India On Top While New Zealand Advance To Third In Test Rankings

New Zealand will finish the year at the third position in ICC Test rankings. The ICC, on Sunday, announced the latest rankings after New Zealand thumped Sri Lanka by 423 runs to win the two-match Test series 1-0.

This was New Zealand’s fourth consecutive Test series as finish the year on 107 points, two points ahead of South Africa, whom they have overtaken. The Black Caps have overtaken South Africa to take third place in theICC Test Rankings. New Zealand had started the series on 105 points and had the chance to finish the series on 109 points. However, Sri Lanka quashed their hopes by drawing the series-opener.

But New Zealand did not let Sri Lanka replicate their efforts in Christchurch as they won the game by a record margin of 423 runs.  Batting first, New Zealand were all out for just 178. However, a fiery spell from Trent Boult, who picked up 6 wickets in 15 balls, helped the hosts bowl out the visitors for just 104 and take a handy 74-run lead.

In the second innings, New Zealand’s batsmen all got starts with Tom Latham (176) and Henry Nicholls (162 not out) notching their first centuries on their home ground. New Zealand eventually declared after piling up 585 for 4. Chasing 660 to win, Sri Lanka put up a decent effort but were eventually all out for 236.

Meanwhile, South Africa, who are fourth in the ICC Test rankings, lead 1-0 in an ongoing three-Test series against Pakistan. The Proteas can reach 110 points and second spot by whitewashing the visitors in the three-Test series.

India, meanwhile, have strengthened their grip at the top with a thumping 137-run win over Australia in the third Test in Melbourne. India have now taken an unassailable 2-1 lead in the series and have also retained the Border-Gavaskar series. India will finish the year with 116 points. England are second with 108 points and Australia fifth on 102 points.