Bangalore: South Africa can move to within a fraction of leading team Australia at the head of the International Cricket Council (ICC) Test championship table, by winning its forthcoming two-Test series against Bangladesh, beginning on Friday in East London, according to an official press release from ICC.

South Africa, currently second on the table, plays Bangladesh for the first time in a Test, having recently completed a 3-0 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.

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.

Meanwhile, Ranjan Madugalle will be the ICC match referee for the South Africa versus Bangladesh series, while elite panel umpires Daryl Harper and Russell Tiffin will stand in both Tests (East London from October 18 to 21 and Potchefstroom October 25 to 29), the press release added.

ICC Test championship table

Extras:
Boucher replaces Pollock; Kirsten, Hayward recalled