This is Ravichandran Ashwin's sixth stint at the top of the rankings. He first became number one in December 2015.
England's Ollie Pope, who has scored 2136 runs from 38 Tests since his debut in 2018, does not mind low-scoring Test matches in India.
Josh Tongue picked up a five-wicket haul as England handed Ireland a crushing defeat in the one-off Test at the Lord's.
IMAGES from Day 3 of the opening Test between England and New Zealand at Lord's on Saturday.
England finished day two on 111-2 and trail New Zealand by 267 runs in the first innings of the first Test after Devon Conway's double ton took the game away from the home side on Thursday.
England won the first Test by 74 runs before grabbing a 26-run victory in the second to register their first series win in Pakistan since 2000-01, but Stokes said they will press to become the first Test team to complete a 3-0 whitewash in Pakistan.
'I am very excited for him to put the England shirt on again. It's something he has worked very hard for and thoroughly deserves.'
England, chasing 251 to win the must-win third Ashes Test, closed the rain-delayed day three on 27/0.
Having taken a 78-run lead in the runfest, England declared their second innings on 264-7 to set Pakistan an improbable victory target of 343 with four sessions to go.
England had taken a 1-0 lead in the five-match series in India but Ben Stokes and his men let the hosts draw parity in the second Test as all their batters were unable to get big scores.
'It's certainly there, the way that they want to play, this bold new approach to Test match cricket, trying to make bold decisions at any stage in the game where they can.'
Both Stokes and Archer were rested for the ongoing two-match Test series in Sri Lanka
As a traditional innings by Joe Root turned it around for England, Jonny Bairstow lauded his 'talented' teammate following Day 1's play.
England have dropped out-of-form opener Dom Sibley and brought in Dawid Malan for the third Test against India at Headingley, the England and Wales Cricket Board said on Wednesday.
Johnny Bairstow scored England's first century of the series as the tourists staged a fightback after a torrid start to the third day of the fourth Ashes Test on Friday, but Australia remained in command with a lead of 158 at the close of play.
Australia's bowlers struck twice in quick succession in a devastating spell against England at Edgbaston on Sunday, before heavy rain prevented any further play.
India's bid to win a 17th consecutive home Test series, however, hinges on the success of their three-pronged spin attack comprising Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel.
Nottinghamshire seam bowler Broad was not considered for selection, with his partner expecting their first child towards the end of November.
But Stokes then introduced Ahmed in the afternoon session and the youngster ripped apart Pakistan's middle order.
Chasing 192 for a victory that would fetch them an unassailable 3-1 lead in the five-match series, India cruised to 40 for no loss at stumps on day three.
'James Anderson was unavailable for selection in the Test squad as he continues his rehabilitation from a calf injury,' the ECB said in a statement.
'I really hope we've inspired a new generation.'
Images from Day 1 of the third Ashes Test between England and Australia at Headingley in Leeds on Thursday.
England captain Ben Stokes on Saturday said staying true to the 'Bazball' approach did not work and conceded that India were too good in their own conditions, always finding a way to wriggle out of tight curves.
Considering Ashwin is playing his 100th Test, Kuldeep wanted him to keep the ball and his more experienced wanted the other way round.
Stuart Broad picked up the final two wickets in his last appearance for England to guide the hosts to a series-levelling 49-run victory in the fifth and final Ashes Test against Australia.
England's all-time leading Test wicket takers James Anderson and Stuart Broad have been dropped for the three-Test tour against West Indies.
Nasser Hussain believes England should replace Moeen Ali with either speedster Mark Wood or Chris Woakes.
England have lost their batting rhythm after playing on two difficult surfaces and looked like "startled rabbits" in the second innings of the third Test against India, according to former skipper Nasser Hussain.
IMAGES from Day 1 of the 2nd Test played between England and New Zealand at Trent Bridge on Friday.
As the prestigious Ashes gets underway, here's a look at the milestones that can be achieved.
After England dominated the proceedings on Day 1 of the first Test at the Bay Oval, Tom Blundell struck a century to revive New Zealand's chances.
Batsman Harry Brook and seamer Matthew Potts received maiden call-ups as part of the 13-man squad announced on Wednesday.
Spinner Dom Bess was named in England's 13-man squad for the first Test against West Indies and there was no place for Moeen Ali among nine reserves, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said on Saturday.All-rounder Ben Stokes will lead England in the match, which will begin at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton on Wednesday in a bio-secure environment amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
IMAGES from Day 2 of the rescheduled 5th Test between England and India at Edgbaston in Birmingham on Saturday.
Images from Day 4 of the second Test between England and Pakistan at the Rose Bowl, in Southampton, on Sunday.
India will be looking for another favorable result to extend their lead in the World Test Championships standings.
Former England captain Michael Vaughan predicted the hosts will sweep the three-Test series against Pakistan despite the absence of talismanic all-rounder Ben Stokes for the last two matches. Stokes was part of the England team which pulled off a thrilling three-wicket victory in the series opener at Old Trafford but is now missing for family reasons.
'They could have batted England out of this contest'
England were 7-1 at stumps with Ben Duckett (4) and Ollie Pope (3) batting together
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