Harry Brook Soars to Fourth in ICC Test Batting Rankings

Harry Brook Soars to Fourth in ICC Test Batting Rankings

England’s Harry Brook has ascended to the fourth position in the ICC Test batting rankings, a testament to his impressive performances in the ongoing series against Sri Lanka. Brook’s contributions of 56 and 32 at Old Trafford have propelled him up three spots, surpassing the likes of Babar Azam, Steven Smith, and Rohit Sharma.

Joe Root remains the undisputed leader in the Test batting rankings, followed by Kane Williamson and Daryl Mitchell. Babar Azam’s recent struggles have seen him drop six places to ninth, while Mohammad Rizwan’s heroics in Pakistan’s loss to Bangladesh have earned him a seven-spot jump to joint 10th with Usman Khawaja.

Bangladesh’s Mushfiqur Rahim has achieved a career-high rating after his match-winning 191 against Pakistan, moving up seven spots to 17th. Sri Lanka’s Prabath Jayasuriya has also made strides, climbing one place to ninth among Test bowlers after his five-wicket haul in Manchester.

In the T20I rankings, West Indies’ Nicholas Pooran has risen three places to ninth among batters following their 3-0 sweep of South Africa. Akeal Hosein and Gudakesh Motie have also made significant gains, moving up to second and third spots respectively among bowlers, behind only England’s Adil Rashid.

These rankings reflect the dynamic nature of international cricket, with players constantly vying for supremacy. Brook’s rise and Babar Azam’s decline serve as reminders that form and consistency are crucial factors in determining the best players in the world.

England Consider Root, Stokes for 2025 Champions Trophy Despite 50-Over Absence

England Consider Root, Stokes for 2025 Champions Trophy Despite 50-Over Absence

England’s selectors are considering recalling Joe Root and Ben Stokes for the 2025 Champions Trophy despite their absence from 50-over cricket since last year’s World Cup. Both players are currently unavailable due to rest and injury, respectively, and will miss the upcoming ODI series against Australia and the tour to the West Indies.

The Champions Trophy, scheduled for mid-February in Pakistan, will provide England with a crucial opportunity to prepare for the tournament. The team will play three ODIs in India at the start of the month, which will be the only chance for Root, Stokes, and other all-format players like Chris Woakes and Mark Wood to gain experience in the 50-over format before the tournament.

England’s selector, Luke Wright, emphasized the importance of fielding a strong team for the Champions Trophy. “We’ll want to be as strong as possible,” Wright said. “There’s no Test cricket around at that point, so it gives us an opportunity to play our strongest team.”

Despite Root’s struggles at the World Cup, Wright defended the decision to rest him against Australia, citing his heavy workload in recent years. “He’s given a lot to English cricket,” Wright said. “There’s no reason why he can’t then come into the major tournaments… we know how important Joe is to the England team.”

Wright acknowledged the challenges of adjusting to the 50-over format, which English players rarely play. “It’s a challenge for everyone, isn’t it? And even more so for us in England… Those top players are able to adapt as well as possible, as I don’t think it’s as big a problem for them as it would be for some of the others.”

England have dropped Moeen Ali and Jonny Bairstow from both their T20I and ODI squads, but Wright denied that their international careers are over. “They’re disappointed to miss out,” he said. “I certainly won’t be saying that that’s the end for them. They’re fine cricketers, but right now, we just want to give some other opportunities.”

Jos Buttler remains as captain despite England’s recent struggles in white-ball cricket. He is under pressure heading into the Australia series and may hand over the wicketkeeping duties to Phil Salt in the T20Is. Wright indicated that Buttler is considering fielding at mid-off to be closer to his bowlers.

Wright emphasized the need to restore energy to the white-ball set-up after two disappointing World Cup campaigns. “I wouldn’t say [things have been] stale,” Wright said. “Those guys have given us some of the best times we’ve had in white-ball cricket. It’s life… It’s a great time now: without a World Cup just round the corner as there hasn’t been for a while is an opportunity to blood some new players.”

England’s squad for the Australia ODIs includes three uncapped players: Jacob Bethell, Josh Hull, and John Turner. Wright highlighted the importance of providing opportunities for younger players in the 50-over format.

England Clinch Five-Wicket Victory in First Test Against Sri Lanka

England Clinch Five-Wicket Victory in First Test Against Sri Lanka

England emerged victorious in the first Test against Sri Lanka at Old Trafford, securing a five-wicket triumph on Saturday. The hosts chased down a modest target of 205 runs, thanks to a composed 64-run stand between Joe Root and Jamie Smith.

Root played the anchor role, reaching his half-century off 108 deliveries. England’s chase got off to a shaky start with the early dismissals of Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope. Dan Lawrence was trapped lbw by Milan Rathnayake, leaving England in a precarious position at 119-4.

Smith, who scored his maiden Test century in the first innings, provided stability alongside Root. The duo patiently navigated a challenging period, going an hour without finding the boundary. England regained control before Asitha Fernando dismissed Smith for 39.

Root remained unbeaten on 62, hitting only his second four off the final ball to seal England’s victory. Earlier, Sri Lanka resumed the day at 204-6, with Kamindu Mendis and Dinesh Chandimal adding 117 runs for the seventh wicket. Kamindu scored his third Test century, showcasing his consistent form.

However, England capitalized on the new ball after lunch, with Gus Atkinson dismissing Kamindu. Matthew Potts removed Chandimal, who battled through pain after injuring his thumb. Sri Lanka’s innings concluded on 326, adding just 19 runs for the last three wickets.

The second Test of the three-match series will commence at Lord’s on Thursday. England will look to extend their lead, while Sri Lanka will aim to level the series.

Root's Gritty Knock Anchors England to Hard-Fought Test Win

Root’s Gritty Knock Anchors England to Hard-Fought Test Win

Joe Root’s gritty half-century guided England to a hard-fought five-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the first Test at Emirates Old Trafford. Root, known for his free-flowing batting, adopted a more cautious approach, channeling his “inner Nasser Hussain” to anchor England’s chase of 164 on a challenging wicket.

Despite the slow outfield and low bounce, Root remained composed, accumulating runs patiently and forming crucial partnerships with Harry Brook and Jamie Smith. His 62 not out from 128 balls proved invaluable as England overcame a spirited Sri Lankan bowling attack led by Asitha Fernando and Prabath Jayasuriya.

Root acknowledged the difficulty of the conditions, noting that the wicket was “as close to Sri Lankan conditions” as England offers. He also praised the adaptability of his team, emphasizing that “sometimes it’s good to win ugly.”

The victory marked the first of Ollie Pope’s captaincy career. Despite his struggles with the bat, Root commended Pope’s leadership, particularly his tactical decisions during Sri Lanka’s fourth-morning partnership between Kamindu Mendis and Dinesh Chandimal.

Root also lauded Jamie Smith, who followed up his first-innings century with a crucial 39 in the second innings. Smith’s all-round performance, including his exceptional glovework, earned him the player of the match award.

Root believes Smith’s composure and maturity have contributed to his success. He praised the environment created within the England team, which allows young players to thrive.

Despite the departure from their usual “Bazball” approach, Root remains confident in the team’s principles. He hopes to see a return to their more aggressive style in the remaining two Tests of the series.

Joe Root Pays Tribute to Late Graham Thorpe, Credits Him for Career Success

Joe Root Pays Tribute to Late Graham Thorpe, Credits Him for Career Success

Star England batter and former captain Joe Root has paid a heartfelt tribute to late English great Graham Thorpe, acknowledging the profound impact Thorpe had on his career. Thorpe, who passed away at the age of 55, was a mainstay of the English batting lineup throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s.

Root, who worked closely with Thorpe during his time with the England Lions and later with the senior team, described Thorpe as a “complete batter” and a “rockstar” who could adapt to any situation. He credited Thorpe with helping him improve his game, particularly in subcontinent conditions.

“He was one of the players that stood out in that time [for England in the 1990s and early 2000s]. He was one of the guys that consistently performed when things were tough and when results were not always going in our favour, which I think is a great quality to have,” said Root.

Root also highlighted Thorpe’s role in developing the next generation of England batters, including skipper Ben Stokes. “He had a huge influence on my career and arguably without his backing and pushing my case, I may not have had the career I have had,” said Root.

Thorpe’s coaching style was characterized by his attention to fundamentals and his ability to connect with each batter on an individual level. “There were certain fundamentals that he was big on – can you get really close to the ball and far away from it? – but he did not have one way of coaching,” said Root.

Beyond his technical guidance, Thorpe also provided valuable off-field support to Root. “Some of the best lessons I learned were not necessarily in the nets but over dinner or a few glasses of wine, just talking about the game, about shared experiences people can relate to,” said Root.

Root concluded his tribute by emphasizing Thorpe’s legacy as both a player and a coach. “A lot will and should be talked about how brilliant a player he was for a long period of time, but we should remember the impact he has had on English cricket as a fantastic coach as well,” said Root.

Joe Root Poised to Break Sachin Tendulkar's Test Run Record, Says Ricky Ponting

Joe Root Poised to Break Sachin Tendulkar’s Test Run Record, Says Ricky Ponting

Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting believes England’s Joe Root has the potential to surpass Sachin Tendulkar’s record of Test runs, provided he maintains his current form and hunger for the next four years.

Root recently crossed the 12,000-run mark during the Edgbaston Test against the West Indies, becoming the seventh batter to achieve this milestone in Test cricket. He has accumulated 12,027 runs in 143 Tests, with an average of 50.11, including 32 centuries and 63 fifties.

Ponting believes that Root’s age and current form make him a strong contender to break Tendulkar’s record. “He (Root) could potentially do that. He is 33 years of age…(more than) 3000 runs behind,” Ponting told The ICC Review.

“It depends how many Test matches they play, but if they’re playing 10 to 14 Test matches a year and if you’re scoring 800 to 1,000 runs a year, then that sort of says he’s only three or four years off getting there. So that’ll take him to 37 (years of age),” said the legendary Australian.

Ponting emphasized that Root’s hunger for runs and his ability to convert half-centuries into big scores will be crucial in his pursuit of the record. “If his hunger’s still there, then there’s every chance that he could do it. He is someone that in the last couple of years has got better and better,” Ponting said.

“There’s always talk around batters reaching their prime in their early 30s and he’s certainly done that. It’s been his conversion rates being the big thing,” he said.

Ponting noted that Root has overcome his previous struggles to convert half-centuries into big scores. “Four or five years ago, he was making a lot of 50s and struggling to go on and make hundreds and he’s gone the other way recently,” Ponting said.

“Almost every time he gets to 50 now, he goes on and makes a big hundred. So that’s been the real turnaround for him,” he added.

If Root continues to perform at his current level, he could potentially surpass Tendulkar’s record of 15,921 Test runs. However, it will require him to maintain his hunger for runs and continue to convert his half-centuries into big scores.

Joe Root Emerges as Potential Challenger to Sachin Tendulkar's Test Legacy

Joe Root Emerges as Potential Challenger to Sachin Tendulkar’s Test Legacy

The inaugural Test match, played in Melbourne on March 15, 1877, marked a pivotal moment in cricket history. Australian opener Charles Bannerman etched his name into the annals of the sport by scoring the first-ever run in the game’s longest format. His innings of 165, before retiring hurt, laid the foundation for Australia’s eventual 45-run victory over England.

Since those early days, cricket has evolved and expanded, with the introduction of limited-overs formats such as ODIs and Twenty20Is. While results remain paramount, individual statistics have become a source of fascination for fans and statisticians alike.

In the era of Test cricket, Sunil Gavaskar’s “Mount 10,000” achievement in 1987 seemed insurmountable. However, the likes of Allan Border, Sachin Tendulkar, and Ricky Ponting have since surpassed his tally. Tendulkar’s record of 15,921 runs and 51 centuries stands as a testament to his unparalleled dominance.

Yet, the pursuit of greatness continues. Joe Root, the current England captain, has emerged as a potential challenger to Tendulkar’s legacy. With 12,027 runs from 143 Tests, Root is within striking distance of the Indian legend’s record. His ability to accumulate runs consistently, even under pressure, has set him apart from his contemporaries.

The sporting 30s, once considered a twilight zone for athletes, has been redefined by modern fitness standards and medical advancements. Players like Graeme Smith and Virat Kohli have extended their careers well into their 30s, continuing to perform at the highest level.

The dynamics of longevity in cricket are complex. While some players struggle to maintain their form after their initial burst, others, like Root, seem to thrive with age. The absence of captaincy responsibilities, as in Root’s case, can also prolong a player’s career.

As the years go by, there will be new challengers to Tendulkar’s throne. The likes of Steve Smith, Kane Williamson, and Babar Azam are all capable of rewriting the record books. However, for now, the Indian maestro remains the undisputed king of Test cricket.

Joe Root Reclaims Top Spot in Test Batting Rankings

Joe Root Reclaims Top Spot in Test Batting Rankings

Joe Root has reclaimed the top spot in the ICC Test batting rankings, marking his ninth stint at the summit. The England batter’s match-winning 87 in the first innings of the Birmingham Test against West Indies propelled him to the top, surpassing Kane Williamson.

Root’s rise is a testament to his consistent performances, as he became the seventh-highest run-getter in Test history during the match, surpassing Brian Lara’s tally of 11,953. With 12,207 runs, Root is now the highest-scoring active Test cricketer, ahead of Steven Smith (9685) and Virat Kohli (8848).

England’s Jamie Smith also made significant strides in the rankings, rising 31 places to No. 64 after his impressive performance as a wicketkeeper-batter. His near-century in the first innings showcased his potential.

Mark Wood’s Player-of-the-Match performance of 7 for 92 in the Birmingham Test lifted him into the top 20 of the bowling rankings for the first time. His impressive display highlighted his ability to take wickets in challenging conditions.

In the men’s T20I Rankings, India opener Yashasvi Jaiswal returned to No. 4 after a strong performance in the three-match series against Sri Lanka. Shubman Gill also moved up 16 places to a career-best 21st position. Sri Lanka’s Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Perera also made notable gains in the batting rankings.

India legspinner Ravi Bishnoi, who has previously held the No. 1 T20I bowler ranking, re-entered the top 10 after impressive performances in the series against Sri Lanka.

Root and Stokes Rescue England After Batting Collapse

Root and Stokes Rescue England After Batting Collapse

England’s batting woes continued on the second morning of the third Test against West Indies at Edgbaston, as they slumped to 54 for 5 before Joe Root and Ben Stokes steadied the ship with an unbroken 103-run partnership.

Resuming on 38 for 3, England lost Ollie Pope and Harry Brook in quick succession. Pope edged a Shamar Joseph delivery onto his stumps, while Brook was caught behind off Jayden Seales.

Root, who had survived an lbw appeal on 3, played a crucial role in rebuilding England’s innings. He overtook Brian Lara’s 11,953 Test runs to move into seventh on the all-time run-scorers’ list and brought up his 63rd Test fifty.

Stokes provided valuable support, hitting a series of boundaries to keep the scoreboard ticking. The pair’s partnership has given England hope of salvaging something from the match, as they trail West Indies by 125 runs at lunch.

West Indies had posted a competitive 282 in their first innings, with Kraigg Brathwaite and Jason Holder scoring half-centuries. England’s bowlers, led by Matthew Atkinson and Chris Woakes, shared the wickets.

Joe Root Backs Kookaburra Ball in County Championship to Upskill Cricketers

Joe Root Backs Kookaburra Ball in County Championship to Upskill Cricketers

Joe Root, England’s Test captain, has endorsed the use of the Kookaburra ball in the County Championship, arguing that it can enhance the skills of domestic cricketers and narrow the gap between domestic and international cricket.

The Kookaburra ball, typically used in Australia, was introduced in the first two rounds of the County Championship season. While the initial results showed a high number of draws, Root believes that the ball’s flatter seam and quicker loss of shape can challenge bowlers and force them to develop new strategies.

Root, who has extensive experience with the Kookaburra ball overseas, sees its use in England as an opportunity for bowlers to improve their wicket-taking abilities in challenging conditions. He emphasizes that the transition to the Kookaburra ball may involve some initial difficulties, but it can ultimately lead to a higher standard of cricket.

Root draws parallels to England’s success in limited-overs cricket, which he attributes to a mindset shift and the development of a pool of talented white-ball players. He believes that a similar approach can be applied to red-ball cricket, with the Kookaburra ball serving as a catalyst for improvement.

The Kookaburra ball trial is part of a wider effort to enhance the quality of domestic cricket and prepare players for the rigors of Test cricket. Root’s support for the initiative highlights the importance of embracing innovation and challenging the status quo to elevate the standard of the game.

Home
Shop
Wishlist0
Back to Top

Search For Products

Product has been added to your cart