Azhar Ali jumps up the Test ladder

Pakistan top order batsman Azhar Ali, has jumped up one place at the latest MRF Tyres ICC Rankings for Test batsmen.

Azhar is place at number ninth spot on the list, with no Pakistani in the top 20. Middle order batsman Asad Shafiq and skipper Sarfraz Ahmed sit at 30^th and 32^nd spot, respectively.

Australia captain Steve Smith tops the table for batsmen with his English Joe Root in second position, but a good 47 points behind.

Meanwhile, India captain Virat Kohli has taken the fifth position after completing his 50th international century in the first match of a three-Test series against Sri Lanka in Kolkata, which ended in a draw on Tuesday. Kohli, who is top-ranked in both ODIs and T20Is, knocked up a fine 104 not out on the last day of the match.

In the bowling department, leggie Yasir Shah maintained his place at the 15^th spot. Whereas, England’s James Anderson topped the ranking, enjoying a 20-point lead over South Africa pace bowler Kagiso Rabada.