Anderson back to the summit of Test MVP rankings

Jimmy Anderson’s heroics at Lord’s has fired the Lancastrian back to top spot of England’s Test summer MVP Rankings.

Anderson took nine wickets in the match at HQ, as England comfortably beat India by an innings 159 runs. The 36-year old’s devastating spells during the second Test has put him top of the pile with 96 MVP points, almost 30 points ahead of second-place Sam Curran.

England’s most successful Test bowler has taken 60 wickets at an average of 18.95 in nine Test’s in Nottingham, and with the Indians showing vulnerability against the swinging ball it is set up for him to extend his lead at the top of the Test rankings.

Chris Woakes put in a man-of-the-match performance in his first game back following his recent injury that kept him side-lined.

The all-rounder was the biggest mover in the red-ball rankings after he recorded an unbeaten maiden Test century in England’s only innings.

Accompanied with some fine swing bowling of his own, the Warwickshire cricketer amassed a total of 45 MVP points for his individual display moving up to third place with 64 MVP points.

Sitting just behind Woakes in the rankings, is Anderson’s opening bowling partner Stuart Broad.

Broad continues to produce spells and moments of magic and his performance in India’s second innings proved why he’s still one of the best around. Figures of 4-44 including the key wicket of Virat Kohli, keeps Broad in fourth place with 64 MVP points.

Ben Stokes will make his return to the side for the third Test at Trent Bridge as he replaces the impressive and unfortunate Sam Curran. Having been unavailable to feature in the Lords Test, Stokes slipped to sixth in the Test rankings, but will be desperate to deliver on his return and move up the standings.

Jonny Bairstow produced another solid performance and now sits second in the overall England rankings and fifth in the test Rankings. The Yorkshireman strengthened his position with another big score in the second Test and is the closest to Jos Buttler in the overall rankings.

Adil Rashid had a unique game last out as the leg-spinner didn’t feature with the ball or bat. Despite this, he is still third in the overall England rankings, and will no doubt have some part to play in the remaining Test’s.

To view the England MVP Rankings, click here.