Proteas still top of the Test pile
Despite a lack of activity, South Africa maintained their considerable advantage atop the latest ICC Test rankings released on Tuesday.
Despite wins by Pakistan and Sri Lanka over England and the West Indies respectively, the teams did not improve their places on the Test rankings. Sri Lanka remain seventh, while the West Indies stay eighth. England are third and Pakistan fourth.
South Africa, however, have a four Test series against India starting in Mohali on November 5. India currently ranked fifth in Tests, can secure a move up the ratings with a series win against the Proteas. Even a series loss for the Proteas will see the South Africans hold on to top spot. The Proteas though will by eyeing a series win based on the strength of their lineup.
AB de Villiers and Test captain Hashim Amla will also be hoping to improve their batsman rankings. De Villiers currently occupies third spot with teammate Amla one position behind. Both will have an eye on the summit occupied by England’s Joe Root who just regained his number one ranking.
With the ball, Dale Steyn will hope to maintain his massive advantage at the top of the rankings in conditions which would not be best-suited to pace bowling.
Vernon Philander at seventh in the bowler rankings is just behind Australia’s Mitchell Johnson and could nip ahead of the Aussies with a strong performance in the series against India. – ANA