South Africa’s Kagiso Rabada reclaims top spot in ICC Test Rankings for Bowlers

South Africa’s premier bowler Kagiso Rabada has reclaimed top spot in ICC Test Rankings for Bowlers after getting 11 wickets against Australia in the second game at Port Elizabeth. Rabada finished with figures of 11 for 150 to help South Africa level the series.

For the first time, Kagiso Rabada also notched up 900 points in ICC Test Rankings for Bowlers and became fourth South Africa after Shaun Pollock, Dale Steyn, and Vernon Philander to achieve this milestone. He is 15 points ahead of second place James Anderson in ICC Test Rankings.

The right-arm quick climbed to no.1 spot shortly after receiving four demerit points for improper conduct displayed during the second Test against Australia played at Port Elizabeth. Rabada was handed out a two-game ban and will miss the remainder of the series. South Africa have decided to appeal against the decision.

He has taken 10-wicket hauls on four occasions in just 28 games but will need to assess his behavior for the future series. The 22-year old has been the premier bowler for South Africa in the absence of injured Dale Steyn.

South Africa’s AB De Villiers also moved up a place in the Test Ranking for Batsmen after scoring a sublime century against Australia at Port Elizabeth. Australia’s Mitchell Starc also dropped down the table in ICC Test Rankings for Bowlers due to poor show at Port Elizabeth. De Villiers good show at Port Elizabeth saw him climb into no.7 position in the ICC Test Rankings for Batsmen.

He dislodged Pakistan’s Azhar Ali from the position. Mitchell Starc is now at 9th place while South Africa Vernon Philander is at 8th in the ICC Test Rankings for Bowlers. The Rankings is set to fluctuate in the coming weeks as South Africa and Australia will play remaining two Test matches to conclude the series.