India - New Zealand Series

Laxman returns to top 20 in ICC Rankings

Indian batsman VVS Laxman returned to the top-20 of the ICC Rankings, up six places to 15th in the latest list.

In the rankings for Test bowlers, Indian pacer Ishant Sharma’s 3-95 in the drawn match helped him leapfrog Jacques Kallis of South Africa, Pakistan’s Danish Kaneria and England’s Monty Panesar to a career-best 17th spot.

Laxman struck a fighting unconquered century that helped India salvage a draw in the second Test against New Zealand in Napier .

The stylish right-hander followed up his 76 in India’s 305 all out in the first innings with an unbeaten 124 as the tourists finished 476-4 after being forced to follow on.

After his excellent performances with the bat, Laxman jumped six places to put himself in 15th position, just behind Sachin Tendulkar, who contributed 49 and 64 in the match, the ICC said in a statement.

Opener Gautam Gambhir was the highest-ranked India batsman in fifth place and his knock of 137 in the second innings has not only strengthened his current position but has put him within striking distance of fourth-placed Mahela Jayawardene of Sri Lanka.

Tags: ICC Test Rankings, India, new zealand