Smith regains top spot in batting rankings

Australia

Australia batsman Steve Smith has regained the number one position in the world Test batting rankings after scoring a century in the fifth and final Ashes Test against England at the Oval.

Smith, who will become Australia's next Test captain after the retirement of Michael Clarke, scored 143 at the Oval and takes the number one position from England batsman Joe Root, who drops to number three with South Africa's AB de Villiers still at number two.

Clarke will finish his Test career with a ranking of 25 while Australia opening batsman, Chris Rogers, who also quit international cricket after the Oval Test, finishes in 10th place.

In the bowling rankings, Australia's Mitchell Johnson moves up one place to sixth while England's James Anderson stays in fifth position after missing the last two Ashes Tests due to injury.

South Africa fast bowler Dale Steyn continues to head up the bowling rankings followed by Trent Boult of New Zealand.

England's three-two series victory over Australia mean they stay at number three in the team rankings with South Africa and Australia retaining the top two spots respectively.

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