Joe Root reclaims no. 1 spot in ICC Test rankings ahead of Trent Bridge decider against New Zealand

Joe Root has returned to the summit of the ICC Men's Test Batting Rankings, reclaiming the No. 1 position in the latest rankings released on June 24, 2026. The England batting stalwart dethroned teammate Harry Brook, who had occupied the top spot for just two weeks after overtaking Root on June 10. Root's return to the pinnacle marks the 12th time in his illustrious career that he has held the No. 1 ranking in Test cricket.

Root overtakes Brook and Head

The latest rankings update follows the conclusion of the second Test between England and New Zealand at The Oval. Although England suffered a crushing 253-run defeat, Root's scores of 46 and 77 proved enough to propel him back above both Harry Brook and Australia's Travis Head in the batting charts. Brook's reign at the top therefore comes to an end after a brief two-week stint, with Root once again establishing himself as the world's highest-ranked Test batter.

Trent Bridge decider awaits

Root will now have the opportunity to strengthen his grip on the No. 1 ranking when England take on New Zealand in the series-deciding third Test at Trent Bridge, Nottingham, beginning on June 25. With the three-match series level at 1-1, both sides head into the contest with plenty at stake.

England claimed the opening Test at Lord's by 115 runs before New Zealand responded emphatically with a dominant 253-run victory at The Oval, shifting momentum firmly in their favour ahead of the decider.

One of England's biggest concerns will be finding a way to counter New Zealand pace spearhead Matt Henry, who tore through the batting lineup at The Oval with a remarkable match haul of 11 wickets, including figures of 5/80 and 6/29. The hosts will also be eager to make amends in the World Test Championship standings after being docked 12 WTC points and fined 50 percent of their match fees for maintaining a slow over-rate during the second Test.