England's young gun Harry Brook has made a significant leap in the latest ICC Men's Test Batting Rankings, surpassing Australian veterans Steve Smith and Travis Head. The shift comes as both teams prepare for the fifth and final Ashes Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
Shake-Up at the Top of the ICC Rankings
The International Cricket Council confirmed the major reshuffle following the dramatic two-day finish to the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Harry Brook, aged 26, has now climbed to second place globally, sitting behind only his compatriot Joe Root, who retains the top spot.
New Zealand's Kane Williamson now occupies third position, with the Australian pair of Travis Head and Steve Smith dropping to fourth and fifth respectively. This is a notable shift despite Brook registering just one half-century so far in the current Ashes series.
Bowlers Also Make Moves After MCG Chaos
The low-scoring, fast-paced match in Melbourne also led to significant movement in the bowling rankings. England's Josh Tongue was a major beneficiary after his match-winning performance.
Tongue, named Player of the Match for his figures of 5-45 and 2-44, has soared to a career-high 30th in the world. On the Australian side, Mitchell Starc has risen to second in the bowling rankings, overtaking captain Pat Cummins, who slipped to fourth due to being sidelined with injury.
Final Ashes Showdown Looms at the SCG
Both squads were scheduled to train at the SCG on New Year's Day ahead of the series finale, which begins on Sunday. Although Australia has already retained the Ashes urn by winning the series, the home side is determined to bounce back from their poor batting display in Melbourne.
That fourth Test loss marked a rare blemish on Australia's otherwise dominant home record this summer. England, buoyed by their comprehensive victory, will be aiming to secure another win and end the tour on a high note before returning home.
The stage is set for a compelling final chapter in this Ashes saga, with individual pride and crucial ICC ranking points still on the line at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
