Ravichandran Ashwin inches closer to James Anderson in ICC Test Rankings

Veteran India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has closed the gap for the No. 1 spot in the ICC Test Bowling Rankings. Ashwin moved to the second spot and is just two points behind English pace sensation James Anderson, who currently holds the top spot in the rankings. 

Anderson overtook Australia skipper Pat Cummins following his seven-wicket haul masterclass against New Zealand which led to their 267-run win in the first Test at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui. In addition to this, he also became the oldest player (40 years and 207 days) to top the rankings since Australia spinner Clarrie Grimmett.

Meanwhile, Ashwin outfoxed the Aussies recently as he racked up 14 wickets across the two Tests in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy. It immediately caused movements in the rankings as Ashwin climbed from the fourth spot to no. 2 in ICC Test Rankings with 864 rating points. 

On the other hand, newly crowned No. 1, Anderson, has 866 points which is just two more than the Indian offie. It is worth mentioning that India are yet to play two more red-ball clashes against Australia in March to conclude the four-match series. While Ashwin will look to play a prominent role and get wickets to his name, it remains to be seen if the veteran offie is able to displace Anderson from the top spot in the rankings.

India aim to seal WTC 2021-23 Final berth

After a complete annihilation in Delhi, India have taken an unassailable 2-0 lead in the four-match Test series to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The home side also put a screeching halt to Australia’s back-to-back wins which came against the West Indies and South Africa in the Test series. 

With a 2-0 lead in the series, team India is just one win away from cementing their spot in the summit clash of the ICC World Test Championship 2021-23 cycle. Rohit Sharma and Co. will be on the lookout to seal the series and claim their berth in the finals of the global ICC event.