Steve Smith Reclaims No 1 Test Ranking From Virat Kohli
Updated - 04 Sep 2019, 03:29 PM
Former Australia skipper Steve Smith who made a heroic return to the Test circuit after a one-year suspension has left behind Virat Kohli to occupy the top-spot in MRF Tyres ICC Test Rankings for Batsmen. Kohli slipped down to second spot owing to his poor outing in Jamaica.
Read More: 5 Wicket-Keepers Who Can Replace Rishabh Pant To Bring Stability To The Team
The India skipper, who recently overtook MS Dhoni as India’s most successful Test captain got out for a duck in the second innings. After scoring 76 runs in the first innings, Virat Kohli returned with a first-ball duck off Kemar Roach.
Read More: Virat Kohli Lavishes Praise on Jasprit Bumrah, Calls Him The Most Complete Bowler
Thus, Steve Smith, who missed the third Ashes Test take a 1 point lead over Kohli in the ICC Rankings. Smith has made a fantastic return to Test cricket scoring two hundred in the first Test and backing with another 92 in the second. He now averages over 63 in Test cricket. Smith, who is now on 904 points will have a chance to extend his lead in the upcoming fourth and fifth Ashes Test.
Australia’s no four batsman was at the helm of the rankings since 2015. It was only in 2018 when Cricket Australia banned Steve Smith for his role in the ball-tampering scandal, Virat Kohli leapfrogged him to occupy the top spot.
Read More: Australia Reveal 12-Member Squad For The Fourth Ashes Test, Usman Khawaja Dropped
Meanwhile, Virat Kohli will have a go when India play South Africa in the three-match series starting from October 2. It will take a monumental effort from the India skipper to replace Steve Smith and atop the batting chart.
On the other hand, India vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane has returned to the top 10. He has jumped four places to sit in the seventh spot. Rahane has been in outstanding form in West Indies scoring two half-centuries and a hundred. Hanuma Vihari has also jumped 40 places to occupy the 30th spot.
Read More: Jasprit Bumrah, Virat Kohli Silence Crowd After Furious Celebration -Watch
Here is the ranking chart:
Tagged:
ICC Test Rankings Steve Smith Virat Kohli
