October 16 Wednesday 2002
Pakistan slump to eight in Test standings 

LONDON: South Africa will keep up the pressure on Australia at the head of the ICC Test Championship table by winning their home two-Test series against Bangladesh starting on Friday.

South Africa, who lie second in the standings, play Bangladesh for the first time in a Test, having recently completed a 3-0 win in the One-day International series. Bangladesh are still searching for an elusive first win at the highest level, having now played five series without a Test victory.

Two points for the Proteas would improve their average to 1.53, marginally behind Australia, who have led the table since its introduction in May 2001, on 1.54. Steve Waugh's team has maintained top spot by winning their current series against Pakistan, and will be looking to a successful Ashes defence to stay ahead of the South Africans.

Australia are due to play their first series against Bangladesh on home soil next July.

ICC Test Championship Table

Team P W L D Pts Ave
Australia 13 9 2 2 20 1.54
South Africa 16 11 3 2 24 1.50
New Zealand 17 8 5 4 20 1.18
Sri Lanka 16 8 6 2 18 1.13
England 16 6 6 4 16 1.00
West Indies 15 6 8 1 13 0.87
India 14 4 6 4 12 0.86
Pakistan 16 4 7 5 13 0.81
Zimbabwe 16 3 11 2 8 0.50
Bangladesh 5 0 5 0 0 -