South Africa’s WTC final win over Australia has boosted ICC Test rankings for Aiden Markram, David Bedingham, and Lungi Ngidi. Markram rose to 11th in batting and climbed 44 spots in all-rounders’ rankings after his match-winning century. Rabada, Ngidi, and others also made significant gains post-victory.
South Africa’s historic World Test Championship (WTC) victory at Lord’s over Australia has brought with it not only glory but also significant individual gains in the ICC Men’s Test rankings for several Proteas players. Among the biggest beneficiaries is right-handed opener Aiden Markram, whose heroic performance in the final has propelled him higher up the batting charts.
Markram was instrumental in South Africa’s successful chase of 282 runs, notching a match-winning 136 off 207 balls. His composed innings under pressure proved to be the backbone of the Proteas’ historic win. As a result of this phenomenal display, Markram has surged seven places in the ICC Test batting rankings, climbing to 11th position. He now sits just two points behind New Zealand’s Daryl Mitchell, who occupies the 10th spot with 725 rating points.
Markram’s influence wasn’t limited to just batting. He also chipped in with a couple of crucial wickets during the match, highlighting his all-round capabilities. Reflecting this contribution, Markram has made a substantial leap in the Test all-rounders’ rankings, moving up an impressive 44 places.
Another key figure in the final, David Bedingham, who was at the crease when South Africa sealed the win, also saw a positive shift in his Test batting ranking. His consistent performances have earned him a 17-place jump, bringing him to joint 40th place alongside Australia’s Cameron Green.
South Africa’s bowling unit, which was lethal throughout the Test, also reaped the rewards. Lungi Ngidi, who was particularly devastating during Australia’s second innings, has climbed seven places in the bowlers’ rankings. He now shares 37th place with Sri Lanka’s Lahiru Kumara and Pakistan’s Naseem Shah.
Kagiso Rabada, the Proteas’ bowling spearhead, maintained his stronghold at the top end of the rankings. He continues to hold the second position among Test bowlers, trailing only India’s Jasprit Bumrah, who retains the No. 1 spot.
The rankings shake-up extended to the Australians as well. Despite the loss, there were some silver linings for them. Left-arm fast bowler Mitchell Starc had a strong outing, taking five wickets and contributing a gritty half-century in the second innings. His all-round efforts saw him rise to 10th place in both the bowling and all-rounders’ rankings.
Beau Webster, one of Australia’s rising stars and the top scorer in their first innings, climbed 13 spots in the batting rankings, further cementing his place in the squad for future assignments.
Looking ahead, Australia will now shift focus to their upcoming three-match Test series against the West Indies. The series, set to begin later this month, will be played across Barbados, Grenada, and Jamaica, offering the Australians a chance to regroup and bounce back.
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Meanwhile, the triumphant South African team is scheduled to return home on Wednesday. Upon arrival at OR Tambo International Airport, the players and support staff will address a press conference. The team is expected to take a short break before preparing for their next challenge – a two-match Test series against Zimbabwe.
South Africa’s WTC triumph has not only ended their long wait for a global ICC title but has also revitalized their standing in the Test arena. With key players like Markram, Ngidi, and Bedingham stepping up, and seasoned campaigners like Rabada holding firm, the Proteas appear poised for a new era of red-ball dominance.
