New Delhi, 10 June (H.S.):

Significant changes have emerged in the latest International Cricket Council (ICC) Test rankings, with England’s young batting star Harry Brook overtaking compatriot Joe Root to become the world’s No. 1-ranked Test batter.

Brook has reclaimed the top position in the Test batting rankings for the first time since 2024. Meanwhile, Root has dropped two places to third, while Australia’s Travis Head has moved up to second place.

Brook played a crucial role in England’s recent victory over New Zealand at Lord’s, scoring a valuable 56 runs. In contrast, Root endured a disappointing match, managing scores of just 1 and 8 in the two innings.

India captain Shubman Gill has also been rewarded for his impressive performances. After scoring a century against Afghanistan, Gill climbed two places to eighth in the ICC Test batting rankings. Gill struck 126 runs in the match, helping India register their biggest-ever Test victory by an innings and 300 runs.

In the bowling rankings, England fast bowler Gus Atkinson made a substantial leap after claiming seven wickets in the Lord’s Test. His performance propelled him seven places upward into the top 10. Atkinson also recorded a five-wicket haul in the second innings.

The England pacer also gained ground in the all-rounders’ rankings, moving up from eighth to sixth place.

In the ODI rankings, Pakistan’s players registered notable gains following their performances against Australia. Leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed, who claimed six wickets in the series, climbed two places to reach second in the ODI bowling rankings.

Meanwhile, Shaheen Shah Afridi broke into the top 10 after taking seven wickets across three matches. The left-arm fast bowler rose four places and is now ranked ninth among ODI bowlers.

Bangladesh fast bowler Nahid Rana also recorded a significant rise in the rankings. After taking four wickets in the first ODI against Australia in Mirpur, he surged 23 places to reach 24th position in the ODI bowling standings.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar