Ashes

Joe Root Claims Top Position in ICC Men’s Test Batting Ranking After Ashes 2023

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Joe Root Claims Top Position in ICC Men’s Test Batting Ranking After Ashes 2023

In the latest update of the ICC Men’s Test Batting Ranking, Joe Root has dethroned Marnus Labuschagne to secure the No.1 position following an outstanding performance in the first Ashes Test match of 2023. Root’s remarkable display in the match, held at Edgbaston, showcased his batting prowess as he scored a century in the first innings with 118 runs and contributed 46 runs in the second innings. This exceptional performance has propelled him to the top spot in the ICC Test Batting Ranking.

Root’s proficiency is not limited to his batting skills alone. He also showcased his versatility by taking a wicket, which has earned him the sixth position in the ICC Test All-rounders Ranking.

Labuschagne, who had held the top spot for the past six months, faltered during the Ashes series and failed to deliver notable performances. Scoring 0 and 13 runs in the first Test match, his struggles extended to the WTC Final 2023 against India, where he managed scores of 26 and 41 runs.

The dominance of Australian batters in the ICC Test Batting Ranking has taken a hit with this update. Labuschagne has now slipped to the third position, while Steve Smith and Travis Head have dropped to fourth and sixth positions, respectively.

Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja have retained their top spots in the ICC Test Bowling and All-rounders Ranking, respectively.

Labuschagne’s earlier tremendous form had propelled him to the top position, but his recent struggles have resulted in him slipping to third place. Meanwhile, New Zealand’s captain, Kane Williamson, has moved up to the second position in the ICC Test Batting Ranking. Unfortunately, Williamson is currently recuperating from a knee injury and is expected to be out of cricket for the next four to five months.

ICC Men’s Test Batting Ranking:

POSITIONPLAYERTEAMRATING
1Joe RootENG887
2Kane WilliamsonNZ883
3Marnus LabuschagneAUS877
4Travis HeadAUS873
5Babar AzamPAK862
6Steve SmithAUS861
7Usman KhawajaAUS836
8Daryl MitchellNZ792
9Dimuth KarunaratneSL780
10Rishabh PantIND758

Note: The rankings are subject to change as players’ performances continue to evolve.

ENG vs AUS: Australia Beat England by 2 wickets in the Ashes 2023

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ENG vs AUS: Australia Beat England by 2 wickets in the Ashes 2023

In a sensational test match, Australia emerged victorious against England, securing a thrilling win by just 2 wickets. The match was a rollercoaster of twists, turns, and intense moments, leaving spectators in awe.

The Australian team pleasantly surprised everyone with their performance, snatching the victory away from the home team, England. It was a remarkable display of resilience and determination on Australia’s part. The outcome of the match truly exemplified the unpredictable nature of test cricket, keeping fans on the edge of their seats throughout.

The morning in Birmingham started with rain, setting the stage for an intriguing Day 5. Usman Khawaja and Scott Boland provided a steady but slow start for Australia. However, Moeen Ali dismissed Travis Head, who was attempting to take on the English bowlers, with a score of 16.

England’s skipper, Ben Stokes, later sent Khawaja back to the pavilion after his impressive century and half-century in the match. Alex Carey contributed 20 runs before falling victim to a catch and bowled by Joe Root.

Pat Cummins entered the crease, displaying aggression from the beginning and challenging the English bowlers. At this point, Australia seemed out of the game, needing 54 runs with only 2 wickets remaining. However, Nathan Lyon and Cummins were up for the challenge.

Lyon attacked the English bowlers swiftly, while Cummins held his ground. The equation became intense: Australia required 5 runs to win, while England needed 2 wickets. In a stylish fashion, Cummins secured the victory with a boundary towards the third man. Australia triumphed in the first Test of the Ashes, thanks to the leadership of their skipper.

Here are the playing XIs for both teams:

England Playing XI: Ben Duckett, Zak Crawley, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Jonny Bairstow (wk), Moeen Ali, Stuart Broad, Ollie Robinson, James Anderson

Australia Playing XI: David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood, Scott Boland

It truly was a captivating match, filled with excitement and unpredictable moments that showcased the true essence of Test cricket.