ICC Test Rankings 2024: Team And Player Rankings [Top 10] ahead of India vs South Africa 2nd Test Match

ICC Test Rankings 2024: Team and Player Rankings [Top 10] Prior to the 2nd Test Match between India and South Africa. India will face a resurgent South Africa in the second Test starting January 3rd in Cape Town. Virat Kohli, looking revitalised, led the training session while captain Rohit Sharma and some key players rested. India desperately needs a collective batting effort to level the series, knowing any further slip could hand South Africa an unassailable lead. This Cape Town battle promises to be a fierce one, with both teams hungry for different reasons.

Test cricket, the pinnacle format of the gentleman’s game, continues to enthral fans across the globe. In this arena of sustained battles and epic narratives, the International Cricket Council (ICC) rankings provide a snapshot of which teams and players reign supreme. Let’s delve into the current landscape of ICC Test cricket rankings

At the top of the pile stands India, the undisputed kings of Test cricket with a comfortable lead over second-placed Australia. The Men in Blue’s recent dominance, including a historic series win in England, has cemented their position as the team to beat. Australia, however, are hot on their heels, having consistently put up strong performances in recent times.

England sits at a respectable third, showcasing their resurgence under the leadership of Ben Stokes. South Africa, with their potent bowling attack and gritty batting lineup, occupy fourth place. The remainder of the top 10 features Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and West Indies, each vying for a climb up the ladder.

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ICC Test Rankings 2024 [Top 10]

ICC Test Team Rankings 2024 [Top 10] Before India vs South Africa:

Pos	Team	Matches	Pts	Rating
01	India	29	3434	118
02	Australia	30	3534	118
03	England	43	4941	115
04	South Africa	21	2182	104
05	New Zealand	26	2471	95
06	Pakistan	25	2304	92
07	Sri Lanka	27	2123	79
08	West Indies	28	2154	77
09	Bangladesh	22	1131	51
10	Zimbabwe	7	223	32

ICC Test Test Batsmen Rankings [Top 10] Before India vs South Africa:

Pos	Team	Players	Rating
01	NEW ZEALAND	Kane WILLIAMSON	864
02	ENGLAND	Joe ROOT	859
03	AUSTRALIA	Steven SMITH	820
04	NEW ZEALAND	Daryl MITCHELL	786
05	AUSTRALIA	Usman KHAWAJA	785
06	PAKISTAN	Babar AZAM	782
07	AUSTRALIA	Marnus LABUSCHAGNE	777
08	ENGLAND	Harry BROOK	773
09	INDIA	Virat KOHLI	761
10	AUSTRALIA	Travis HEAD	754

The batting rankings provide a thrilling narrative of individual brilliance. New Zealand’s Kane Williamson, the ever-reliable maestro, holds the top spot with a colossal 864 points. His elegant stroke-making and tactical acumen have him at the pinnacle of batting prowess.

Close behind is England’s Joe Root, another titan of the game. Root’s unwavering resilience and penchant for scoring big runs make him a constant threat. The ever-consistent Steve Smith of Australia completes the top 3, his technically sound batting a testament to his class.

The rest of the top 10 features a fascinating mix of experienced veterans and rising stars. Usman Khawaja of Australia, Babar Azam of Pakistan, Travis Head of Australia, and Daryl Mitchell of New Zealand are all established performers challenging for the top spots. Young guns like Harry Brook of England and Shubman Gill of India are also making their mark, injecting fresh energy into the rankings.

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ICC Men’s Test Bowler Rankings [Top 10] Before India vs South Africa

Pos	Team	Players	Rating
01	INDIA	Ravichandran ASHWIN	872
02	SOUTH AFRICA	Kagiso RABADA	854
03	AUSTRALIA	Pat CUMMINS	841
04	INDIA	Ravindra JADEJA	774
05	INDIA	Jasprit BUMRAH	767
06	ENGLAND	Ollie ROBINSON	762
07	ENGLAND	James ANDERSON	761
08	AUSTRALIA	Mitchell STARC	754
09	SRI LANKA	Prabath JAYASURIYA	751
10	AUSTRALIA	Nathan LYON	749

India’s spin maestro stands at the peak, Ravichandran Ashwin, with his 872 points and potent cocktail of guile. South Africa’s pace spearhead Kagiso Rabada, with his express pace and searing bouncers, lurks just behind at 854 points. Also, the duel between Ashwin’s cunning and Rabada’s raw power promises to be a defining narrative of the bowling landscape for years to come. 

Beyond the top four, the rankings unveil a tapestry of talent, both seasoned veterans and rising stars vying for their place in the sun. Jasprit Bumrah, England’s Ollie Robinson, Sri Lanka’s Prabath Jayasuriya, and Pakistan’s Shaheen Afridi are just a few of the names to watch. The future of Test cricket bowling is brimming with potential and poised to enthral fans for years to come.

ICC Men’s Test All-rounder Rankings [Top 10]

Pos	Team	Players	Rating
01	INDIA	Ravindra JADEJA	446
02	INDIA	Ravichandran ASHWIN	348
03	BANGLADESH	Shakib AL HASAN	320
04	ENGLAND	Ben STOKES	307
05	INDIA	Axar PATEL	291
06	ENGLAND	Joe ROOT	286
07	WEST INDIES	Jason HOLDER	280
08	SOUTH AFRICA	Marco JANSEN	268
09	WEST INDIES	Kyle MAYERS	240
10	AUSTRALIA	Mitchell STARC	235

The all-rounder rankings offer a glimpse into players who excel in batting and bowling. India’s Ravindra Jadeja, the ultimate “complete cricketer,” dominates the scene with 446 points. His exceptional spin bowling, coupled with his solid batting performances, make him a true force to be reckoned with.

Ravichandran Ashwin, his spin-bowling partner, sits close behind in second place. The duo’s formidable partnership gives India a significant edge in the all-rounder department. However, Shakib Al Hasan, the talismanic Bangladeshi all-rounder, rounds out the top 3, his belligerent batting and skilful swing bowling making him a constant threat.

Moreover, Ben Stokes of England, Axar Patel of India, and Mitchell Starc of Australia are other notable names in the top 10, constantly pushing the boundaries of all-round excellence.

Check ICC official website for latest rankings.