Harry Brook Tops Test Rankings as Joe Root Slips to Second

Harry Brook has claimed the title of the No. 1 Test batter in the world, surpassing Joe Root, who described Brook as "far and away the best player in the world right now." Brook's rise to the top follows a stellar run in New Zealand, where he scored 123 and 55 in the second Test, adding to his 171 in the first match. His consistent performances edged him ahead of Root by just one point in the ICC Test rankings.

Root, however, remains in contention, having scored a brilliant 106 in the second innings of England’s 323-run victory in the second Test, which secured a 2-0 lead in the three-match series. The upcoming third Test in Hamilton on December 14 could determine whether Brook maintains his top spot or if Root reclaims it.

Root had been the top-ranked Test batter since surpassing Kane Williamson—currently ranked third—back in July. Over his career, Root has held the No. 1 position nine times. After Brook was named Player of the Match in Wellington, Root praised his younger teammate, highlighting Brook's versatility and ability to handle pressure. 

"Brooky is by far and away the best player in the world at the minute," Root had said. "He can absorb pressure, he can apply it. He can whack you over your head for six. He can scoop you over his head for six. He can smack spin. He can smack seam."

At just 25 years old, Brook has already amassed 2,280 runs from 38 innings across 23 Tests, averaging an impressive 61.62. His record includes eight centuries, notably a monumental 317 against Pakistan in Multan in October 2024.

Movement in Test Rankings: Head and Bavuma Shine

It’s been a dynamic period in Test cricket, with standout performances influencing the rankings. In the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy series, Travis Head’s exceptional 140 in Adelaide propelled him six spots to fifth place. Meanwhile, Temba Bavuma’s contributions of 78 and 66 in South Africa’s victory over Sri Lanka in Gqeberha earned him Player of the Series honours and lifted him three spots to seventh. Bavuma’s series tally of 327 runs underscored his importance to South Africa’s success.

Marnus Labuschagne also made gains after his 64 in the pink-ball Test in Adelaide, moving up three places to 13th in the rankings.

Test Bowlers in the Spotlight

Jasprit Bumrah, the top-ranked Test bowler, further solidified his lead with a four-wicket haul in Adelaide. However, Kagiso Rabada, Josh Hazlewood, and Pat Cummins remain within striking distance.

Cummins’ seven wickets in the Adelaide Test elevated him to fourth, overtaking R Ashwin, while Rabada retained his second spot with 856 points, just behind Bumrah’s 890. Despite missing the second Test, Hazlewood remains a key contender.

Matt Henry also climbed within the top 10, moving from tenth to ninth following his four-wicket haul in Wellington.

With fierce competition across formats, the Test rankings reflect a vibrant and competitive era for international cricket. Fans can expect more thrilling shifts as the season progresses.