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ESPNcricinfo staff
October 26, 2011
Morne Morkel, the South Africa fast bowler, has replaced Graeme Swann as the No. 1 ranked bowler in one-day internationals, giving South Africa the top spot in five categories across Tests and 50-over cricket.
Morkel, who took 4 for 22 in the second ODI against Australia in Port Elizabeth, has climbed four places while Swann has slipped two after a disappointing series against India where he took just two wickets in four matches. However, to highlight how frequently the rankings can shift, Morkel could lose his position after the deciding ODI against Australia if he does not perform.
For now, Morkel's elevation puts him alongside team-mate Hashim Amla who occupies the top batting position in ODIs. Jacques Kallis is currently the No.1 Test batsman and allrounder while Dale Steyn is the top Test bowler. South Africa have not played Test cricket since January but will resume five-day action next month with a two-Test series against Australia before facing Sri Lanka either side of Christmas.
Elsewhere in the one-day rankings two contrasting players share third place in the batting table with MS Dhoni and Jonathan Trott level on points. Dhoni was named Man of the Series against England having not been dismissed in any of the five matches and he has now set a new India record of runs scored between dismissals.
Trott, meanwhile, made England's top score during their whitewash with an unbeaten 98 in Mohali and he has risen three places in the rankings in his final international outings of 2011 during which he was named ICC Cricketer of the Year. The next best England batsman is Alastair Cook at No. 36, while Kevin Pietersen is at 47.
Two India spin bowlers, R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, played key roles in the England series and their performances are recognised by substantial improvements in their standings. Ashwin has entered the top 20 while Jadeja has gained 12 places to be two points away from a new career-best mark.
Another significant mover is Brendan Taylor, the Zimbabwe captain, whose impressive series against New Zealand where he scored 310 runs including two centuries has boosted him 18 places to No. 17.
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