Virat Kohli Dethrones Steve Smith To Regain Top Spot In Test Rankings

Indian captain Virat Kohli is back on top of the ICC Test rankings for batsmen, taking a clear five-point lead over Australian run machine Steve Smith, after a historic century in India’s maiden Day-Night Test match against Bangladesh in November. Kohli, who had lost his top billing after Smith’s stupendous show on return to Test cricket in the Ashes, benefitted from his rival’s below par show in the recent series against Pakistan.

Kohli, who had struck a fine 136 in the day-night Kolkata Test against Bangladesh last week to reach 928 points, is now five points clear as Smith’s knock of 36 in the Adelaide Test against Pakistan saw him slip to 923 points from 931 before the match.

India, who have taken a huge lead on top of the World Test championship table, next play a Test series in February 2020 against New Zealand. Smith, who will be part of Australia’s upcoming series against the Kiwis at home, will have a chance to topple the Indian captain.