Although Australia fast bowler Mitchell Starc has reclaimed the No. 1 position in the Test bowling rankings, South Africa have plenty to celebrate, with Simon Harmer, Wiaan Mulder and Marco Jansen all enjoying rewarding movements following their performances in the series.

Starc returned to the summit after an outstanding display in the third and final Test in Cape Town. The Australian claimed nine wickets in the match, with figures of 6/72 and 3/65, to overtake Jansen, who had only claimed the top ranking for the first time the previous week.

Marco Jansen, Nathan Lyon, Simon Harmer, and Josh Hazlewood - Cricinfo

However, the biggest South African success story is undoubtedly Harmer, whose match-winning contribution in Cape Town has propelled him into the world's top 10 Test bowlers.

The experienced off-spinner claimed his maiden 10-wicket match haul to help South Africa secure a commanding 176-run victory and clinch the series 2-1. His efforts earned him the Player of the Match award and a nine-place jump to seventh in the bowling rankings.

Harmer's rating of 817 points is also a remarkable achievement. It is the second-highest rating ever recorded by a South African spinner, with only the legendary Hugh Tayfield having managed better. Tayfield reached 895 points in February 1957.

Harmer's all-round contributions have also been recognised, with the spinner climbing three places to fifth in the Test all-rounder rankings.

He joins fellow Proteas Jansen, who tops the standings, and Mulder, who occupies third position, giving South Africa three representatives in the top five. India's Ravindra Jadeja is second, while Bangladesh's Mehidy Hasan is fourth.

South Africa's batting department also enjoyed a healthy boost in the latest rankings update.

Mulder's superb second-innings century against Australia proved particularly valuable, with his 115-run contribution lifting him seven places to a career-best 17th in the Test batting rankings.

Simon Harmer - Cricinfo

Ryan Rickelton was another major beneficiary after producing an important 101 in support of Mulder. The left-hander climbed an impressive 25 places to 23rd, underlining his growing influence in the Proteas batting line-up.

Marcques Ackerman also made significant progress after scoring 95 and 62, climbing an incredible 129 places to 69th.

Meanwhile, the Proteas next assignment will be the two-Test series against Bangladesh which start on 15 November at the Wanderers in Johannesburg.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport