Babar Azam drops out of ICC Test top 10

Pakistan captain Babar Azam has suffered a significant setback in the latest ICC Test batting rankings, dropping out of the top 10 after slipping five places to 15th.

The latest rankings, released by the International Cricket Council on Wednesday, September 2, show England’s Harry Brook retaining the top position among Test batters. Australia’s Steve Smith climbed one place to second, while England’s Joe Root moved down to third.

Babar’s fall comes amid a difficult period for Pakistan’s Test side. His five-place drop highlights the impact of his recent performances and leaves him outside the elite group of the world’s leading Test batters.

Sri Lanka’s Kamindu Mendis was among the notable risers, moving up two places to 10th. Pakistan’s Saud Shakeel also made a major jump, climbing 15 places to 18th.

Several other Pakistani batters experienced declines. Mohammad Rizwan dropped seven places to 33rd, while Shan Masood slipped three places to 41st. Salman Ali Agha also fell three spots and now occupies 43rd position.

The movement in the rankings reflects the highly competitive nature of Test cricket, where even short runs of inconsistent form can lead to substantial changes.

Test Bowling Rankings

Australia’s Mitchell Starc continues to rule the Test bowling rankings, holding the No. 1 position. New Zealand’s Matt Henry moved up one place to second.

England’s Ollie Robinson was another major mover, climbing six places to fifth. Sri Lanka’s Asitha Fernando rose four spots to 11th, while England’s Josh Tong moved up four places to 13th.

Pakistan’s Mohammad Abbas currently sits at 15th.

England’s Gus Atkinson suffered one of the sharpest falls among the leading bowlers, dropping 10 places to 24th.

With Babar now outside the top 10, Pakistan will be hoping its senior players can rediscover their best form and climb the rankings in the matches ahead.