{
  "type": "article",
  "title": "Steve Smith Rises to Second Spot in Latest ICC Test Batter Rankings as Joe Root and Shubman Gill Slip",
  "summary": "The updated ICC Men's Test Batter Rankings following the India-Sri Lanka series feature a promotion for Steve Smith, while Joe Root, Shubman Gill, and Babar Azam experienced rating drops.",
  "content": "The International Cricket Council (ICC) has released its latest Test batter rankings following the conclusion of the India versus Sri Lanka Test series. The updated standings reflect notable shifts across the top order of world cricket. Australian batsman Steve Smith has advanced to the second position, while England captain Joe Root and Indian team captain Shubman Gill have both surrendered places. Meanwhile, Pakistan captain Babar Azam suffered a significant fall, sliding completely out of the top 10 rankings.\n\nTop Order Movements: Harry Brook Remains Number 1 as Steve Smith Climbs\nEngland middle-order batter Harry Brook maintains his position at the summit of the ICC Test batter rankings with a rating of 856. Australian batsman Steve Smith has gained one spot to move into second place with a rating of 840. England captain Joe Root fell one position to third with 820 rating points after failing to build a major score in the second match of the ongoing series between England and Pakistan.\n\nAustralian opener Travis Head sits in fourth position with an 811 rating. South Africa captain Temba Bavuma holds fifth place, while New Zealand all-rounder Rachin Ravindra retains the sixth spot in the international standings.\n\nIndian Contingent: Shubman Gill Drops Two Places while Rishabh Pant Retains Seventh Spot\nThe updated rankings present a contrasting picture for Indian batters. Indian team captain Shubman Gill slipped two spots to ninth place with a rating of 709, placing him near the threshold of the top 10. In contrast, Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant defended his position, holding firm at seventh place with a rating of 713 points.\n\nPakistan and New Zealand Players: Major Drop for Babar Azam, Strong Gain for Saud Shakeel\nPakistan captain Babar Azam registered the most pronounced drop in the latest rankings update. His rating decreased to 679 points, causing him to fall directly to the 15th position and exit the top 10 list. Conversely, fellow Pakistani batter Saud Shakeel staged a remarkable surge, jumping 15 places to reach the 18th position. Additionally, New Zealand middle-order batter Daryl Mitchell gained one position to move into eighth spot.\n\nWhat this means for you\nThe latest ICC Test rankings offer crucial insights for cricket enthusiasts and fantasy sports players analyzing individual player form.\n\n• For Cricket Fans: Supporters worldwide can track the intense rivalry at the top, where Harry Brook and Steve Smith are separated by just 16 rating points heading into upcoming Test fixtures.\n• For Fantasy League Participants: Rating drops for high-profile players like Babar Azam and Shubman Gill signal the need to re-evaluate captaincy selections, while rising players like Saud Shakeel offer high-value point potential.\n• For Team India Followers: Shubman Gill's drop to 9th position highlights performance pressure for upcoming Test series, whereas Rishabh Pant's steady position at 7th reinforces his key role in India's batting lineup.\n\nQuestions & Answers\n\n1. Who is the top-ranked batter in the latest ICC Test rankings?\nEngland's Harry Brook holds the top spot in the ICC Test Batter Rankings with a rating of 856 points.\n\n2. What is Steve Smith's position in the updated ICC rankings?\nAustralia's Steve Smith climbed one place to second position with a rating of 840 points.\n\n3. Where do Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant stand in the latest rankings?\nIndian captain Shubman Gill dropped two spots to 9th position with a 709 rating, while wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant retained 7th spot with 713 points.\n\n4. How far did Babar Azam fall in the ICC Test rankings?\nPakistan captain Babar Azam dropped out of the top 10 to 15th position, with his rating decreasing to 679 points.\n\n5. Which player registered the biggest jump in the new Test rankings?\nPakistan batter Saud Shakeel registered the biggest leap, climbing 15 places to secure the 18th rank.",
  "url": "https://trendkia.com/en/cricket/icc-testa-rainkinga-men-steve-smith-ki-chhalanga-joe-root-aura-shubman-gill-khisake-babar-azam-topa-10-se-bahara-26368",
  "category": "Cricket",
  "publishedAt": "2026-09-02",
  "tags": [
    "ICC Test Rankings",
    "Shubman Gill",
    "Steve Smith",
    "Joe Root",
    "Babar Azam",
    "Rishabh Pant",
    "Harry Brook",
    "Test Cricket"
  ],
  "language": "en",
  "site": "TrendKia"
}