ICC Test Rankings: Cheteshwar Pujara rises to third
What's the story
Indian senior batsman Cheteshwar Pujara has risen to a career best third in the ICC Test Rankings. The 30-year-old, who ended as the top run-scorer in the recently concluded four-match Test series against Australia, continued to rise. Besides, Pujara, Team India's young wicket-keeper batsman, Rishabh Pant saw his name gain solid ground. Here is more on the rankings.
Pujara's rise
Pujara only behind Kohli and Williamson
Pujara, who amassed 521 runs in the series against Australia, went on to gain one slot to reach third position. Pujara is now only behind Virat Kohli and Kane Williamson, who retained their places. The 30-year-old went past banned Aussie cricketer Steve Smith (fourth). The right-handed batsman has notched a total of 881 points. Kohli (922) and Williamson (897) lead the show.
Pant's heroics
Pant gains big in ICC Test Rankings
Rishabh Pant ended the series against Australia as the second highest run-scorer behind Pujara. The 21-year-old scored a superb 159* in the Sydney Test. Pant gained 21 slots in the ICC Test Rankings. Pant is now on 17th place and it's the joint-highest by a specialist India wicket-keeper along with Farokh Engineer. His 673 rating points is the best by and Indian keeper ever.
Indian cricketers
Other Indian cricketers witnessed gains as well
Jasprit Bumrah maintained his 16th position in the rankings for bowlers. His pace partner Mohammed Shami gained one place to take the 22nd slot. Wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav gained seven slots and is now ranked 45th. All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja rose one place to reach fifth among bowlers. The left-arm spinner is also second among all-rounders. He leapfrogged Windies captain Jason Holder in the all-rounders list.
SA players
South African players move ahead after Test domination
South African veteran fast bowler Vernon Philander managed to gain one slot to reach third position in the rankings. Rising Proteas bowler Duanne Olivier has continued his surge ahead. He moved up to 32nd place from 36th. Kagiso Rabada leads the proceedings in the ICC Test Rankings for bowlers (893 points). Meanwhile, batsman Aiden Markram moved back into the top 10.