England’s premier batter Joe Root replaces Labuschagne as new top-ranked batter
BIRMINGHAM: England’s premier batter Joe Root has replaced Australia’s Marnus Labuschagne as the top-ranked Test batter in the latest update of ICC Men’s Test Batting Rankings released on Wednesday.
Root managed scores of 118 not out, his 30th Test century and 46 in both innings in a losing cause during the first Ashes Test in Birmingham. Those superb individual efforts saw the 32-year-old rise a massive five places and regain his place as the number one-ranked Test batter in the world.
Labuschagne has dropped to third place as a result of scores of 0 and 13 against England, with Kiwi veteran Kane Williamson, out due to an ACL injury, jumping two places to second overall.
Labuschagne’s fellow team-mates, Travis Head (drops one place to fourth position) and Steve Smith (down four spots to sixth place) have also lost some ground, with just 26 rating points now separating the top six players in what is one of the closest battles seen in recent times.
Australia opener Usman Khawaja, who was adjudged Player of the Match for his heroics against England, has risen to a new career best rating and seventh place overall, while young England batter Harry Brook also earnt the highest mark of his short Test career by jumping five places to 13th on the latest Test rankings. IANS
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