Pakistan’s in-form middle-order batter Saud Shakeel has jumped 12 spots to 15th in the latest Test rankings update issued by the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Wednesday.
Shakeel scored a magnificent double century during the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle, which played a key role in Pakistan’s victory.
However, Pakistan captain Babar Azam has slipped from third to fifth in the rankings.
Marnus Labuschagne of Australia and Joe Root of England are closing in the top spot, which is currently occupied by New Zealand’s Kane Williamson.
“Formerly top-ranked batters Marnus Labuschagne of Australia and Joe Root of England have made their ascent back towards the top, progressing three places each to reach second and third positions, respectively, in the ICC Men’s Test Player Rankings,” the ICC said in a press release.
“Labuschagne’s scores of 51 and 111 in the drawn fourth Test in Manchester have lifted him to 869 rating points while Root’s knock of 84 takes him to 852 points. New Zealand batter Kane Williamson remains at the top of the list with 883 rating points.
“Player of the Match Zak Crawley is up 13 places to 35th after smashing 189, Harry Brook has risen to 11th position and Jonny Bairstow has advanced three places to joint-19th after his unbeaten 99, all prospering in the rankings after helping England post a massive 592 in their only innings.”
The ICC also provided an update about the bowler’s rankings.
“In the bowling rankings, Ravindra Jadeja has moved to sixth while Sri Lankan Prabath Jayasuriya’s seven-wicket haul in Galle has lifted him seven places to a career-best seventh position. Jayasuriya’s spin partner Ramesh Mendis is up one place to 21st after finishing with six wickets in the match,” the press release added.
“Mark Wood (up three places to 23rd) and Chris Woakes (up five places to 31st) are the main gainers for England while India’s Mohammad Siraj (up six places to 33rd), Pakistan leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed (up 12 places to 45th) and West Indies left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican (up six places to 62nd) are among the others to advance.”