Kohli overtakes Smith on top of Test rankings, Philander moves up

Cape Town – Indian skipper Virat Kohli is back at the top of the ICC Test batsmen rankings after scoring a century in the day-night Kolkata Test against Bangladesh.

Kohli struck a 136 last week to reach 928 points and is is five points clear of Australia’s Steve Smith.

Australia opener David Warner’s unbeaten 335 has lifted him 12 places to the fifth position.

South African-born New Zealand batsman Marnus Labuschagne is in the Top 10 for the first time after being ranked as low as 110th at the start of the year.

Meanwhile, Proteas seamer Vernon Philander moved up one place to sixth – despite not playing any Tests.

The Proteas kick off their summer when they host England for four Tests, starting on December 26 at Centurion.

ICC Test rankings:

Batsmen

1. Virat Kohli (IND) – 928

2. Steve Smith (AUS) – 923

3. Kane Williamson (NZ) – 877

4. Cheteshwar Pujara (IND) – 791

5. David Warner (AUS) – 764

6. Ajinkya Rahane (IND) – 759

7. Joe Root (ENG) – 752

8. Marcus Labuschagne (NZ) – 731