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Babar Azam Back in ICC Test Top 10 After 2 Years as Pakistan Get Major Boost Ahead of England Series…
Babar Azam has climbed back into the ICC Men’s Test batting top 10 after his crucial performance against the West Indies, while Shan Masood has returned to training ahead of Pakistan’s Test series against England.
There is finally some positive news for Pakistan cricket ahead of the team’s next major Test assignment.
Former captain and star batter Babar Azam has returned to the ICC Men’s Test batting rankings top 10, while captain Shan Masood has resumed training with the squad ahead of the upcoming series against England.
Babar’s rankings revival comes after Pakistan secured an impressive eight-wicket victory over the West Indies in Port of Spain, drawing their two-match World Test Championship series 1-1.
The right-handed batter played an important role in the victory, producing a crucial 88 in the first innings before finishing the match unbeaten on 24 during Pakistan’s successful run chase.
That performance was enough to push him five places higher in the latest rankings.
Babar Azam Returns to the Top 10
Babar has climbed to No. 10 in the latest ICC Test batting rankings.
It marks his return to the elite group for the first time since September 2024.
The achievement is particularly significant considering Babar spent five consecutive years inside the Test batting top 10 before eventually dropping out.
His highest-ever position in the format came in December 2022, when he reached No. 2.
Now, after a difficult period in Test cricket, the latest rankings movement offers the Pakistan star another opportunity to rebuild momentum.
His return could not have come at a better time, with Pakistan preparing for a challenging Test series in England.
Pakistan’s Caribbean Tour Brings More Ranking Gains
Babar was not the only Pakistan player to benefit from the team’s performance in the Caribbean.
Abdullah Shafique and Sajid Khan also made notable gains in the latest ICC rankings.
The improvement reflects Pakistan’s ability to bounce back after losing the opening Test and level the series in Port of Spain.
The victory was particularly valuable because Pakistan had not won an away Test match in three years.
With the England series now approaching, the Caribbean campaign has provided the team with some much-needed confidence.
Who Leads the Test Rankings?
At the top of the Test batting rankings, Australia’s Travis Head continues to hold the No. 1 position.
Meanwhile, India’s Jasprit Bumrah remains the leading Test bowler.
In the all-rounders’ category, Ravindra Jadeja continues to occupy the No. 1 spot.
The rankings underline the strength of competition among the world’s leading Test players, with Pakistan now hoping Babar’s return to the top 10 can translate into more match-winning performances.
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Shan Masood Returns to Training
Pakistan have received another encouraging update ahead of the England series.
Captain Shan Masood has returned to training with the squad at Beckenham after recovering from a finger injury.
Masood suffered the injury during the opening Test against the West Indies and consequently missed the second match.
His return to training is an important development for Pakistan, particularly with the first Test against England scheduled to begin in Leeds on August 19.
The Pakistan team will now be hoping Masood can complete his recovery and prove his fitness in time for the opening match.
A Timely Boost Before England
The return of both Babar’s form and Masood’s fitness could provide Pakistan with a significant boost.
The team will enter the England series after successfully recovering from a disappointing start in the Caribbean.
Babar’s return to the Test top 10 suggests that his confidence is moving in the right direction, while Masood’s return gives Pakistan another experienced batter ahead of a difficult overseas assignment.
England, meanwhile, will provide a much tougher challenge.
For Pakistan, the objective will be to carry the confidence gained in the West Indies into England — and turn individual improvements into a strong team performance.
The first Test in Leeds on August 19 could therefore mark the beginning of an important chapter for Babar, Masood and Pakistan’s Test campaign.
