The latest ICC Test rankings have confirmed the rise and rise of BLACKCAP Kane Williamson.
After the first two Tests in Australia — in which he scored 166 at the WACA following his 140 at the 'Gabba — our number three is now officially ranked second in the world, behind only South African maestro A.B. de Villiers.
Given the top five batsmen are now separated by just 19 points, the gap is narrowing as Williamson heads for the top.
It’s Williamson’s career-best individual ranking, having jumped by three places to draw level with Australia captain Steven Smith in second spot, while David Warner’s 253 in Perth has lifted him three places to fifth.
Ross Taylor, who won the player of the match award at the WACA, has returned to the top 10 for the first time in 12 months. Taylor scored 290 and 36 not out, for which he has been rewarded with a jump of seven places that has put him in tenth spot.
Doug Bracewell is the other BLACKCAP to have significantly improved his rankings on this tour so far. The right-arm fast bowler took three wickets in the Perth Test and has now moved up six places to 41st.
Meanwhile, Australia’s Mitchell Johnson signed off on his international cricket on a high, finishing in ninth bowling position, 84th batting spot and fifth in the allrounders’ category.
