SRINAGAR: South Africa have displaced Australia at the top of the ICC Men’s Test Team Rankings following a 176-run victory in the third and deciding Test in Cape Town, completing a remarkable comeback to win the three-match home series.
The reigning ICC World Test Championship winners now occupy the number-one position with a rating of 124, while Australia have slipped to second place with 122 points, according to the latest rankings released by the International Cricket Council (ICC) on October 31.
South Africa sealed the series after their bowlers dismantled Australia’s batting line-up on the fifth and final day of the third Test, securing a comprehensive victory and ending Australia’s reign at the top of the rankings.
Australia had taken an early lead in the series with a commanding 214-run victory in the opening Test in Durban. However, South Africa responded strongly in the second match in Gqeberha, winning by an innings and 31 runs to level the series.
The hosts carried that momentum into the decisive encounter in Cape Town, where another strong bowling performance on the final day secured a 176-run victory and the series triumph.
The rankings update places New Zealand third with 106 points, followed by India on 105 and England on 102, completing the top five.
South Africa have also moved back into the top two of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 standings following their series success.
New Zealand have replaced Australia at the top of the World Test Championship table. The two sides are scheduled to meet in a four-Test series later this year as part of the ongoing championship cycle.
The top two teams in the World Test Championship standings will qualify for the fourth final, scheduled to be played at The Oval next year.
