ICC Test rankings: Warner, Harris move up to career-high positions

Australian opener David Warner and veteran fast bowler Ryan Harris have moved up to career-high positions in the ICC Test player rankings following their impressive contributions in Australia's series-winning third Test defeat of South Africa in Cape Town.

In the Test bowler rankings, Harris - with a match haul of 7-95 - moves up two places to second position, behind only Dale Steyn, to overtake South African Vernon Philander and Australian teammate Mitchell Johnson.

According to News.com.au, 'Man of the Series' Warner, who made centuries in both innings of the deciding Test, has jumped to the fifth position, overtaking his captain Michael Clarke, who is on the ninth, in the Test batsmen rankings.

The batting table is still headed by South Africa's AB de Villiers, Kumar Sangakkara of Sri Lanka, West Indian Shivnarine Chanderpaul and De Villiers' teammate Hashim Amla.

Outside the top 10, Steve Smith jumps five places to 12th and Faf du Plessis climbs six spots to 23rd, the report added.

Johnson to miss T20 series against Proteas

Meanwhile,  Australian pace sensation Mitchell Johnson has reportedly been excluded from the Twenty20 squad to play against South Africa as he will be sent home to rest up for the T20 World Cup in Bangladesh.

Johnson, who bowled 34 overs in South Africa's marathon second innings in the series decider at Newlands, would be replaced by all-rounder Moises Henriques in Australia's T20 touring party.

According to News.com.au, coach Darren Lehmann said that they believe Johnson will benefit from returning home for a few days of rest with his family where he can freshen up as he had a very long winter, adding that he will link back up with the squad in Bangladesh ahead the ICC World Twenty20.

The report mentioned that in his 59-Test career, Johnson has only ever bowled more in an innings on eight occasions - the most recent being in Sri Lanka in September 2011.

Australia is yet to win the World T20 trophy in four attempts and will start their 2014 tilt against Pakistan on March 23 in Dhaka, the report added.

Image: David Warner

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