Babar, Rizwan slide as Saud Shakeel surges in ICC Test rankings

DUBAI: Pakistan’s disappointing performance at Lord’s has taken a heavy toll on several players in the latest ICC Test rankings, with Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan slipping significantly while Saud Shakeel made a remarkable jump.

The rankings were updated on Wednesday after Pakistan suffered a 194-run defeat against England in the second Test, giving the hosts an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.

Babar endured a difficult outing at Lord’s, managing only 14 runs across his two innings. His poor return saw him drop five places to 15th in the latest Test batting rankings.

Rizwan’s ranking suffered an even bigger fall. The wicketkeeper-batter scored just eight runs across both innings and slipped seven places to 33rd. He was subsequently sent back to Pakistan along with six other players following the second Test.

While several Pakistan batters went backwards, Saud Shakeel emerged as the biggest mover.

The left-hander produced a fighting 97 in Pakistan’s second innings at Lord’s, providing some resistance during an otherwise difficult Test for the visitors.

His performance earned him a huge 15-place rise, taking him to 18th in the ICC Test batting rankings.

Other Pakistan batters also suffered setbacks. Abdullah Shafique fell eight places to 35th, while former captain Shan Masood dropped three spots to 43rd.

Pakistan did receive some positive news in the bowling rankings, with veteran fast bowler Mohammad Abbas making significant progress.

Abbas was outstanding at Lord’s, claiming nine wickets in the match, including a five-wicket haul in England’s second innings.

His impressive figures were rewarded with a 10-place jump to 16th in the latest ICC Test bowling rankings.

The rankings changes underline Pakistan’s contrasting fortunes during the England series. While Babar, Rizwan and other established batters struggled to make an impact, Saud and Abbas managed to turn strong individual performances into significant gains.

With one Test still remaining, Pakistan will now look to finish the series strongly and give their key players an opportunity to rebuild confidence.