In the latest ICC world ranking, Aussie players Steve Smith, Mitchell Marsh and Josh Hazelwood have jumped up the list on the back of their excellent performances in recent times. While these players achieved career-best rankings, Australian opener David Warner is closing in on the top spot in the rankings following the One Day International series against New Zealand.
The left-handed batsman cemented his place at the number three position scoring a record 299 runs in three matches. Warner is just behind India’s Virat Kohli and South Africa’s AB De Villiers who are 2 and 15 points ahead of the Aussie respectively.
Steve Smith, the Australian skipper was dismissed for a duck in the third one-dayer against New Zealand but that did not stop him from going up the rankings as he scored 164 and 72 in the first two ODI’s. As a result of his brilliant performances, Steve Smith climbed up six spots up the rankings.
Australian middle order batsman Mitchell Marsh scored a wonderful 76 of 40 balls in the second ODI which saw him rise to the 22nd position. Josh Hazelwood, on the other hand, climbed up 12 spots to the 11th position in the bowler’s ranking as he took 6 wickets across the series.
Pat Cummins returned to the rankings in the 47th position being the highest wicket taker of the series. All-rounder James Faulkner also benefited from his performances in the series as he saw himself jump 2 spots higher to 23rd.
For New Zealand Martin Guptill got his reward for his runs and now sits comfortably at the 6th position in the list of batters scoring 193 runs in the three innings.
Meanwhile, Australia’s whitewash of the Kiwis helped them upgrade their lead at the top by two points. South Africa sits at the second spot just four points shy of the Aussies.
You can check out details here – Latest ICC Ranking.