South Africa tops ICC Test Standings

Some useful all rounder performances from the South African players propelled their team to the top of the ICC test standings. South Africa went passed England after they won the third test match at Lords by 51 runs. South African inform batsman Hamish Amla scored a century in the final Test at Lords bringing his total amount of test centuries to 15 from 61 tests at an average of 49-61. Opener Robin Peterson scored a century the second test, Jacques Kallis scored a century in the first test. Abde Villiers came on with some useful scores as well.

Specialist Bowlers did the Job

South Africa has five specialist bowlers that can topple and carry the challenge to many top batsmen in the world. Morne Morkel, Vernon Philander, Dale Steyn, Jack Kallis and spinner Imran Jahir took the challenge to the English batsmen and won. These bowlers capitalize on the conditions and South Africa’s Captain Craeme Smith never over used any of his bowlers. He used them appropriately. Vernon Philander, the pacer, got the ball to move around frequently along with some swing causing him to pick up five wickets for 30 runs from 14.5 overs. South Africa stood to their task and their specialist bowlers did the job. South Africa won the Three-Test series 2-0. Winning the Basil Doli Veira trophy.

International Cricket Council Test Standings

South Africa: 120; England: 117; Australia: 116; Pakistan: 109; India: 104; Sri Lanka: 98; West Indies: 90: New Zealand: 80; Bangladesh: 0.

International Cricket Council One-Day International Standings

England: 121; South Africa: 121; India: 120; Australia: 112; Sri Lanka: 108;Pakistan: 105; West Indies: 94; New Zealand: 74; Bangladesh: 71; Zimbabwe: 50; Ireland: 35.

ICC Twenty20 in Sri Lanka Will be Very Competitive

The six top teams in Twenty20 cricket are England in first place, South Africa – second, Sri Lanka – third, Bangladesh – fourth, Pakistan – fifth and Australia – sixth. West Indies is at number nine. Bangladesh, India and Sri Lanka will be the teams desperate to move up the ladder. Sri Lanka will be playing at home under their customary conditions. Bangladesh and India understand those conditions fully too. India will be making every effort to move from the number eight position. West Indies have the batting but their bowling may be in for some heavy battering. Captaincy will play a significant part in the series. How well Sunil Narine, Kemar Roach, Jino Best and Dwayne Bravo bowl may determine if the West Indies win or lose. Their batting is destructive but their bowlers will have to limit the runs scored. Andre Russell should bat up in the order. He has proven repeatedly that he has a huge appetite for runs. He deserves to climb the ladder and take care of business. This competition will be rigorous and the team that can contain the swash buckling of runs will win the competition. South African and Indian bowlers are good at containing runs. A fierce competition is ahead.