Saeed Ajmal becomes World No. 2 Test bowler
Pakistan’s magical off-spinner Saeed Ajmal has claimed the second position in ICC Test ranking of bowlers. Australia skipper Michael Clarke has taken over Sri Lanka’s Kumar Sangakkara as No.1 Test batsman.
South Africa pacer Vernon Philander’s ordinary performance in the ongoing Test series in Australia became the reason of the elevation of Saeed Ajmal, who is the currently the top-ranked ODI and T20 bowler.
Philander arrived in Australia as No.2 Test bowler but failed to claim a single wicket in the drawn first Test in Brisbane. He missed the second Test in Adelaide due to back strain.
Though both Saeed Ajmal and Philander have equal 132 rating points but the former was ahead with a few frictional points. No other Pakistani bowler has been included in top-ten. South Africa’s Dale Styen is still present at the summit with 858 rating points.
Clarke retrieved his No.1 Test ranking after his record breaking 230 in the second Test against South Africa in Adelaide. It was Clarke’s fourth double hundred of the year, a feat which has been recorded for the first time.
Clarke, who had started the year in 20th position, moved past Sangakkara and South African duo Hashim Amla and Jacques Kallis to claim the top-spot with 890 points.
Shivnarine Chanderpaul, who slammed a double century and unbeaten 150 in the recently-concluded Test series in Bangladesh, has moved up to third place after rising two places.
England’s Alastair Cook and Kevin Pietersen have clinched the 6th and 7th positions respectively after slamming centuries in England’s series-leveling 10-wicket victory over India in second Test in Mumbai.
