Hazlewood Climbed Rankings After Durban Victory
Josh Hazlewood moved to seventh in the ICC Test bowling rankings following a 214-run victory at Kingsmead.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Tennis
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Josh Hazlewood reached seventh in the ICC Test bowling rankings after securing impressive figures of 6-49 in the second innings against South Africa. Australia now holds a 1-0 lead in the three-Test series after their comprehensive 214-run victory at Kingsmead in Durban.
Why it matters
The shift in rankings reflects Australia's dominant form in the ongoing Test series as they look to build on their commanding performance. Player rankings are critical indicators of form heading into the remaining matches of the international cricket calendar.
Josh Hazlewood secured 6-49 in the second innings while carrying an 807 rating, while Mitchell Starc leads the bowling rankings with 865 points. Matt Renshaw improved his standing following first and second innings scores of 190 and 82 respectively.
The players
Josh Hazlewood
He is an Australian cricketer who moved to seventh in the ICC Test bowling rankings.
Mitchell Starc
He is an Australian cricketer currently ranked first in the ICC Test bowling rankings.
Kagiso Rabada
He is a South African cricketer who dropped to eighth in the Test bowling rankings.
Matt Renshaw
He is an Australian batter who moved to joint-49th in the rankings after scoring 190 and 82.
Aiden Markram
He is a South African player who climbed to joint-10th in the Test batting rankings.
The details
Hazlewood moved up the rankings after Australia claimed a 214-run win in the first Test match held at Kingsmead. Other movements included Aiden Markram climbing to joint-10th in batting and Wiaan Mulder rising to fourth in the all-rounder category.
Timeline
October 2026: ICC Test rankings updated following the match in Durban.
Sunday: The second Test match of the series begins in Gqeberha.
Season Trajectory
The result places Australia in a strong position early in the three-Test series against South Africa. This opening victory establishes momentum ahead of the second match and influences the upcoming selection and ranking cycle for both teams.
The match result establishes a 1-0 series lead for Australia heading into the Gqeberha fixture. Australia's move in the rankings reflects an improved standing in international cricket metrics that will influence squad discussions before the next Test.
The takeaway
Australia has established a clear competitive advantage by securing a significant away victory at Kingsmead. Fans and analysts will look to the upcoming Gqeberha Test to see if the team can maintain this momentum to clinch the series.
What happens next
The second Test of the series is scheduled to begin this Sunday at St George's Park in Gqeberha.
Further reading
For more updates on tournament performances and international standings, visit the Tennis section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by SA Cricket | OPINION | PLAYERS | TEAMS | FEATURES | SAFFAS ABROAD.
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