Jason Holder and Ben Stokes make career-high gains in the latest MRF Tyres ICC Men's Test Player Rankings, following the conclusion of the first England v West Indies Test.
• Jason Holder attains best rating points for a West Indies bowler in two decades even as race with Ben Stokes for top spot among all-rounders promises to gain momentum
Captain Jason Holder has attained the highest points tally by any West Indies bowler in 20 years, reaching a career-best second place in the MRF Tyres ICC Men’s Test Player Rankings after playing a crucial role in his side’s four-wicket victory over England in Southampton that helped take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
“Holder, who picked seven wickets including a haul of six for 42 in the first innings, is now on a career-best 862 points, the best for any West Indies bowler since Courtney Walsh’s tally of 866 in August 2000.”
Holder retained 35th position among batsmen after the first Test and has also reached a career-best tally of 485 points at the top of the all-rounders’ list. The competition at the top promises to gain momentum as number-two Ben Stokes has also made huge gains to attain a career-best tally of 431 points, narrowing the lead from 66 to 54 points.
Stokes, leading the side in the absence of Joe Root, has equaled his career-high ninth position among batsmen that he achieved last November, after scores of 43 and 46 at the Ageas Bowl. He is now only one place behind Root. Stokes has also risen three places in the bowlers’ list to 23rd position with six wickets in the match.