Babar Azam pips Joe Root in ICC Test Batting Rankings

DUBAI: Pakistan’s all-format captain Babar Azam has surpassed England’s Joe Root in the ICC Men’s Test Batting Rankings.

Joe Root, who became the fastest to 11,000 Test runs with his 56-run knock in the one-off Test against Ireland saw the dip in his rating points despite the half-century which paved the way for Babar Azam to surpass him in the rankings.

Root’s rating points decreased from 871 to 861, causing him to slip to the fifth position in the rankings. Consequently, Babar Azam surpassed the former England captain with 862 rating points and secured the fourth position.

England’s star performer from their dominant 10-wicket victory over Ireland Ollie Pope who scored the fastest double century at Lord’s got the reward of his magnificent performance as he leapfrogged 10 places to secure 23rd rank.

Whereas, Pope’s fellow Centurion Ben Duckett jumped eight places to get hold of the 34th rank with 602 rating points.

Ireland displayed retaliation against ruthless England as the touring side attempted to fight back in the second innings and avoided an inning defeat.

As a result of their gutsy approach, skipper Andy McBrine’s unbeaten 86 lifted him 28 places while Mark Adair’s 88-run knock saw him jumping 32 spots.

Earlier this week, Babar Azam was nominated for the ICC Player of the Month award for May 2023.

ICC on Tuesday revealed the three nominees for the award which include Bangladesh’s Najmul Hossain Shanto, Ireland’s Harry Tector and Pakistan skipper.

Babar Azam’s nomination came on the back of his consistent performances in the home ODI series against New Zealand last month.

“Pakistan’s skipper once again stood up for his country, this time in his team’s home ODI series against New Zealand,” said the ICC media release.

Notably, Babar Azam is the only batter in the top five spots in ICC Batting Rankings across all formats.

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