Sheffield's Joe Root ranked number one batsman in the world ahead of fourth test against India

Sheffield cricket legend Joe Root has been ranked the number one batsman in the world ahead of tomorrow’s fourth England test match against India.

By Ellen Beardmore

Published 1st Sep 2021, 12:10 BST

Updated 1st Sep 2021, 12:10 BST

England wicketkeeper Jonathan Bairstow with captain Joe Root during a nets session at The Kia Oval on August 31, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)

He rose to the top of the International Cricket Council Test batting rankings this morning after his third successive century last week, his sixth in 2021.

England’s comprehensive victory at Headingley last weekend tied the series at 1-1 ahead of the fourth Test at the Oval, with the fifth at Old Trafford beginning next week.

Root will make changes to his side, with wicketkeeper and vice-captain Jos Buttler missing as his wife is expecting their second child.

“Now is when the hard work starts”, said England captain Root, speaking to The Guardian.

The fourth test against India is at The Oval and the action is due to start at 11am tomorrow Thursday, September 2.