Black Caps create test history
The Black Caps have South Africa to thank for climbing to second in the ICC test cricket rankings for the first time.
New Zealand missed the chance to achieve the historic feat in December after only beating Sri Lanka 1-0 in their two-match test series, following a draw in the opener in Wellington.
South Africa’s surprising 2-0 test series home defeat by Sri Lanka has catapulted New Zealand up to second.
New Zealand sit on 107 points, trailing only No 1-ranked India on 116 points in the latest rankings, which were unveiled on Sunday.
South Africa started the series with 110 points, but slipped to 105 after losing both tests to their lower-ranked Sri Lankan opposition.
Should the Black Caps account for ninth-ranked Bangladesh in their three-match test series, starting at Hamilton’s Seddon Park on Thursday, they would retain second position heading into the inaugural ICC test championship, which begins in July.
New Zealand are targeting an unprecedented fifth straight test series win against Bangladesh. Their series triumph against Sri Lanka was the first time they had won four consecutive test series.
New Zealand had previously won three series in a row on four occasions, but never been able to push on and win a fourth on the trot, until overcoming Sri Lanka to close out 2018.
In the updated individual world test rankings, Black Caps skipper Kane Williamson remains second on the batting chart on 897 points, behind only Indian counterpart Virat Kohli (922).
Henry Nicholls is the big mover, soaring from ninth to fifth equal (763 points) alongside England star Joe Root after blasting an unbeaten 162 in the second test against Sri Lanka at his Hagley Oval home in Christchurch in December.
Trent Boult is sixth in the test bowling rankings (771 points), while new ball partner Tim At a glance
ICC men’s test rankings
❚ 1. India 116
❚ 2. New Zealand 107
❚ 3. South Africa 105
❚ 4= Australia 104, England 104 ❚ 6. Sri Lanka 93
❚ 7. Pakistan 88
❚ 8. West Indies 77
❚ 9. Bangladesh 69
❚ 10. Zimbabwe 13
Southee is also in the top sitting ninth on 767.
New Zealand are third in the ICC ODI rankings, which were released on February 20, on 112 points. Only World Cup favourites England (126) and India (122) sit ahead of them. 10,