Unstoppable Warner scales One-Day ranking summit
Australia opening batsman David Warner has been rewarded for his sublime form in ODIs in 2016-17, climbing for the first time in his career to No 1 in the ICC rankings for ODI batsmen.
Warner achieved his highest ODI total of 179 in the fifth ODI against Pakistan in Adelaide on Thursday, and has been rewarded with the top spot.
With 386, 299 and 367 runs in the series against South Africa, New Zealand and Pakistan respectively, Warner has hit the top spot in ODIs with 880 points, ahead of de Villiers and Kohli.
The explosive left-hander said, “I am hoping I can take my good form into the Champions Trophy (in June) and help Australia lift the trophy for the third time. My job is to put our team into winning positions and I have been fortunate I have been able to do that lately.”
Warner is enjoying an astonishing run. In the last 11 ODIs, he has smashed six centuries, his run of scores being 117, 6, 173, 24, 119, 156, 7, 16, 35, 130 and 179.
Australia’s next ODI assignment is the threematch series in New Zealand but Warner will be rested as he prepares for the India tour.
With India not playing ODIs until the Champions Trophy in June, it looks like Kohli will not occupy the top spot for some time.
Australia captain Steve Smith has been ruled out of the upcoming ODI series in New Zealand after he picked up a minor ankle injury in the ODI win over Pakistan in on Thursday.
Smith suffered strained medial ligaments in his left ankle.Wicketkeeper Matthew Wade will lead the side with youngster Sam Heazlett called up as Smith’s replacement. Vicecaptain David Warner was already due to be rested.