ICC Rankings: Kohli approaches Smith, Watling-Labuschagne jump high!
The battle for the best batsman in Test cricket continues to simmer as Virat Kohli inched closer to the current leader, Steve Smith. The Indian captain is second on the list and is three points short of Australia’s Smith. New Zealand’s wicketkeeper Bradley John Watling and Australia’s Marnus Labuschagne took great leaps in the ICC Test batsmen rankings. Ishant Sharma and Neil Wagner were the other beneficiaries after their grand performances.
Major gainers in ICC rankings
The Pink ball heroes
India crushed Bangladesh in the first-ever day-night Test match of these two nations. Kohli led the proceedings and scored a fantastic 136. He had been dismissed for 0 in the first Test. The 70th international century took Kohli closer to the number one rank. He is now three points away from the crown.
The senior-most pacer of India’s bowling attack, Ishant took nine wickets with the pink ball which included a five-wicket haul. His bowling exploits helped him jump over three spots. India’s opener, Mayank Agarwal entered top-10 batsmen’s list after his incredible batting run at home.
Labuschagne soars in the rankings
Australian openers set a wonderful platform in the first Test at Gabba against Pakistan. Marnus Labuschagne, who had been in tremendous form after substituting for Steve Smith in the Ashes, celebrated his maiden Test ton. His 185 proved crucial in Australia registering the innings victory over Pakistan. He jumped 21 places to finish at the 14th place in the ICC rankings. David Warner and Joe Burns also improved their ranks by six and eleven places respectively.
Watling and Wagner gain big
New Zealand completed a sensational victory over England in the first Test match at Mount Maunganui. The match was headlined by BJ Watling who scored a momentous 205. He jumped 12 places higher and now he is 12th in the rankings. Santner played the second fiddle with his maiden Test ton. The all-rounder is now 72nd on the list with a jump of 26 spots. Neil Wagner took 8 wickets in the Test match. He is now 3rd best Test bowler in the world, rising from his 8th spot.
