Ravindra Jadeja Pips R Ashwin To Stay No.1, Cheteshwar Pujara No.2 In Batting List

Some brilliant performances during the ongoing series between India and Australia means that Ravindra Jadeja remained No.1 in the list of International Cricket Council's (ICC) rankings for Test bowlers. Ravichandran Ashwin was at the top but dropped a place to No.2. Meanwhile, Cheteshwar Pujara reached a career-high second rank among batsmen. Left-arm spinner Jadeja whizzed past Ashwin after snaring nine wickets in the drawn third Test against Australia, which put the four-match series interestingly poised at 1-1.

Jadeja, who grabbed five for 124 and four for 52 in Ranchi, has gained seven points after starting joint-first with Ashwin at 892 points. The left-arm spinner has become only the third Indian player after Ashwin and Bishan Singh Bedi to top the bowling charts on his own.

Pujara too has reason to celebrate as his knock of 202 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-ranked Australian captain Steve Smith has reached a career-high rating of 941 points after scores of 178 not out and 21.

Jadeja claims sole top spot for bowlers, Pujara up to 2nd place for batting in latest MRF Tyres ICC Test Rankings https://t.co/Ros7ULBpMm pic.twitter.com/ilP8h9TkKI

— ICC (@ICC) March 21, 2017

While Jadeja has closed in on a major landmark as his tally of 899 rating points has put him on the brink of becoming only the second Indian bowler after Ashwin to touch the 900-point mark, Ashwin, who had a highest rating of 904 points, has slipped 37 points behind Jadeja to 862 points after finishing with just two wickets in Ranchi.

Meanwhile, the race for the second spot in the ICC Test team rankings has become interesting as Australia and South Africa compete ahead of the cut-off date of April 1, on which India is assured of finishing first and getting a cash award of $1 million.

Australia will finish second and get a cash award of $500,000 with at least a draw in the last Test in Dharamsala while South Africa can finish second if Australia loses with South Africa either winning or drawing the last match against New Zealand in Hamilton.

The third-placed team on April 1 will receive $200,000 while the fourth-placed team, which will be England, will get $100,000.

(With inputs from PTI)