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Harry Brook has climbed to the No. 1 spot in the ICC Test batting rankings, surpassing Joe Root, following a stellar run in the Test series against New Zealand. Brook’s performances, highlighted by a magnificent 123 and 55 in the second Test and a sensational 171 in the first, have earned him the top position with a slender lead over Root.
Root, who scored a brilliant 106 in the second innings of the second Test, remains in second place. With the third Test starting on December 14 in Hamilton, the competition between Brook and Root for the top spot intensifies as England looks to seal a clean sweep in the three-match series.
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Brook’s Meteoric Rise
At just 25, Harry Brook has already amassed 2280 runs from 38 innings across 23 Tests at an impressive average of 61.62. His record includes eight centuries, including a career-best 317 against Pakistan in Multan earlier this year. Named Player of the Match in Wellington, Brook continues to receive praise, including from Root, who called him “by far and away the best player in the world at the minute.”
Root’s Journey as a Top Batter
Joe Root, a veteran of the game, held the No. 1 Test batter spot since overtaking Kane Williamson in July 2024. Over his illustrious career, Root has held the top spot nine times, underscoring his consistency and excellence in Test cricket.
Other Rankings Movers: Head, Bavuma Shine
The ongoing cricket season has seen significant movements in player rankings:
- Travis Head: Rose six places to No. 5 after his match-defining 140 in the first Test against India in Adelaide.
- Temba Bavuma: Climbed three spots to No. 7, thanks to scores of 78 and 66 against Sri Lanka, earning him the Player of the Series award for his 327-run tally.
- Marnus Labuschagne: Moved up to No. 13 after a promising 64 in the pink-ball Test against India.
Bowlers Rankings: Bumrah Under Pressure
In the bowling rankings, Jasprit Bumrah remains at the top with 890 points, but faces stiff competition:
- Kagiso Rabada holds second place with 856 points.
- Pat Cummins, with seven wickets in Adelaide, jumped to fourth, overtaking R Ashwin.
- Matt Henry moved to ninth, courtesy of four wickets in Wellington.
With the cricketing calendar in full swing, these rankings reflect intense competition across formats as players strive to leave their mark on the international stage.
