B.O.W vs R.O.W

The Best of the World versus the Rest of the World; although Australia are not at the top of the ICC rankings for teams, it can be said that they are still on top of the world. What led to their losing the top spot in the ICC rankings for international teams was the whitewash (how often do you see that) in New Zealand. It has to be noted here that the team which lost in New Zealand lacked their captain and prolific batsman Ricky Ponting. It has to be mentioned that Mr.Cricket’s captaincy was not really satisfactory. Here are the results of comparisons between Australia and other teams.

England – One day cricket originated in England. England’s performance in the past 15 years or so has not been satisfactory. At present, they have the advantage of knowing who they’re going to open the batting with. Unfortunately, although they’re sure of the order, the batsmen just don’t perform. The bowlers are competent, but England just do not have an outstanding performer. All in all, half-way through a game, the English find themselves in positions they did not want to be in – consistently. Australia does not.

India – India is a talented team. Unfortunately, Coca Cola does not give people strength and endorsements don’t count for performance. India has a tendency of collapsing. If there’s a good foundation, then the batsman coming in at 4 ad 5 tend to take the job too easy and do not capitalise. If the openers of Australia, along with Ponting and Hodge fall, there are still two or three competent players like, Clarke and Symonds who you can rely on to save the ship. A close observation will reveal that the players at number 5 for Australia have a lot of work.

New Zealand – Peter Fulton, Stephen Fleming, Ross Taylor, Scott Styris, Jacob Oram, Craig McMillan, Brendon McCullum. An analysis of this line up reveals that there are just 3 pure batsmen. It is largely accepted that most modern day allrounders cannot find a place in the team for any one of their skills alone. The batting of New Zealand is simply insufficient, however long the line-up may be, there are just not enough batsmen. Once again Australia wins. But, a flash of brilliance from this side is always on the cards.

Pakistan – Their batting is out of sorts. Even the batsmen themselves will probably not be sure whether they will open the batting in their next game. Then there is Younis Kahn, Mohammad Yousuf, and Inzy who retired from one day cricket, then Kamran Akmal, Shoaib Malik, etc. They have a very formidable batting line up if not for the openers. Their bowling line up though is not completely certain. The key for Pakistan is balance in the side. All the test playing nations today, barring Australia lack balance to a certain extent, Pakistan more than the others.

Sri Lanka – Sri Lanka, from what is seen on field, is a well knit set up. They always work as a team. They have good openers, a competent middle order, great fielding and there is absolutely no need to comment on the bowling (they have Murali and Vaas, in the same team.) They are one of the few sides you can place your bets on to beat the Aussies. Unfortunately, for some reason, the opposition very often outplays them.

West Indies – The world cup is Brian Lara’s last one day tournament. They have some thinking to do. Virtually since West Indian cricket has existed, their cricketers are known to be extremely brilliant, but HIGHLY unpredictable. Lara scored 2 ducks and 2 30s before scoring that 400*. Typical. Australia clearly has the upper hand.

Australia will stay at the top for some more time. Their re-entry to their customary position at the top of the ICC rankings soon is inevitable.-BS