England are ahead of Australia on decimal points, with both sides sitting on 128 points.

They have climbed from 125 points to reach 128.47 points to edge in front of their arch-rivals.

Australia had held top spot since the women's combined rankings were introduced in October 2015 but have been replaced by England following their World Cup triumph on home soil earlier this year.

The two sides are due to clash later this month when the Ashes series in Australia, which includes one Test, three one-day internationals and three Twenty20 matches, gets underway.

It is due to run from October 22 to November 21.

"It's flattering to be named as the number one side in the world because it's a sign of how much progress we've made," said England captain Heather Knight.

“It won't take anything away from the challenges ahead of us, though. 

"We're a developing side and our journey isn't finished yet.

"We have plenty more hard work to do, starting with the Ashes in Australia this winter but it has been a great 12 months for us. 

"We'll never forget the feeling of winning the ICC Women's World Cup on home soil and we want to keep pushing forward as a side so we can experience more moments like that."

England and Australia are the only two movers on the rankings as New Zealand retained third place and India remain fourth.

The results from the 2013-2014 season are no longer included in the ICC's women's team rankings.

The rankings now take into account 2014-2015 and 2015-2016 seasons at 50 per cent each while the 2016-2017 season accounts for 100 per cent.