England, who won the Ashes in 2005 for the first time in 18 years, moved to within 11 rating points of Australia after clinching second spot in the International Cricket Council [ Images ] (ICC [ Images ]) rankings after the 3-0 series triumph against Pakistan.

The five-match Ashes series starts in Brisbane [ Images ] on Nov. 23.

However, England will be battling against heavy odds as Australia have not lost a home Test series since 1992-3, and England's last Ashes victory by a three-match margin dates back to the 5-1 triumph in 1978/9.

Australia, also the one-day world champions, have led the Test rankings since they replaced South Africa [ Images ] in 2003.

The Proteas are down to sixth in the 10-team table, which is topped by Australia with 130 points and followed by England (119), Pakistan (112), India [ Images ] (111) and Sri Lanka [ Images ] (103), an ICC statement said on Wednesday.