26 Feb 2019

Cricket: Black Caps on the rise

7:52 am on 26 February 2019

The Black Caps have risen to their highest ever test cricket ranking.

New Zeland now sit second on the latest ICC rankings, after South Africa's series loss to Sri Lanka saw the Proteas slip to third.

India sit at the top of the rankings, followed by New Zealand, South Africa, Australia and England rounding out the top five.

Batsman Henry Nicholls has also achieved a career-high batting ranking of fifth-equal, tied with England's Joe Root, while skipper Kane Williamson remains at number two.

Trent Boult is the highest ranked New Zealander on the test bowling rankings - the pace bowler is sixth with Australian Pat Cummins in top spot.

Tom Latham (left) congratulates Henry Nicholls on scoring a century against Sri Lanka.

Tom Latham (left) congratulates Henry Nicholls on scoring a century against Sri Lanka. Photo: Photosport