Share

Proteas miss out on top spot

Wellington - England will remain the world's top-ranked Test team after South Africa could only manage a draw in the opening Test of their New Zealand tour, the International Cricket Council said on Monday.

England's lead in the rankings was slashed to a single point after their 3-0 whitewash by Pakistan, giving the Proteas the chance to take the number one spot with a clean sweep in the three-Test series in New Zealand.

But South Africa's hopes were dashed when the final day of the first Test against the Black Caps on Sunday was rained off and the match ended in a draw, meaning England will retain top spot when the new rankings come out next month.

The ICC said it was the first time since the rankings began in 2003 that England had held the number one spot on the April 1 cut-off date and they would receive a $175 000 cheque for their achievement.

Andrew Strauss' men will end the rankings period on 118 points, one ahead of the Proteas, who are currently on 117, ahead of India and Australia on 111 each.

South Africa are favourites to take second place and a $75 000 cheque but could slip to 108 points if a worst-case scenario unfolds in New Zealand and they lose the two remaining Tests to the Black Caps.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1471 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2249 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE