Following the brilliant performance in the first match of the Test series against England, Pakistan openers Imam-ul-Haq and Abdullah Shafique have reached career-best International Cricket Council’s (ICC) rankings.
As per the latest update issued by the ICC, Abdullah jumped five places to 15th while Imam reached the 38th position on the Test batter’s list, up by 13 spots.
The duo scored centuries in the first innings of the opening Test against England in Rawalpindi last week.
Pakistan skipper Babar Azam has also moved up one place to third on the rankings.
Australia’s Marnus Labuschagne, who replaced Joe Root at the top, and Steve Smith are in first and second place, respectively.
At the 🔝 of the charts!
Marnus Labuschagne is the new No.1 ranked batter in the world in the @MRFWorldwide ICC Men's Test Player Rankings 👏
More 👉 https://t.co/40FUCdLYzH pic.twitter.com/PrhtIthv8l
— ICC (@ICC) December 7, 2022
“Root obtained the top ranking during a golden run with the bat over the most recent English summer, but a mixed performance in the recent first Test in Pakistan and a strong showing from Labuschagne against the West Indies has seen a major shake-up at the head of proceedings,” the ICC said in a press release.
It must be noted that Labuschagne notched up scores of 204 and 104* against the West Indies during the first Test in Perth.
Australia captain Pat Cummins still leads the latest Test bowler rankings, whereas India’s Ravindra Jadeja is at the top of the all-rounder’s table.
PAKvAUS: Abdullah Shafique, Imamul Haq rewrite history as 1st Test ends in draw
