ICC Test Rankings: Kane Williamson reclaims top spot; Rahane advances
New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson has reclaimed the number one position in the ICC Men's Test Batting Rankings after leading his side to the World Test Championship title. The 30-year-old has overtaken Australia's Steve Smith, who had earlier eclipsed Williamson. Williamson now enjoys a 10-point lead over the latter. Meanwhile, India's Test vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane has also advanced in the Rankings for Batsmen.
Williamson rose to the top after scoring 49 and 52* in the low-scoring WTC final against India. His knocks were of utmost importance in both the innings. The New Zealand captain now owns 901 points in the ICC Batting Rankings, 10 more than Smith. Notably, Williamson had conceded the top spot to Smith just two weeks ago.
Williamson's compatriot, Ross Taylor, who scored an unbeaten 47 in the run-chase, has advanced three places to 14th position. NZ opener Devon Conway has gained 18 slots to reach 42nd place, having smashed 54 in the first innings. India's vice-captain, Rahane, has moved three places to 13th position after registering scores of 49 and 15 in the historic WTC final.
🇳🇿 @BLACKCAPS captain Kane Williamson is back to the No.1 spot in the latest @MRFWorldwide ICC Men's Test Player Rankings for batting.
— ICC (@ICC) June 30, 2021
Full list: https://t.co/OMjjVx5Mgf pic.twitter.com/1DWGBonmF2
New Zealand fast bowler Kyle Jamieson moved to a career-best 13th position after scripting history in the WTC final. He was the only bowler to take a five-wicket haul in the Test Championship final. Jamieson registered figures of 5/31 and 2/30 in the match. In the process, he became the first New Zealand bowler to get his fifth five-for within his first eight Tests.
Left-arm pacer Trent Boult has climbed to 11th position among bowlers, having gained two places. He recorded figures of 2/47 and 3/39 in the finale clash against India. The likes of Kagiso Rabada (sixth) and Mitchell Starc (ninth) have also moved up.
West Indies opener Evin Lewis has moved from 13th to 10th position in the ICC T20I Rankings for Batsmen after scoring a blistering 71 (35) in the first T20I against South Africa. The likes of Quinton de Kock (22nd) and Reeza Hendricks (24th) have also advanced. Among bowlers, Chris Jordan (11th), Mark Wood (14th), Sam Curran (39th), and David Willey (51st) have progressed.
