South Africa - Worthy Number Ones?

Ahead of the third test between Australia and South Africa, the Aussies are still the world’s number one ranked team, but after the recent series against both India and the Proteas - in name in only. So if finally not Australia – who are the best team in the world right now?

If SA can beat the Aussies in the final test they’ll be the official world number one team for the first time since the rankings were introduced, so worthy world number ones?

The only contenders to the crown would be the other side to inflict defeat on the once unbeatable Australians in recent months, India. Both India and South Africa have beated England away and Australia in recent times, although the Saffers came up with the more groundbreaking result – beating Australia away from home (currently 2-0).

So on results alone Graeme Smith’s side hold the edge, but I’d favour India, slightly, to play a test match for my life. Man for man the Indian batting line up looks more dangerous from the successful and positive opening partnership down to Harbajan coming in at number eight , they’re more aggressive and adaptable. While Smith’s turned himslef into a genuinely world class performer with at least two potential ‘innings of a lifetime’ in the past twelve months with centuries in thrilling match winning run chases against England at Edgbaston and versus Australia at the Wacca, the rest don’t quite match up.

With Gambir establishing himself as a proilfic scorer alongside the exhilerating Sehwag at the top of the order, and with Tendulkar still fighting against the fading of thelight, there’s no discernable weakness in their batting order, whereas you get the feeling South Africa rely slightly more on a couple of stars and an etremely workmanlike, one paced, supporting cast.

Spin bowling – no question. Harbajan’s not quite what he was, but i haven’t seen a South African spinner that could turn tricks. Pace bowling is a slightly different matter; Steyn, Morkel and Ntini is a top quality trio led by Dale Steyn – the world’s leading fast bowler over the course of the last twelve months.

However again I’d just give India the edge in terms of variety in their bowling; pace, seam movement, left arm, reverse swing, leg and off spin for any pitch in any circumstance Dhoni would be pretty confident he’s got an option. In comparison South Africa’s seamers are all similar beasts.

As tradition would have it, South Africa are the better fielding outfit, but India are probably more athletic now than at any time.

So it’s India number one by a head above India... with third between England and Australia... it promises to be an interesting year!