R3.7m goal for Faf’s Proteas

Avoiding defeat in the third and final Test against New Zealand in Hamilton could mean an additional R3.7 million for the Proteas.

With India assured of the jackpot of $1 million by finishing as the No 1-ranked Test team at the International Cricket Council’s April 1 cut-off date, the No 2 spot, which comes with a bonus payout of $500 000, are still up for grabs.

Australia are currently occupying the second position, but should they lose the fourth and final Test to India in Dharamsala and the Proteas beat or draw against the Kiwis, the Proteas will leapfrog them into second position. The third-placed team at April 1 will get $200 000 and the No 4, which is certain to be England, will earn $100 000.

Left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj (above) has meanwhile risen 15 places to reach a career-best 37th spot in the rankings for Test bowlers after taking eight wickets – which included 6/40 in the second innings – in Wellington.

The injured Dale Steyn has become South Africa’s highest-ranked Test bowler again by staying at No 6 after Kagiso Rabada dropped down to No 8. Vernon Philander remains at No 9.

Ravindra Jadeja has whizzed ahead of spin-twin Ravichandran Ashwin to take the sole top spot after grabbing nine wickets in the drawn third Test against Australia. The left-arm spinner has become only the third India player after Ashwin and Bishan Bedi to top the bowling charts on his own.

Quinton de Kock’s 91 in Wellington has seen him leapfrog AB de Villiers to move into the top10 for Test batsmen, one behind, Hashim Amla at No 9.

Opening batsman Dean Elgar dropped five places to No 16, while captain Faf du Plessis remains at No 19. – Own Correspondent