Marnus Labuschagne’s reign as the world’s top Test batter is over, with England’s Joe Root taking over the top spot in the current MRF Tyres ICC Men’s Test Batting Rankings.
Labuschagne has held the top spot for little over six months, rising to the top in December last year after a successful start to the Australian season against the West Indies.
However, a poor start to 2023 by his lofty standards, along with Joe Root’s 30th Test century against Australia in the thrilling first Ashes Test at Edgbaston, has resulted in a significant shift at the top of the batter rankings.
Root scored 118* and 46 in a losing cause during the first Ashes Test in Birmingham, and his outstanding individual efforts propelled the 32-year-old up five positions to reclaim his position as the world’s top Test batter.
Labuschagne falls to third after scoring 0 and 13 against England, but Kiwi veteran Kane Williamson jumps two spots to second overall.
Fellow Australians Travis Head (down one slot to fourth) and Steve Smith (down four spots to sixth) are also losing ground in the quest to become the No.1 Test batter, with only 26 rating points separating the top six players in one of the most intense contests in recent memory.
Australia opener Usman Khawaja was named Player of the Match for his heroics against England, propelling the 36-year-old to a new career-high rating and seventh place overall, while young gun Harry Brook jumped five places to 13th on the latest Test rankings.
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