Jofra Archer rises to career-best ICC ODI rankings after South Africa heroics

England fast bowler Jofra Archer has scaled new heights in the ICC ODI Rankings, breaking into the top three for the first time in his career. The 29-year-old climbed 16 places to reach the No.3 spot following a superb series against South Africa, where he finished with eight wickets across three games.

Archer’s defining moment came in England's final ODI at Southampton, where his fiery spell dismantled the Proteas. He ripped through the batting order with figures of 4 for 18 in nine overs, a performance that left South Africa skittled for just 72, their lowest total in men’s ODIs. The margin of defeat also went down as the biggest in the history of the format.

His consistency across the series proved key. After a quiet start in Leeds where he bowled tightly but went wicketless, Archer struck back with four wickets at Lord’s, albeit conceding 62 runs. The Southampton masterclass sealed his tally at eight wickets for the series and also saw him cross the 150-mark in international dismissals.

This surge has taken Archer past his previous career-best ranking of No.8, achieved back in September 2020. He now sits just 26 rating points behind South Africa’s Keshav Maharaj, who retained the No.1 position after collecting eight wickets in the same series.

England’s spin spearhead Adil Rashid also gained ground, jumping seven places to eighth on the ODI bowling charts. In the batting department, Joe Root (up to 19th), Jos Buttler (35th), and youngster Jacob Bethell (65th) all made notable progress. Root and Bethell both registered centuries along with fifties, while Buttler chipped in with two half-centuries.

For Archer, though, this series could mark the start of a new phase in his comeback story. Injury setbacks have often stalled his career, but the latest leap in rankings suggests he is firmly back in rhythm—once again proving why he remains one of the most feared bowlers in white-ball cricket. With England’s next ODI challenge coming against New Zealand in October, Archer will look to carry his form forward and perhaps close in on the No.1 spot.