South Africa can move to within a fraction of leading team Australia at the head of the ICC Test Championship table, by winning its forthcoming two Test series against Bangladesh, beginning this Friday, 18th October in East London.

South Africa, currently second on the table, play Bangladesh for the first time in a Test, having recently completed a three - nil win in the ODI series. Bangladesh is still searching for an elusive first win at the highest level, having now completed five series without a Test victory.

Two points for the Proteas would improve its series average to 1.53, marginally behind Australia, which has led the table since its introduction in May 2001, on 1.54. Steve Waugh's team has maintained top spot by winning its current series against Pakistan, and will be looking to a successful Ashes defence to keep ahead of South Africa. Australia is due to play its first series against Bangladesh in Australia, next July.

Team          Played   Won   Lost   Drawn   Points  Average
Australia       13      9      2      2       20      1.54
South Africa    16     11      3      2       24      1.50
New Zealand     17      8      5      4       20      1.18
Sri Lanka       16      8      6      2       18      1.13
England         16      6      6      4       16      1.00
West Indies     15      6      8      1       13      0.87
India           14      4      6      4       12      0.86
Pakistan        16      4      7      5       13      0.81
Zimbabwe        16      3     11      2        8      0.50
Bangladesh       5      -      5      -        0       -

A historic series win or draw for Bangladesh would postpone South Africa's drive for top spot and earn Khaled Mashud's team its first points on the ICC Test Championship table.

Ranjan Madugalle is the ICC Match Referee for the series and Elite Panel umpires Daryl Harper and Russell Tiffin will stand in both Tests, in East London, 18-21 October, and Potchefstroom, 25-29 October.

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Mark Harrison
ICC Communications Manager
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Email: mark.harrison@icc-cricket.com

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