Australia fill top three slots in ICC men’s Test batting rankings ahead of Ashes
Marnus Labuschagne retains top spot, with team-mates Steve Smith and Travis Head moving up to second and third respectively.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Australia will head into the men’s Ashes series with their players filling the top three slots in the world Test batting rankings.
In the latest weekly update from the International Cricket Council, Marnus Labuschagne retains top spot with team-mates Steve Smith and Travis Head moving up to second and third respectively.
Smith climbs from third after his century in Australia’s World Test Championship final win over India, while Head rises from sixth after his player-of-the-match 163 in the same game at The Oval.
It is the first time since 1984, when the West Indian trio of Gordon Greenidge, Clive Lloyd and Larry Gomes were the occupants, that the top three positions have been provided by the same team.
Joe Root is the highest England batter in sixth.
Australia spinner Nathan Lyon has moved up to sixth in the bowling rankings after taking five wickets in the match against India. His captain Pat Cummins remains third, with England’s James Anderson second.
The first Ashes Test begins at Edgbaston on Friday.