Root replaces Labuschagne as No.1 Test batter

Joe Root has replaced Marnus Labuschagne as the new No.1 ranked Test batsman in the latest ICC Men's Test batting rankings released on Wednesday.

Australia star Labuschagne has occupied No 1 spot for six months, but a slow start to 2023 has seen him lose his status as the best batter in the world and Root has snatched the position from his Ashes rival, according to British daily newspaper The Daily Mail.

The England star bagged his 30th Test century in the dramatic first Test in Birmingham and registered scores of 118* and 46 in a losing cause for Ben Stokes's side.

Those efforts haver seen the 32-year-old climb five places to regain his place as the No 1 batter on the planet.

Before a ball was bowled, Labuschagne and Aussie teammates Steve Smith and Travis Head occupied the top three spots.

However, Labuschagne scored 0 and 13 while Smith and Head failed to make big totals at Edgbaston. Labuschagne now occupies third spot, while Smith falls to No 6 and Head is at No 4.

New Zealand star Kane Williamson has risen two places to No 2 in the world.

Veteran opener Usman Khawaja took home the Player of the Match prize after he struck his first ton in England before piling on the runs in the second innings chase, and he has risen to No 7 in the rankings.

In the standings for the bowlers, there wasn't as much movement with Ravichandran Ashwin maintain No 1 status.

Jimmy Anderson had a quiet Test at Edgbaston but was not dislodged from No 2, while Pat Cummins dropped a place to No 4, with Kagiso Rabada moving up to No 3.