Babar Azam, Pakistan white-ball captain, has moved up the 5th spot in the latest ICC Test rankings for batsmen, re-affirming his status as one of the best batsman across formats in the modern era.
Azam, who was at the 6th spot before the start of the second Test between England and Pakistan at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton, has leapfrogged Australia’s David Warner to enter the top-5. Azam scored a fighting 127-ball 47 in the first innings of the 2nd Test; one that eventually ended in a draw thanks to rain and bad light.
The stylish 26-year-old is currently the No.1 ranked T20I batsman in the world. He has been equally brilliant in One-day International cricket, where he averages more than 50 in the past two years. He is ranked just behind the Indian duo of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in 50-over cricket.
The remaining four spots in the Test match rankings remain unchanged. Former Australian captain Steven Smith [911 points] retained his No.1 spot, as did the second-ranked Virat Kohli [886 points] Marnus Labuschagne [827 points] and Kane Williamson [812 points].
Babar Azam is currently on 798 points and he could well leapfrog Williamson, provided he has a good outing in the third and final Test against England, starting August 21. (Cricket Addictor)
