Starc Dethrones Bumrah as New No. 1 Bowler in ICC Test Rankings

Australia’s veteran left-arm pacer Mitchell Starc has achieved a historic milestone, claiming the No. 1 spot in the ICC Men’s Test Bowling Rankings for the first time in his career at 36 years of age. Starc displaced Indian pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, who lost the top position after being ruled out of India’s two-match Test series against Sri Lanka due to fitness concerns.

ICC Test Bowling Rankings: Top Shifts

• Mitchell Starc (Australia): Jumped two places to secure the No. 1 spot with a rating of 872.
• Jasprit Bumrah (India): Slipped one place to No. 2 with a rating of 862 (down from 870).

Starc’s Match-Winning Spell Against Bangladesh

Starc’s rise to the summit comes on the back of an extraordinary performance in the recent two-match Test series against Bangladesh.

• First Test: Managed two wickets as Australia suffered a surprise defeat.
• Second Test: Delivered a match-winning 10-wicket haul to help Australia level the series:
  • 1st Innings: 6 wickets for just 12 runs.
  • 2nd Innings: 4 wickets for 39 runs.

This dominant display earned him maximum ranking points, pushing him past Bumrah to the top of the global charts.

Bumrah’s Absence Proves Costly

Jasprit Bumrah was initially named in the squad for the ongoing two-match Test series against Sri Lanka, subject to clearing fitness protocols. Failing to attain full match fitness in time forced him to sit out the entire series.

The absence resulted in a drop in ranking points from 870 to 862, ending his prolonged reign at the top. With India’s next Test assignment scheduled for November, Bumrah faces an extended wait before getting an opportunity to reclaim the world No. 1 ranking.