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steve-smith
Australian batsman Steve Smith has surpassed Kane Williamson to become the top-ranked Test batsman in the latest ICC Test rankings. With the recent development, Steve Smith is five points ahead at the top of the standings with 891 points. NZ skipper Kane Williamson is second on the list with 886. The Kiwi batsman is most likely to replace Steve Smith if he performs well in the WTC final.
Indian skipper Virat Kohli is the only other batsman to make an upward move in the latest ICC Test rankings. Virat has progressed to the fourth position, replacing Joe Root. The England captain has dropped to the fifth position. Joe Root did not have the best of times against the Kiwis. The 30-year-old English batsman could only score 97 runs in two games.
Quinton de Kock in joint-12th position with Cheteshwar Pujara
New Zealand pacer Matt Henry has advanced to a career-best 307 points and 64th position. On the other hand, spinner Ajaz Patel is at a career-high points tally of 323. Devon Conway continues his brilliant form and is in a joint-61st spot in the rankings. In the second Test match, England’s second innings total was their lowest against New Zealand at home. However, Dan Lawrence’s first innings unbeaten score of 81 runs has lifted the batsman 16 places to a career-best 396 points.
The latest ICC Test Rankings also include performances from the first Test between South Africa and the West Indies in St Lucia. The standings see Quinton de Kock in joint-12th position with Cheteshwar Pujara. On the other hand, his compatriot Adrian Markram has progressed two slots to reach the 14th position. Quinton De Kock was awarded player of the match for scoring an unbeaten 141. His brilliant knock helped the Proteas to win by an innings and 63 runs.
Talking about South Africa’s pace bowlers, they have also made rapid strides after the victory. South African pace bowler Kagiso Rabada has advanced two spots to reach the seventh place after a five-wicket haul in the second innings. Anrich Nortje is also up into the top 30 for the first time in his career. The fast bowler finished the match with seven wickets. Lastly, Lungi Ngidi is also up 14 places to 44th spot with a first-innings five-wicket haul.