New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson surpassed Steve Smith to become the top-ranked Test batsman in the latest ICC Test rankings that were revealed on Monday, and Virat Kohli to become the No.1 batsman in ICC Test rankings on Thursday. Williamson riding on his brilliant century against Pakistan in the first Test in Mount Maunganui, leapfrogged Smith who had a poor outing in the first two Test vs India.
This is the second time that Williamson has occupied the top spot. Earlier, Williamson was the top-ranked Test batsman towards the end of 2015. Steve Smith held the top spot for 313 days and Kohli was the top-ranked Test batsman for 51 days.
Ajinkya Rahane has gained big after his gritty century at MCG helped India register a series-leveling eight-wicket win in the Boxing Day Test. Rahane has advanced five places to reach the sixth position, just one below his career-best of fifth attained in October 2019.
Williamson-led New Zealand Cricket Team has scripted history as they have finally leapfrogged their Trans-Tasman neighbour Australia to claim the numero-uno spot in the ICC Test rankings for the first time in its history.
New Zealand achieved the feat after they registered their 5th consecutive Test win this year- all at home- courtesy of a dramatic 101-run victory over Pakistan in the first of the two-Test matches at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui.
