Top 10 longest streaks as the No 1 Test team

4. South Africa – 18 months

After losing their top spot to Australia in May 2014 following a 2-1 defeat at home, South Africa came back strong to reclaim their top spot. South Africa played under their new skipper Hashim Amla during their tour to Sri Lanka in July 2014. After having won convincingly in the first Test, the Proteas held their nerve to secure a draw in the second and the final Test.

The draw meant South Africa reclaimed the top spot and this was South Africa’s first Test win under the new skipper Amla. Their reign at the top lasted for 18 months, spanning from July 2014 to January 2016. Their dismal show during their tour to India in 2015-16 saw them slip down to 2^nd position in the rankings. They were whitewashed by the Indian team led by Virat Kohli.

During their stint at the number one spot, South Africa played 16 matches. They won 5 and lost 5, while the number of draws was 6. Since then, the Proteas team hasn’t been able to get back to the top spot in the rankings.