England’s Joe Root Retains Top Spot as ICC Men’s Test Batting Rankings Updated

Root remains firmly in command with a rating of 898, supported by his career-best 932, achieved against Pakistan in Multan in 2024. His consistency has once again set the standard for Test batting, reinforcing his stature as one of the format’s finest modern-day performers.

Just below him sits New Zealand captain Kane Williamson, climbing to the second position with 827 rating points. Williamson, known for his technical mastery and calm temperament, previously achieved a career-high 919 against Pakistan at Christchurch in 2021. Australia’s Steve Smith, who held the second spot earlier, now occupies third with 823, maintaining an elite career-best of 947, recorded against South Africa at Durban in 2018—still one of the highest-ever ratings for a Test batter.

In fourth place, England’s rising star Harry Brook continues to showcase his growing influence in Test cricket. Brook stands at 820, with his peak rating of 898 earned against New Zealand at Wellington in 2024. Sri Lanka’s Kamindu Mendis follows at fifth with 781, having reached a career-best 784 earlier this year against Bangladesh in Galle.

South Africa’s Temba Bavuma moves to sixth with a rating of 775, supported by his career-high 806 achieved against Australia at Lord’s in 2025. He is closely trailed by Australian batter Travis Head, now seventh with 774. Head’s explosive style previously earned him an impressive career-best 884 versus India at The Oval in 2023.

India’s Yashasvi Jaiswal, continuing to solidify his place in the format, sits eighth with 750 rating points. His brightest peak came in 2025 with a stellar 858 against England at Edgbaston. New Zealand’s Daryl Mitchell follows in ninth place with 741, backed by a career-best 804 against Bangladesh at Sylhet in 2023.

The tenth position is held by Pakistan’s Saud Shakeel, who registers 734, with a previous high of 764 earned against South Africa at Centurion in 2024. His entry into the top ten reflects Pakistan’s growing depth in Test batting.

As the Test arena enters another packed season, these latest rankings highlight the balance of skill and endurance required to stay among the world’s best. With upcoming series poised to challenge even the most experienced batters, the current standings offer a compelling snapshot of cricket’s evolving global hierarchy—and a reminder of the fierce rivalry driving the sport forward.