According to the new ICC ODI Rankings for batters, Shubman Gill has 823 rating points and is now just 6 points away from dethroning Babar Azam from the top.
Shubman Gill is now just 6 points away from dethroning Babar Azam from the top. Image- India Today
Talking about Gill, he is having a dream run especially in the ODI format in 2023. He slammed his hundred during India's Super Four game versus Bangladesh in the Asia Cup and already has over 1,000 runs in the format in the calendar year. He will look to add more to his tally in the ICC ODI World Cup 2023.
Meanwhile, the Pakistani skipper, Babar Azam is going through a lean patch and was out for 10 and 5 against Sri Lanka and the Netherlands respectively in the two ODI World Cup 2023 matches.
On the other hand, Virat Kohli also climbed a place to the 6th spot while Rohit Sharma is at 8th position in the latest ICC ODI rankings for batters.
At the same time Quinton de Kock and Heinrich Klaasen surged into the top 5 of the ICC ODI rankings following their outstanding performance in the ICC ODI World Cup 2023.
Joe Root scored his 38th Test Century on the third day of the fourth Test between England and India in Manchester. He is now the batsman with the most test centuries for England.
The Nation England has produced some extraordinary Batsmen in Cricket. They have impressed Cricket fans from all over the world with their achievements and glory. The test is considered the Best Format in Cricket. England has & had some players who are the best among many in the world of Test Cricket. Sir Jack Hobbs is considered the Best Test Batsman for England in Tests. He has scored 5410 runs in just 102 innings with 15 centuries and 28 half-centuries.
In recent times of greats, Joe Root has proven himself one of the greatest if not the greatest for England in Test Format as he has every right due to his achievements. Now, Let's give a look at the list of the Top 5 Batsmen with the most test centuries for England.
Top 5 Batsmen with the Most Test Centuries for England:
1. Joe Root | 38 Centuries
England batter Joe Root has written his name in the history books for England in Test Format by bringing up his 38th Test hundred on the third day of the fourth Test between England and India in Manchester. With this century, Root also climbed to second on the all time list of Test run-scorers. Moreover, he also overtook Graham Gooch as the highest run-scorer at Lord's in international cricket.
Root made his debut in 2012 against team India and since then he has played 157* test matches. He has scored 13,409 runs with an average of 51.17.
2. Alastair Cook | 33 Centuries
Image - ICC
Alastair Cook was one of the greats in Test Cricket of his generation. He made his debut against India in 2006 for the national team in Test Cricket. Cook played 161 Test matches in which he batted 291 innings. He scored 12,472 runs with an average of 45.35. His highest score was 294 and he made 33 centuries and 57 half-centuries for his team. Cook played his last Test Match against India in 2018.
Kevin Pietersen has proved himself across every format for England. He made his Test debut in 2005 against the Australian side at Lords. Pietersen played 104 test matches, in which he scored 8181 runs with an average of 47.29. He played his last test match against Australia in 2014. Kevin Pietersen is third on the list with 23 Centuries.
The judgment of cricket history is that the greatest batsmen the game has known are - WG Grace, Jack Hobbs, Walter Hammond, and Don Bradman. Others may come close indeed to those four but do not quite take place with them. Hammond made his test debut against South Africa in 1927. He played 85 test matches and scored 7249 runs with an average of 58.45. He is 4th on the list with 22 test centuries. The Great Walter Hammond played his last Test match against New Zealand in 1947.
Colin Cowdrey mostly known as Michael Cowdrey played Cricket for 21 years, One of the most durable batsmen in the history of Test Cricket. Cowdrey made his test debut in 1954 against the Aussies and played 114 matches, scoring 7624 runs with an average of 44.06. He is 5th on the list with the same no as Wally Hammond, 22 centuries. Michael Cowdrey played his last test match in 1975 against the Australian side.
Top 10 Players with the Most Centuries in Test Cricket for England:
Explore the elite list of most test centuries in cricket history, led by Sachin Tendulkar. See how Joe Root is rapidly climbing to challenge the records set by legends like Ponting and others.
The battle of supremacy in Test centuries has come a long way in cricket history. Some early established test records, defined by batting greatness, are nearly impossible to imagine being surpassed. The record for most test centuries in cricket history is one of them.
This prestigious list consists of legendary batters around the globe who have shaped the golden era of test cricket with their run-scoring consistency and centuries.
Discover the complete list of players with the most test centuries in cricket history and embrace their legacies.
Most Test Centuries in Cricket History
1. Sachin Tendulkar (IND) | 51 centuries
Sachin Tendulkar celebrates his 30th Test century in 2002. Image | ESPNcricinfo
The 'Little Master' Sachin Tendulkar stands right at the top with 51 test centuries in his career, spanning from 1989 to 2013. His career was a saga of brilliance against every bowling attack in every condition.
From being the youngest Indian to score a Test century at the age of 17 years and 109 days in 1990, to ending up having the most test centuries in cricket history, Tendulkar has achieved it all!
He has consistently scored tons, becoming the first and only player to ever cross the fifty-mark in test centuries. These numbers let us believe that maybe some records can never be broken.
Jacques Kallis celebrates his 40th test century in 2011. Image | Mint
The legendary all-rounder, Jacques Kallis, graced the longest format from 1995 to 2013, amassing 45 test centuries. He is the only South African to feature at the top of this list and to have scored more than 30 test centuries.
Apart from personal milestones, his hundreds were often foundational blocks for South Africa's innings in the game. He provided the key balance the team needed, contributing to secure a win or draw.
3. Ricky Ponting (AUS) | 41 centuries
Ricky Ponting celebrates his 40th test century against India in 2012. Image | Pinterest
Ricky Ponting, the former Australian captain, led Australia through a golden era, scoring 41 centuries between 1995 to 2012. Known for his aggressive yet classy style, he thrived especially in big matches, putting the opposition under pressure.
One of the memorable moments in his century collection is the twin centuries during his 100th test match against South Africa in Sydney. This came in 2006, where Ponting scored back-to-back 120 and 142* in two innings.
He is the 3rd batter to go 40+ in the list of most test centuries in cricket history.
Kumar Sangakkara celebrates his first century at the Lord's Cricket Ground in 2014. Image | Sky Sports
The Sri Lankan batting maestro, Kumar Sangakkara, is a perfect example of elegance and power blended together. His ability to score big placed him in the top 5 of most test centuries in cricket history.
Sangakkara scored 38 test centuries from 2000 to 2015. One of his defining moments in his career was his 287 runs against South Africa in 2006. This knock was a part of the record-breaking partnership of 624 runs with his teammate, Mahela Jayawardene.
5. Joe Root (ENG) | 38 centuries
England's highest scorer in tests, Joe Root, has scored 38 test centuries so far, equaling Sangakkara's record with his flourishing career still ongoing. He has scored the most number of hundreds for his nation.
He reached his 38th test century in 2025 against India, during the 4th test of their series. Root is currently the World's No. 1 in the ICC Test batter rankings, and the only player in the top 5 of this list who has not yet retired.
Root's fiery form is a clear indication of him soaring higher in all charts of test cricket records, setting the standards for generations to come.
Here's the tabular breakdown of the Top 20 players having the most test centuries in cricket history, featuring 6 players from Australia, 4 from India, and several other cricketing nations.
ENG vs IND 4th Test: Rishabh Pant to available for batting; Jurel will do wicketkeeping
India vice-captain Rishabh Pant, on Thursday, joined the Indian camp at the Old Trafford ground on Day 2 of the ongoing ENG vs IND fourth Test, a day after he sustained a foot injury.
Indian team's star wicketkeeper batsman Rishabh Pant will be available to bat. However, he will not do wicketkeeping. Dhruv Jurel will take over wicketkeeping in his place. BCCI confirmed this news on Thursday through their X handle.
India vice-captain Rishabh Pant, on Thursday, joined the Indian camp at the Old Trafford ground on Day 2 of the ongoing ENG vs IND fourth Test, a day after he sustained a foot injury.
“Rishabh Pant, who sustained an injury to his right foot on Day 1 of the Manchester Test, will not be performing wicket-keeping duties for the remainder of the match. Dhruv Jurel will assume the role of wicket-keeper. Despite his injury, Rishabh Pant has joined the team on Day 2 and will be available to bat as per team requirements,” BCCI wrote.
𝗨𝗽𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲: Rishabh Pant, who sustained an injury to his right foot on Day 1 of the Manchester Test, will not be performing wicket-keeping duties for the remainder of the match. Dhruv Jurel will assume the role of wicket-keeper.
However, the board has not said whether he is out of the series or not. Earlier, news agency PTI had informed that Pant is out of the remaining series.
Pant looked in a lot of pain
Pant was batting on 37 runs in the first innings when the ball hit his foot while attempting a reverse sweep. In the 68th over of the Indian innings, a ball from Chris Woakes hit his right leg. After this, he lay down on the ground and looked in a lot of pain.
Even when the physio arrived, he was seen groaning in pain. Then an attempt was made to lift him up and take him away, but he could not walk. Then he was taken to the ambulance. Blood was seen oozing from Pant's right leg, and there was a lot of swelling in that part of the body.
Post stumps, Pant was taken for scans, which confirmed a toe fracture.
“Yes, Rishabh Pant is ruled out of the series. He went for scans last night, and the reports have revealed a toe fracture. There is just no chance of him batting as he is in a lot of pain right now.” Source said.
Jurel to keep the wickets
The board may also ask KL Rahul to keep wickets, but he has not performed this responsibility since the South Africa tour in the 2023-24 season. The team's other wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel was not included in the playing XI for the fourth Test match.
This is the second time Pant has suffered an injury in the series. He injured his finger while wicketkeeping during the third Test at Lord's due to which he was unable to keep wickets in England's second innings. Dhruv Jurel had kept wicket as a replacement then. He will be seen keeping wicket in place of Pant in the ENG vs IND 4th test as well.
Can Jurel bat for Rishabh Pant? Former England captain wants 'like for like subs' option for first innings injuries
Former England captain Michael Vaughan voted for a 'like-for-like sub' option in test cricket, which would allow Dhruv Jurel to bat in place of Rishabh Pant in the second inning.
Former England captain Michael Vaughan has raised his voice appealing for a 'like-for-like sub' option in test cricket, even if the injury is not a head injury. Vaughan took to social media, X and voted for the change in rules in test cricket.
During the first day of the England vs India, 4th test in Manchester, Rishabh Pant got injured while attempting a reverse sweep against pacer Chris Woakes. Woakes' ball hit Pant's right foot on the full toss, and Pant had to retire hurt in severe pain.
Pant's feet after the injury. Image | ESPN Cricinfo
The concerning photos showed that there was a big cut on Pant's feet and it was bleeding heavily. The Indian wicket-keeper batter was taken away on a buggy and quickly sent for a scan. On Thursday, the reports suggested that Pant would be ruled out of the whole test match due to a fractured toe and would need at least six weeks of rest to recover. Ishan Kishan, who has been playing county cricket for Nottinghamshire, will be added to the Indian squad for the fifth test.
Can Jurel bat for Rishabh Pant in the second inning?
Dhruv Jurel kept the wicket in the Lord's test when Pant had injured his fingers. Image | Cricbuzz on X
Now the question is that can anyone bat in place of Rishabh Pant in the second inning of the fourth test? Unfortunately, NO.
As per the current rule, a like-for-like substitution is only allowed in the case of head injuries. If a player gets hit on the head, teams are allowed to name a like-for-like substitute nomination, and if the match referee agrees, that player is substituted.
The first player to be used as a concussion substitute in Test cricket was Marnus Labuschagne. He replaced Steve Smith during the 2019 Ashes series after Smith was struck on the neck by a bouncer from Jofra Archer.
Former England captain Michael Vaughan now wants a change to that rule. Even apart from the head injuries, Vaughan wants the like-for-like substitute option available if anyone gets injured during the first inning of a test match.
"Clear and obvious injuries in the first innings of Tests, we should allow like for like Subs .. we have concussion subs so surely we can have subs for injuries like Rishabhs," Vaughn Tweeted.
Clear and obvious injuries in the first innings of Tests we should allow like for like Subs .. we have concussion subs so surely we can have subs for injuries like Rishabhs .. https://t.co/MComKbHbyn
Why can this be beneficial for teams? So, if a pace bowler gets injured while bowling the first over of the test match, the team would be without a bowler for the whole test match, and the same goes for a batter as well, which is now the case with India and Rishabh Pant.
The change in the rule will allow someone with the same skill as the injured player can replace him/her during the second inning of the test match. This will bring parity to the teams, and fans can also enjoy a better test match. Now, as per the current rule, even though Dhruv Jurel can play as a substitute wicket-keeper, he will not be able to bat in the place of Rishabh Pant.
ENG vs IND 4th Test: 14 times in a row, Team India loses toss again, the odds of that are apparently 16,384-1
India's captain Shubman Gill lost the toss in the ENG vs IND fourth Test at Old Trafford. With Gill losing the toss, India have now lost 14 Test tosses in a row.
India's captain Shubman Gill lost the toss in the ENG vs IND fourth Test at Old Trafford. With Gill losing the toss, India have now lost 14 Test tosses in a row. The odds of that are, apparently, 16,384-1.
India is trailing the series 2-1 after a dramatic 22-run defeat at Lord’s.
India has lost the toss 14 times in a row since January 31, 2025. Earlier, this record was in the name of West Indies. West Indies had lost 12 consecutive tosses between February 2, 1999 and April 21, 1999. England is at number three in this list. England lost 11 consecutive tosses between December 17, 2022 and March 12, 2023.
Ben Stokes won the toss
England captain Ben Stokes won the toss on Wednesday and chose to field on an overcast morning in their crucial fourth Test against England at Old Trafford. History is against Stokes, though, as no team winning the toss and opting to bowl first has ever won a Test at Old Trafford.
India's result at Old Trafford
India has yet to win a Test at Old Trafford, having faced four defeats and five draws in nine previous matches at the Manchester ground.
India made three changes
India has made three changes in playing XI, with batsman Sai Sudharsan replacing Karun Nair, and Shardul Thakur and debutant Anshul Kamboj coming in for injured pacemen Nitish Kumar Reddy and Akash Deep.
Jasprit Bumrah was named to play by India. Before the ENG vs IND series commenced, it was announced that Bumrah, the world’s top-ranked Test bowler, would participate in only three of the five matches to safeguard his fitness following a back injury.
England had previously named their side, making just one change by recalling Liam Dawson for the left-arm spinner’s first Test in eight years after Shoaib Bashir suffered a series-ending finger injury at Lord’s.