Matt Renshaw jumped 149 places to reach No. 49 in the ICC Test batting rankings after Australia’s 214-run victory over South Africa in Durban. He scored a career-best 190 in the first innings and 82 in the second. Teammate Josh Hazlewood also climbed to seventh in the Test bowling rankings.
Matt Renshaw has made a giant leap in the latest ICC Test rankings after producing a sensational performance in Australia's 214-run victory over South Africa in the first Test in Durban. The left-handed batter jumped 149 places to reach No. 49 in the Test batting rankings after delivering a career-best performance with the bat.
Renshaw was the standout performer in a match that saw Australia take a 1-0 lead in the three-Test series. He scored a magnificent 190 in the first innings, rescuing the visitors after they had slipped to 124 for six. Showing tremendous patience and composure, Renshaw anchored Australia's recovery and helped them post 390.
The innings was particularly significant as it marked Renshaw's first Test century since January 2017, when he scored his maiden hundred against Pakistan in Sydney. Nearly a decade later, the 30-year-old registered his second Test century, surpassing his previous career-best score of 184.
Renshaw continued his excellent form in the second innings, scoring 82 as Australia declared at 314 for six and set South Africa a daunting target of 421. His contributions across both innings earned him the Player of the Match award. He also chipped in with the ball, taking two wickets as Australia bowled South Africa out for 206 to seal a comprehensive victory.
LABUSCHAGNE, HAZLEWOOD ALSO CLIMB IN RANKINGS
Renshaw was not the only Australian to benefit from the latest rankings update. Teammate Marnus Labuschagne climbed four places to 34th among Test batters, while South Africa opener Aiden Markram also gained four spots to move into a tie for 10th.
Josh Hazlewood made significant progress in the bowling rankings after producing a match-winning spell on the final day in Durban. The Australian fast bowler claimed career-best figures of six for 49, dismantling South Africa's lower order and helping secure the victory. His performance lifted him two places to seventh in the Test bowling rankings, which remain led by teammate Mitchell Starc.
Australia will look to carry their momentum into the second Test in Gqeberha, beginning on October 18, while Renshaw will hope his Durban heroics mark the start of a sustained run of form.