Johannesburg - Despite a number of Proteas players in the top-10 of the batting and bowling One Day International (ODI) rankings, South Africa have put together an extended run of mediocre results.
South Africa suffered a 100-run loss to the West Indies for a place in the Tri-Series final in the Caribbean last week. The Proteas, as a result, have now fallen to fourth in the latest ICC ODI rankings.
Top of the list is Proteas captain AB de Villiers who is first in the ODI batting rankings. De Villiers holds a considerable lead with 887 ratings points over the second-placed Virat Kohli of India.
The South African skipper had a poor Tri-Series with the bat, as he managed just 121 runs in five innings with a highest score of 39.
Hashim Amla holds down third spot in the rankings, but unlike De Villiers, had a decent run of form in the Tri-Series. In his six knocks Amla scored 241 runs - the most for the Proteas in the series - including a fifty and a century.
Quinton de Kock occupies ninth place in the rankings after a decidedly average six outings in the West Indies. The aggressive left-handed opener scored 149 runs in the series at an average of under 30 - well below his overall ODI average of 41.
In the bowling department, spinner Imran Tahir was the standout performer. Tahir bowled the most overs of any South African bowler, with 46 under his belt.
He claimed 13 wickets at an average of 16.15 in the six matches the Proteas played. In the series Tahir achieved the best bowling by a South African bowler in ODI cricket with the 7/45 he returned against the West Indies, on June 15.
Tearaway fast bowler Kagiso Rabada produced steady performances throughout the series as he moves into the top-10 ODI bowlers for the first time in his career.
The 21-year-old was the second-highest wicket-taker for the Proteas with seven victims. Rabada rose to seventh in the rankings - tied with fellow Proteas quick Dale Steyn who was not included in the squad for the series.
Morne Morkel also enjoys a place in the top-10 in ninth position. Morkel bowled just once during the series conceding 68 runs in his nine overs.
African News Agency