Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel Move Up in Latest ICC Test Rankings
Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail
Pakistan Test captain Babar Azam and middle-order batter Saud Shakeel have moved up two places each in the latest ICC Test rankings, despite Pakistan losing their recent series against England 3-0.
Babar Azam improved from 15th to 13th position in the Test batting rankings, reaching 684 rating points. Saud Shakeel also climbed two places, moving from 18th to 16th with 674 points.
Pakistan Batters See Mixed Ranking Changes
Several other Pakistani batters experienced changes in their positions following the latest update.
Wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan slipped one place to 34th with 593 points. Former Test captain Shan Masood, meanwhile, made significant progress by moving four places from 41st to 37th, reaching 586 points.
Salman Ali Agha dropped one position to 44th with 559 points, while Abdullah Shafique suffered an 11-place decline and now sits at 46th with 556 points.
Imam-ul-Haq remained at 58th with 506 points, while Razaullah retained his 91st position. Young batter Azan Awais moved six places upward to 95th with 358 rating points.
Harry Brook Retains Top Spot
England batter Harry Brook continues to lead the ICC Test batting rankings.
Australia’s Steve Smith remains second, while England’s experienced batter Joe Root holds third position following his return to the England Test side.
The latest rankings continue to reflect strong competition among the world’s leading Test batters.
Noman Ali and Mohammad Abbas Drop
Pakistan also saw movement in the Test bowling rankings.
Veteran spinner Noman Ali dropped one place from ninth to 10th, although he still has an impressive 777 rating points.
Mohammad Abbas also slipped one position to 16th with 713 points. Abbas was named Player of the Series after taking 13 wickets during Pakistan’s series against England.
Shaheen Shah Afridi maintained his 31st position with 593 points, while Sajid Khan remained 32nd with 587 points.
Hasan Ali dropped one place to 44th. The fast bowler last featured in a Test match against Bangladesh in May this year.
Khurram Shahzad retained his 55th position, while spinner Ali Usman stayed at 75th. Mohammad Ali and Aamer Jamal occupy 81st and 83rd positions, respectively, while Asif Afridi is ranked 91st.
Starc Leads Test Bowling Rankings
Australia’s Mitchell Starc continues to occupy the top position among Test bowlers.
New Zealand’s Matt Henry is ranked second, while England’s Ollie Robinson moved up to third.
India’s Jasprit Bumrah dropped to fourth position, followed by Australia’s Pat Cummins in fifth.
Pakistan’s latest rankings come after a difficult Test series against England, with the 3-0 result affecting the positions of several players. However, Babar Azam and Saud Shakeel managed to make gains in the updated batting rankings.
