AB de Villiers dethrones Steve Smith as the no. 1 Test batsman

AB de Villiers dethrones Steve Smith as the no. 1 Test batsman: The 169 runs loss that Australia suffered to the hands of England in the 1^st Investec Ashes test match at Cardiff, yesterday had a lot to do with their batsmen failing to stand up against the English swing bowling attack, and to the displeasure of the Aussie fans, worlds no. 1 test batsman (till yesterday) Steve Smith failed to deliver for them in both the innings.

It has not only resulted in a one down situation for the Kangaroos but with just 66 runs (33 in each innings) in the test match Smith has been dethroned of his top ranking. He has been replaced by South Africa’s AB de Villiers who is also termed the best batsman in international cricket across all the formats of the game at the moment.

Steven Smith now has 901 rating points in the ICC Test batsman’s ranking and even without playing a test match AB finds himself at the helm with 908 rating points in the rankings. The two are quite closely followed by another consistent South African, Hashim Amla who has 891 points to his credits.

Another inspiring news for England apart from the win is that their most reliable batsman, young Joe Root who was also the hero and Man of the Match for the 1^st test with 194 runs and two wickets is making his way swiftly towards being the best test batsman placed at number 4 and has 884 points around his name.

Latest ICC Test Batsmen Rankings – HERE