DUBAI, Dec 25: Fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah received a significant boost just before the Boxing Day Test, as he matched the joint-highest rating ever achieved by an Indian cricketer, equaling spinner Ravichandran Ashwin’s record in the ICC Bowling Rankings. Bumrah gained 14 rating points after his impressive performance of 9 wickets for 94 runs in the drawn third Test in Brisbane, bringing his total to 904 points, thus securing his position at the top of the rankings. He has the opportunity to surpass Ashwin’s highest rating, which the former off-spinner set in December 2016, as the fourth match of the Border-Gavaskar Test series kicks off at the MCG on Thursday. South Africa’s Kagiso Rabada (856 points) and Australia’s Josh Hazlewood (852 points) are in second and third place, respectively.
In the batting rankings, Australian batsman Travis Head’s outstanding performance in the series against India has propelled him to fourth position with 825 rating points, although he remains below England’s Joe Root (895), Harry Brook (876), and New Zealand’s former captain Kane Williamson (867). Head scored a brilliant 152 at the Gabba, adding to his century from the second Test in Adelaide.
Meanwhile, Steve Smith also made headlines with his century at the Gabba, marking his return to the top 10 rankings. Among all-rounders, India’s Ravindra Jadeja holds the top position with 424 rating points, while Australia’s captain Pat Cummins has re-entered the top 10 following a stellar performance that included four wickets and 42 runs in the third Test at the Gabba. (Agencies)
