South Africa aims to reclaim second spot in test table

South Africa can make a rapid return to second spot in the ICC Test Championship table if it can win the forthcoming away series against Sri Lanka starting in Galle tomorrow.

South Africa fell outside the top two in the official Test table for the first time when the ratings were updated at the end of last month.

It goes into the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka one point behind England with the knowledge that a 2-0 win will propel it back into second place.

If South Africa wins both matches in the series its rating will climb from 106 to 110, while a 1-0 win will give it a rating of 108.

England has made a strong start to its home series against West Indies but even a 4-0 win will only improve its rating to 109. If England beats West Indies 3-0 it will have a rating of 108.

Sri Lanka has a strong home Test record and if it can win both matches against South Africa it will improve its rating from 99 to 105. This will lift it above India and level with Pakistan which currently holds fourth spot.

The ICC Test Championship table correct on 3 August:

Developed by David Kendix

Full scenarios for the Sri Lanka v South Africa Test series:

Full scenarios for the England v West Indies Test series:

For details of the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Umpires and Referees officiating on this series visit the umpires and referees section of the ICC website.

For details of the ICC Test Championship plus team-by-team analysis of the new ratings visit the Test cricket page of the ICC website.