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Despite Edgbaston Loss, Joe Root Dethrones Australian Trio To Become New No.1 Ranked Test Batter

image-lj5gurzsJoe Root in action on Day 1 (Twitter)

Joe Root has been crowned as the new world number one ranked Test batter on the ICC charts. The cricketer punched out an unbeaten 118 in the first innings of the 2023 Ashes opener in Edgbaston and followed it up with a rapid 46 in the second to set up a formidable target for the Australians.

Australia eventually won a tight contest, tendering the former English skipper’s efforts in vain.

However, Root’s batting grit ensured that the veteran did not leave Edgbaston empty-handed, as he jumped past five batters, including three Australians, to retain his number-one ranking.


Joe Root accomplishes personal height in defeat

In a rare occurrence, the first time ever since ICC rankings were introduced, as many as three Australian batters occupied the top three slots on the Test batting charts prior to the Edgbaston Test. Marnus Labuschagne sat at the top and was followed by his teammates Steve Smith and Travis Head at number two and three respectively.

Moreover, Joe Root was placed at number six on the rankings, and his latest batting adventures against the WTC winner has catapulted him five spots to be crowned as the world’s new highest-ranking batsman at the moment.

Root’s teammate Harry Brook is now the next highest-ranking Englishmen on the list, as he gained five spots to jump to number 13.

Meanwhile, Labuschagne lost his bragging rights after he was dismissed for 0 and 13 in two innings of the first Ashes Test. Smith lost four rungs while Head was demoted by a spot to be removed outside the world’s top three.

‘Player of the Match’ Usman Khawaja jumped two slots to number seven for his match-winning 141 and 65 for Australia.

Both England and Australia will now take a week’s break before resuming their Ashes rivalry at Lord’s, London. The upcoming contest presents an opportunity for the Australian trio to regain their lost rankings, while they go 2-0 up in the series.

The second Test will commence on June 28.