South Africa v Australia Test series: Suspended star Kagiso Rabada back at top of rankings
HE may be under suspension but that hasn’t stopped the ICC from elevating South Africa star Kagiso Rabada to the top of the Test bowling rankings after his Port Elizabeth heroics.
Cricket
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THE International Cricket Council has given South Africa a timely reminder of Kagiso Rabada’s talent, with the suspended spearhead now officially ranked the world’s best Test bowler.
The ICC released its updated rankings one day after confirming Rabada’s two-Test ban, which will force him to miss the rest of the four-Test series against Australia that is currently level at 1-1.
The Proteas are yet to reveal whether they will appeal the code-of-conduct charge resulting from Rabada’s physical contact with Steve Smith on day one of the second Test.
Cricket South Africa is seeking legal advice and is set to confirm on Wednesday (EDT) whether it is lodging an appeal.
Rabada reclaimed top spot on the ICC’s Test bowling charts after claiming 11-150 in Port Elizabeth, a man-of-the-match effort that included a stack of key wickets at clutch moments.
The 22-year-old is now 15 points above England veteran Jimmy Anderson on the rankings, with fifth-placed Josh Hazlewood the top-ranked Australian.
South Africa skipper Faf du Plessis suggested Rabada still has room for improvement.
“A lot has been said about KG’s amazing rise,” du Plessis said.
“I honestly still think KG will get better. I’m really excited to see what’s going to happen in his future.
“He’s got the best strike-rate in the world (of any current player). I don’t think you have to say too much more.
“To have him in your side as a captain is a huge pleasure.
“Both teams have very high class reverse-swing bowlers but what makes KG so special for me is he does it both ways at pace ... and he doesn’t give a lot of bad balls away.”
TEST BOWLING RANKINGS
1. Kagiso Rabada (902 points)
2. Jimmy Anderson (887)
3. Ravindra Jadeja (844)
4. Ravichandran Ashwin (803)
5. Josh Hazlewood (796)
6. Neil Wagner (784)
7. Rangana Herath (777)
8. Vernon Philander (776)
9. Mitchell Starc (772)
10. Nathan Lyon (753)