Matt Renshaw took a huge leap in the ICC rankings after heroics in the Durban Test

Matt Renshaw has made a huge leap in the latest ICC Test rankings after producing a sensational performance in Australia’s 214-run win over South Africa in the first Test in Durban. The left-handed batsman jumped 149 places to 49th in the Test batting rankings after producing 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 inningsbailing out the visitors after slipping 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 first hundred against Pakistan in Sydney. Almost 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 314 for six and set South Africa a daunting target of 421. His contributions in both innings earned him the Man of the Match award. He also chips in with the ball, taking two wickets as Australia bowl South Africa out for 206 to seal a comprehensive victory.

LABUSCHAGNE, HAZLEWOOD SUMMER ALSO IN THE RANKS

Renshaw wasn’t the only Australian to benefit from the latest ranking update. Teammate Marnus Labuschagne climbed four places to 34th among Test batsmen, while South Africa opener Aiden Markram also gained four places to move to joint 10th.

Josh Hazlewood has made significant strides up the bowling charts after producing a the magic of a match-winner on the final day in Durban. The Australian fast bowler took career-best figures of 6 for 49 to eliminate South Africa’s lower order and help secure victory. His performance moved him up two places to seventh in the Test bowling rankings, which is still led by teammate Mitchell Starc.

Australia will be looking to carry their momentum into the second Test in Gqeberha, which starts on October 18, while Renshaw will be hoping his heroics in Durban mark the start of a sustained run of form.

– The end