(This entry was originally posted in this blog on December 4, 2008 and the information is based on that time.)
Australian captain Ricky Ponting said that his team would remain at the top of the world ranking at the end of this year, even though they were beaten by South Africa in the upcoming test series, beginning from 17 December. Australia lost the test series 2-0 in India before defeating New Zealand at home. However, the upcoming test series against England is considered to be a tough test for the world champions. There is no doubt, India is eyeing on the top spot in the ranking, while South Africa also wants to bag the no. 1 place in test ranking now, given Australia’s recent inconsistency.
Cricinfo reported:
“It has taken us a long time and a lot of great wins in different conditions around the world to get us to that No. 1 spot,” Ponting told AAP. “If South Africa beat us 3-0 I don’t know if that gives them enough points to get over us.
“But if they won the series 1-0 or 2-1, I don’t think that would mean that they deserve to take over that mantle. It’s a bit the same with India last series. Just because they beat us, the No. 1 team, doesn’t necessarily mean they go from the No. 4 or No. 5 in the world to No. 1 in the world, because it’s something that’s accrued over a long period of time.”
South Africa has been in an excellent form now. They recently demolished Bangladesh in the home series and even before that, they pulled off a historic test series victory in England. So, South Africa will take on Australia full of confidence, while Australia will try to forget the bitter experience of their India tour and seek inspiration from their recent home victory over New Zealand.
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