Kane Williamson overtakes Steve Smith, Virat Kohli to become top-ranked Test batsman in latest ICC rankings

New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson’s score of 129 in the first Test against Pakistan helped him surpass Steve Smith and Virat Kohli and clinch the top spot in the International Cricket Council (ICC) rankings for Test batsmen. 

In the latest rankings released on Thursday, Williamson was the top-ranked batsman with 890 rating points, with the Indian skipper Kohli close on his heels with 879 points. 

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The Kiwi has held the spot once before, towards the end of 2015, but wither Smith or Kohli have dominated the rankings since.  

Smith’s slump in form over the two Tests against India, where he has scored a combined total of 9 runs in three innings, at home contributed to his downfall as he lost 24 points from his previous tally to end with 877 points at third. 

India’s stand-in skipper Ajinkya Rahane’s brilliant century in the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne saw him climb five places to number six in the latest rankings, while Chesteshwar Pujara dropped two places to the tenth spot. 

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Meanwhile, Australia paceman Pat Cummins continued his dominance in the latest rankings for Test bowlers. With 906 points, he was well-clear of second-placed Stuart Broad, who has 845 points. 

Compatriot Mitchell Starc climbing to the fifth spot was the only change in the top five, while Indian bowlers Ravichandran Ashwin and Jasprit Bumrah clinched the seventh and ninth spots respectively. 

James Anderson (10th) and Josh Hazlewood (8th) were the only bowlers in the top 10 to slump down the list.