International Cricket Council (ICC),  global governing body of cricket, on Monday released latest Test rankings, which saw Australia's Steve Smith take top spot with Virat Kohli taking second spot in batting list. 

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Splendid Smith

test rankings were released at back of recently concluded Ashes series, which ended in a draw. Steve Smith scored 774 runs in four matches with an aver of 110.57 and highest score of 211. Smith is leing list with 937 points and has a gap of 34 points over second-placed Virat Kohli. Smith's magnificent performance during series was reflected in rankings since he was fourth on  list with 857 points at start of Ashes series. test rankings are updated after every match, and Virat will have a chance to reclaim his place during Test matches against South Africa. 

Smith did t play cricket for a year since March 2018 as he was banned by Cricket Australia (CA) for his involvement in 'sand-paper gate' incident wherein Australian players were conspired of using sandpaper to modify ball during series against South Africa. However, he has me a strong return to international cricket, scoring 379 runs at ICC World Cup and was also recognized as Australia's Man of series and also awarded  Compton-Miller medal for his performances. In his absence, highest run-getter in Tests for Australia was Travis He with 663 runs, and he was overtaken by Smith in just four tests. 

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Gainers and losers

bowler's Test ranking list saw Pat Cummins consolidate his place at top of list with 908 points. He has a 57 points le over second-placed Kagiso Raba.

For Australia, Matw We and Mitchell Marsh were or players who me significant gains with ir performances, whereas David Warner dropped by 19 positions to 24 on list over five test matches, where he scored a grand total of 95 runs in 10 innings. 

For England, fast bowler Jofra Archer me into top-40 for first time after finishing series as third-highest wicket-taker with 22 wickets. He me his test debut in second match at Lords.

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