South Africa's Hashim Amla has moved within four ratings points of topping the ICC rankings for Test batsmen, after his Man of the Match 196 against Australia in the series decider at the WACA in Perth.

The Proteas won the match by 309 runs, and retained their number one ranking, thanks largely to the 18th century of Amla's career.

His innings, which also saw him pass 1,000 runs for the calendar year, pushed him from fifth to third in the rankings.

West Indian veteran Shivnarine Chanderpaul, meanwhile, has surpassed Australia's Michael Clarke at the helm of the batting championship.

A double-centurion in Brisbane and Adelaide, Clarke held the coveted position for a week, but has slipped to second after scores of 44 and five in Perth.

South African wicketkeeper-batsman AB de Villiers, for his 169 at the WACA, has climbed two places to seventh, while retired Australian batsman Ricky Ponting ended his career in 26th position.

Proteas fast bowler Dale Steyn continues to lead the rankings for Test bowlers, with team-mate Vernon Philander drawing level with Sri Lanka spinner Rangana Herath in second place - and fellow right-armer Morne Morkel moving from sixth to seventh.

Australia's left-arm seam duo Mitchell Starc and Mitchell Johnson have reached 20th and 53rd respectively, while all-rounder Shane Watson has fallen to 23rd and spinner Nathan Lyon 29th.