Jansen No. 1, Bavuma No. 2: Proteas stars lead ICC Test rankings ahead of Day 3

Two of South Africa’s most important players have climbed the latest ICC Test rankings.

They now need to play a starring role in the third five-day clash against Australia.

Ahead of day 3, Marco Jansen and Temba Bavuma need to make their places count.

Proteas climb latest ICC Test rankings

The ICC shared the updated Test player rankings on social media yesterday, 28 October.

Marco Jansen jumped five places in the men’s Test bowler rankings after his masterclass in Gqeberha.

He has displaced Australia’s Mitchell Starc, with New Zealand’s Matt Henry in third.

Scott Boland, who was surprisingly dropped for the third Test, jumped to sixth, ahead of his captain, Pat Cummins.

Kagiso Rabada, who spent some time off the field in the third Test, is eighth in the rankings.

Outside the top 10, Proteas spin bowler Simon Harmer dropped one place to 16th.

Bavuma approaching #1 in Test batting stats

The South African captain’s heroics at St George’s Park saw him jump four places in the Test batting rankings.

England’s Harry Brook sits at #1, with Joe Root at #3.

Travis Head, who kept Australia alive in the second Test, remains fourth.

Steve Smith, who was ruled out of the clash at Newlands, had a sharp drop to sixth among the world’s best Test batsmen.

Outside of the top 10, Aiden Markram has dropped to 12th after a dull outing in Gqeberha.

Meanwhile, Jansen is also leading the ICC men’s Test all-rounder rankings.

He has displaced India’s Ravindra Jadeja, while his Proteas teammate Wiaan Mulder is fourth.

Two World No. 1 Rankings. One Marco Jansen! 🤯👑

ICC World No. 1 Test Bowler. ICC World No. 1 Test All-Rounder. Marco Jansen is sitting pretty at the summit of world cricket! 😤

This is what dreams are made of. An extraordinary achievement for a truly special talent, and a… pic.twitter.com/CfA6fxFzXu

— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA)

October 28, 2026

What does this mean for the third Test?

At stumps on day 2, Australia are on 330/4, having taken the lead by a single run.

South Africa needs Jansen to be on fire and dismiss the visitors as quickly as possible.

Rabada, Mulder, Harmer, and Gerald Coetzee need to support him at the other end.

The Proteas were bowled out for 329 on the first day, giving Australia the early advantage, according to ESPN Cricinfo.

Bavuma also carries a big responsibility in the second batting innings and needs to anchor another huge scoring effort.

Jansen has stepped into his role as an all-rounder, but cannot do the job on his own.

The Proteas need a solid batting effort, including strong contributions from the entire top and middle order.

The series is currently level at 1-1 as the World Test Championship continues.

CAN JANSEN AND BAVUMA KEEP THEIR SPOTS IN THE ICC TEST RANKINGS?

Let us know your predictions by clicking on the comment banner below.