval, England will leapfrog Pakistan back into second place when the ratings are calculated following the final match

The gap between England and Australia ahead of their series, beginning at Brisbane in November, is still to be decided but it could be as few as 11 points if England beat Pakistan again in the fourth Test, starting on August, and claim a 3-0 victory.

England's series win is its first since it beat Australia 2-1 last year to reclaim The Ashes while, for Pakistan, it is its first loss in a series since it lost all three Tests against Ricky Ponting's side in 2004-05.

Sri Lanka have also consolidated their position in fifth spot after the nerve-jangling one-wicket win over South Africa, in Colombo, which secured a 2-0 series win. South Africa, in sixth spot, have lost four points and are now just two points ahead of New Zealand.

For the full rankings click here