New Number 1 Test Batter: Harry Brook replaces Joe Root as World's Top Batsman

New Delhi: England’s Harry Brook claimed the top spot in the latest Test rankings released by the International Cricket Council (ICC), making him the new number 1 batsman. The 25-year-old Brook has dethroned Joe Root to secure his position as the best Test batsman. This marks Brook's first time leading the Test batting rankings, a significant milestone in his career.

After the latest rankings, the reign of 33-year-old Joe Root as the world’s best player has ended. Brook has overtaken Root to become the top Test batsman thanks to his eighth Test century against New Zealand in Wellington last week. This right-handed batsman from England now has a marginal lead of just one point over Joe Root, who is at the top of the ranking list.

Debut in 2022 ➡ World No.1 in 2024

Harry Brook’s meteoric rise shows no signs of slowing down

✍: https://t.co/F8gJU7WfS8 pic.twitter.com/fy8YcNsznG

— ICC (@ICC) December 11, 2024

Overall, a big change was seen in the ranking of Test batsmen. At the same time, stars from Australia and South Africa have also made big gains in the latest list. Root had reached the top spot in July this year by defeating former New Zealand captain Kane Williamson. He was able to achieve the top position a total of nine times in his career.

Temba Bavuma and Travis Head also benefited:
Australia star Travis Head (moved up six places to fifth) and South Africa Test captain Temba Bavuma (moved up three places to seventh position) remain in the top 10. Former number 1 batsman Marnus Labuschagne climbed three places to reach 13th position.

Jasprit Bumrah number 1 bowler:
India’s fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah tops the ICC rankings for Test bowlers. They have been followed by Australia captain Pat Cummins (up one place to fourth) and New Zealand fast bowler Matt Henry (up one place to ninth) there is tough competition from both sides.

Mitchell Starc (up three places to 11th), Chris Woakes (up two places to 15th) and Gus Atkinson (up four places to 17th) have also gained. Keshav Maharaj (up four places to 18th) has returned to the top 20 after leading his team to victory on the final day against Sri Lanka.

Ravindra Jadeja No. 1 Test All-Rounder:
Ravindra Jadeja remains at the top of the Test rankings for all-rounders while Bangladesh captain Mehdi Hasan Miraz has moved up two spots to second position after the Caribbean tour against the West Indies.