In the most recent update of the ICC Test batsmen rankings, Babar Azam has made a significant leap to claim the fourth position after the conclusion of a one-off Test match between England and Ireland.

Despite Joe Root’s commendable performance in the match, scoring 56 runs in a single inning, he experienced a slight decline in his rating points. Root’s rating points decreased from 871 to 861, causing him to slide to the fifth position in the rankings. Meanwhile, Babar Azam surpassed Root with 862 rating points, solidifying his position as the fourth-ranked batsman in the ICC Test rankings.

The match also saw notable improvements in rankings for other players. Ollie Pope, who achieved a double century, rose 10 places to 23rd position with a rating of 637, while Ben Duckett, who also scored a century, climbed eight spots to reach 34th position with a rating of 602.

Ireland displayed resilience with the bat, leading to several players making significant jumps in their rankings. Andy McBrine’s unbeaten 86 propelled him 28 places higher to 282 points, while Mark Adair’s 88 (76*) resulted in a climb of 32 spots.

As the focus shifts to the World Test Championship Final at The Oval, the top-ranked Test players in each discipline are expected to participate, along with several players poised to ascend higher in the rankings.

Marnus Labuschagne from Australia enters the winner-takes-all showdown as the top-ranked batter in the world, while his teammate Steve Smith holds the third position, trailing Labuschagne by 43 rating points with a total of 915.