In the recently released ICC Test rankings, Pakistani batsman Babar Azam has ascended to the fifth position, marking a notable improvement in his standing. Despite being ranked 10th previously, Babar’s impressive performances, coupled with the underwhelming displays by Indian and Australian batsmen, contributed to his significant rise in the rankings.
The top spot in the latest Test rankings is claimed by New Zealand’s Kane Williamson, showcasing his consistent and stellar batting performances. Australia’s opener Usman Khawaja has made significant progress, securing the eighth position after a commendable display in recent Test matches.
Meanwhile, Indian cricket stalwart Virat Kohli finds himself at the sixth spot in the ICC Test rankings. England’s Joe Root, Australia’s Steve Smith, and New Zealand’s Daryl Mitchell occupy the third, fourth, and seventh positions, respectively.
Interestingly, the bowling rankings fail to feature any Pakistani bowler in the top 10. India’s Ravichandran Ashwin has claimed the top spot after taking six wickets against England. Jasprit Bumrah has also made a leap to the fourth position.
South Africa’s Kagiso Rabada stands second in the bowling rankings, while Australia’s captain Pat Cummins has now secured the third position.
In the Test all-rounder rankings, no Pakistani player has made the cut. India’s Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin lead the charts as the first and second-ranked all-rounders, respectively. Bangladesh’s Shakib Al Hasan, England’s Joe Root, and Ben Stokes hold the third, fourth, and fifth positions in the rankings.
Babar Azam’s rise in the rankings reflects his growing influence and prowess in Test cricket, signaling a promising future for the Pakistani captain. As the cricketing landscape evolves, individual performances continue to shape the rankings, creating a dynamic and competitive environment in international cricket.