Top 5 batsmen in ICC Test Rankings: Smith attains career-high ratings, Pujara edges Kohli

New Delhi, March 21: India middle-order batsman Cheteshwar Pujara on Tuesday (March 21) reached a career-high second rank in the latest ICC rankings for Test batsmen.

ICC Test Rankings: Pujara overtakes Kohli ICC Test Rankings: Pujara overtakes Kohli

Pujara has reason to celebrate as his marathon knock of 202 off 525 balls has helped him gain four slots to reach a career-best second ranking with 861 points.

The Saurashtra batsman has replaced New Zealand captain Kane Williamson, who is now in fifth place, also slipping behind Joe Root and Virat Kohli, who remained static at fourth position.

(Top 5 bowlers in ICC Test Rankings)

Top-ranked Australian captain Steve Smith has reached a career-high rating of 941 points after scores of 178 not out and 21.

The Australia skipper's tally is the joint-fifth highest ever along with Peter May. Only Don Bradman (961), Len Hutton (945), Jack Hobbs and Ricky Ponting (942) have achieved higher rating points.

Here are top 5 batsmen in ICC Test Rankings (As on March 21, 2017, after India-Australia 3rd Test)

1. Steve Smith

Top-ranked batsman Steve Smith has reached a career-high rating of 941 points after scores of 178 not out and 21 in the third Test against India.

His tally is the joint-fifth highest ever along with Peter May. Only Don Bradman (961), Len Hutton (945), Jack Hobbs and Ricky Ponting (942) have achieved higher rating points.

2. Cheteshwar Pujara

Cheteshwar Pujara has reason to celebrate after his marathon knock of 202 off 525 balls. His innings in Ranchi helped him gain four slots to reach a career-best second ranking with 861 points.

Pujara has, thus, overtaken India's batting mainstay Virat Kohli and became second batsman to make it to top 5 in ICC rankings.

3. Joe Root

The England batsman has slipped to one spot and now sits at third position in the the ICC Test rankings with 848 rating points.

4. Virat Kohli

The Indian batting mainstay is static at 4th spot in the ICC Rankings, but he hasn't been in the best of his form after slamming a double ton against Bangladesh last month.

His bat is silent against Australia as a result his average went below 50 in the longer format.