Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin capped off a fine 2015 by finishing the year as the world's top-ranked Test bowler. He displaced South African pacer Dale Steyn from the top in the latest International Cricket Council rankings released on Thursday. Ashwin is the first Indian bowler since Bishen Bedi in 1973 to achieve the milestone of finishing the year on top of the rankings, reported PTI.

Ashwin's form with the ball in Test cricket has been exemplary as he took 21 wickets during India's tour of Sri Lanka, winning the Man of the Series award. He missed the One-Day International series against South Africa, but came back strongly in the Tests, taking 31 wickets in four matches. Ashwin took 62 wickets in nine Tests this year, at an average of just over 17.

Ashwin is also ranked number one on the list of the world's best all-rounders. Australian captain Steve Smith finished the year as the world's top-ranked Test batsman. Ajinkya Rahane, at 11th, is the only Indian in the top 20.