Cheteshwar Pujara pips Virat Kohli to become highest-ranked Indian batsmen in Tests
Dubai: On the day when Ravindra Jadeja topped ICC Test rankings for bowlers, another Saurashtra boy, Cheteshwar Pujara, reached a career-high second rank among batsmen on Tuesday.
Pujara 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.
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 USD 1 million.
Australia will finish second and get a cash award of USD 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 USD 200,000 while the fourth-placed team, which will be England, will get USD 100,000.
