South Africa becomes world's top-ranked Test cricket team
Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 31 Oct, 23:20 · Archive
South Africa has replaced Australia at the top of the ICC Test rankings after a 176-run victory at home in Cape Town.
South Africa has become the world's top-ranked Test cricket team for the first time in 12 years after a 176-run victory against Australia in Cape Town on Saturday. The win maintained the Proteas' almost seven-year undefeated run at home and replaced Pat Cummins' Australia side at the top of the ICC rankings. South Africa are already the World Test champions after beating Australia in last year's final.
Captain Temba Bavuma has overseen a remarkable turnaround. He admitted that the team did not expect to be on top of the world this quickly. Bavuma revealed a desire to silence critics who claimed the team's World Test Championship victory was a 'fluke'. Under his captaincy, South Africa has won 13 of 15 matches with one draw.
The rise comes after years of neglect for Test cricket in South Africa. Two and a half years ago, Cricket South Africa sent a third-string team to New Zealand, prioritising their domestic T20 league instead. South Africa also hosted no red-ball matches last summer, with the Australia series being their first at home since winning the World Test Championship. Bavuma was brought in as captain after South Africa felt bullied and beaten by Australia in 2022-23, and has since secured series wins over India away and Australia at home.
How it is being reported
- Cricket has new kings with lionheart Bavuma at the foreSouth Africa's rise to the top Test team in the world comes from the mire of being bullied in Australia and red-ball cricket not being a priority for officials.The West Australian · 31 Oct, 23:02
- Cricket has new kings with lionheart Bavuma at the foreSouth Africa's rise to the top Test team in the world comes from the mire of being bullied in Australia and red-ball cricket not being a priority for officials.Perth Now · 31 Oct, 23:01
In this story: South Africa · Australia · Temba Bavuma · Pat Cummins · Cape Town · India · New Zealand · Cricket South Africa
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