England cricketer Joe Root has been declared the top batsman in the ICC world rankings after an impressive century against Australia that helped his side to reclaim Ashes lead.
Root has replaced Australia's Steve Smith who slipped down to third in the rankings. South Africa's AB de Villiers is presently at the second position.
Root admitted that it was his hard work and relentless practice which resulted in his achievement, the BBC reported.
Root has scored 443 runs, including two centuries and two fifties, in the Ashes series so far.
The 24-year-old made his Test debut against India in 2012, where he scored 2,716 runs in 31 matches at an average of 56.58.
