South Africa beats Australia to seize top Test ranking spot
South Africa beat Australia and claimed the top Test ranking, ending Australia's two-and-a-half-year reign.
South Africa won the series and proved they are the best Test team. Australia's captain Pat Cummins said his team is still strong.
But they face a turning point. For the first time in his career, Cummins faced tough questions.
He had a bowling average of 53.66 in the series. He also went more than 62 overs without taking a wicket.
Australia's pace bowlers are aging. Their batting lineup spans different ages.
This raises questions about their future. The loss adds pressure on Cummins as leader.
It also raises questions about whether Matt Renshaw can fill the opening position left by David Warner.
- 53.66
- Cummins bowling average
- 62 overs
- Overs without wicket
- 33
- Cummins age
- Two and a half years
- Ranking reign duration
Why it mattersAustralia's loss of top ranking signals a shift in Test cricket power and raises questions about the team's cycle. The aging pace trio of Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood may be entering decline.
AustraliaAustralian cricket fans face the reality that their Test team is no longer the world's best. The next chance to respond is a 150th anniversary Test against England in Melbourne in March.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 2 h ago
