The latest ICC Test rankings have stirred the cricketing world as Pakistan’s star batsman Babar Azam has suffered a significant setback. Dropping six positions, he has now fallen to 9th place from his prior ranking of 3rd just a week ago. This tumble puts him perilously close to dropping out of the top 10, marking a challenging phase for the talented right-handed batsman. In contrast, three Indian players have made their presence felt in the top 10, with Indian captain Rohit Sharma leading the pack at 6th position. Yashasvi Jaiswal, meanwhile, has made an impressive climb, moving to 8th place after jumping two spots.
Current Status of ICC Test Rankings
As it stands, England’s Joe Root has maintained his position at the top of the ICC Test batting rankings, while New Zealand’s Kane Williamson holds steady in second place. Darrell Mitchell comes in at third, followed closely by Harry Brook, who made a remarkable leap of three positions to claim the fourth spot. Steve Smith is ranked fifth, while India’s Rohit Sharma rounds out the top six. Yashasvi Jaiswal’s ascent to seventh place showcases his growing influence in international cricket, and former Indian captain Virat Kohli is now positioned at eighth. Babar Azam’s drop to ninth means he is now closely watched by Mohammad Rizwan and Usman Khawaja, who both share the 10th position.
Table of ICC Men’s Test Batting Rankings
| Rank | Player | Country |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Joe Root | England |
| 2 | Kane Williamson | New Zealand |
| 3 | Darrell Mitchell | New Zealand |
| 4 | Harry Brook | England |
| 5 | Steve Smith | Australia |
| 6 | Rohit Sharma | India |
| 7 | Yashasvi Jaiswal | India |
| 8 | Virat Kohli | India |
| 9 | Babar Azam | Pakistan |
| 10 | Mohammad Rizwan / Usman Khawaja | Pakistan / Australia |
Impact on Pakistani Bowler Shahid Afridi
It’s not just Babar Azam feeling the heat; Pakistan’s leading fast bowler, Shaheen Afridi, has also seen a drop in the ICC Test bowlers’ rankings. Afridi has slipped two spots to now occupy the 10th position. This decline raises concerns for the Pakistan cricket team as they prepare for future challenges. In contrast, India boasts three bowlers within the top 10, showcasing their strength in this department: Ravichandran Ashwin leads the way at the number one spot, while Jasprit Bumrah and Josh Hazlewood share second place. Ravindra Jadeja also figures prominently, currently positioned at seventh.
Table of ICC Men’s Test Bowling Rankings
| Rank | Player | Country |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ravichandran Ashwin | India |
| 2 | Jasprit Bumrah | India |
| 2 | Josh Hazlewood | Australia |
| 4 | Pat Cummins | Australia |
| 5 | Trent Boult | New Zealand |
| 6 | Tim Southee | New Zealand |
| 7 | Ravindra Jadeja | India |
| 8 | Shaheen Afridi | Pakistan |
| 9 | Kagiso Rabada | South Africa |
| 10 | Mohammad Rizwan | Pakistan |
In conclusion, the latest ICC rankings reflect a dynamic shift in the cricketing landscape. While Indian players have solidified their standing, Pakistani players are feeling the pressure as they navigate through this competitive environment. As the cricketing season progresses, fans keenly await to see how these players adapt and respond in their forthcoming matches.
