New Delhi: Team India became the number one ranked Test team after defeating New Zealand 1-0 in the two-match series.
Mayank Agarwal’s heroics with the bat and Jayant Yadav’s four-wicket haul in the second innings helped India defeat New Zealand by 372 runs in the second Test. With this win, India sealed the two-match series 1-0 and now Virat Kohli’s side will head to South Africa for three Tests and three ODIs, beginning December 26.
Virat Kohli’s side is now three points ahead of second-placed New Zealand in the ICC Test Rankings. While Australia is in third place with 108 points. Currently, India has 124 points while New Zealand has 121 points.
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India are back to the No.1 spot in the @MRFWorldwide ICC Men’s Test Team Rankings.#INDvNZ pic.twitter.com/TjI5W7eWmq
— ICC (@ICC) December 6, 2021
England is in the fourth spot with 107 points. Both Australia and England will have a chance to improve their ranking as they lock horns in the five-match Ashes.
However, the second Test will be remembered for Ajaz Patel’s ten-wicket haul in the first innings which made him just the third bowler in the history of the game after Jim Laker and Anil Kumble to achieve the feat.
Ashwin said the New Zealand spinner used the seam well and bowled in the right places to dismantle the Indian batting lineup.
“It was a wonderful performance by Ajaz. It doesn’t spin all the time in Wankhede, and he used the seam and put the ball in the right places, and there was a bit of destiny involved in his 10-for too,” Ashwin told host broadcaster Star Sports at the post-match presentation.
“I think I’ve got 10 (Player of the Series awards now). I enjoyed Wankhede honestly, and everyday there was something new, and I could challenge both edges,” said Ashwin.
“Jayant and I have trained together, he flew to Chennai from Haryana in 2014 to pick my mind, so we have a good relation. Axar and I have played since Kings XI,” he added.
