Could the Proteas miss the chance to defend their World Test Championship title?
South Africa have dropped to 3rd in the standings after a dismal loss to Australia at Kingsmead.
The Proteas are now under pressure, with 2 more Test matches still to play.
What happened during the first Test?
Australia won the toss and chose to bat first, as cited by ESPN Cricinfo.
South Africa’s bowling attack did well to bring their rivals to a worrying 124-6.
Matt Renshaw then played a heroic innings of 190 runs to help the Aussies post a first-innings total of 390.
In reply, the Proteas lacked patience, with poor shot choices leaving them all out for 284.
Australia then returned to the batting crease to build on their 106-run lead.
Once again, Renshaw provided the most firepower, reaching 82 runs.
The Aussies then declared on 314/6, leaving South Africa a massive 421 to chase.
Aiden Markram tried to steer the team almost single-handedly with 75 runs from 237 balls.
However, with only 3 others reaching double figures, the writing was on the wall.
Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood did the most damage, taking 8 wickets during the match.
Proteas slip down WTC rankings
The loss in Durban sees New Zealand jump up into second place with a percentage of 72.22.
Now in third, the Proteas are just above Bangladesh, who visit South Africa in November.
Australia are comfortable at the top of the standings with a percentage of 81.82, as cited by the ICC website.
The remaining positions are as follows:
- 5th – India (51.52)
- 6th – England (38.54)
- 7th – Sri Lanka (33.33)
- 8th – West Indies (20.83)
- 9th – Pakistan (4.63)
South Africa vs Australia: Remaining Test fixtures
2nd Test – 18 to 22 October at St George’s Park, Gqeberha
3rd Test – 27 to 31 October at Newlands, Cape Town
Details are correct according to the Cricket South Africa website.
CAN THE PROTEAS CLIMB THE WTC RANKINGS IN THE SECOND TEST NEXT WEEK?
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