Mohammed Siraj has jumped 12 places to his career-best spot in the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Test rankings for bowlers after his heroics at the Oval for the fifth match against England, which concluded his herculean effort over the course of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. Siraj’s five-wicket haul helped India come back from a seemingly hopeless situation to secure a six-wicket win over England and thus draw the five-Test series 2-2.
Siraj finished as the highest wicket-taker in the series with 23 scalps, having bowled a whopping 185.3 overs, which is also more than any other bowler. His efforts took him to a career-best 15th spot on the rankings. His previous best was 16th which he had reached in January this year. Prasidh Krishna also attained a career-best 59th position after he along with Siraj became only the second India pair to take four or more wickets each in both innings of a Test, a feat earlier accomplished by spinners Bishan Bedi and Erapalli Prasanna against Australia in Delhi in 1969.
India’s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, who had to sit out the dramatic fifth Test, continues to lead the rankings with 889 points. He took 14 wickets in 119.4 overs that he bowled over the course of three Tests in the series at an average of 26.00.
Joe Root strengthens place at the top
India opener Yashasvi Jaiswal returned to the top-5 in the Test batting rankings following his second century in the series at The Oval. Jaiswal rose three spots and is on 792 points, while the only other India batter in the top-10 is Rishabh Pant, who has slipped one spot to eighth as he could not play the fifth Test due to a foot injury. Joe Root, who firmed up his status as an all-time great by breaking record after record over the course of the series, also strengthened his position at the at the top with his third century in as many matches, while Harry Brook’s 98-ball 111 has helped him claw back to second position.
England fast bowlers Atkinson and Josh Tongue have also attained career-best positions after finishing with eight wickets each in the match. Atkinson is in the top-10 for the first time, while Tongue is up 14 places to 46th.
