‘King’ Kallis No 2 on ICC list

ALL-ROUNDER Jacques Kallis has climbed back to second position in the world rankings for batsman and all-rounders, the International Cricket Council (ICC) announced yesterday.

Kallis had dropped to fourth among batsmen and fifth in the all-rounders’ list, but a magnificent effort in his 150th Test saw him rising in both tables.

The 36-year-old struck back at Newlands after a disappointing second Test against Sri Lanka in Durban where he made his first “pair”.

He delivered a career-best 224 in the Proteas’ first innings in the final match and returned 3/35 to help set up a 10-wicket and a 2-1 series win.

Meanwhile, middle-order batsman AB de Villiers gained three places to occupy fifth position among batsmen after hitting an unbeaten 160 at Newlands, while opener Alviro Petersen, who scored 109 in his comeback Test, moved up 13 places to 55th.

Hashim Amla fell seven positions to 14th and SA captain Graeme Smith dropped two spots to 16th.

Seam bowler Vernon Philander, in a remarkable debut season, rose seven places to a career-best 21st in the rankings for bowlers after match figures of 6/100.

victory

Speedster Dale Steyn remained in the top position in the standings, while Morné Morkel dropped one spot to sixth and spinner Imran Tahir climbed nine places to 58th.

The Proteas remained third in the ICC Test Championship, but are guaranteed to climb to second after the fourth and final match between Australia and India in Adelaide later this month.

Trailing 2-0 in the series, the best India can achieve is a 2-2 draw, which will not be enough to retain second spot, with the Proteas climbing one place as they close in on leaders England. – Sapa