Marco Jansen Reaches No. 1 in Two World Test Rankings After Proteas Win

• Marco Jansen has climbed to the top of two ICC Test rankings after a decisive performance against Australia
• The Proteas all-rounder’s latest achievement puts him alongside some of South Africa’s biggest cricket names
• Temba Bavuma has also moved closer to the top of the batting rankings after his match-winning innings

South Africa's Marco Jansen has become the world's top-ranked Test bowler and all-rounder after helping the Proteas defeat Australia by an innings and 31 runs in Gqeberha. The International Cricket Council (ICC) confirmed the rankings changes on Wednesday, 28 October 2026, following the second Test of the World Test Championship series.

According to the ICC's official rankings announcement, Jansen scored 85 runs and took six wickets across Australia's two innings, including five for 33 in the first and one for 34 in the second.

The 26-year-old climbed five places to take over the bowling rankings from Australia's Mitchell Starc. He also ended India's Ravindra Jadeja's more than four-year reign as the leading Test all-rounder, reaching a rating of 451 points.

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Jansen is the first South African to top the Test bowling rankings since Kagiso Rabada in November 2024. He is also the country's first top-ranked Test all-rounder since Vernon Philander in August 2014.

Temba Bavuma climbs to second in Test batting rankings

Proteas captain Temba Bavuma has also made significant progress. His 179-run innings lifted him to second in the Test batting rankings, with 818 points, just behind England's Harry Brook on 861.

Bavuma is now within reach of becoming South Africa's first top-ranked Test batter since AB de Villiers in November 2015.

Australia's Scott Boland climbed three places to sixth among Test bowlers, while South Africa's Wiaan Mulder moved up to fourth among all-rounders. Simon Harmer also reached eighth in the all-rounder rankings.

The latest rankings underline the impact of South Africa's victory, with Jansen and Bavuma both rewarded for performances that helped level the three-match series at 1-1.

Top 10 ICC men's Test bowling rankings

The rankings published on 28 October place Jansen first, with 876 rating points. Starc and New Zealand's Matt Henry are level on 861 points.

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Top 10 ICC men's Test all-rounder rankings

Jansen leads the all-rounders with 451 points, 29 ahead of Jadeja. South Africa has three players in the top 10: Jansen, Mulder and Harmer.

Top 10 ICC men's Test batting rankings

Bavuma is second with 818 points, just two ahead of England's Joe Root and five ahead of Australia's Travis Head. Brook leads with 861 points.

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Rankings and points above reflect the 28 October 2026 update reported by Wisden. Rankings can change after subsequent matches.

Temba Bavuma explains his viral reaction during Steve Smith's dismissal

Briefly News also reported that Temba Bavuma has explained why he turned away during a tense catching opportunity involving Australia's Steve Smith in the second Test at St George's Park in Gqeberha.

The Proteas captain admitted he was nervous as Matthew Breetzke attempted to complete the catch in windy conditions. Bavuma stressed that his reaction was not a sign of doubt in his teammate, explaining that the pressure of the moment had got the better of him.

Source: Briefly News