ENG v PAK 2020: Crawley, Anderson make significant gains in ICC Test rankings after Pakistan series

England registered a 1-0 victory over Pakistan in the three-match Test series.

By Salman Anjum - 26 Aug, 2020

England batsman Zak Crawley and veteran pacer James Anderson have made significant gains in the latest ICC Men’s Test Player Rankings after the drawn third Test against Pakistan in Southampton.

Thanks to his marathon 267 in England’s massive first innings total of 583/8 (declared), Crawley leapfrogged 53 slots to reach a career-best 28th position. The lanky right-hander had started the series in 95th position but his 320-run aggregate made him the fourth best ranked English batsman after only eight Tests, behind Ben Stokes, Joe Root and Jos Buttler.

With seven-wicket haul in the match, Anderson moved back to the top 10 rankings for bowlers. He jumped six spots to reach eighth position after a Test that also saw him completing 600th scalp in the longest format.

See Also: James Anderson completes 600 Test wickets; Indian cricketers laud his achievement

Buttler is another England player to make notable progress in the latest rankings. He has attained a career-best 637 rating points and 21st position after scoring a glorious 152 in his side’s only innings of the third Test.

All-rounder Ben Stokes has conceded the top spot for all-rounders to Jason Holder after missing two Tests against Pakistan. Stokes is now one point behind the West Indies captain.

“For each Test missed, players lose one per cent each of their batting and bowling points with a cumulative effect of about two per cent on a player’s all-round rating,” the ICC said in its media release.

For Pakistan, Azhar Ali advanced 11 places to reach 23rd position in the list of batsmen. The Pakistan skipper returned to form with a solid 141 in the first innings at The Ageas Bowl. Wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan has also gained three slots to reach 72nd position after a fighting half-century in the first essay.

(With ICC inputs)

 

By Salman Anjum - 26 Aug, 2020

TAGS