ICC Rankings: Ben Stokes rises to career-high post Headingley heroics
England’s hero in the astounding triumph against Australia at Headingley, Ben Stokes has attained his career-best rankings. The ICC has updated its rankings after a hectic week of Test cricket. Six countries engaged in three Tests of the World Test Championship which began simultaneously. England, India and New Zealand emerged winners while Australia, West Indies and Sri Lanka had to face defeats.
The all-round emergence of Stokes
Riding on a miraculous 135 not out against Australia in the run chase of 359, Stokes achieved his highest ranking as a Test batsman. He jumped 13 places and is currently 13th on the list with the career-best rating of 693. He is now ahead of David Warner and Ross Taylor. Stokes also took four wickets and bowled a gruelling 24.2 overs. The English all-rounder is now second in the ranking. He is 22 rating points behind West Indies captain Jason Holder.
Bumrah, Archer jump high
Two pace bowlers dominated their respective Test matches. Jasprit Bumrah ran through the West Indian batting lineup and recorded unbelievable bowling figures (5/7) helping India seal a 318-run victory. Jofra Archer stole the breath of the English spectators with his sheer pace. He troubled the Australian batsmen with his lethal short ball. Bumrah is now seventh in the bowlers ranking while Archer has jumped 40 places to be at the 43rd place. Pat Cummins is still the table-topper.
Batting captains deliver
Apart from Kane Williamson, all other batting captains enjoyed a decent run with the bat. India’s Virat Kohli vindicated his top spot with a fifty. Sri Lanka’s Dimuth Karunaratne played a steady hand against New Zealand and is currently sixth on the list from being eighth. England’s Joe Root regained his form and is now seventh in the ranking. Other notable gainers were New Zealand opener Tom Latham (now eighth) and India’s vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane (11th).
