India skipper Virat Kohli on Wednesday reclaimed the top spot from Australia’s Steve Smith in the ICC Test Batsmen rankings. Virat Kohli has edged ahead of Steve Smith to become the top-ranked batsman in Tests once again. Kohli is now on 928 points, which is five points ahead of Smith’s tally.
Meanwhile, Smith managed to score just 36 runs against Pakistan at Adelaide and as a result, the batsman saw his points dropping from 931 to 923.
Kohli now has an eight-point lead over Smith, but India skipper would not be able to improve his points as India is not scheduled to play a Test match this year.
On the other hand, Smith has a chance of improving his ranking as Australia will play two more Test matches against New Zealand this year.
Rohit Sharma, who scored 539 runs in the series against South Africa and entered the Top 10 rankings, has dropped to 16 after disappointing scores in the Bangladesh series.
Joe Root, who had briefly dropped out of the Top 10, made a comeback of sorts and is now in 7th position after a defiant 226 in Hamilton against New Zealand.
Australia’s Marnus Labuschagne, who is the highest run-getter in Tests in 2019, is now in the 8th spot.
Australia opener David Warner’s knock of 335 not out has lifted him 12 places to the fifth position
Pacer Mitchell Starc has also moved four places to the 14th spot after taking seven wickets against Pakistan at Adelaide. Pakistan’s Babar Azam has moved two places to the 13th spot after playing a knock of 97 against Australia in the second Test.
