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England's Harry Brook goes top of ICC Test batting rankings as Travis Head falls after Australia's shock Bangladesh defeat

Harry Brook moves top of ICC men's Test batting rankings for fourth time; Australia's Travis Head drops down to fourth, with Joe Root second and Steve Smith third; watch the first Test between England and Pakistan at Headingley, live on Sky Sports from Wednesday

Wednesday 19 August 2026 10:59, UK

England's Harry Brook has returned to the top of the ICC men's Test batting rankings
Image: England's Harry Brook has returned to the top of the ICC men's Test batting rankings

England batter Harry Brook has returned to the top of the ICC men's Test batting rankings, with Australia's Travis Head dropping down after a couple of low scores in their shock Test defeat to Bangladesh.

It is Brook's fourth stint at No 1, coming as England's new era under returning captain Joe Root gets under way with the first Test of the three-match series against Pakistan at Headingley - live on Sky Sports.

Brook first claimed top spot in December 2024.

Steve Smith has moved up to third after being one of Australia's rare bright spots during their Test defeat to Bangladesh at Darwin
Image: Steve Smith has moved up to third after being one of Australia's rare bright spots during their Test defeat to Bangladesh at Darwin

Joe Root and Steve Smith have also overtaken Head in the rankings, with Smith scoring 71 and 44 in that Test defeat to Bangladesh in Darwin to move into third position.

Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto has reached a career-best 20th position, with his knock of 84 in his only innings lifting him nine places and above the likes of India all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja and compatriot Litton Das.

Cameron Green's second-innings century has seen him to advance five positions to 30th.

'Hugely supportive' Brook to remain vice-captain

Brook, despite serving as vice-captain, was overlooked for the England Test captaincy in favour of Root following Ben Stokes' international retirement during the final match of the series defeat to New Zealand earlier this summer.

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Speaking on the Sky Sports Cricket Podcast Nasser Hussain, believes Harry Brook is a 'very good captain' but need the 'mature Harry to come out' after his England Test captaincy snub.

Root confirmed Brook will continue in the role for the Pakistan series and insisted the pair's bond remains strong.

"Our relationship is exactly as it has been for a long time," Root said on Tuesday. "Me and Harry are very good friends and get along well away from cricket, and clearly get the best out of each other when playing together.

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Joe Root says that he feels as ready as any other England captain to have gone before ahead of his second tenure as England Test cricket captain.

"He's been hugely supportive. I fully feel like he's got my back, as the rest of the guys do. He's going to be invaluable.

"He's done some brilliant things already within the white-ball space. He's a brilliant leader within the group and the fact he's not captain, that shouldn't be taken away from him."

Watch the first Test between England and Pakistan, at Headingley, live on Sky Sports from Wednesday, August 19. Stream cricket and more sport contract-free with NOW

England vs Pakistan Test series fixtures

  • First Test (Headingley) - Wednesday August 19 - Sunday August 23 (first ball 11am)
  • Second Test (Lord's) - Thursday August 27 - Monday August 31 (first ball 11am)
  • Third Test (Edgbaston) - Wednesday September 9 - Sunday September 13 (first ball 11am)

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