Dubai, Nov 12(ANI): South African fast bowler Dale Steyn has become only the 20th bowler in history to break the 900-point mark barrier in the International Cricket Council (ICC) Player Rankings for Test bowlers after claiming six wickets in his side's eight-wicket win over Australia in Cape Town.
Steyn began the first Test on 899 ratings points and earned three ratings points for his efforts of 4-55 and 2-23 to become only the second South African bowler after Shaun Pollock to achieve the rare distinction.
In rankings terms, 900 or more ratings points means a player is truly outstanding, a benchmark for the very top bowlers.
A delighted Steyn said: "It is very special for me to join the 900-point club. There are a lot of world-class players in that region and it is an honour to be in their company."
"When I go out and bowl I hardly ever think of the rankings, for me it is about representing my country and giving my best for the team so sometimes it means a lot to receive the recognition," he added.
At 902 ratings points, Steyn is 17th in the all-time ratings list with an excellent chance of moving further up that list provided he puts up another stellar performance in the second and final Test which starts in Johannesburg next Thursday.
The 28-year-old has been holding the number one slot in the list since the Durban Test against England in December 2009, although his first time at the top of that table came in April 2008.
Such is Steyn's dominance in the bowling rankings that second-placed England fast bowler James Anderson trails him by 91 ratings points, while his team-mate Morne Morkel, who is the second best South African bowler in third position, is 126 ratings points behind.
Debutant Vernon Philander, one of the architects of Australia's second innings collapse for 47 with figures of 5-15, has entered the bowlers' rankings in 49th position. (ANI)
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