(AFP Photo)
Joe Root and Harry Brook have made significant strides in the latest ICC Test rankings for batters following their standout performances in the recently concluded second Test against West Indies at Trent Bridge, Nottingham. Their stellar contributions were pivotal in England’s commanding 241-run victory, which secured them an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series.
Joe Root, in particular, showcased his exceptional form by scoring his 32nd Test century, a brilliant 122 off 178 deliveries, embellished with 10 boundaries. His stellar innings not only played a crucial role in England’s triumph but also saw him gain 12 rating points in the ICC rankings, bringing him within seven points of the top-ranked Kane Williamson of New Zealand. Root now stands poised to potentially surpass Williamson if he continues his impressive batting display in the upcoming third Test.
Harry Brook also made significant contributions with the bat, further bolstering England’s dominance in the match against West Indies. Together, their performances have not only bolstered England’s prospects in the ongoing series but have also underlined their individual credentials as top-tier Test batsmen on the global stage.
Meanwhile, Harry Brook’s fifth Test century was a standout performance, culminating in a splendid innings of 109 runs off just 132 deliveries. The right-handed batsman peppered his innings with 13 boundaries, showcasing his prowess at the crease. Notably, this century also marked a milestone as he reached 1300 runs in Test cricket, achieving this feat in just 14 matches.
Brook’s stellar performance catapulted him to a career-best third position in the ICC Test rankings for batters. Moving up an impressive four places, he surpassed the likes of Babar Azam, Daryl Mitchell, Steve Smith, and Rohit Sharma to settle behind only Joe Root in the rankings.
In addition to Brook’s ascent, Ben Duckett climbed six spots to 16th, while Ollie Pope surged eight places to 21st after their crucial contributions in the second Test. On the West Indies side, Kraigg Brathwaite advanced two places to 40th, Joshua Da Silva jumped seven spots to 61st, and Kavem Hodge made substantial gains, rising 21 places to 75th in the ICC Test rankings for batters. These shifts underscore the impact of recent performances on the international stage, reflecting the dynamic nature of Test cricket rankings.
Chris Woakes and Shoaib Bashir have ascended in the ICC Test bowler rankings.
In addition to the shifts in the ICC Test batter rankings, notable changes were observed in the bowler rankings following the latest updates. Chris Woakes, showcasing his prowess with the ball, ascended four places after claiming six wickets in the match against West Indies, securing a spot within the top 20 for the first time since September 2021.
Woakes played a pivotal role in England’s bowling attack, particularly assuming the responsibility of opening the bowling in the absence of James Anderson. His ability to deliver crucial breakthroughs has been instrumental in setting the tone for England’s performances, ensuring strong starts in their matches.
Meanwhile, England’s spinner Shoaib Bashir also made significant strides, climbing an impressive 18 places to 53rd after his five-wicket haul in the second innings. On the West Indies side, fast bowler Jayden Seales moved up 10 places to 34th in the rankings following his impactful performance with six wickets in the Nottingham contest.
These developments underscore the dynamic nature of the ICC Test rankings for bowlers, reflecting the impact of recent performances on individual standings and highlighting the competitive landscape of international cricket.
