World champions Australia are now 6th ranked ODI team
What's the story
Australian cricket has been facing one crisis after another.
Now, Australia have slipped to a 34-year-low in the ODI rankings.
2015 World Cup winners Australia are now 6th ranked ODI team after they lost back-to-back games against England in the ongoing 5-match ODI series.
The visitors trail the series 2-0 and would need a remarkable turnaround if they have to avoid further embarrassment.
34-year low
Back-to-back defeats take Australia to 102 points
Australia had a poor outing in the first two games of the series
These two defeats meant that their ODI rating points are now only 102. Australia are a place below Pakistan.
The men from Down Under came to England with three consecutive defeats in bilateral series.
One more loss in the ongoing series would create an unwanted record for the title holders.
Crisis brewing?
Australian cricket is in turmoil
The last time Australia were ranked sixth was way back in January 1984, when none of the players of the current squad were even born except Shaun Marsh.
Less than two years ago, Australia were ranked number one in the world.
This recent slump in form is definitely worrisome for them, with the World Cup scheduled to take place in 2019.
Missing big stars
Depleted Australia hope to avoid a whitewash
Without their two best batsmen Steve Smith and David Warner, Justin Langer's men look depleted, especially against the number one ranked England.
The Aussies were further dealt massive blows with pace trio Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood sidelined due to injuries.
Tim Paine's boys will have to show some character if they want to avoid a whitewash.