Proteas opener Alviro Petersen credits his rise up the ICC Test batting rankings to his hunger to contribute toward the team's success, saying the Test squad's dominance in the last year has aided his good form.

The right-hander moved to his highest career ranking of number 20, after his first innings century in the first Test match against New Zealand.

"We have been playing well as a Test unit this past year and I have been fortunate enough to contribute at crucial times," Petersen said.

"This past year has been about establishing myself in the Test XI and moving up the rankings is an added bonus for me."

Peterson's fifth career Test century came after a successful year scoring centuries against Sri Lanka at home and in New Zealand and England last year.

He scored 815 runs at an average of 81.5.

"I had a great run last year and my goal this year will be to continue with the run-scoring, but more importantly giving the team a good platform at the top of the innings with Graeme (Smith)," he said.

The Proteas boast three batsmen in the top 10, with Hashim Amla in third, Jacques Kallis in sixth and AB de Villiers in seventh. Proteas captain Graeme Smith is in 13th place, giving the nuber one ranked Proteas a strong presence.

Vernon Philander continues to gain ground on world number one Dale Steyn, with the seamer moving up 19 points after his man-of-the-match performance at Newlands.

Robin Peterson moved up three places to 76th position.