ICC Test Rankings 2024: Team and Player Rankings [Top 10] Prior to the 2nd Test Match between India and South Africa. India will face a resurgent South Africa in the second Test starting January 3rd in Cape Town. Virat Kohli, looking revitalised, led the training session while captain Rohit Sharma and some key players rested. India desperately needs a collective batting effort to level the series, knowing any further slip could hand South Africa an unassailable lead. This Cape Town battle promises to be a fierce one, with both teams hungry for different reasons.
Test cricket, the pinnacle format of the gentleman’s game, continues to enthral fans across the globe. In this arena of sustained battles and epic narratives, the International Cricket Council (ICC) rankings provide a snapshot of which teams and players reign supreme. Let’s delve into the current landscape of ICC Test cricket rankings
At the top of the pile stands India, the undisputed kings of Test cricket with a comfortable lead over second-placed Australia. The Men in Blue’s recent dominance, including a historic series win in England, has cemented their position as the team to beat. Australia, however, are hot on their heels, having consistently put up strong performances in recent times.
England sits at a respectable third, showcasing their resurgence under the leadership of Ben Stokes. South Africa, with their potent bowling attack and gritty batting lineup, occupy fourth place. The remainder of the top 10 features Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and West Indies, each vying for a climb up the ladder.
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ICC Test Rankings 2024 [Top 10]
ICC Test Team Rankings 2024 [Top 10] Before India vs South Africa:
Pos | Team | Matches | Pts | Rating |
01 | India | 29 | 3434 | 118 |
02 | Australia | 30 | 3534 | 118 |
03 | England | 43 | 4941 | 115 |
04 | South Africa | 21 | 2182 | 104 |
05 | New Zealand | 26 | 2471 | 95 |
06 | Pakistan | 25 | 2304 | 92 |
07 | Sri Lanka | 27 | 2123 | 79 |
08 | West Indies | 28 | 2154 | 77 |
09 | Bangladesh | 22 | 1131 | 51 |
10 | Zimbabwe | 7 | 223 | 32 |
ICC Test Test Batsmen Rankings [Top 10] Before India vs South Africa:
Pos | Team | Players | Rating |
01 | NEW ZEALAND | Kane WILLIAMSON | 864 |
02 | ENGLAND | Joe ROOT | 859 |
03 | AUSTRALIA | Steven SMITH | 820 |
04 | NEW ZEALAND | Daryl MITCHELL | 786 |
05 | AUSTRALIA | Usman KHAWAJA | 785 |
06 | PAKISTAN | Babar AZAM | 782 |
07 | AUSTRALIA | Marnus LABUSCHAGNE | 777 |
08 | ENGLAND | Harry BROOK | 773 |
09 | INDIA | Virat KOHLI | 761 |
10 | AUSTRALIA | Travis HEAD | 754 |
The batting rankings provide a thrilling narrative of individual brilliance. New Zealand’s Kane Williamson, the ever-reliable maestro, holds the top spot with a colossal 864 points. His elegant stroke-making and tactical acumen have him at the pinnacle of batting prowess.
Close behind is England’s Joe Root, another titan of the game. Root’s unwavering resilience and penchant for scoring big runs make him a constant threat. The ever-consistent Steve Smith of Australia completes the top 3, his technically sound batting a testament to his class.
The rest of the top 10 features a fascinating mix of experienced veterans and rising stars. Usman Khawaja of Australia, Babar Azam of Pakistan, Travis Head of Australia, and Daryl Mitchell of New Zealand are all established performers challenging for the top spots. Young guns like Harry Brook of England and Shubman Gill of India are also making their mark, injecting fresh energy into the rankings.
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ICC Men’s Test Bowler Rankings [Top 10] Before India vs South Africa
Pos | Team | Players | Rating |
01 | INDIA | Ravichandran ASHWIN | 872 |
02 | SOUTH AFRICA | Kagiso RABADA | 854 |
03 | AUSTRALIA | Pat CUMMINS | 841 |
04 | INDIA | Ravindra JADEJA | 774 |
05 | INDIA | Jasprit BUMRAH | 767 |
06 | ENGLAND | Ollie ROBINSON | 762 |
07 | ENGLAND | James ANDERSON | 761 |
08 | AUSTRALIA | Mitchell STARC | 754 |
09 | SRI LANKA | Prabath JAYASURIYA | 751 |
10 | AUSTRALIA | Nathan LYON | 749 |
India’s spin maestro stands at the peak, Ravichandran Ashwin, with his 872 points and potent cocktail of guile. South Africa’s pace spearhead Kagiso Rabada, with his express pace and searing bouncers, lurks just behind at 854 points. Also, the duel between Ashwin’s cunning and Rabada’s raw power promises to be a defining narrative of the bowling landscape for years to come.
Beyond the top four, the rankings unveil a tapestry of talent, both seasoned veterans and rising stars vying for their place in the sun. Jasprit Bumrah, England’s Ollie Robinson, Sri Lanka’s Prabath Jayasuriya, and Pakistan’s Shaheen Afridi are just a few of the names to watch. The future of Test cricket bowling is brimming with potential and poised to enthral fans for years to come.
ICC Men’s Test All-rounder Rankings [Top 10]
Pos | Team | Players | Rating |
01 | INDIA | Ravindra JADEJA | 446 |
02 | INDIA | Ravichandran ASHWIN | 348 |
03 | BANGLADESH | Shakib AL HASAN | 320 |
04 | ENGLAND | Ben STOKES | 307 |
05 | INDIA | Axar PATEL | 291 |
06 | ENGLAND | Joe ROOT | 286 |
07 | WEST INDIES | Jason HOLDER | 280 |
08 | SOUTH AFRICA | Marco JANSEN | 268 |
09 | WEST INDIES | Kyle MAYERS | 240 |
10 | AUSTRALIA | Mitchell STARC | 235 |
The all-rounder rankings offer a glimpse into players who excel in batting and bowling. India’s Ravindra Jadeja, the ultimate “complete cricketer,” dominates the scene with 446 points. His exceptional spin bowling, coupled with his solid batting performances, make him a true force to be reckoned with.
Ravichandran Ashwin, his spin-bowling partner, sits close behind in second place. The duo’s formidable partnership gives India a significant edge in the all-rounder department. However, Shakib Al Hasan, the talismanic Bangladeshi all-rounder, rounds out the top 3, his belligerent batting and skilful swing bowling making him a constant threat.
Moreover, Ben Stokes of England, Axar Patel of India, and Mitchell Starc of Australia are other notable names in the top 10, constantly pushing the boundaries of all-round excellence.
Check ICC official website for latest rankings.