New Zealand Leapfrog India To Claim Top-Spot In Test Rankings

The Kane Williamson-led New Zealand Cricket Team has leapfrogged Virat Kohli’s Team India following their historic Test series win in England (1-0) to become the top-ranked side in the world.

There have been a lot of question marks regarding New Zealand’s record away from home, but for now, they have successfully quashed their detractors courtesy of an utterly dominating display against a beleaguered English unit.

After having lost the opportunity to win the 1st Test at Lord’s, the Kiwis more than made up for it as they flogged England by 8 wickets at Edgbaston to condemn the hosts to their first home Test series defeat since 2018.

And, the fact that they did without having the services of Kane Williamson, Tim Southee,  Kyle Jamieson, Colin de Grandhomme, BJ Watling makes this victory even more special.

After having restricted England to 303 in the first innings, the visitors, on the back of half-centuries from Devon Conway, Will Young, and Ross Taylor, took an 85-run lead.

The lead proved to be enough as England batsmen surrender meekly against the likes of Matt Henry and Neil Wagner and got bowled out for a mere 122.

The formality was scoring 38 runs was successfully completed by skipper Tom Latham, who stayed unbeaten on 23.

Thanks to the eight-wicket win, the Williamson-led unit have claimed their first Test series win in England since the summer of 1999.

And, post the series triumph, the latest ICC ranking update has propelled them to the No.1 spot. India has slipped to the second spot with 121 points, as opposed to the BlackCaps’s 123.

However, if India wins the final then they will once again claim the top spot. England, meanwhile, have slipped to the 4th spot with 107 points while their Ashes rivals, Australia retain the 3rd spot.

The World Test Championship final will take place between India and New Zealand at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton between June 18-22.

Also Read- ICC T20 World Cup 2021: 5 Players Who Can Win The Man Of The Tournament Award