Australian bowlers have received recognition for their stellar performances against New Zealand in the latest update of the ICC Test Rankings.
Despite Indian speedster Jasprit Bumrah maintaining his top position among Test bowlers, both Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood and spinner Nathan Lyon have made significant strides. Hazlewood has moved up one spot to fourth, while Lyon has climbed two places to sixth, narrowing the gap.
Hazlewood’s impressive display, grabbing a pair of New Zealand wickets in each innings during Australia’s commanding 172-run victory, and Lyon’s ten-wicket haul in total contributed to their rankings boost.
Australia now boasts four players within the top 12 of the ICC Test ranking for bowlers, with skipper Pat Cummins sitting fifth and left-armer Mitchell Starc in twelfth position.
Meanwhile, New Zealand’s Matt Henry and Glenn Phillips also made notable advancements. Henry, who secured a five-wicket haul in the first Test against Australia, has ascended seven places to 18th in the Test bowlers rankings, while Phillips improved by 19 spots to 48th.
In the ICC Test batters rankings, Australian sensation Cameron Green achieved a career-high rating following his outstanding performance against New Zealand. Green’s unbeaten 174* in the first innings and a solid knock of 34 in the second innings propelled him 22 places up to 23rd in the updated rankings.
Despite New Zealand captain Kane Williamson leading the Test batters rankings, Australia’s Steve Smith witnessed a slight decline, slipping below 800 points for the first time since 2014. Smith dropped one spot to third after scores of 31 and zero against New Zealand.
Phillips and Rachin Ravindra of New Zealand also made advancements in the rankings for Test batters, with Phillips climbing 18 places to 52nd and Ravindra moving up five spots to 76th. Additionally, Phillips made progress in the Test all-rounders rankings, rising 12 places to joint 11th.
