Ravichandran Ashwin
Ravichandran Ashwin. Image Credit- Twitter

India spin spearhead Ravichandran Ashwin and James Anderson have become the joint top Test bowlers in the world as per the latest ICC Test Rankings for bowlers. The ICC confirmed the development on Wednesday (March 8).

Ravichandran Ashwin, England’s James Anderson and Australia’s Pat Cummins have been involved in a close three-way race for the number one rankings in the ICC Test Rankings for bowlers. Recently, Anderson replaced Cummins at the top of the list before Ashwin replaced the England pacer earlier this month

In the latest turn of events, Anderson and Ashwin are now the highest-ranked Test bowlers in the world. It all happened after Ashwin dropped six rating points after picking up four wickets during the third Test of the ongoing series against Australia.

Ashwin and Anderson now have a total of 859 rating points. As far as Cummins is concerned, his rating points have dropped to 849 as he continues to miss action on the field. The Australia skipper missed the third Test against India to be with his ill mother and will miss the fourth and final Test of the series too.

Pat Cummins
Pat Cummins (Credits: Twitter)

ICC Test Rankings:

With Ashwin and Anderson at the top, Cummins is at the third spot in the ICC Test Rankings. Meanwhile, the trio could soon be joined by South Africa star Kagiso Rabada in the fierce race for the number one spot. The former number one Test bowler has jumped three spots to fourth rank.

Rabada made the gain after taking eight wickets during South Africa’s 87-run victory over the West Indies during the first Test at Centurion. In another significant move, Australia spin spearhead Nathan Lyon has moved back into the top ten of ICC Test Rankings for bowlers after taking 11 wickets including 8 in the second innings during the third Test against India. He has improved five places to ninth overall.

Among batsmen, there has only been one change in the top ten. Australia opener Usman Khawaja has moved up two spots to the ninth rank after scoring a classy fifty against Indore.

Also Read: IND vs AUS 2023: Ahmedabad Test Could Be Steve Smith’s Last In India As He Drops Huge Hint