Australia’s Travis Head has displaced his compatriot Steve Smith to take World No.2 spot in the latest ICC Test batting rankings. The left-hander Head attained the career-high place on the back of his scores in the recent third Ashes Test at Leeds.
Head jumped two spots to sit behind World No.1 Kane Williamson of New Zealand. The 29-year-old Head has so far amassed 266 runs at an average of 44.33 in the ongoing Ashes series against England. In the recent third Test, he scored 39 and 77 at Headingley. His innings was instrumental in Australia’s strong challenge to secure the series but England held their nerves to clinch a three-wicket win to keep the Ashes alive 2-1.
This upward movement in the batting rankings triggered a reshuffling at the top, as Pakistan captain Babar Azam advanced three places to secure the third spot. Meanwhile, Australian batters Steve Smith (fourth) and Marnus Labuschagne (fifth), along with England’s Joe Root (sixth), dropped one position each in the intense race for the top spot.
Meanwhile, England had their fair share of positive news after winning the third Test. Young talent Harry Brook climbed one spot to achieve his career-best rating and secure the 12th position in the rankings, courtesy of his impressive half-century in the second innings. England captain Ben Stokes also experienced a significant improvement, climbing five spots to claim the 18th position.
England fast bowlers also received recognition in the latest Test bowler rankings. Stuart Broad climbed four spots to reach sixth place, trailing behind India’s Ravichandran Ashwin. Additionally, Mark Wood rose an impressive nine places to secure the 26th position after his exceptional performance as the Player of the Match against Australia.
Mitchell Starc, the Australian quick, reaped the rewards of his outstanding display at Headingley, where he claimed seven wickets. Starc’s efforts propelled him three places up the bowler rankings to secure the 11th spot overall.
