Virat Kohli reclaims top spot from Steve Smith in the latest ICC Test Rankings

Steve Smith failed to recreate his magical form with the bat in the recently concluded two-match series against Pakistan. In 2 innings, Smith accumulated 40 runs at an average of just 20.00, which is quite poor by his standards. For a batsman, who scored close to 800 runs in the five-match Ashes series played in England, this was quite unexpected against a struggling side like Pakistan.

Due to this lean run with the bat, India’s Virat Kohli has reclaimed top spot in the ICC Test Rankings for Top Batsman. Indian captain just managed to go past Steve Smith to become number one batsman in Test cricket. Kohli is currently on 928 points, while Smith is at 923 points accordingly to the latest ICC Test Rankings.

Indian Captain Virat Kohli smashed a splendid century in the second game of the series played at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Kohli struck his first century in an inaugural day-night Test played in India. On the other hand, Smith scored 36 runs as Australia posted to close to 600 runs in their only innings in the second and final Test played at Adelaide Oval.

David Warner’s career best performance in Test cricket saw him climb 12 places. Left-hander who scored 335 not out against Pakistan at Adelaide currently is occupying fifth place in the ICC Rankings for Test Batsmen. Due to second consecutive century, middle-order sensation Marnus Labuschagne has made into the top ten list in the ICC Test Rankings.

England Captain Joe Root smashed a splendid 226 runs in the second game of the series played against New Zealand at Seddon Park in Hamilton. He is now at seventh place and climbed four places in the ICC Test Rankings.

In the bowler’s category, Australia’s left-arm quick has climbed four places to move to 14^th in the Test Rankings. West Indies  Captain picked up five wickets against Afghanistan in the one-off Test played at  Lucknow, has climbed to third place in the ICC Test Rankings for Bowlers.