Babar Azam Drops Out of Top 10 as ICC Releases New Test Rankings
ISLAMABAD: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has released its latest Test player rankings, dealing a major blow to Pakistan’s star batter Babar Azam, who has fallen out of the top 10.
According to the updated Test batting rankings, Babar Azam dropped five places to 15th position. The decline has been linked to Pakistan’s recent Test performances and the batter’s individual form.
Saud Shakeel Makes Significant Progress
Pakistan’s Saud Shakeel made a remarkable improvement, climbing 15 places to reach 18th position. He is now just three places behind Babar Azam.
Sri Lanka’s Sonal Dinusha also made notable progress, moving up to 25th position in the rankings.
Harry Brook Retains Top Spot
England’s Harry Brook retained the number-one position in the ICC Test batting rankings.
Australia’s experienced batter Steve Smith moved up one place to second, while England’s former captain and star batter Joe Root slipped one place to third.
Mixed Results for Pakistani Batters
Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan dropped seven places and is now ranked 33rd.
Test captain Shan Masood fell three places to 41st, while Salman Ali Agha also dropped three places to 43rd.
The latest rankings reflect considerable movement among Pakistan’s batters, although Saud Shakeel’s 15-place rise remains a positive development for the national team.
Starc Remains No. 1 Test Bowler
In the Test bowling rankings, Australia’s fast bowler Mitchell Starc retained the top position.
New Zealand’s Matt Henry climbed one place to second, while England’s Ollie Robinson made significant progress, rising six places to fifth.
Sri Lanka’s Asitha Fernando also improved by four places to take 11th position.
Mohammad Abbas Stays in Top 15
Pakistan’s Mohammad Abbas remains ranked 15th among Test bowlers, with no major change in his position.
England’s Josh Tongue climbed four places to 13th, while fellow English bowler Gus Atkinson suffered a major setback, dropping 10 places to 24th.
Major Setback for Babar Azam
Babar Azam’s fall out of the top 10 has attracted the most attention in the latest ICC Test rankings. The former Pakistan captain and internationally acclaimed batter’s decline highlights the challenges facing Pakistan’s Test team as well as his recent individual form.
On the other hand, Saud Shakeel’s impressive rise provides a positive sign for Pakistan. The new rankings underline the impact of recent performances on the country’s Test batting lineup.
