England have been confirmed as the number one ranked team in the Twenty20 format by the International Cricket Council.
World Cup winners edge Sri Lanka to take top spot in new rankings
England have been confirmed as the number one ranked team in the Twenty20 format by the International Cricket Council.
The reigning 20-over world champions, who also top the Test rankings, have 127 points in T20, putting them one ahead of Sri Lanka.
New Zealand lie third in the standings, followed by South Africa, India and Australia.
But England's position at the top could be short-lived, as if they will slip to third if they lose their T20 clash with India in Kolkata on Saturday.
Stuart Broad, England's captain in the format, recognises that his side will have their work cut out to stay top of the newly-introduced rankings.
"It's great to see the introduction of Twenty20 International team and player rankings in line with the other formats of the game," he said.
Improvement
"The England team is delighted to be the number-one ranked international Twenty20 team in world cricket at this time but we're certainly under no illusions that we must continue to work hard and improve if we're to stay on top of the tree.
"We relish the chance to represent our country in the shortest form of the game and I know the England players are already looking forward to the challenge of defending our ICC World Twenty20 title in Sri Lanka in less than 12 months' time."
England coach Andy Flower added: "The introduction of rankings for international Twenty20 cricket provides real context to the various series played between member countries on an ongoing basis.
"Until now we haven't had the chance to play a large number of Twenty20 Internationals so this will offer a benchmark as to who is performing at international level.
"The competitiveness of Twenty20 International cricket is quite clearly matched by the closeness of the team rankings with several teams within touching distance of each other.
Progress
"These rankings will chart every team's progress as they build to the ICC World Twenty20 in Sri Lanka next year for what promises to be an exciting event on the cricketing calendar."
In addition to team rankings the ICC have also released player rankings, with England's Eoin Morgan listed as top batsman.
Morgan said: "International Twenty20 rankings give players an ideal guide as to how they're performing in this form of the game.
"From an England perspective it's great to see a number of colleagues feature in the player rankings and I know they, like all players listed, will be looking to improve their positions and develop their game as we look forward to playing more international Twenty20 cricket ahead of Sri Lanka next year."
Sri Lanka spinner Ajantha Mendis was named top bowler with Australia's big-hitting opener and seamer Shane Watson the highest-ranked all-rounder.
