Dec 24 2008
How long Can India Go?
It was really nice, as an Indian cricket fan to read that India is now placed in the second position as per the latest ICC test rankings. Thanks to the 1-0 series victory against England, after winning the first test by 6 wickets and drawing the second and final test at Mohali. India had previously, that is after the series victory over Australia in the recently concluded Border-Gavaskar trophy, only to later on lose the same position to South Africa, who convinced the ICC by innings victories against Bangladesh in the two match test series. And now the India has been promoted from the second to the third position.
That is really awesome. But, how long can and how long will India enjoy this position in test cricket? Already, as I mentioned India had lost the same position to South Africa. And looking at the way the present South African team is going, a series win for South Africa should not be ruled out completely. And if things favour the Proteas in winning the series against Australia 3-0, that should see them at the top position, with Australia in the second. And this will definitely see India in the third. Meaning that India would be back in the pavilion if things go that way.
And in case that doesn’t happen, still the question regarding team India’s position will continue to persist. For, South Africa have a test series against Australia earlier next year, where the Aussies will be visiting South Africa for another three test series. Here, the chances of a South African win more or less expected, taking into consideration Australia’s lack of form and the proteas’ run in test cricket. And another series that would still hinder India’s position would be Sri Lanka playing Bangladesh, where a Sri Lankan win is definite. So, India could find itself even at No .
Adding to this would be the cancellation of India’s tour to Pakistan in January, the reason for the same being known to one and all. And if Pakistan beat Sri Lanka, India can relax a bit for not falling to the fourth position. But, that is after the Sri Lanka-Bangladesh tour. So, for a small period, India will have to be prepared to face the unwanted. India’s next full fledged test tour would be in Mar-Apr 2009, where they will be facing New Zealand on its tour. Given India’s recent poor test run outside home, this series’ outcome would also be in toss.However, nothing is ruled out as of yet. So, guys, lets wait and watch.
