India have retained the ICC Test Championship mace and have been awarded $1 million as they will end the annual cut-off date on April 1 as the number one Test team in the world.

Having just beaten Australia 2-1 in a four-Test series, the Indian team – with a rating of 122 – have a healthy lead at the top.

Speaking about the feat, India captain Virat Kohli said: “The longest format of the game really tests a team’s character and I’m proud that we have proved ourselves to be the best.”

South Africa, on the other hand, have managed to displace Australia as the second-ranked Test team after their away series win against New Zealand. The Proteas won the three-match series 1-0 after play was abandoned due to rain on the final day of the third Test.

South Africa will receive a cash award of $500,000 for finishing second while Australia will be awarded $200,000 and fourth-placed England will receive $100,000.

The complete rankings can be seen in the gallery above.