ICC Test rankings: New Zealand finally leapfrog 'big brothers' Australia to become No.1

New Zealand thrashed Pakistan in second Test by an innings and 176 runs in Christchurch on Wednesday and secured a memorable 2-0 whitewash. Courtesy ir dominating win, New Zealand leapfrogged neighbours Australia and grabbed . 1 position in ICC Test rankings. This is  first time in ir cricket history that Kiwis were able to achieve this feat.

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New Zealand claim top spot in ICC Test rankings for first time in history

In doing so, Kiwis also became sixth nation in last ten years to attain top spot in ICC Test rankings. Overall, y are seventh country to have achieved feat. In last two years, Kane Williamson's side came mighty close to reach top spot in ICC Test rankings but remained second. Currently, y have 118 points to ir name, two more than second-placed Australia and four clear off third-placed India. . 4 and 5 are occupied by England (106) and South Africa (96) respectively.

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ir whitewash of Pakistan has also helped m move closer to top two spots in ICC World Test Championship points table.  Blackcaps, who are currently third with 70 percent points behind Australia (76.7) and India (72.2), are reducing gap between m and top two sides. On or hand, Kane Williamson bolstered his position at top of ICC Test rankings for batsmen after scoring 238 in second Test.  New Zealand skipper h overtaken Indian captain Virat Kohli and Australian batting mainstay Steve Smith recently to claim top spot.

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Meanwhile, Smith has opportunity to reclaim top spot by getting back among runs in  India vs Australia 3rd Test. According to India vs Australia 2021 schedule,  India vs Australia 3rd Test will start on Thursday, January 7 in Sydney. India vs Australia live streaming will commence at 5:00 AM (IST).

series is currently poised at 1-1 with game in Sydney crucial for both sides. While Australia won opening Test in elaide comprehensively, India me a stunning comeback and beat hosts to level series. Indian team has received a major boost with inclusion of Rohit Sharma who is set to act as deputy to stand-in skipper Ajinkya Rahane.

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SOURCE: ICC TWITTER