Proteas bowlers climb rankings

Johannesburg - South Africa's bowling attack has received a welcome boost ahead of the first of three ODI's against New Zealand in Wellington on Saturday.

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Paceman Lonwabo Tsotsobe climbed one place to second in the latest ICC ODI rankings for bowlers released on Wednesday, while fellow speedster Morne Morkel rose two positions to fourth.

Tsotsobe, who qualifies for a provisional rating as he has not yet conceded 1 500 ODI runs - he has given away 1 043 in 28 matches -- will look to move past world number one Saeed Ajmal of Pakistan, who is 29 points ahead, in the series against the Black Caps.

Hashim Amla stood firm at the top of the ODI rankings for batsmen, with Proteas captain AB de Villiers remaining in second place.

Jacques Kallis was still South Africa's highest ranked all-rounder, in fifth position in the standings.