South Africa rise to second spot in ICC Test Rankings
South Africa rose to second spot in the latest ICC Test Rankings after a dominating display against Pakistan at home in the recently concluded three-match Test series. The Proteas thrashed the Asian side 3-0 as they displayed another scintillating performance in red-ball cricket. SA enjoyed a stunning 107-run victory at the Wanderers to complete the series sweep. Here are the details.
ICC Test Rankings: Proteas earn four crucial points
The Proteas earned four crucial points and went ahead of England and New Zealand in the ICC Test Rankings. SA have 110 points and lead England (108) and New Zealand (107). They are behind leaders India (116). England will need to win their upcoming three-match series against West Indies, which starts from January 23 onwards, to stay ahead of the Kiwis.
Pakistan slip to seventh in the rankings
Meanwhile, Pakistan have slipped beneath Sri Lanka in the latest rankings. Their heavy defeat saw them slip to the seventh position. Pakistan started the series on 92 points but are now down to 88. This was their second successive Test series defeat.
Duanne Olivier rises to career-best 24th in rankings for bowlers
South African fast bowler Duanne Olivier was the star player in the series against Pakistan. The right-arm fast bowler saw himself rise to a career-best 24th position. He picked a total of 24 wickets in the series. Aiden Markram (eighth) and Hashim Amla (tenth) are in the top 10 in the ICC Test Rankings for batsmen.
