Tight at the top if South Africa overcome Bangladesh
South Africa can move to within a fraction of leading team Australia at the head of the ICC Test Championship table, by winning its forthcoming two Test series against Bangladesh, beginning this Friday, 18th October in East London
ICC Media Release
15-Oct-2002
South Africa can move to within a fraction of leading team Australia at the head of the ICC Test Championship table, by winning its forthcoming two Test series against Bangladesh, beginning this Friday, 18th October in East London.
South Africa, currently second on the table, play Bangladesh for the first time in a Test, having recently completed a three - nil win in the ODI series. Bangladesh is still searching for an elusive first win at the highest level, having now completed five series without a Test victory.
Two points for the Proteas would improve its series average to 1.53, marginally behind Australia, which has led the table since its introduction in May 2001, on 1.54. Steve Waugh's team has maintained top spot by winning its current series against Pakistan, and will be looking to a successful Ashes defence to keep ahead of South Africa. Australia is due to play its first series against Bangladesh in Australia, next July.
Team Played Won Lost Drawn Points Average Australia 13 9 2 2 20 1.54 South Africa 16 11 3 2 24 1.50 New Zealand 17 8 5 4 20 1.18 Sri Lanka 16 8 6 2 18 1.13 England 16 6 6 4 16 1.00 West Indies 15 6 8 1 13 0.87 India 14 4 6 4 12 0.86 Pakistan 16 4 7 5 13 0.81 Zimbabwe 16 3 11 2 8 0.50 Bangladesh 5 - 5 - 0 -
A historic series win or draw for Bangladesh would postpone South Africa's drive for top spot and earn Khaled Mashud's team its first points on the ICC Test Championship table.
Ranjan Madugalle is the ICC Match Referee for the series and Elite Panel umpires Daryl Harper and Russell Tiffin will stand in both Tests, in East London, 18-21 October, and Potchefstroom, 25-29 October.
Media contact:
Mark Harrison
ICC Communications Manager
Tel: + 44 20 7266 7935
Mobile: + 44 (0) 787 944 1891
Email: mark.harrison@icc-cricket.com
ICC Communications Manager
Tel: + 44 20 7266 7935
Mobile: + 44 (0) 787 944 1891
Email: mark.harrison@icc-cricket.com