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Australia’s Starc displaces Jansen at top of ICC test bowling rankings
Australia’s Mitchell Starc has reclaimed the top position in the ICC Test bowling rankings, displacing South African all-rounder Marco Jansen. Starc’s performance helped make him the leading wicket-taker in Australia’s recent series in South Africa, though Australia lost the series 2-1.
The 36-year-old took 15 wickets across three Tests, including nine in the final match and a first-innings haul of 6-72. Jansen had risen to the top only the previous week after a strong all-round display in the second Test. South Africa spinner Simon Harmer climbed nine places to seventh after taking his first 10-wicket match haul in the third Test.
In short
- Starc returns to the top of the Test bowling rankings.
- He took 15 wickets in three Tests in South Africa.
- Harmer rose to seventh after a 10-wicket match haul.
Explained simply
The International Cricket Council (ICC) publishes rankings that compare players’ performances in Test cricket, the longest format of the international game. Bowling rankings reflect factors including wickets taken and the quality of opposition, and can change as new matches are played.
Mitchell Starc is an Australian fast bowler, while Marco Jansen is a South African all-rounder who bowls left-arm pace and also bats. Simon Harmer is a South African spin bowler. Their rankings provide a snapshot of individual performances, separate from whether their teams win a series.