Proteas Back on Top of the Test Cricket World

Photo Credit: Proteas Men CSA (IG)

South Africa rise to No 1 in the ICC rankings after completing a memorable 2-1 series victory over Australia at home

Cape Town, South Africa (02 November 2026)- South Africa gets another reason to celebrate after climbing to the top of the ICC Test rankings for the first time in almost 11 years.

The Proteas moved above Australia following their impressive 176-run victory at Newlands, which secured a 2-1 series win over the visitors. South Africa now sit on 124 rating points, two ahead of Australia on 122, with New Zealand, India and England completing the top five.

It is another significant milestone for a team that has enjoyed a remarkable turnaround, having already beaten Australia in the World Test Championship final at Lord’s.

The latest series victory was particularly impressive given how it unfolded. Australia took the opening Test in Durban by 214 runs, but South Africa responded with an innings victory in Gqeberha before sealing the series in Cape Town.

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It is only the second time since the 1880s that a team has beaten Australia in a three-match Test series after losing the opening match. India were the only other side to achieve the feat, back in 2001.

There were also individual milestones along the way. Kagiso Rabada became the fastest bowler in Test cricket history to reach 350 wickets in terms of deliveries bowled, while Simon Harmer produced career-best figures of 6-16 to help wrap up the final Test.

Rabada is now just the fourth South African to reach the 350-wicket mark, with his latest milestone coming at a crucial stage of the contest.

The series victory was a real team effort. Ryan Rickelton and Wiaan Mulder helped South Africa post a competitive total when the deciding Test was finely balanced, before Rabada and Harmer took charge with the ball.

Having endured some difficult years in Test cricket, the Proteas now have a world title, a series victory over Australia on home soil and the No 1 ranking to show for their efforts.

While there will be plenty more challenges ahead, South Africa can certainly enjoy their moment at the summit.