Joe Root’s reign as the world no. 1 Test batter ended on Wednesday (June 10) as the International Cricket Council (ICC) announced the weekly update to their rankings following the end of the first Test between England and New Zealand as well as the culmination of the one-off game between India and Afghanistan.
In fact, Root’s poor display in the Lord’s Test saw him drop down to the third spot in the ranking as he dropped down two places in the rankings. Root’s status as the top-ranked Test batter in the world was taken by English teammate Harry Brook while Travis Head climbed from third to second in the rankings. The second highest run-getter in Test cricket history loses 29 points.
The dip came on the back of England’s huge 115-run win in the Lord’s Test against New Zealand. Root started the season with two single-digit scores, with one run in the first inning, and added just eight runs to his tally in the second innings.
On the other hand, Brook made 56 runs in the first innings despite England being bowled out for just 140. The England vice-captain was dismissed for a duck in the second outing.
Meanwhile, India’s win over Afghanistan by an innings and 300 runs also had an impact on the rating as Shubman Gill moved up two spots to eighth place and became the top-ranked Indian. He went above Yashasvi Jaiswal, who dropped down one place and is now ranked 9th.
ICC Test Batters Rankings
Jasprit Bumrah Retains Crown As World’s Top-Ranked Bowler
Despite losing points for not playing against Afghanistan, Jasprit Bumrah retained his spot as the world’s No. 1 Test bowler. He continues to maintain a lead over Australian cricket legends Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins.
There was a big change in the rankings as New Zealand pacer Matt Henry dropped from fourth to seventh spot. This allowed each of Scott Boland, Marco Jansen, and Noman Ali to move up a place.
ICC Test Bowlers Rankings
Meanwhile, there were no changes in the all-rounders’ rankings, as Ravindra Jadeja remains the world No. 1. The veteran Indian cricketer also missed the recently concluded clash against Afghanistan.