DUBAI: Pakistan all-format captain Babar Azam achieved a significant milestone in the International Cricket Council (ICC) Test batting rankings as he claimed his career-high ranking after the conclusion of historic Test series against England.

Babar, who enjoyed a prolific series with the bat against England, got the reward of his dominating year with the bat in red-ball cricket as the captain has now moved to his career-best second rank in Tests.

The right-handed batter swapped places with Australia’s veteran Steve Smith, while the latter’s countrymate Marnus Labuschagne continued to rule the batting chart with a delightful home series against West Indies.

Babar, however, moved closer to Labuschagne in the latest rankings as he had achieved 875 rating points, 61 short of Labuschagne’s.

 

Meanwhile, the English batters, who dominated hosts Pakistan in the recently-concluded three-match Test series were rewarded for their fantastic efforts.

Player of the Series Harry Brook jumped 11 places to join West Indies’ Jermaine Blackwood at the 44th position.

Meanwhile, England captain Ben Stokes jumped two places to secure 23rd position, while Ollie Pope captured 28th.

It is pertinent to mention that Pakistan endured their first-ever clean sweep at home by Ben Stokes-led England after the touring side sealed a comprehensive eight-wicket victory early on Day 4 in the final Test.

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