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AAP
Sport
Scott Bailey

Labuschagne, Smith create history with 1-2

Australia's Marnus Labuschagne is poised to end the year as the world's No.1 Test batsman. (Richard Wainwright/AAP PHOTOS) (AAP)

Australia can lay claim to having the two best batsmen in world cricket for the first time in 14 years, after Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith ascended to the top of the ICC rankings.

After the pair's dominant Perth Test against West Indies where they scored 528 runs between them for the loss of just one wicket, both have gained a significant ratings boost.

Labuschagne's scores of 204 and 104no were enough to propel him to No.1 in the world for the first time since June, knocking Joe Root off his perch.

After rising to No.1 in the world for the first time last December, the Queenslander now has the chance to finish a second straight year there.

Smith has gone from No.4 to No.2 off the back off his unbeaten 200 at Optus Stadium, reclaiming a spot he last held in 2021.

The dynamic duo's climb marks the first time since Mike Hussey and Ricky Ponting in 2008 that Australia has commanded the top two spots.

Smith's return to form in particular with his remodelled technique has sent an ominous warning ahead of Australia's massive year of cricket.

"I don't think anyone can be more excited than him," coach Andrew McDonald said.

"We are excited. He works hard on his game and everyone who has seen him in the back room working on his game in the nets with Diva (Michael Di Venuto) knows that.

"The amount of hours that is invested to make that change repeatable for what he's about to embark on is incredibly impressive.

"So we're excited for him, he's excited, and him and Marnus have got off to a flying start to the summer.

"Hopefully they can push each other to new limits and David Warner will want to get involved in that conversation along with a few others in that top six."

The changes came as Root dropped back to No.4 in the world behind Pakistan's Babar Azam in third spot, the Englishman paying the price for missing out on the Rawalpindi road.

Pat Cummins remains the world's top-ranked Test bowler, giving Australia the double with bat and ball.

Barring a horror December, Cummins is set to become the first Australian since Clarrie Grimmett to end four straight years as No.1 bowler in the world.

The team also remains in No.1 spot in Test cricket.

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