Proteas medium fast bowler Vernon Philander rocketed up 12 places on the Reliance ICC Test Bowling rankings released on Monday.
Philander, who has had a sensational start to his Test career, is now 28th on the list having taken 24 wickets in his three matches, including a record four five-wicket hauls.
He received his second man of the match accolade in the recently concluded first Test against Sri Lanka in Centurion where he led South Africa to an innings and 81 run win with a 10-wicket match haul.
However, the Cape Cobras player said his main focus was on doing well for the Proteas in the long run.
“I don’t really place much interest on records and rankings, I am more process driven and for me the main focus is doing well for my team and country,” he said.
“It is always satisfying to receive recognition for good performances and I hope that I can continue to deliver when the team needs me.”
Meanwhile, Mark Boucher moved up to 50th position on the Test batsmen rankings, where at Centurion, the veteran gloveman became the first the first wicket-keeper to score a half-century and take six catches in an innings on two occasions.
Middle order batsman AB De Villiers has moved up to seventh in the batting rankings, where premier batsman Jacques Kallis remains second on the list behind Sri Lankan, Kumar Sangakarra. — Sapa