Labuschagne, however, will have a chance to regain top spot when Australia take on Sri Lanka in a two-match series later this month. Root’s immediate assignments following the New Zealand series include a one-off Test against India, as well as a three-match series against South Africa at home.
Babar, meanwhile, occupies top spot in both the men’s ODI and T20I rankings, having made 50-plus scores in six of his last seven international matches. Babar’s national team-mate Imam-ul-Haq moved to second on the ODI list, after scoring three half-centuries during the home series against West Indies. Imam, who was named the Player of the Series, jumped 20 rating points to move in front of Virat Kohli.
Boult remains on top of the ODI bowler rankings, but Australia seamer Josh Hazlewood and New Zealand pacer Matt Henry are closing in after they jumped one spot to second and third, respectively.