The top spot in test rankings has been a hot spot after the great australians retired in later part of 2009.India, aided by its improved bowling attack, to go with a murderous batting line up and array of home Tests, managed to get there in November 2009 and managed to stay afloat for 18 months. I, being an indian was too happy by this feat itself.The English Summer of 2011 thoroughly exposed India, and following their whitewash at the hands of the hosts, Team England got to the top seat. In comparison to the Indian side, they had quite a better squad.Exactly a year after its ascent, England side lost the top spot to the South African side, which has been atop since then. However, unlike the Indian and English teams, this South African side looks set for a longer ride at the top. I will give you the reasons.
Despite having a team capable of gunning down any opposition, they always faltered at the last step and earned the tag of “Chokers”. The trend is continuing still in the limited overs tournaments conducted by ICC. The Test side, however, looks a different story.Gary Kirsten came with a tag of giving india on rank 1 status in test cricket. His home team waited for him to return back and he was snapped up as the head coach immediately. What became India’s loss was South Africa’s gain.Their batting in the last few years had a settled look even though one or two spots are still experimented.Smith, Alviro have added flair at the top. Their middle order of Amla, Kallis and De Villers could challenge any all-time best middle order batsmen, and that added to their strength.The major advantage for the current South African side is the strength of the lower middle order. Faf de Plessis made a dream start to his career and has been a handy all-rounder.In Peterson, they have a spinner who is much better than their previous recruit – Harris. He is able to provide some kind of support to the pace battery rather than being just a fill in bowler when their pacers need rest. And with the bat, he is as good as any bowling all-rounder. And then Philander is a decent lower order bat too.
And finally, the pace attack. Since the last few series, the opposition has been forced to get out before 50 runs which adds so much humiliation for any team.Steyn is indeed the best pace bowler in the circuit currently, and could swing the ball at a menacing pace of 150 kmph. His partner Philander is an artist with gentle pace while Morkel's bouncers in a quick ball could unsettle any of the best batsmen, and he wonderfully compliments the wicket takers in Steyn and Philander.
Any side will face problems when their regular players are injured. The replacements usually are not as good as the regular ones. But it is here that the current South Africa side looks ominous. Duminy, Tsotsobe, Merchant De Lange , Klienveldt, Abott are better than just replacements anyways. The depth of the side, wealth of backup players, and a top class set-up has all made this side look invincible.
Let us hope that The proteas will remain dominant in a few years to come.
Thanks
Despite having a team capable of gunning down any opposition, they always faltered at the last step and earned the tag of “Chokers”. The trend is continuing still in the limited overs tournaments conducted by ICC. The Test side, however, looks a different story.Gary Kirsten came with a tag of giving india on rank 1 status in test cricket. His home team waited for him to return back and he was snapped up as the head coach immediately. What became India’s loss was South Africa’s gain.Their batting in the last few years had a settled look even though one or two spots are still experimented.Smith, Alviro have added flair at the top. Their middle order of Amla, Kallis and De Villers could challenge any all-time best middle order batsmen, and that added to their strength.The major advantage for the current South African side is the strength of the lower middle order. Faf de Plessis made a dream start to his career and has been a handy all-rounder.In Peterson, they have a spinner who is much better than their previous recruit – Harris. He is able to provide some kind of support to the pace battery rather than being just a fill in bowler when their pacers need rest. And with the bat, he is as good as any bowling all-rounder. And then Philander is a decent lower order bat too.
And finally, the pace attack. Since the last few series, the opposition has been forced to get out before 50 runs which adds so much humiliation for any team.Steyn is indeed the best pace bowler in the circuit currently, and could swing the ball at a menacing pace of 150 kmph. His partner Philander is an artist with gentle pace while Morkel's bouncers in a quick ball could unsettle any of the best batsmen, and he wonderfully compliments the wicket takers in Steyn and Philander.
Any side will face problems when their regular players are injured. The replacements usually are not as good as the regular ones. But it is here that the current South Africa side looks ominous. Duminy, Tsotsobe, Merchant De Lange , Klienveldt, Abott are better than just replacements anyways. The depth of the side, wealth of backup players, and a top class set-up has all made this side look invincible.
Let us hope that The proteas will remain dominant in a few years to come.
Thanks
