Published: November 27, 2024
India’s rising star Yashasvi Jaiswal continues to shine on the global stage, moving to the No. 2 spot in the ICC Test batting rankings after a phenomenal second-innings century in Perth. The young opener smashed a commanding 161 runs, helping India secure a massive 295-run victory against Australia in the series opener.
Jaiswal Eyes Top Spot
Jaiswal, now at 825 rating points, trails England’s legendary batter Joe Root, who sits at the top with 903 points. The 22-year-old southpaw has displayed remarkable consistency since his debut and looks poised to challenge Root’s reign. With three more Tests lined up in Australia this December, the competition for the No. 1 spot is heating up.
Root, meanwhile, will look to maintain his position as he takes on New Zealand in the first Test at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch starting November 28. The simultaneous action from both players promises an exciting battle for the top position in the coming weeks.
Kane Williamson Returns to Contention
New Zealand’s Kane Williamson, currently ranked third with 804 points, is also a strong contender. Returning from injury, Williamson is set to face England, potentially adding to the intensity of the race for the coveted No. 1 ranking.
Mixed Rankings Updates for Other Stars
- Rishabh Pant, despite a quiet Test match with the bat in Perth, retains his sixth position with 736 rating points.
- Steve Smith had a forgettable outing, managing only 17 runs across two innings. This has resulted in a two-spot drop, placing him at seventh with 726 points.
- Australian opener Usman Khawaja has dropped out of the top 10 entirely, now ranked 12th, following twin failures in Perth.
- Travis Head, however, has entered the top 10 at 10th place after a spirited 89-run knock in the second innings of the Perth Test.
ICC Test Batting Rankings (Top 10)
| Rank | Player | Rating Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Joe Root | 903 |
| 2 | Yashasvi Jaiswal | 825 |
| 3 | Kane Williamson | 804 |
| 4 | Harry Brook | 778 |
| 5 | Daryl Mitchell | 743 |
| 6 | Rishabh Pant | 736 |
| 7 | Steve Smith | 726 |
| 8 | Saud Shakeel | 724 |
| 9 | Kamindu Mendis | 716 |
| 10 | Travis Head | 713 |
What Lies Ahead?
As India and Australia prepare for the second Test in Adelaide, Jaiswal’s form will be pivotal for India’s chances. Fans and cricket enthusiasts are eager to witness whether the young left-hander can continue his meteoric rise and dethrone Joe Root in the coming matches.
Stay tuned to BOSI for all the latest updates and insights on the ICC rankings and the ongoing Test series.
