South Africa’s Duanne Olivier was one of very few Proteas’ highlights during their historic series Test series loss against Sri Lanka, and climbs to No 19 in the ICC bowler rankings.

The Proteas had a dismal series with the bat and this was reflected by the drastic drops suffered by South Africa’s most prominent batsmen. The shocking whitewash suffered at the hands of Sri Lanka also resulted in South Africa falling to third on the ICC Test team rankings – having set their eyes on closing in on India in top spot prior to the resounding losses.

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The home sides batting woes saw Dean Elgar drop seven spots to No 23 resulting from him scoring just 43 runs in his four innings. Temba Bavuma also slipped five places down the rankings, finding himself at No 38 on the batting charts.

Although the series was ultimately lost, South Africa’s bowlers put on an admirable display, and Olivier continued his success on the Test stage against the islanders. The Proteas paceman claimed seven wickets in the two matches and breaks into the bowlers’ top 20 early in his career, having played just 10 Tests to date.

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South Africa and Sri Lanka will play the first of a much-anticipated five-match ODI series next Sunday which is certain to be a riveting, high-scoring encounter at the Wanderers as the two teams finalise preparations for the World Cup in May.

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