The cricketing world is abuzz following the latest ICC Men’s Test Batting Rankings update on July 9, 2025, with England’s Harry Brook seizing the top spot and India’s captain Shubman Gill making a monumental leap into the top 10. The rankings shake-up comes on the heels of a thrilling second Test at Edgbaston, part of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, where India secured a commanding 336-run victory over England, leveling the five-match series 1-1. Stellar performances from Brook, Gill, and others have reshaped the batting charts, while bowlers and all-rounders also saw significant gains. Here’s a deep dive into the rankings update, the standout performances, and what they mean for the future of Test cricket.
Harry Brook Ascends to World No.1
England’s dynamic middle-order batter Harry Brook has reclaimed the No.1 spot in the ICC Test Batting Rankings, dethroning teammate Joe Root after a sensational 158-run knock in the first innings at Edgbaston. Brook, with a rating of 886 points, now leads Root by 18 points, marking his return to the top position he briefly held in December 2024. His aggressive, Bazball-inspired batting has been a cornerstone of England’s Test resurgence, and this performance underscores his growing stature as a generational talent.
Brook’s 158, scored under pressure at 84 for 5, showcased his flair and resilience, rescuing England alongside wicketkeeper Jamie Smith. His ability to dominate bowlers with a strike rate often exceeding 90 has made him a standout in modern Test cricket. Brook’s rise to No.1 reflects his consistency, having scored 468 runs at an average of 93.6 in Pakistan and leading England’s run charts in New Zealand earlier this year. As England prepares for the third Test at Lord’s, Brook’s form will be crucial in their bid to regain series momentum.
Shubman Gill’s Historic Edgbaston Heroics
India’s captain Shubman Gill delivered a performance for the ages at Edgbaston, propelling him 15 places to a career-best No.6 in the ICC Test Batting Rankings with 807 rating points. Gill’s monumental 269 and 161 in the two innings made him only the second player in Test history to score over 150 in both innings of a match, following Graham Gooch. His match aggregate of 430 runs is the second-highest in Test history, surpassed only by Gooch’s 456 in 1990. This feat also set a new benchmark for the highest score by an Indian captain in Tests, eclipsing Virat Kohli’s 254, and the highest by an Indian batter outside Asia, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar’s 241* in 2004.
Gill, who started the series ranked 23rd, has now amassed 585 runs in two Tests at an astonishing average of 146.25, including three centuries. His transformation as a Test batter and leader has silenced critics who questioned his overseas form, with his Edgbaston masterclass marking India’s first-ever win at the venue. Gill’s elegant strokeplay, combined with his newfound captaincy acumen, positions him just 79 rating points behind Brook, with only Root, Kane Williamson, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Steve Smith ahead of him in the rankings.
Other Notable Gains in the Batting Rankings
The Edgbaston Test was a showcase of batting brilliance, with several players making significant strides in the rankings:
- Jamie Smith (England): The wicketkeeper-batter soared 16 places to No.10, entering the top 10 for the first time with scores of 184 not out and 88. His partnership with Brook was pivotal in stabilizing England’s first innings, marking him as a rising star.
- Yashasvi Jaiswal (India): The young opener retained his No.4 spot with 858 rating points, bolstered by an 87 in the first innings at Edgbaston and a century in the series opener at Leeds.
- Rishabh Pant (India): Despite dropping one spot to No.8, Pant remains in the top 10, with his aggressive batting, including two hundreds and a fifty in the series, reinforcing his value.
- Ravindra Jadeja (India): The all-rounder climbed six places to No.39 after valuable contributions of 89 and 69 not out, showcasing his growing prowess with the bat.
Elsewhere, South Africa’s Wiaan Mulder made headlines with an unbeaten 367 against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo, jumping 34 spots to No.22 in the batting rankings and climbing to No.3 among Test all-rounders, trailing only Ravindra Jadeja and Joe Root.
Bowling and All-Rounder Rankings
The bowling rankings saw Jasprit Bumrah retain his No.1 position despite missing the Edgbaston Test for workload management. His compatriot Mohammed Siraj rose six spots to No.22 after claiming seven wickets in the match, while Akash Deep made a remarkable 39-place leap to a career-best No.45 with his maiden ten-wicket haul. West Indies pacers Shamar Joseph (up six to No.29) and Alzarri Joseph (up six to No.31) also gained ground after strong performances.
In the all-rounder rankings, Ravindra Jadeja maintained his lead at No.1, bolstered by his batting contributions and a wicket at Edgbaston. Wiaan Mulder’s triple-century and three wickets against Zimbabwe propelled him to No.3, highlighting his growing influence.
Context of the Edgbaston Test
The second Test at Edgbaston was a defining moment in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. India’s 336-run victory, their first at the venue, was powered by Gill’s record-breaking batting and a disciplined bowling effort led by Siraj and Akash Deep. Despite Brook and Smith’s heroics, England couldn’t counter India’s dominance on a flat pitch, raising questions about their Bazball approach under pressure. The series, now level at 1-1, heads to Lord’s for the third Test, where both teams will look to capitalize on their key players’ form.
Implications for the Future
Brook’s ascent to No.1 solidifies his status as England’s batting linchpin, but the pressure to maintain consistency will be immense, especially with Root, a proven performer, hot on his heels. For Gill, his meteoric rise signals a new era for Indian Test cricket, with the 25-year-old captain emerging as a leader and batter of exceptional promise. His ability to perform under pressure abroad bodes well for India’s World Test Championship aspirations.
The rankings update also reflects the emergence of young talent like Jamie Smith and the continued excellence of players like Jaiswal and Jadeja. As the India-England series progresses, the performances of these players will shape not only the series outcome but also the global Test cricket landscape.
Conclusion
The ICC Test Rankings update on July 9, 2025, captures the brilliance of the Edgbaston Test, with Harry Brook claiming the No.1 spot and Shubman Gill storming into the top 10. Their performances, alongside gains from Jamie Smith, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and others, highlight the depth of talent in Test cricket. As the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy heads to Lord’s, fans can expect more thrilling battles and potential rankings shifts. For the latest cricket updates, visit ICC’s official website or follow trusted sources like ESPNcricinfo and India Today. The stage is set for a blockbuster series, with Brook and Gill leading the charge
Last Updated on: Wednesday, July 9, 2025 5:04 pm by R Sampath Kumar | Published by: R Sampath Kumar on Wednesday, July 9, 2025 5:04 pm | News Categories: Sports
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