South Africa topple Australia to climb Test Team Rankings summit

A commanding display from the bowlers on the final day of the third Test saw South Africa dethrone Australia at the top of the ICC Men's Test Team Rankings.

The victory means the reigning ICC World Test Championship winners are also at the top of the Rankings, which now see Australia in second place, with New Zealand (106), India (105) and England (102) following in the top five. 

The Proteas now have a 124 rating at the top, while Australia have now dropped down to second place with a 122 rating.

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The Rankings rise comes on the back of a gruelling Test series between the last ICC World Test Championship Finalists. 

While Australia had started off the much-awaited three-match series with a comprehensive win in Durban by a margin of 214 runs, South Africa came back roaring back into the series with a victory in the second Test.

The hosts mounted an impressive triumph by an innings and 31 runs in Gqeberha, setting up a blockbuster finale in Cape Town.

True to the series' rhythm, the final Test lived up to expectations as momentum shifted from one side to the other. 

Finally, on Day 5, South African bowlers saw through the Australian batting lineup and completed a massive 176-run run win.

The Proteas are also back among the top two in the current ICC World Test Championship Standings. Meanwhile, New Zealand have replaced Australia at the top of the Standings, with the two teams set to play each other in a four-Test series as part of this cycle starting later this year.

STATE OF PLAY IN THE ICC WORLD TEST CHAMPIONSHIP 2025-27

The top two ranked teams in the Standings will play in the fourth ICC World Test Championship Final at The Oval next year.