In the ICC Test Rankings, Ravichandran Ashwin draws closer to James Anderson.

Ravichandran Ashwin, a veteran India spinner, has reduced the gap for the top spot in the ICC Test Bowling Rankings. Ashwin is now ranked second and is only two points behind English pace phenom James Anderson, who is currently atop the rankings.

Anderson surpassed Australia captain Pat Cummins after his seven-wicket haul against New Zealand, which culminated to Australia’s 267-run victory in the first Test at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui. In addition, he became the oldest player to lead the rankings (40 years and 207 days) since Australia spinner Clarrie Grimmett.

During the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Ashwin recently outwitted the Australians by accumulating 14 wickets in the two Tests. That prompted quick changes in the rankings, with Ashwin rising from fourth to second in the ICC Test Rankings with 864 rating points.
On the other hand, recently crowned No. 1, Anderson, has 866 points which is just two more than the Indian offie. In March, India and Australia will play two more red-ball matches to cap the four-game series. Ashwin will attempt to play a significant role and take wickets, but it remains to be seen whether the veteran off-break bowler can unseat Anderson from the top spot in the rankings.

India hopes to secure a WTC 2021-23 Final spot.
India has taken an unassailable 2-0 lead in the four-match Test series to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy after a comprehensive victory in Delhi. The host side also put a sudden halt to Australia’s back-to-back wins which came against the West Indies and South Africa in the Test series.

With a 2-0 series lead, India is one victory away from securing a spot in the ICC World Test Championship 2021-23 cycle’s championship match. Rohit Sharma and Co. will be on the hunt to seal the series and secure their position in the finals of the global ICC event.