ICC Test rankings: Ravindra Jadeja leaves R Aswhin behind to become world's top-ranked bowler

Ranchi: After picking nine wickets in the third Test against Australia at JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi, ace Indian spinner Ravindra Jadeja replaced team-mate R Ashwin as the top-ranked bowler in ICC Test bowlers rankings.

Jadeja was one of India's top performers in the Ranchi Test, which ended in a draw after Australian batsmen Peter Handscomb and Shaun Marsh pulled off a great escape for their team by batting for 62 overs on the final day.

The left-arm spinner has gained seven points after starting joint-first with Ashwin at 892 points. Jadeja has also become only the third Indian player after Ashwin and Bishan Singh Bedi to top the bowling charts on his own.

In the batting department, Cheteshwar Pujara, who slammed a mind-blowing double ton at Ranchi, reached a career-high second rank among batsmen.

Pujara's 202-run knock 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.

While Jadeja has closed in on a major landmark as his tally of 899 rating points has put him on the brink of becoming only the second Indian bowler after Ashwin to touch the 900-point mark, Ashwin, who had a highest rating of 904 points, has slipped 37 points behind Jadeja to 862 points after finishing with just two wickets in Ranchi.

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.