Kagiso Rabada Reclaims No. 1 Spot in ICC Test Bowling Rankings

In a thrilling turn of events in the world of cricket, South African fast bowler Kagiso Rabada has surged back to the top of the ICC men's Test bowling rankings. His impressive performance during South Africa's recent Test match against Bangladesh has not only earned him individual accolades but also highlighted the dynamic nature of international cricket.

Rabada’s Stellar Performance

Kagiso Rabada achieved a remarkable feat during the first Test against Bangladesh, taking a total of nine wickets. His performance included three wickets in the first innings and an impressive six for 46 in the second innings. This performance also marked him as the fastest bowler to reach 300 Test wickets, a testament to his skill and consistency. With this victory, South Africa secured their first Test win in Asia since 2014, further solidifying Rabada's status as one of the leading bowlers in the world.

Rankings Shake-Up

Rabada's outstanding display has propelled him past notable competitors such as Jasprit Bumrah, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Josh Hazlewood, who have all slipped in the rankings following their performances in India’s recent defeat against New Zealand in Pune. Bumrah and Ashwin now sit at third and fourth, respectively, while Hazlewood takes the second spot.

In another exciting development, Pakistan's left-arm spinner Noman Ali made a significant leap in the rankings, moving up nine places to eighth after a stellar performance that saw him claim nine wickets in Rawalpindi. This is the first time Noman Ali has entered the top ten of the Test bowlers' rankings, marking a significant achievement in his career.

Rising Stars in Batting Rankings

The batting rankings have also seen new faces making their mark. New Zealand's Rachin Ravindra and Pakistan's Saud Shakeel have both broken into the top ten for the first time. Ravindra's consistent performances, which included a century and a half-century in recent matches, have elevated him to the tenth position. Meanwhile, Shakeel's impressive 134 against England has catapulted him up 20 places to seventh, showcasing the depth of talent emerging in international cricket.

Other Notable Mentions

Yashasvi Jaiswal has also made headlines by moving back up to third place among batters after a series of solid performances, including scores of 30 and 77 in Pune. In the allrounder rankings, Mehidy Hasan Miraz has climbed to third place, thanks to a resilient 97 in Bangladesh's second innings and two wickets, proving his value in both departments of the game.

Conclusion

The recent ICC rankings reflect the ever-changing landscape of cricket, with players constantly pushing the boundaries of excellence. Kagiso Rabada’s return to the top spot serves as a reminder of his talent and determination, while the rise of players like Ravindra and Shakeel indicates a bright future for the sport. As fans, we eagerly anticipate the next series of matches and the potential for even more surprises in the rankings.

Reference from :- https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/kagiso-rabada-back-on-top-of-test-bowling-rankings-rachin-ravindra-saud-shakeel-break-into-top-10-batters-1457666