ICC Test Rankings: Joe Root Takes Top Spot, Rohit Sharma Overtakes Virat Kohli

England captain Joe Root’s beautiful 2021 kind has seen the Yorkshireman rise to primary Check batsman within the ICC Rankings for the primary time in six years. Root beforehand held the primary spot again in 2015 however had drifted to ninth initially of the 12 months. Since then he has been in masterful kind, scoring 1,398 runs in 11 matches at a lofty common of 69.90. There have been six centuries because the flip of the 12 months, together with three in as many matches within the ongoing sequence in opposition to India. The 30-year-old has hit scores of 109, 180 not out and 121 up to now month, throughout which he has soared previous reverse quantity Virat Kohli, Australia duo Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith and New Zealand captain Kane Williamson.

“I am clearly proud to listen to I’ve achieved that, it could be good to have the ability to keep there now,” stated Root forward of the fourth Check in opposition to India, that begins on Thursday with the sequence tied at 1-1.

“Hopefully the type of my life continues to be to return, however I definitely really feel excellent in the meanwhile and want to remain targeted.”

For the primary time in virtually 4 years, Kohli will not be his aspect’s top-rated batsman. After only one half-century in seven innings since arriving in England, he has been usurped by opener Rohit Sharma at quantity 5.

In the meantime, Root may have a brand new vice-captain this week with Moeen Ali entering into the function with Jos Buttler absent to attend the delivery of his second baby.

Promoted

“Moeen is a pure chief. He is somebody who the group gravitate in direction of for numerous causes,” added Root.

“He is received an excellent cricket mind, he is completed splendidly effectively when he is completed the function in home cricket and final 12 months for England within the shorter format. He is completely the appropriate man for the function.”