(UTV|COLOMBO) – Australian batsman Steve Smith has returned to the top of the Test batting rankings, despite being banned from playing in the format since March.
Smith is serving a 12-month ban from playing state or international cricket for Australia for his role in the ball-tampering scandal against South Africa.
India Captain Virat Kohli had taken top spot after scoring 200 runs in the first Test against England.
However, his 40 runs in the second Test defeat has seen him slip behind Smith.
England’s Joe Root is ranked third in the International Cricket Council (ICC) Test batting rankings, while his Yorkshire colleague Jonny Bairstow has climbed to ninth after scoring 93 against India on Saturday.
Jimmy Anderson remains the top bowler in the world and has become the first England player to exceed 900 points in the ICC rankings since Ian Botham in 1980.
Anderson, 36, achieved match figures of 9-43 at Lord’s to help England open up a 2-0 lead over India in the five-match series.
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