South Africa’s World Test Championship (WTC) victory at Lord’s has delivered more than just silverware — it’s sparked a wave of positive movement in the ICC Men’s Test Player Rankings, with several Proteas stars climbing the charts across all disciplines.
Aiden Markram leads batting and all-rounder charge
Player of the Match Aiden Markram has risen seven spots in the Test Batting Rankings after his match-winning 136 off 207 balls. He now sits just outside the top 10 with 723 rating points, two behind New Zealand’s Daryl Mitchell.
Markram’s all-round effort has also earned him a 44-place jump in the Test All-Rounders Rankings, underlining his growing influence across disciplines.
Other South African risers: Bedingham and Ngidi
David Bedingham, who helped secure the win at Lord’s, leapt 17 spots to 40th in the Batting Rankings, now tied with Australia’s Cameron Green.
Inspirational fast bowler Lungi Ngidi, who impressed during Australia’s second innings, has climbed seven positions in the Bowling Rankings and now shares 37th spot with Naseem Shah and Lahiru Kumara.
Rabada holds strong at No. 2
Kagiso Rabada maintained his second position in the Test Bowling Rankings with 868 points, trailing only India’s Jasprit Bumrah. Rabada remains 21 points clear of third-ranked Pat Cummins.
Australia’s silver lining: Starc and Webster climb
Despite the final loss, Mitchell Starc made notable gains, breaking into the top 10 in both the Bowling and All-Rounder Rankings. He claimed five wickets and scored a vital half-century in the second innings.
Beau Webster, Australia’s top scorer in the first innings, jumped 13 places in the Batting Rankings.
ODI and T20I movers: Netherlands, Nepal stars shine
Outside the Test format, the Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2 produced significant ODI and T20I ranking movements:
- Michael Levitt (Netherlands) climbed 22 places in ODI Batting, 21 in Bowling, 27 in All-Rounders, and 11 in T20I Batting (30th overall).
- Noah Croes (Netherlands) rose 20 spots in the ODI Batting Rankings after his key knock against Scotland.
- Aarif Sheikh (Nepal) jumped 13 places in ODI Batting after top-scoring in a 16-run win over the Dutch.
South Africa’s rise in the rankings mirrors the team’s historic Test triumph — a celebration not only of silverware but of individual excellence and growth.
