Kane Williamson becomes the new number 1 ranked Test batter

Ahead of the second Test featuring England and Australia at the Home of Cricket, Joe Root was the top-ranked batter in Test cricket. However, according to the latest release by the International Cricket Council, the right-hander has slipped to number five in the rankings after registering scores of 10 and 18 in England's 43-run defeat. 

The 32-year-old has been dethroned from the top spot by Kane Williamson, who is just one point ahead of Steve Smith. The Aussie batter was the player of the match in the second game for his scintillating century that powered the visiting side to a win. 

Smith is followed by Marnus Labuschagne and Travis Head at number three and four, respectively.

According to the release, this is the sixth stint at the top for Williamson, who first attained the number one position in November 2015 and was last at the top in August 2021. 

The New Zealand skipper is currently recovering from a knee injury and has not played any competitive cricket since Gujarat Titan's opening match of the Indian Premier League against Chennai Super Kings on March 31. 

In the bowling department, Aussie skipper Pat Cummins has moved up to second position among bowlers after grabbing four wickets in the match, while left-arm seamer Mitchell Starc has moved to 14th position after his six scalps.