ICC Test Rankings: Stokes leaps forward, Bumrah, Rahane gain
What's the story
Indian cricketers Ajinkya Rahane and Jasprit Bumrah gained big in the latest ICC Test Rankings. Rahane was on top form with the bat in the recently-concluded Test match against West Indies, whereas, Bumrah shined with the ball in India's second innings. Meanwhile, Ben Stokes also moved up after his heroics in the third Ashes 2019 Test. Here are the details.
Bumrah
Enigmatic Bumrah was superb against West Indies
India's star bowler Bumrah took his career fourth five-wicket haul to help his side win the first Test. Bumrah also became the first Asian bowler to pick up a five-wicket haul in South Africa, England, Australia and West Indies. This feat helped him climb nine places to No.7 with a career-high 774 points. He has been excellent in the longest format since 2018.
Bowlers Rankings
Cummins keeps his place, Hazlewood rises to 12th
Australia's Pat Cummins continued his strong form to stay atop the ICC Test Rankings for Bowlers with 908 rating points. Fellow Australian speedster Josh Hazlewood rose to 12th. He claimed nine wickets in the recently-concluded third Ashes 2019 Test against Australia at Headingley. Meanwhile, New Zealand's Trent Boult moved into the top five after reaching 250 career Test scalps.
Batsmen Rankings
Rahane moves to 11th, these batsmen rise as well
In the ICC Test Rankings for Batsmen, India's vice-captain Rahane moved on place up and is now 11th. He has 709 rating points. Sri Lankan Test skipper Dimuth Karunaratrne rose to sixth. The likes of Joe Root and Tom Latham, who impressed in the respective Tests for England and New Zealand respectively, are seventh and eighth.
Ben Stokes
Ben Stokes gains solidity in the rankings
Stokes, who produced a valiant display at Headingley to win the Test match for England, has risen to number two in the ICC Test Rankings for All-rounders. He smashes a superb 135* in the second innings, besides claiming four wickets in the match. The Englishman also took a leap in the rankings for batsmen. He is 13th now with a career-best 693 rating points.