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Root, Smith, Williamson headline ICC Test rankings; Starc moves up after sublime Gabba spell

Akshita Patel

England, Australian players dominate ICC Test rankings [Source: @WisdenCricket, @ICC/X.com]England, Australian players dominate ICC Test rankings [Source: @WisdenCricket, @ICC/X.com]

Joe Root has been ranked ICC No. 1 Test batter after his century in the second Ashes Test held at the Gabba. Not only that, but Australian smoke gun Mitchell Starc has also moved up to no. 3 after a heroic spell with the pink ball.

ICC revised its player rankings across formats on December 10. In ODIs, Rohit Sharma retained his top spot, while Virat Kohli moved to no. 2.

But in the Tests, England and Australian players made significant movements.

Joe Root and Steve Smith rank in top 3 Test batters

At the top remains England’s modern-day star Joe Root, who continues to hold the no. 1 ranking after a stunning century in the second Ashes Test held at the Gabba. 

He scored his maiden hundred on Australian soil and finished with 138 off 206 balls. Additionally, Kane Williamson and Steve Smith also moved to the second and third spots, respectively.

ICC Rankings [Source: ICC Website]ICC Rankings [Source: ICC Website]

Root, Williamson, Smith, and Kohli are widely ranked as the Fab 4 of the modern generation. But with Virat retired from the format, the Fab 3 are still dominating the format and doing justice to their tags.

Harry Brook, meanwhile, has slipped two places to rank no. 4 after just 46 runs across two innings of the Gabba Test. 

Mitchell Starc ranked third in the Test bowlers' rankings

Meanwhile, Mitchell Starc has jumped three places to rank no. 3 in the ICC Test bowlers ranking, also the highest position of his career.

This rise comes after two incredible performances in the opening Ashes Tests, where Starc won back-to-back Player of the Match awards and completely rattled England’s batting lineup.

ICC Rankings [Source: ICC Website]ICC Rankings [Source: ICC Website]

Starc has taken 18 wickets in just two Tests, including a 6-wicket-haul with the pink ball. In the absence of Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc has stood up to take the responsibility of the bowling attack.

And now, he has been rewarded for his relentless efforts.