Dubai, July 24 : Ahead of the crucial five-match Test rubber against India starting August 1, England pace spearhead James Anderson has regained the top spot among ICC Test bowlers in the latest rankings released here on Tuesday.

Anderson, who scalped nine wickets in the drawn two-Test series against Pakistan at home, has pushed South Africa seamer Kagiso Rabada following the Proteas' 0-2 loss at the hands of Sri Lanka in the just-concluded two-Test series.

Rabada, who took eight wickets in the series, including a four-for in the opening Test in Galle, dropped to the second spot with 882 points, even as Anderson comfortably rocketed to the top with 892 points.

Behind them is India's left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja at No.3 while another Protea Vernon Philander separates No.5-ranked Ravichandran Ashwin from his spin twin.

Despite a below-par series, South Africa, however had something to cheer about as spinner Keshav Maharaj, who took a 12-wicket haul in the second Test, has gained five places to find himself ranked at No.18.

Sri Lanka's veteran left-arm spinner Rangana Herath swapped places with New Zealand's Neil Wagner to take the No.8 spot.

Among the batsmen, Sri Lanka opener Dimuth Karunaratne's 356 runs in the two Tests helped him gain three places to a career-high No.7 in the rankings, led by banned Australian former captain Steve Smith and followed by India captain Virat Kohli.

Also moving upward is his skipper Dinesh Chandimal, who despite missing the series owing to suspension, found himself rising to No.8, two places below India's Cheteshwar Pujara.

Among the other Indians, Ajinkya Rahane moved a spot up to No.19 while Lokesh Rahul is stable at No.18.

 

Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.



Davangere: Reports state that two groups engaged in stone pelting at each other during Ganesha idol immersion ceremony in Davangere on Thursday. Two police personnel were injured in the incident.

Few days ago, two groups of youth engaged in verbal altercation regarding raising of a flag for Eid Milad celebration. On account of the clashes, police had heightened security for the Ganesha procession. Despite the additional security, stones were pelted at the procession, sources stated. Inspector Gururaj and constable Raghavendra were injured in the incident. The procession continued after the police brought the situation to control. However, the stone pelting resumed once again as the procession surged forwards.

Security has been tightened up in the area and all shops have been closed down by the police. The two police personnel, who were injured in the stone pelting, are undergoing treatment at a hospital.