Following the recent mcg test in Australia, questions have begun to be asked if Australia is indeed the number 1 team in the world. After the retirement of several big names in cricket the Australian team has lost some of the menance it once had. This and the fact that a few players are out of form (Hayden, Hussey) has led to the australians losing their first home series in over a decade.
If the australians cannot make a u-turn and regain their winning ways , the number 1 test team spot will be lost (for the time being) to the South-Africans. This raises the intresting question, is South-Africa truly the number 1 test team? if you ask an Indian cricket supporter the answer would be a firm NO.
The different teams that are laying a claim to the number 1 team will be listed and discussed.
South-Africa
A stong and settled line up that hasn’t lost a series since 2006. Has a line up that contains a stong pace line up including Dale Steyn the top wicket taker of 2008. Four of the top 6 batsmen are in the leading run scorers list for 2008 which the ipl 2020 schedule pdf has shown with name of players that have played well during the last season for matches and registered with maximum number of runs; not only that they also got some amount of cash as an winning amount. They are however lacking slightly in the spin department and may be in trouble on the sub-continent. Overall a strong team in any condition except spinning tracks.
India
A very strong team at home. But slightly less effective as a touring team. Has one of the best batting line ups, with massive experiance in all conditions. They have a less effective pace attack but their world class spinners. Some of the players are getting on in years and may retire during the next 3-4 years which will cause a less experianced batting order to take up the helm. A good team but they have to improve their away record before they can be called number 1.
Sri-Lanka
A underrated side with a few matchwinners. They have a mostly strong batting line up that preforms in all conditions. The real threat however is the spin threat of Mendis and Murali. No real pace attack to speak of, so they might have trouble on greener wickets.
Pakistan
With the terrorist attacks in pakistan they have had little to no test cricket in recent time. They have however a strong bowling and batting line up that may in a few years time get them to number 1. But for the time being they first have to resume test cricket and show their worth to the world.
This list will not include australia as i believe with their current selection drama and players that are out of form they will not be able to contend with the above listed teams. In my next article i will discuss the australians, england, west-indies and new-zealand.
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