A group of Australian players have been the big winners on the newest release of the ICC Men's ODI Player rankings.

Glenn Maxwell took a brilliant catch before smashing a half-century under pressure to help Australia overcome a dogged South Africa by two wickets and seal the three-match Twenty20 series in Cairns on Saturday.

Dewald Brevis’ record-shattering 125* powered South Africa to a commanding 53-run win over Australia, leveling the three-game T20I series.

South Africa batting chief Ashwell Prince said captain Temba Bavuma was approaching a "defining moment" in his career after the batter's gutsy innings on Friday helped take the Proteas to the brink of World Test Championship final glory against Australia at Lord's.

Aiden Markram's superb century on Friday left South Africa on the brink of a dramatic victory in the World Test Championship final against Australia after decades of heartbreak in major tournaments.

Australia's Steve Smith was taken to hospital with a dislocated finger after dropping a catch in the World Test Championship final against South Africa at Lord's on Friday.

Mitchell Starc starred with bat and ball to leave Australia well-placed in their World Test Championship final against South Africa at Lord's on Friday.

Australia captain Pat Cummins said the World Test Championship final against South Africa was a good advertisement for Test cricket despite hurtling towards a likely finish within three days.

Australia captain Pat Cummins starred with the ball and Alex Carey made valuable runs following a dramatic collapse as the holders retained the advantage in the World Test Championship final against South Africa on Thursday.

Australia captain Pat Cummins produced a sensational spell of four wickets for just one run as the title-holders seized control of the World Test Championship final against South Africa at Lord's on Thursday.

South Africa fought back at the start of the second day of the World Test Championship final against Australia but had captain Temba Bavuma dismissed before going to lunch on 121-5, still trailing by 91 runs.

South Africa's Kagiso Rabada was left thinking of what might have been even though he took five Australia wickets as bowlers dominated Wednesday's first day of the World Test Championship final at Lord's.

Kagiso Rabada took five wickets as South Africa dismissed Australia for 212 after tea on Wednesday's opening day of the World Test Championship final at Lord's.

Marnus Labuschagne will open for Australia in the World Test Championship final against South Africa, captain Pat Cummins announced Tuesday.

South Africa coach Shukri Conrad said his side had enjoyed an "enlightening" evening with England fast-bowling great Stuart Broad ahead of their World Test Championship final against Australia at Lord's.

Australia batting great Steve Smith is expecting a tough examination from South Africa's impressive pace attack in this week's World Test Championship final at Lord's.

The Ultimate Test nears closer as the two best teams, South Africa and Australia, do battle for the World Test Championship mace from 11 June.

Australia quick Scott Boland has admitted he remains in the dark whether he will win a spot in the playing XI for his side's ICC World Test Championship defence against South Africa at Lord's next week.

With India and New Zealand having booked their place into the semifinals from Group A, all eyes are now on Group B, with all four teams still in the fray.

South Africa will co-host the next 50-over finals with Namibia and Zimbabwe in 2027 and Walter believes there is much room for optimism they can improve further having arrived in India under the radar and with little expectation of success.