India missed out on second spot in the annual ICC Test Championship and a prize purse of USD 75,000 after they were pipped by South Africa by just a point following the Proteas' win over Australia in the third Test in Cape Town.
South Africa, who would have secured top spot had they clinched the series against Australia, lost 1-2 and barely managed to hold on to their second spot.
India, who beat New Zealand in the first Test in Hamilton by 10 wickets, will end the year in third spot on 118 points behind South Africa (119) and Australia (128) on the April 1 cut-off date.
In the ICC ODI rankings as well Mahendra Singh Dhoni's team will end the year at third spot, a mere two points behind second-placed Australia (124). South Africa will be on top with 125 points on the same cut-off date.
Australia captain Ricky Ponting will receive the ICC Test Championship mace and USD 175,000 on behalf of Cricket Australia from ICC General Manager (Cricket) David Richardson in Johannesburg on Wednesday for ending the year on top of table.
He will also pick up a cheque for USD 75,000 for his team coming second in the ODI Championship.
South Africa captain Graeme Smith will accept the ODI Championship shield and a cheque for USD 175,000 on behalf of Cricket South Africa. He will also accept a cheque of USD 75,000 for his country ending the year second in the Test Championship.
ICC Test Championship: 1. Australia (128); 2. South Africa (119); 3. India (118); 4. Sri Lanka (108); 5. Pakistan (100); 6. England (98); 7. West Indies (89); 8. New Zealand (81); 9. Bangladesh (0).
ICC ODI Championship: 1. South Africa (125); 2. Australia (124); 3. India (122); 4. New Zealand (112); 5. Pakistan (111); 6. England (107); 7. Sri Lanka (105); 8. West Indies (92); 9. Bangladesh (46); 10. Zimbabwe (23); 11. Ireland (19).