ICC Test Rankings 2023
In a remarkable display of skill and determination, India’s Ajinkya Rahane has made an impressive comeback, propelling himself to the 37th position in the latest Test rankings. Accompanying him is Shardul Thakur, who rose to the 94th position among batters. Meanwhile, the talented Ravichandran Ashwin continues to reign as the top-ranked Test bowler, despite his absence in the World Test Championship final. Let’s delve into the rankings and notable performances that have shaped the cricketing landscape.
Australian Dominance:
Australia’s batters have garnered attention with their exceptional performances, capturing the top three spots in the rankings. Following their magnificent centuries in the WTC final against India at The Oval, Steve Smith and Travis Head have joined the top-ranked Marnus Labuschagne, cementing Australia’s dominance in the Test arena.
Ajinkya Rahane’s Resurgence:
Despite India’s defeat in the marquee match, Rahane showcased his mettle with scores of 89 and 46, propelling him back into the rankings at an impressive 37th position. Rahane’s remarkable comeback demonstrates his resilience and determination to succeed on the international stage.
Shardul Thakur’s Ascendancy:
Another player who shone brightly for India in the WTC final was Shardul Thakur. His impactful half-century in the first innings earned him a well-deserved promotion of six places to the 94th position among batters. Thakur’s rising stature highlights his burgeoning potential as a formidable cricketer.
Indian Contenders:
While Rishabh Pant, India’s dynamic wicketkeeper-batter, currently occupies the highest-ranked position for India at number 10, the esteemed duo of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli maintain their 12th and 13th spots, respectively. These stalwarts continue to be forces to be reckoned with in the international cricketing arena.
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Ashwin’s Magnificence:
Despite not featuring in the playing XI during the WTC final, veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin retains his top spot among Test bowlers. Ashwin’s remarkable consistency and skill have propelled him to the pinnacle of the bowling rankings, solidifying his status as one of the premier bowlers in the world. Accompanying him is fellow spinner Ravindra Jadeja, who holds onto his ninth spot.
Changes in the Rankings:
While some players soared to new heights, others experienced a shift in their rankings. Unfortunately, the injured Jasprit Bumrah, absent from Test cricket since July 2022, dropped two spots to the eighth position. However, it is a testament to his exceptional talent that he remains in the top ten despite his absence.
The Battle for the Top:
Marnus Labuschagne continues to reign supreme in the rankings, maintaining his number-one position with an impressive 903 rating points. Steve Smith’s outstanding performances in the WTC final have propelled him one place higher, securing the second position with 885 rating points. The heroics of Travis Head, who scored a remarkable 163 and 18 in the final, have elevated him to a career-best third position. The race for the second spot remains incredibly close, with Kane Williamson of New Zealand hot on their heels with 883 rating points.
A Rare Occurrence:
The sight of three batters from the same team occupying the top three spots is a rarity in the Test batting rankings. The last time this happened was in 1984 when West Indies players Gordon Greenidge, Clive Lloyd, and Larry Gomes dominated the list. Their remarkable achievements serve as a testament to the incredible talent and
collective strength of Australia’s batting lineup.
Other Notable Performances:
Australia’s Alex Carey has made significant strides, surging 11 places to the 36th position after his impressive innings of 48 and an unbeaten 66. Meanwhile, spinner Nathan Lyon and Scott Boland have also experienced upward movement, climbing two and five places, respectively, in the rankings, thanks to their impressive five-wicket hauls in the WTC final.
Conclusion:
The latest Test rankings showcase the brilliance and determination of cricketing talents from around the world. Ajinkya Rahane’s resurgence, Shardul Thakur’s ascendancy, and the Australian dominance in the rankings have provided fans with memorable moments. Ravichandran Ashwin’s unwavering reign as the top-ranked Test bowler continues to inspire, while the battle for the top positions promises thrilling competition in the coming matches. As the cricketing landscape evolves, these rankings serve as a testament to the perseverance, skill, and indomitable spirit of the players who continue to enthrall us on the field.
