Smith reclaims Test batting throne

Steve Smith has reclaimed the throne as the world’s premier Test batsman after a stunning man-of-the-match performance in Australia’s second Ashes Test thrashing of England at Lord’s.

Smith’s scores of 215 and 58 have propelled him to a career-high 936 rating points, the 10th highest all-time rating in the official International Cricket Council player rankings system.

The 26-year-old joins esteemed company, rounding out a top 10 which includes Don Bradman, Viv Richards, Gary Sobers, Ricky Ponting and Jack Hobbs.

The fleet-footed right-hander lost his place as the alpha male batsman to South Africa’s AB de Villiers after a pair of 33s in the first Test, but a match haul of 278 runs at the Home of Cricket won Smith 35 rating points and his return to the top of the heap. 

Highlights: Smith joins all-time greats with Lord's double-ton

De Villiers will not be able to overstake Smith during South Africa’s two-Test series against Bangladesh which begins on Tuesday, as the batsman has missed the tour to remain home with his wife ahead of the birth of their first child.

Chris Rogers’ efforts of 173 and 49 (retired hurt) saw him jump into the top 10 batsmen in the world for the first time, sitting at ninth, one spot higher than opening partner David Warner who stays inside the top 10 and gains 15 rating points.

Mitchell Johnson’s furious return to form at Lord’s saw him claim three wickets in each innings to finish with 6-80 for the Test and soar back into the top five Test bowlers and take fourth spot.

Josh Hazlewood climbed two spots to a career-best 17th, while new-ball partner Mitchell Starc backpedalled to 19th.

With Nathan Lyon retaining his spot in 16th, Australia now boasts the best Test bowling attack in world cricket as all four members feature inside the top 20, a feat no other team can claim. 

Watch: Australia thrash England to claim second Test

Australia’s gain was England’s loss, with first Test century-maker Joe Root slipping two spots to six after returns of 1 and 17, while a wicketless James Anderson dropped from No.2 in the world to No.6.

Alastair Cook’s 96 in the first innings moved him up two places to 18th, while Ben Stokes’ 87 saw him traverse the 30s from 36 to 32.

Also going backwards in the rankings were Gary Balance (31 to 34) and Ian Bell (34 to 35) as their places in England’s top order comes under question after poor performances in London.

Australia travel to Derby for a three-day tour match before the Ashes battle resumes at Edgbaston on July 29.

Top 10 Batsmen

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Top 10 Bowlers

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Images courtesy of icc-cricket.com

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