Kane WIlliamson. Photo: photosport
Black Caps run machine Kane Williamson has cleared away as the world's top-ranked test batsman following his twin centuries against South Africa.
The 34-year-old former captain was already top of the ICC's ranking pile before New Zealand's 281-run win over the Proteas in Mount Maunganui began.
That lead in the official rankings has become a chasm following his scores of 118 and 109 at Bay Oval against the under-strength tourists.
He sits on 864 ranking points, well clear of Australia's Steve Smith (818 points) and England's Joe Root (797). New Zealand's Daryl Mitchell remains fourth on 786.
Williamson, 33, has scored six centuries in his last six tests, pushing his career average above 55 in the process.
Meanwhile, Jasprit Bumrah became the first Indian pace bowler to top the bowling rankings following his match-winning display in the second test against England in Visakhapatnam.
India's Jasprit Bumrah celebrates after the dismissal of England's captain Ben Stokes during the second day of the second Test cricket match between India and England at the Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam on February 3, 2024. (Photo by DIBYANGSHU SARKAR / AFP) / Photo: DIBYANGSHU SARKAR
The 30-year-old claimed nine wickets in his reverse swing masterclass to secure India's series-levelling victory by 106 runs.
It helped him leapfrog Australia's Pat Cummins, South African Kagiso Rabada and team mate Ravichandran Ashwin in the rankings.
India spinners Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja and Bishan Singh Bedi had earlier topped the test rankings for bowlers.
- RNZ/Reuters
