Joe Root Breaks In Top 5 Of ICC Test Rankings, Virat Kohli At Top

England had very little to cheer about in the recently-concluded Test series against Windies. Despite being the heavy favourites, England lost the series 2-1 after being thoroughly outplayed in the first two games. But while the team suffered a tough loss, the players have now made some individual gains. Their skipper Joe Root has made a significant gain in the latest ICC Test rankings for batsmen.

The England skipper roared back to form in the third Test, scoring 122 in England’s second innings to help the visitors register a consolation win. As a result of the knock, Root rose three places to move at number five in the ICC Test rankings. He is level on points with New Zealand batsman Henry Nicholls.

Jos Buttler, who scored a pair of half-centuries in the third Test, and Ben Stokes, who top-scored in the first innings, rose by eight places to No.26 and seven spots to No.34 respectively. Newcomer Joe Denly, who made his maiden Test half-century, made a huge jump of 49 spots to finish at number 110.

For Windies, their skipper Jason Holder, who missed the third Test due to suspension, continues to be their best-ranked batsman at number 36.  Roston Chase, who scored an unbeaten century in the third Test,  climbed 10 places to be number 41.

Among the bowlers, Mark Wood, who picked up his maiden five-wicket haul in Tests, gained big. The right-arm pacer jumped 12 places to No.52. Kemar Roach (No.11) and Alzarri Joseph (No.51) for Windies, and Moeen Ali (No.27) for England made slight gains.

India skipper Virat Kohli continues to lead the ICC Test rankings for batsmen while Kagiso Rabada is at the top of the bowlers’ list. Jason Holder is the number one in the allrounders’ list. In team rankings, India are at top while England slipped one place to number five after the series loss.