ICC Rankings: Kane Williamson overtakes Steve Smith as No 1 Test batsman; Jadeja loses top all-rounder billing
The 30-year-old’s knocks of 49 and 52 not out in the low-scoring World Test Championship (WTC final) against India has helped him move above the 900-point mark and he now enjoys a 10-point lead over Steve Smith (891 rating points).
Williamson, who conceded the top spot to Smith two weeks ago, is back in the position he had first grabbed in November 2015 during a series against Australia.
Ross Taylor, who scored an unbeaten 47 and partnered in an unbroken 96-run stand with Williamson, has advanced three places to 14th position while left-hander Devon Conway has gained 18 slots to reach 42nd place after top-scoring with 52 in the first innings.
India skipper Virat Kohli remains static at the fourth spot with 812 points. Rohit Sharma has also held on to his sixth spot, while Rishabh Pant has dropped one place to seventh.
New Zealand’s fast bowlers too have gained after thriving in the seaming conditions, player of the match Kyle Jamieson continuing the stupendous start to his Test career.
His figures of five for 31 and two for 30 have pushed him up to a career-best 13th position, not surprising since no bowler has taken more Test wickets at a better average than him since 1900.
