DUBAI – ICC Test rankings have been update following the conclusion of theAshes series and Pakistan is still ranked number 7, behind Sri Lanka,England and New Zealand.
Pakistan had a splendid Test cricket year in 2015-16 where the Green shirtswon 4 out of 5 series they played and drew the one against England in theirbackyard.
The team has two series’ wins since the start of 2017 — both against WestIndies — but have fallen short against competitive nations.
Pakistan faced New Zealand, Australia and Sri Lanka but lost them 2-0, 3-0,2-0 respectively.
Due to these results, Pakistan have been ranked number 7 in the list. Therecent loss against Sri Lanka can also be credited to the absence of Misbahand Younis, who retired earlier in 2017.
Speaking about batting and bowling, no Pakistani stood out apart from AzharAli who has jumped 2 spots and is now ranked as the 7th best batsman in theworld.
Yasir Shah, who was once immensely feared, has slipped up and now ranksnumber 14th.India, Steven Smith and Kagiso Rabada on Top
In overall rankings, India has taken the pole position ahead of SouthAfrica and Australia, thanks to Virat Kohli and his fierce companions.
However, most of their batsmen have fallen off the pace as Murali Vijay isnow ranked 30th, Dhawan slipping three places to 33rd and Rohit Sharma on44th.
Following a remarkable year in Test cricket, Steven Smith has topped thecharts thanks to his phenomenal average of 63.75.
Joe Root is ranked second and behind him is Indian skipper Virat Kohli.
In the bowling department, Rabada had a phenomenal year and due to that hehas successfully brushed off James Anderson and Ravindra Jadeja to take theprime spot.Rankings
Team Ranking
1. India 2. South Africa 3. Australia 4. New Zealand 5. England 6. Sri Lanka 7. Pakistan 8. West Indies 9. Bangladesh 10. Zimbabwe
Batsmen Ranking
1. Steven Smith 2. Joe Root 3. Virat Kohli 4. Kane Williamson 5. C. Pujara 6. David Warner 7. Azhar Ali 8. D. Chandimal 9. Alastair Cook 10. Hashim Amla
Bowlers Ranking
1. Kagiso Rabada 2. James Anderson 3. Ravindra Jadeja 4. R. Ashwin 5. Josh Hazlewood 6. Veron Philander 7. Rangana Herath 8. Neil Wagner 9. Nathon Lyon & Mitchell Star