Jan 30 2009
Farewell To Australia: No 1 ODI Team
This was one such thing that each and every cricket fan over the world (other than Australia) were looking for since a decade or so. And today, for the third time since 2003, the Aussies have lost their number 1 spot to South Africa yet again. And once again like it happened in the past, Australia are sure to limit the Proteas’ joy, when they are confident of regaining the top spot yet again in one day international rankings, where they are pretty sure of beating the Kiwis in the latter part of the Common Wealth Bank series that would be starting on Sunday.
Australia had lost its top one position in early 2007 when it lost five ODI matches (3 to New Zealand and 2 to England) just before the world cup 2007, where South Africa had wins against Pakistan and India. And yet again in early 2008, Australia lost the Common Wealth Bank series to India and South Africa beat Bangladesh and West Indies to move to the top spot. Now, in early 2009, South Africa have yet again done it for the third time in succession. But, it would not be a surprise if Australia win all five games against New Zealand to ragain their lost glory.
But, South Africa’s next full fledged tour would be against the same Australians when they tour South Africa down under. So, as the South Africans, even the Australian’s run would be numbered unlike on the previous occasions where it was just a matter of a few game before Australia jumped back to where they belonged to. Taking the form of the current Australian team and the South African team as well, Australia will have to compromise with their top one spot for long. And South Africa this time can enjoy being at the top position for long. So, it would be better if the Proteas start partying once their home tour against Australia gets over.
And the Proteas’ success doesn’t seem to end just here. They can even claim to be the number one test team as well, in addition to being the number one one day team. This would be so, if they beat Australia during their tour. And, there is a greater chance of the South Africans beating the Aussies. So, it looks like a double treat is in store for the South Africans. Probably, it would be the second nation after Australia to have enjoyed being at the number one position in both the tests as well as the one day rankings. Once th ODI series against New Zealand gets over, the Australians would be bidding a farewell to the top spot which they’ve held for almost a decade or so.
