Joe Root Falls to Third in ICC Test Rankings as Harry Brook Takes Top Spot

In a surprising turn of events, Joe Root has slipped to third place in the ICC Test rankings following a disappointing performance against New Zealand. His teammate Harry Brook has ascended to the top position, while Travis Head now ranks second. Additionally, Jasprit Bumrah retains his title as the world's leading Test bowler despite not playing in the recent match against Afghanistan. This article delves into the latest updates and shifts in the cricket rankings, highlighting the performances that led to these changes.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 10, 2026, 17:11 IST

Joe Root's Ranking Decline

On June 10, Joe Root's position as the leading Test batter in the world came to an end, following the latest update from the International Cricket Council (ICC). This update was influenced by the conclusion of the first Test match between England and New Zealand, along with the one-off Test between India and Afghanistan. Root's disappointing performance at Lord's resulted in a drop to third place in the rankings, falling two spots. His teammate, Harry Brook, has now taken over as the top-ranked Test batter, while Travis Head has moved up from third to second. Root, who is the second-highest run-scorer in Test cricket history, lost 29 points due to his recent form. In the Lord's Test, England secured a significant 115-run victory, but Root struggled, scoring just one run in the first innings and eight in the second.

In contrast, Brook managed to score 56 runs in the first innings, despite England being bowled out for a mere 140 runs, although he was dismissed for a duck in the second innings. Additionally, India's impressive victory over Afghanistan by an innings and 300 runs also influenced the rankings, allowing Shubman Gill to rise two places to eighth, making him the highest-ranked Indian batter, surpassing Yashasvi Jaiswal, who has dropped to ninth.

ICC Test Batters Rankings

Jasprit Bumrah Maintains Top Bowler Status

Jasprit Bumrah Retains Crown As World's Top-Ranked Bowler

Despite not participating in the match against Afghanistan, Jasprit Bumrah has successfully held onto his title as the world's number one Test bowler. He continues to lead over renowned Australian bowlers Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins. The rankings saw a significant shift as New Zealand's Matt Henry fell from fourth to seventh place, allowing Scott Boland, Marco Jansen, and Noman Ali to each advance one position.

ICC Test Bowlers Rankings

Meanwhile, the all-rounders' rankings remained unchanged, with Ravindra Jadeja still holding the top position, despite missing the recent match against Afghanistan.