England's batting star Joe Root is on top of world cricket's batting rankings after scoring two centuries and two fifties in the first four Ashes Tests against Australia.
England captain Alistair Cook and Joe Root celebrate reclaiming Ashes during 2015 series. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Root made 130 in the fourth match at Trent Bridge to help England crush Australia by an innings and 78 runs to reclaim the Ashes.
The 24-year-old, who's averaged 71.79 in the series so far, replaces Australia's Steve Smith at the top of the list.
Strike bowler Suart Broad is up to second in the bowling rankings after taking career-best figures of eight for 15 as Australia were dismissed for just 60 in their first innings at Trent Bridge.
England's fellow strike bowler James Anderson will be given every chance of playing in the fifth Ashes cricket Test, after being named in his side's 14-man squad for the dead rubber.
Anderson played a key part in England's reclaiming of the urn, but missed their crushing win at Trent Bridge in the fourth Test due to a side strain.
The country's all-time leading wicket-taker has started running and remains upbeat about being fit to play by August 20th, when the final Test starts at the Oval.
