ICC Rankings: Steve Smith remains the number one Test batsman
Australian batsman Steve Smith was on a roll in the just-concluded Ashes, where he finished with 774 runs in just seven innings at a Bradmanesque average of 110.57. As a result, he shot up to the number one in the ICC Test Rankings for batsmen, dethroning Virat Kohli by a big margin. We take a look at the latest rankings.
Smith remains 34 points ahead of Kohli
As of now, Smith is 34 points ahead of Kohli in the rankings, as he is placed at the top spot with 937 rating points. He had begun the series at the fourth spot with 857 rating points. As for Kohli, his inability to score big in the just-concluded two-Test series against the Windies has cost him the number one spot.
Records broken by Smith in Ashes 2019
Smith recorded the highest tally of runs scored in a Test series by a batsman since 1994. He became the first batsman to score 10 consecutive 50+ scores against an opponent in Tests. He also joined the list of greats in scoring more than 700 runs in a Test series on multiple occasions (Don Bradman, Sunil Gavaskar, Brian Lara, Everton Weekes, and Gary Sobers).
David Warner drops to 24th
Meanwhile, the under-performer of the series was Australia's David Warner, who could manage only 95 runs in 10 innings. As a result, he has dropped down seven places following the final Test, and 19 places post the series, to the 24th spot.
Pat Cummins, Jofra Archer and Sam Curran among gainers
As for the bowlers, Australian pacer Pat Cummins tops the rankings. He has a lead of 57 points over second placed Kagiso Rabada of South Africa. Notably, Cummins claimed 29 wickets in these five matches. From England, pacer Jofra Archer moves into the top 40, while Sam Curran rose six spots to the 65th rank.
Steve Smith is the new 'Don' of Test cricket
Steve Smith and Pat Cummins retain the top spots in @MRFWorldwide ICC Test Rankings. Huge gains for other #Ashes participants.
— ICC (@ICC) September 16, 2019
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