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.
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