LAHORE: In an impressive feat, Pakistan’s cricket captain has taken a significant stride towards becoming the world’s number-one Test batter for the first time.
Babar Azam, a remarkable player, has ascended two spots in the ICC batting ranking, now securing the prestigious third place.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) unveiled its latest rankings, revealing Babar Azam’s remarkable advancement. This rise in the ranking was accompanied by a drop in points for Joe Root, Steve Smith, and Marnus Labuschagne following the Ashes Test, according to local media.
Presently, Babar Azam stands proudly in the third spot with an impressive total of 862 points. However, he faces strong competition from Travis Head, who currently occupies second place with 874 points. Reigning at the pinnacle of the Test batting rankings is Kane Williamson, boasting an exceptional 883 points.
Babar Azam’s forthcoming Test matches against Sri Lanka offer a golden opportunity for him to showcase his remarkable skills and potentially secure the top spot in the Test rankings for the first time. If he delivers an outstanding performance, he will make history as the first Pakistani player to claim the coveted title of World No.1 in all three formats. At present, Azam already holds the World No.1 rank in One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and previously held the top position as a T20 International batter for nearly two years.
A remarkable fact that sets Babar Azam distinguished is that he is the only batter who currently holds a position in the top three rankings across all three formats. This is a testament to his exceptional talent and consistency, solidifying his reputation as one of the most accomplished cricketers in the world.
With each match, Babar Azam continues to etch his name in cricketing history, and fans eagerly await his next endeavour on the international stage.