Jasprit Bumrah makes history by becoming the first Indian pacer to claim top spot in ICC Test Rankings – February 7, 2024

In a historic moment for Indian cricket, pace sensation Jasprit Bumrah has reached the pinnacle of ICC Test Rankings, becoming the first Indian pacer to achieve this remarkable feat. The latest rankings, unveiled by the International Cricket Council, showcase Bumrah’s stellar rise to the top after a phenomenal performance against England in the second Test of the ongoing series.

Jasprit Bumrah’s spectacular rise

The star pacer’s journey to the top was marked by an outstanding display of skill and determination during the second Test against England held at Vizag. Bumrah’s scintillating performance saw him claim nine wickets in the match, also earning him the well-deserved ‘Player of the Match’ award. This stellar effort not only played a crucial role in India’s triumph but also propelled Bumrah to the summit of the ICC Test Bowling Rankings for the first time in his career.

Historical significance of Bumrah claiming the top position

Bumrah’s ascent to the top spot in the Test rankings not only marks a personal milestone for the talented fast bowler but also creates history for Indian cricket as he became the first Indian pacer to achieve this distinction and overall fourth Indian bowler after spin maestros Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, and legendary Bishan Singh Bedi. This accomplishment reflects the diversity and depth of India’s bowling talent across formats.

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Shuffle in the rankings: Ashwin slips to third spot

Bumrah’s rise resulted in a notable shuffle in the ICC Test Bowling Rankings. His teammate Ashwin, who held the top spot, slipped to the third position after a quieter outing against England in Vizag. South Africa’s Kagiso Rabada maintained his second position, showcasing the competitive nature of the rankings. Sri Lanka’s Prabath Jayasuriya climbed three places to the sixth spot following his impressive eight-wicket haul in the one-off Test against Afghanistan.

Yashasvi Jaiswal’s meteoric rise in batter’s rankings

On the batting front, India’s Yashasvi Jaiswal stole the limelight with a sensational double century against England, propelling him 37 places up to claim the 29th spot in the ICC Men’s Test Batting Rankings. Meanwhile, Kane Williamson retained his numero uno position among batters, with Australia’s Steve Smith reclaiming the second spot, while Joe Root dropped to third position.

All-Round excellence

In the all-rounder category, England’s dynamic skipper Ben Stokes and India’s Axar Patel made significant strides, jumping one place each to secure the fourth and fifth spots, respectively.

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