DUBAI: Harry Brook’s resistance at the Melbourne Cricket Ground has had a significant impact on the latest ICC Test Rankings, with the England batter climbing to second place, while Australia fast bowler Mitchell Starc moved within striking distance of the top-ranked Jasprit Bumrah following an impressive Ashes performance.
Brook, who scored 59 runs in a low-scoring Boxing Day Test, jumped three places in the rankings to become the world’s No. 2 Test batter. The 26-year-old overtook Steve Smith, Travis Head and Kane Williamson, and now trails only England teammate Joe Root, who continues to lead the chart with 867 rating points.
England’s bowling unit also reaped rewards after the MCG victory. Joshua Tongue, who played a pivotal role with match figures of 5/45 and 2/44, surged 13 places to reach 30th in the bowlers’ rankings. Gus Atkinson rose four spots to 13th, while Brydon Carse climbed six places to sit 23rd following England’s four-wicket win.
Australia’s batters endured a setback after a disappointing outing, but their bowlers delivered encouraging gains. Starc produced a series-defining performance to move past captain Pat Cummins, who missed the Test, and is now joint second with Pakistan spinner Noman Ali in the rankings. The left-arm pacer now sits just 36 rating points behind Bumrah at the top.
Scott Boland also achieved a personal milestone, rising to a career-best seventh position after crossing the 800-rating-point mark for the first time. His five-wicket haul at the MCG played a key role in his climb.
Despite the loss in Melbourne, Australia remained firmly placed at the top of the World Test Championship standings with a points percentage of 85.71. New Zealand and South Africa follow in second and third positions respectively.
With the fifth and final Ashes Test set to begin on January 4, both Brook and Starc will be eyeing further gains as they push for the No. 1 spot in their respective rankings.
Agencies