The Australia National Cricket Team has climbed to the forefront of the yearly ICC Men’s Test Team Rankings. Australia has been in incredible form in the longest aspect of the game, and they have put in a great effort under the new leadership of Pat Cummins.
Pat Cummins and men overcame Joe Root’s England in the Ashes at home before defeating Babar Azam’s Pakistan in Pakistan to defend their No. 1 spot in the Test Rankings and also the World Test Championship (WTC) Rankings.
“It is a well-deserved mark for Pat Cummins’ side, who most recently claimed a 1-0 series triumph over Pakistan away from home to ensure they remain at the top of the rankings and the World Test Championship”, ICC official statement read.
“The new rankings reflect all Test series completed since May 2019, with those completed prior to May 2021 weighted at 50% and subsequent series weighted at 100%”, ICC added.
ICC Men’s Test Ranking 2022
| POS | TEAM | MATCHES | POINTS | RATING |
| 1 | Australia | 19 | 2,439 | 128 |
| 2 | India | 23 | 2,736 | 119 |
| 3 | New Zealand | 23 | 2,552 | 111 |
| 4 | South Africa | 21 | 2,306 | 110 |
| 5 | Pakistan | 20 | 1,865 | 93 |
| 6 | England | 29 | 2,551 | 88 |
| 7 | Sri Lanka | 17 | 1,384 | 81 |
| 8 | West Indies | 22 | 1,685 | 77 |
| 9 | Bangladesh | 16 | 823 | 51 |
| 10 | Zimbabwe | 6 | 148 | 25 |
In the meantime, India (119), World Test Champions New Zealand (111), South Africa (110), & Pakistan (93) include the top five. In addition, England is ranked No. 6 with 88 points following a poor performance. There in the last 12 months, England has only won a solitary Test match.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) also declared that England’s performance has dropped significantly since 1995, following a series against India in 2018. However, the ranking can be strengthened and the three lions’ status in the standings can be increased in the upcoming series. According to the statement, the summary of the rankings will include England’s postponed test series versus India in July, last year.
“That new rating is the lowest mark England have dropped to since 1995, with their 4-1 series victory over India in 2018 now dropping from the rankings. However their rating could still improve over the coming months, with their postponed Test against India from last year to be held at Edgbaston in July, and the result of that match will be included in their current rating”, ICC added. “The rankings contain 10-teams, with Afghanistan and Ireland yet to play enough Tests to be included” the statement further added.
