Virat Kohli has slipped up in the latest ICC Test rankings, that were released earlier today. Kohli now sits 3rd on the ranking table and is joined by Pujara at number five.
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Kohli failed in the first test match against South Africa, as he could not guide his team to victory in the second innings.
The Indian skipper was caught out fishing outside the off stump in the first innings, while he missed a straight delivery and was adjudged LBW in the second.
With just 208 to chase, Kohli must have fancied his team’s chances. After losing Dhawan and Vijay in quick succession, India needed their captain to hold fort. But Kohli missed a straight delivery, as Vernon Philander got the prize scalp of the Indian captain.
While the Indian skipper failed, his Aussie compatriot was in the form of his life in Australia, as Steve Smith successfully led his team to a comprehensive Ashes victory.
Smith underlined his status as the best test batsmen in the game today, as his outstanding batting displays were a crucial part of Australia’s 4-0 thumping of their old enemy.
English captain Joe Root could not inspire his team much, as he himself could not contribute meaningfully on the Ashes tour.
Among the bowlers, Rabada continued his impressive display with the ball, as he maintained his number one position in the world.
Although he did not pick up many wickets in the test match, Rabada’s relentless accuracy and pace troubled the Indian batsmen to n end. With another two test matches to go, Rabada must be looking to pick up several scalps in the series.
Ashwin could not play a major part in the first test, but nonetheless stood at fourth place in the rankings.
His place come into question for the second test, but his courageous batting display in the second innings might just give him the nod for Durban.
ICC Test Batsmen rankings
| Rank | Name | Team | Rating |
| 1 | S.P.D. Smith | AUS | 947 |
| 2 | J.E. Root | ENG | 881 |
| 3 | V. Kohli | IND | 880 |
| 4 | K.S. Williamson | NZ | 855 |
| 5 | C.A. Pujara | IND | 848 |
| 6 | D.A. Warner | AUS | 827 |
| 7 | Azhar Ali | PAK | 755 |
| 8 | L.D. Chandimal | SL | 743 |
| 9 | A.N. Cook | ENG | 742 |
| 10 | H.M. Amla | SA | 740 |
ICC Test Bowlers rankings
| Rank | Name | Team | Rating |
| 1 | K. Rabada | SA | 888 |
| 2 | J.M. Anderson | ENG | 887 |
| 3 | R.A. Jadeja | IND | 861 |
| 4 | R. Ashwin | IND | 830 |
| 5 | J.R. Hazlewood | AUS | 814 |
| 6 | V.D. Philander | SA | 806 |
| 7 | H.M.R.K.B. Herath | SL | 799 |
| 8 | N. Wagner | NZ | 784 |
| 9 | M.A. Starc | AUS | 769 |
| 10 | N.M. Lyon | AUS | 769 |
