Virat Kohli In Touching Distance Of Steve Smith In ICC Test Rankings

Indian skipper Virat Kohli has gained a couple of points in the freshly released ICC Test Batsmen Rankings. Virat, however, has maintained his second spot on the list. He now has 888 points in the freshly-released rankings. The International Cricket Council (ICC) has released the rankings after the first Test match between Australia and India.

Virat was phenomenal for team India in the first innings as he scored a great half-century in Adelaide. As he was nearing his hundred, he was involved in a misfortunate runout with the Indian vice-captain, Ajinkya Rahane. The Indian skipper had to depart on the score of 74 runs that he scored in 180 balls.

Virat Kohli Comes In Touching Distance Of Steve Smith

Prior to the series, Kohli and Smith were separated by a total of 25 points. The same has now been reduced to just 13 points. Virat’s brilliance in the first innings helped him gain a couple of points. On the other hand, Steve Smith’s poor show led to a downfall of 10 points in his ratings.

The good news, however, for Steve Smith is that Virat will no more be in the Test series. The BCCI has granted paternal leave to Virat. He will fly back home in a day or two to be with his wife. In such conditions, Smith has an opportunity to widen the gap. Steve Smith could score only 1 run in the first innings. In the second innings, he didn’t come out to bat as the Aussies cruised to victory.

Team India To Take On The Kangaroos In The Boxing Day Test

The Indian Cricket Team will now lock horns with Australia on the boxing day. Both the teams will step up in the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) to contest for the second Test. India had a shameful defeat in the first Test. The Australian bowlers disseminated the Indian batsmen in the third innings.

India made an unwanted record of their lowest-ever total in Test cricket on Saturday. The Australian pacers restricted the Men in Blue to 36-9. A fractured arm has ruled out Mohammed Shami of the Test series. In such conditions, it will be interesting to see how India react in the second Test.