Azhar Ali advances in Test cricket

Pakistan top order batsman Azhar Ali has continued to climb the Test ladder after the senior batsman jumped up one place at the latest MRF Tyres ICC Rankings for Test batsmen.

Azhar is placed at number eighth spot on the list, with no Pakistani in the top 20. The former Pakistani captain topples India’s Lokesh Rahul to ninth spot to attain the slot.

Meanwhile, Australia captain Steve Smith consolidated his position as the top Test batsman, after stroking a magnificent unbeaten 141, his 21st century in his 57th Test, proving the foundation for Australia’s 10-wicket victory over England in Brisbane at Ashes series.

With 941 points, Smith is now the joint-fifth in terms of the highest points tally in batting history in Tests behind Sir Don Bradman (961), Len Hutton (945), Jack Hobbs (942) and Ricky Ponting (942), and at par with Peter May (941), reported ICC.

In the bowling department, Indian off spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, who became the fastest man to claim 300 wickets in Tests, has consolidated his fourth position, after gaining nine points which have put him on 849 points.

Meanwhile, England’s bowling great James Anderson remain the number-one ranked, but dropped five points after claiming two wickets in the Brisbane Test.