Three Australians firmly at the top of the ICC men's Test batting rankings
On the eve of the Ashes series, three Australian batters occupy the top three spots of the men's Test batting rankings.
Marnus Labuschagne.<p>England claim to bat deep, but Australia clearly bat big as their top three batters are in sizzling form.</p>
<p>In the latest weekly update from the International Cricket Council, Marnus Labuschagne retains top spot with teammates Steve Smith and Travis Head moving up to second and third respectively.</p>
<p>Smith climbs from third after his century in Australia's World Test Championship final win over India, while Head rises from sixth after his player-of-the-match 163 in the same game at The Oval.</p>
<p>It is the first time since 1984, when the West Indian trio of Gordon Greenidge, Clive Lloyd and Larry Gomes were the occupants, that the top three positions have been provided by the same team.</p>
<p>Joe Root is the highest England batter in sixth.</p>
<p>Australia spinner Nathan Lyon has moved up to sixth in the bowling rankings after taking five wickets in the match against India. His captain Pat Cummins remains third, with England's James Anderson second.</p>
<p>The first Ashes Test begins at Edgbaston on Friday.</p>
<p>The article <a href="https://www.planetsport.com/cricket/news/top-pops-three-australians-firmly-top-icc-mens-test-batting-rankings">Top of the Pops: Three Australians firmly at the top of the ICC men's Test batting rankings </a> appeared first on Planetsport.com.</p>