Clarke, Bell, Pietersen climb rankings
Australia captain Michael Clarke has climbed three positions to second in the International Cricket Council's rankings for Test batsmen, after an outstanding 187 in the drawn third Ashes fixture at Old Trafford.
Australia captain Michael Clarke has climbed three positions to second in the International Cricket Council's rankings for Test batsmen, after an outstanding 187 in the drawn third Ashes fixture at Old Trafford.
Clarke, who topped the rankings during the 2009 campaign, is a mere 20 points shy of surpassing South African opener Hashim Amla. England batsman Ian Bell and Kevin Pietersen, meanwhile, have moved to 10th and 14th position respectively.
Pietersen scored the 23rd century of his career in Manchester, surpassing the great Wally Hammond, Colin Cowdrey and Geoffrey Boycott to become the country's second-highest centurion. Only captain Alastair Cook has more, with 25. Bell, meanwhile, complemented last month's centuries at Lord's and Trent Bridge with a fine half-ton.
In the rankings for Test bowlers, Aussie seamer Ryan Harris has achieved a career-best 11th position, while host spinner Graeme Swann's match figures of six for 233 took him to sixth, ahead of team-mate James Anderson.
Proteas fast bowler Dale Steyn remains at the helm of the table, with fellow countryman Vernon Philander in second place – and Sri Lanka's Rangana Herath third.
Latest
-
NewsMP claims Yorkshire’s timing of Azeem Rafiq statement release left ‘a bad taste’
The county put out a summary of findings barely 15 minutes after England’s Test against India was called off.
-
NewsDog brings cricket match to a halt by playing fetch with ball
The interruption came as Bready took on CSNI in the semi-final of the women’s Clear Currency All-Ireland T20 Cup.
-
NewsBairstow, Woakes and Malan poised to pull out of Indian Premier League
Rajasthan Royals have already announced Jos Buttler will be absent for the remainder of the IPL.
-
NewsYorkshire accused of ‘lack of genuine contrition’ by MPs over Azeem Rafiq racism
The former Yorkshire players says the county are institutionally racist.
-
NewsKey questions answered as final Test between England and India is cancelled
India led 2-1 going into the final match of the series at Old Trafford.
-
NewsECB, India and Old Trafford in damage limitation mode after cancelled Test
Covid-19 concerns among the India backroom staff left the tourists unwilling to take to the field for the series decider.
-
News‘Gutted’ fans left counting cost after last-minute England v India cancellation
The match was cancelled just a few minutes before the gates opened at 9am.
-
NewsEngland and India seek to reschedule fifth Test following late cancellation
The Old Trafford clash fell a little more than two hours before it was due to start.
-
NewsYorkshire: ‘No question’ ex-player Azeem Rafiq was victim of racial harassment
Rafiq says the county are institutionally racist.
-
NewsSteve Harmison: England-India cancellation is beginning of end for Test cricket
Harmison believes the decision was motivated by the tourists wanting to get back for the Indian Premier League.