England will defend one-point lead in ICC Test rankings against South Africa

Andrew Strauss salutes the crowd after his dismissal for 45 yesterday (Getty Images)

England will defend a one-point lead over South Africa at the top of the International Cricket Council's world Test rankings in this summer's three-match series between the two teams, it was officially confirmed today.

After the third Investec Test against West Indies ended in a rain-affected draw at Edgbaston yesterday, and England's consequent 2-0 series victory, they have just a single point in hand on the South Africans.

A 3-0 win over the Windies would have given them a further two-point cushion.

The tussle between the number one and two teams in the world will get under way at The Oval on July 19.

PA