||Desk Report||

New Zealand wrote a new history, moving into the second spot in the ICC Test rankings for the first time ever. The Kiwis have 107 points while India are in first place with 116 points in the ranking.

South Africa were in the second spot, but they slipped to the third spot with 105 points due to the massive 2-0 Test home series defeat by Sri Lanka. This defeat has catapulted New Zealand up to second.

Earlier, New Zealand could achieve the spot in December last year during the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka. But, the Black Caps won the series 1-0 with a draw in their first Test and remained third.

However, New Zealand are going to take on Bangladesh in the three-match Test series, beginning on February 28 in Hamilton. The hosts are targeting the fifth straight Test series win against the visitors. Their series triumph against Sri Lanka was the first time they had won four consecutive Test series.

New Zealand Test Squad against Bangladesh: Kane Williamson (c), Todd Astle, Trent Boult, Colin de Grandhomme, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Henry Nicholls, Jeet Raval, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, Neil Wagner, BJ Watling (wk), Will Young

Meanwhile, Kiwis skipper Kane Williamson remains second on the ICC Batting ranking with his 897 points behind only India’s Virat Kohli (922 points). But, Henry Nicholls makes a big move, from ninth to the fifth equal with 763 points; alongside England star Joe Root.

In the bowling list, Trent Boult is in the sixth with 771 points, while Tim Southee is in the ninth with 767.

ICC men's Test rankings with points:

1. India: 116 

2. New Zealand: 107

3. South Africa: 105

4. Australia: 104

5. England: 104