How South Africa Snatched the No. 1 Test Ranking from Australia

Dr. Annelies De Vos · 2026-11-01

Australia's reign at the top of Test cricket is over. A 2-1 series loss to South Africa in Cape Town didn't just cost them the series – it also knocked them off the No. 1 spot in the ICC Test rankings and dropped them to third in the World Test Championship (WTC) points table. It's a tough pill to swallow for a team that had been setting the pace. ### Australia Fall to No. 3 in WTC Points Table South Africa's series win, sealed in the Cape Town decider, lifted Temba Bavuma's side to second on the WTC table with a points percentage of 71.43. Australia, who started the series with 80 percentage points, now sit on 69.23. That's a significant slide for a team that had been dominating. New Zealand lead the table with 72.22 percentage points, while India are fourth at 51.52 and have a chance to climb when they face New Zealand in a two-match Test series in November and December. South Africa, the defending world champions after winning the WTC final at Lord's last year, can now add the No. 1 Test ranking to their trophy cabinet. It's a remarkable achievement for a team that's been building steadily. ### Bavuma Calls Win Over Australia the Best of His Career For Bavuma, this series win is personal. "That [No.1 ranking] is exceptional. I think that's obviously been a part of our ambition as a team," he said. The captain didn't hold back in his praise for the series, calling it the best he's ever been involved in. "Every time you get an opportunity to come up against Australia, you savour that. I don't think I've been involved in a better series," Bavuma added. He described the victory as his best Test result so far and emphasized the team's desire to keep pushing standards and leave the Proteas badge in a stronger place. > "I don't think I've been involved in a better series." – Temba Bavuma ### Upcoming Fixtures for Australia and South Africa Australia will be eager to bounce back when they host New Zealand in a four-match Test series starting December 9 in Perth. It's a chance to regain points and climb back up the WTC standings. South Africa have a two-week break before hosting Bangladesh in a two-match Test series in November. Their performance there will determine whether they can hold off Australia in the WTC table. New Zealand, currently on top, face India in a two-match series in November and December before traveling to Australia for a four-match series starting December 9 in Perth. With the top three teams separated by just a few points, the order could change after each series. India, in fourth place, have an opportunity to improve their position when they take on New Zealand. For more cricket news and updates, visit JeetWin Blog!