Hussey and Lee slip down rankings

	Michael Hussey has struggled against South Africa, making 10 runs in four innings © Getty Images

Australia's current problems have been reflected by the latest ICC rankings which show three key players have slipped down the lists. Michael Hussey, Matthew Hayden and Brett Lee have all lost ground after their poor form continued against South Africa.

Hussey is the most significant mover, dropping five places to No. 11 in the batting rankings, the first time he has been outside the top 10 since March 2006. He has collected just 10 runs in his four innings during the series, although his average remains a healthy 59.04.

Hayden's slide continues and he is now down to No. 18 but has retained his place for the third Test in Sydney, however it isn't all bad news for Australia's batsman. The captain Ricky Ponting has been boosted three places by his impressive return in Melbourne where he made 101 and 99, while Michael Clarke has also lifted three spots to No. 9 and now has a career-best rating of 772 points.

On the bowling front, Brett Lee's poor series means he drops to No. 9 in the bowling rankings and has also been ruled out of the return series against South Africa with a foot injury.

Despite taking a 2-0 series lead there isn't much movement from the South Africa players although Graeme Smith has moved to No. 7 with a career-best rating, one place behind Ponting. Although AB de Villiers scored a superb match-winning century in Perth, his failure in the second Test means he drops down again.

Dale Steyn, who took 10 wickets in Melbourne, remains No. 2 behind Muttiah Muralitharan with the ball and Makhaya Ntini at No. 3.

For the full rankings click here