ICC World Test Championship Points Table (Updated) as of 7th January 2020

After suffering a defeat in the Boxing Day Test match, England kicked off the new decade on a high with a resounding victory over South Africa in Cape Town. Fast bowler James Anderson and opening batsman Dominic Sibley were the architects of England's win in the second Test versus the Proteas.

The tourists won the toss and skipper Joe Root elected to bat first at Newlands. Ollie Pope hit an unbeaten half-century for England and guided his team to 269 in the first innings. Ben Stokes also chipped in with a vital knock of 47. Kagiso Rabada was the pick of the bowlers for South Africa with figures of 3/68.

In reply, half-centuries from Dean Elgar and Rassie van der Dussen helped South Africa breach the 200-run mark, however, James Anderson's five-wicket haul ensured that the hosts did not take a first-innings lead. Anderson and co. bowled South Africa out for 223 and secured a lead of 46 in the process.

The heroics of Sibley and Stokes then took England to 391 in their second innings. While Sibley scored an unbeaten ton, Stokes played a quick-fire knock of 72.

A message from the man of the moment 👏#SAvENG pic.twitter.com/PCbkIWolTM

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) January 7, 2020

The hosts were set a target of 438 runs in the fourth innings and decided to play for a draw. Pieter Malan and Quinton de Kock's half-centuries ensured the game went into the final session but ultimately, England's bowlers - Ben Stokes in particular - did enough to clinch a victory.

Here's a look at the updated points table of the ICC World Test Championship as of 7th January 2020.

Updated points table of ICC World Test Championship

England have leapfrogged Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and New Zealand to move to the third spot on the points table. Joe Root's men now have 86 points in 7 matches, while South Africa remain at the seventh position with 30 points in 5 matches.

The third Test match of the series will begin on 16th January at Port Elizabeth.