Joe Root Back at No. 1 in ICC Test Batting Rankings

England heroics at Lord’s earn Root a record eighth reign

England’s stalwart Joe Root has reclaimed the top spot in the ICC Men’s Test batting rankings following his match-winning 104 and 40 in the third Test against India at Lord’s – a performance that restored him to No. 1 after being briefly overtaken by teammate Harry Brook. At 34, he becomes the oldest Test batter to occupy the top position since Kumar Sangakkara in December 2014.

Brook Slips as Williamson and Smith Climb

While Root shoots back to the summit, Harry Brook falls to third behind New Zealand’s Kane Williamson. Australia’s Steven Smith surges into fourth place after a gritty 48 in Jamaica  .

India Campaign Sees Mixed Fortunes

India’s captain Shubman Gill drops from No. 6 to No. 9 after a modest Lord’s showing, while Rishabh Pant slips to eighth despite contributing a fighting 74  . On the bright side, KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja each gain five ranking spots, moving into the mid‑30s thanks to their twin fifties and century performances.

Bumrah Holds Firm at No. 1 in Bowling

Jasprit Bumrah continues to dominate the ICC Test bowling charts, maintaining his top position aided by a superb Lord’s five‑for.

Boland’s Hat‑Trick Propels Him into Top 10

Australia’s Scott Boland enjoyed a career‑best ranking jump to sixth after claiming a memorable hat‑trick in the West Indies Test. At 16.53, his Test bowling average is the second‑best in history behind legends Lohmann and Barnes. His rise helps Australia boast five bowlers in the top 10—a dominance unseen since England in 1958.

Quick Stats – ICC Test Rankings (July 16, 2025)

Top Batters

1. Joe Root (ENG) – 888 pts

2. Kane Williamson (NZ) – 867 pts

3. Harry Brook (ENG) – 862 pts

4. Steve Smith (AUS) – 816 pts

5. Yashasvi Jaiswal (IND) – 801 pts

Top Bowlers

1. Jasprit Bumrah (IND) – 901 pts

2. Kagiso Rabada (SA) – 851 pts

3. Pat Cummins (AUS) – 838 pts

4. Josh Hazlewood (AUS) – 815 pts

5. Noman Ali (PAK) – 806 pts

6. Scott Boland (AUS) – 784 pts

Why It Matters

Root’s return to the summit underscores his consistency and longevity in Test cricket. Simultaneously, Boland’s sensational hat‑trick acts as a testament to Australia’s bowling depth. For India, standout contributions from Rahul and Jadeja provide glimm

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