Harry Brook Takes Top Spot in ICC Test Rankings After Stellar Performance
Harry Brook Ascends to No. 1 Test Batter
Dubai [UAE], July 9: In a remarkable turn of events, England's Harry Brook has overtaken his teammate Joe Root to claim the top position in the ICC Men's Test Player Rankings. This shift follows Brook's impressive innings of 158 during the second Test against India held in Birmingham.
As a result of this performance, Root has slipped to second place, trailing Brook by 18 rating points, according to the latest updates from the ICC.
Additionally, there have been notable changes within the top 10 Test batters. Indian captain Shubman Gill has surged 15 places to achieve a career-high ranking of sixth, thanks to his outstanding contributions in the recent victory over England at Edgbaston, where he scored 269 and 161 runs.
Gill's remarkable performance marks his first win as Test captain, and he is now just 79 rating points behind Brook. The players ahead of him include Root in second, Kane Williamson in third, Yashasvi Jaiswal in fourth, and Steve Smith in fifth.
England's wicketkeeper Jamie Smith has also made significant strides, moving up 16 places to reach 10th overall after scoring 184 not out and 88 in the second Test against India. Meanwhile, South African Wiaan Mulder has jumped 34 spots to 22nd after his unbeaten 367* against Zimbabwe, declaring South Africa's innings at 626/5.
Despite the opportunity to break Brian Lara's record for the highest Test score, Mulder's performance has elevated him to third among Test all-rounders, while India's Ravindra Jadeja continues to lead that category. Jasprit Bumrah remains the top-ranked Test bowler, even though he missed the match against England to manage his workload.
Mohammed Siraj has climbed six spots to 22nd among Test bowlers following his strong showing against England. West Indies players Shamar Joseph and Alzarri Joseph have also made gains, moving up six places to 29th and 31st, respectively.
In ODI rankings, following Sri Lanka's 2-1 series victory over Bangladesh, skipper Charith Asalanka has moved up two spots to sixth overall, while teammate Kusal Mendis has jumped 10 places to 10th after being named Player of the Series. Wanindu Hasaranga has also improved, rising 11 spots to eighth among ODI bowlers after taking nine wickets in the series.