South Africa heroes rise in ICC Test Rankings after WTC win

Positive gains for South African players in ICC Men’s Test Rankings

South Africa's triumphant maiden ICC World Test Championship (WTC) victory at Lord’s has not only etched history but also propelled several Proteas up the ICC Men’s Test Player Rankings, cementing both individual and national acclaim.

Aiden Markram: From WTC Hero to Ranking Surge

Aiden Markram, named Player of the Match in the WTC Final after his stunning century at Lord’s, jumped seven places in the ICC Test batting rankings to climb to 11th, just two points shy of the coveted top 10. His masterful 136 off 207 balls not only steered South Africa to victory but captured global attention.

In addition, Markram’s lesser-known bowling contributions earned him a massive 44-place rise in the ICC Test all-rounder rankings, now nestled around the 65th spot. His dual-threat performance underlines his expanding influence on both fronts.

David Bedingham: Sealing It Raises Batting Profile

When it mattered most, it was David Bedingham who finished the chase—his unbeaten 21 marking him as a steadying presence. That effort earned him a 17-place rise to joint 40th in the Test batting rankings, alongside Australia’s Cameron Green.

Pace Upgrades: Ngidi and Rabada

Fast bowler Lungi Ngidi, with a fiery spell in Australia’s second innings (notably 3/38), climbed seven places along with Naseem Shah and Lahiru Kumara, reaching 37th in the bowling rankings. His ability to swing matches has earned managerial faith—future tests look promising.

Meanwhile, spearhead Kagiso Rabada remains firmly entrenched in second position, with 868 rating points, just behind India’s Jasprit Bumrah. Meanwhile, Australia’s Pat Cummins sits third—highlighting Rabada’s consistency and elite standing.

Australia’s Bright Spots: Starc and Webster

Though runners-up, several Australians benefitted. Mitchell Starc, braving injury and form doubts, delivered five wickets and a gritty second-innings fifty—resulting in him climbing to 10th among both bowlers and all-rounders.

Also, Beau Webster, who top-scored for Australia in the first innings with a composed 72, ascended 13 spots in the batting rankings.

ODI Rankings: Momentum Across Formats

The upward trends extend to One-Day International rankings. In ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2, Netherlands stalwart Michael Levitt soared 22 places in batting, 21 in bowling, and 27 in all-rounder standings, also rising 11 places in T20I batting, now around 30th—just shy of Mohammad Haris.

Team-mates likewise advanced: Noah Croes jumped 20 spots in ODI batting following a key fifty in Netherlands’ win over Scotland, while Nepal’s Aarif Sheikh climbed 13 places in the rankings after starring in the tri-series.

What These Rises Mean

These ranking improvements reflect more than numbers—they recognize consistency, pressure handling, and benchmark-setting performances on cricket’s biggest stage. As South Africa embarks on the 2025–27 WTC cycle, these upward rankings are indicators of a side brimming with form and momentum.

Markram’s dual rise in batting and all-rounder metrics speaks to his evolving status. Ngidi’s resurgence reminds us of the power of a single match surge. Bedingham’s climb underscores that decisive contributions can shift reputations overnight.

Australia’s Starc and Webster demonstrate champions’ mettle—valor and tenacity leading to reward, even in defeat.

Finally, the ODI ranking jumps show cricket’s global bloom—from Pakistan and Nepal to Netherlands—proof that top-tier cricketing growth is not confined to full-member nations.