KEY POINTS
- Batter Saud Shakeel breaks into the world’s top ten, rising to ninth.
- England’s Harry Brook jumps to second in the batting rankings.
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan left-arm spinner Noman Ali has surged to a career-high ranking, equalling Australian pace spearhead Mitchell Starc for the second spot in the latest ICC Test bowler rankings.
Both bowlers are now tied with 843 rating points, with India’s Jasprit Bumrah firmly holding the top position.
Spin Wizard’s Meteoric Rise
Noman Ali’s ascent is the result of an exceptional year in Test cricket. In just four matches, the spinner has claimed 30 wickets at a remarkable average of 17.50 and an economy rate of 3.40.
His stellar performances include three five-wicket hauls and two ten-wicket match hauls, underscoring his status as Pakistan’s premier red-ball spinner.
Mixed Fortunes for Pakistani Bowlers
The latest rankings update brought mixed news for the rest of Pakistan’s bowling attack.
Pace leader Shaheen Afridi dropped one place to 24th, while Mohammad Abbas slipped to 28th and off-spinner Sajid Khan fell to 29th with 590 points.
On a positive note, mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed moved up one spot to 50th. Pacers Khurram Shahzad and Aamer Jamal retained their 70th and 78th positions, respectively.
Batting Rankings See Pakistani Gains
There was significant movement for Pakistan in the Test batting rankings as well.
Consistent middle-order batter Saud Shakeel climbed to a career-best ninth position with 734 points, entering the world’s top ten. Wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan also rose to 21st place.
Former captain Babar Azam retained his 23rd spot, while all-rounder Salman Ali Agha made a notable jump to 27th position.
Test captain Shan Masood remained at 44th, followed by Imam-ul-Haq (51st) and Abdullah Shafique (56th).
World’s Top Two Test Batters
England’s Joe Root is grabbing the top slot, while Harry Brook has vaulted three places to reclaim the No. 2 spot in the latest ICC Test batting rankings.
His brisk knocks of 41 and an unbeaten 18 in England’s low-scoring defeat at the MCG pushed him past stars like Kane Williamson, Travis Head, and Steve Smith. Joe Root remains at the top.
The rankings shuffle also saw Pakistan’s Saud Shakeel enter the top ten at ninth, while India’s Shubman Gill moved up to tenth.
