Steven Smith ranks No.1

An extremely talented guy, with loads of potential and an ardent desire to perform brilliantly, has shown what all it takes to be at the top. Steven Smith, Australia’s vice-captain, has jumped up to No.1 in ICC Test Batting Rankings, leaving behind Sri Lankan gem Kumar Sangakkara, AB DeVilliers and Hashim Amla.

At the start of the two-match series against West Indies, Steven Smith ranked 4th in the batsmen rankings. But his classy performance in the Test series and his Match winning knocks in the second Test paved the way for him becoming the best Test batsman at present.

Smith scored 199 in the first innings and 54 in the second innings to ensure a satisfactory 277 run victory for his side. Smith has shown an extra-ordinary consistency in the past one year, scoring nine centuries in his last 17 Tests, out of which 5 came in his last six matches. He is at present the highest run scorer in Tests over the past year with an astonishing 1226 runs at an average of 102.16.

Smith is enjoying his batting and getting more refined after each and every innings. His splendid form against India in the Test series has continued till now, acclaiming him to the No.1 position. Australia’s captain Michael Clarke also praised his deputee saying that, “He’s in some unbelievable form and long may that continue”.

Smith removed Sangakkara from the top position, who had surpassed De Villiers before that. Smith now has a tally of 913 points in aggregate.