From: 9063iyerm@vms.csd.mu.edu (Murali Iyer)
Newsgroups: rec.sport.cricket
Subject: Re: World rankings
Date: 13 Oct 1992 17:55:03 GMT
Organization: Marquette University - Computer Services
Reply-To: 9063iyerm@vms.csd.mu.edu
NNTP-Posting-Host: vmsd.csd.mu.edu

In article <1992Oct13.154319.18831@gserv1.dl.ac.uk>, atb@gserv1.dl.ac.uk (A.M.T. Bell) writes:
>
>After the discussions about whether Pakistans losses to England in the
>ODI's this summer still make them World champs I present my current
>world rankings of the 9 test playing nations, this is for all
>international cricket.
>
>1. PAKISTAN
>
>Won World Cup, beat England in England. Very exciting team, if they
>can find another Imran they could be unbeatable for the next 10 years.

Undoubtedly a good team, though I'd like to see the current team sans Imran
play against Richarson's eleven before crowning them number 1. After all, even
after Richards' exit (*@!%^@^!&), the West Indies team has not tarnished their
image in tests, have they? Or am I missing something? I'd especially love to
see the youngsters on either side face the bowling from the other side. Pace
when it comes to Pakistan and spin-and-pace when it comes to WI.  That would
really prove a lot to the fans like me. 

>
>2. ENGLAND
>
>OK I'm biased but we just lost out in this summers test series and 
>ran out of steam in the world cup. A very professional team, I predict
>that we'll beat Australia next summer, we might struggle a bit after
>Gooch retires though.

You have left out the prediction for the Indian tour, Tony, or is it a foregone
conclusion? :--) Also, you *are* biased. :--)

>3. WEST INDIES
>
>The fast bowling is as devastating as ever but the batting is a bit brittle.
>Will improve to challenge Pakistan once a new post Lloyd/Richards team 
>is built.
>

The batting is surely on its way to better days, with Richardson, Lara, Adams,
et al coming good. And as you say, the bowling is as good as ever, with some to
spare.

>4. AUSTRALIA
>
>Border's magnificent team in England of 3 years ago are getting a bit
>long in the tooth. I think its time for AB to retire with dignity before
>he gets sacked, I bet he hangs on for next summer though. The series
>in Sri Lanka showed the shortcomings of the current team.
>

Someoen had written during the buildup to the world cup that AB should be
allowed to play and lead as long as he physically can. Not my views, just a
quote. 

>5. NEW ZEALAND
>
>England thrashed them last winter but NZ did well (on home soil) in the
>world cup. They are missing the great Sir Richard Hadlee, like England
>they depend a lot on their captain.
>
>6. INDIA
>
>They have some of the best batsmen in the world (Tendulkar, Azharuddin)
>but are very weak in bowling, Kapil has carried the bowling for years and
>is showing his age. If they can find some more good spinners they could
>improve.

I will have to swallow my pride and stay put at this ranking. After all, what
have they done to prove you wrong? 

>
>7. SOUTH AFRICA
>
>Did suprisingly well in the world cup but lack of experience showed
>against the West Indies in their recent one off test. Will improve
>a lot over the next few years as they get the hang of the international
>game.

The key here is experience. Hudson surprised them all by his test-class
batting, while other seasoned players fell short. So, they have some ways to
go. Perhaps the Indian team will offer them the much needed coming-to-form
cricket. :--)

>8. SRI LANKA
>
>Similar to their Northern neighbours in having good batsmen and
>weak bowlers. They are also short of international cricket but
>showed hopeful signs for the future against the Australians.

Stability and a feeling of security to players might play a bigger role in
building the team. The axe hanging over their necks does not augur well.

>9. ZIMBABWE.
>
>I put them at the bottom as they've done very little in international
>cricket so far. They will be easy pickings in test cricket for a few
>years until they get to know the ropes. It would be good for world
>cricket if Mr. Hick were to go back home and play for them (it would
>improve the England team as well :-) )
>
>I'm sure I've offended just about everyone with these rankings :-) :-)
>

You have done a good job in my book, with a couple of exceptions IMHO. :--)

>what do you think folks?
>
>tony bell                 ! keep on running   live long and prosper
>serc daresbury laboratory ! "back off man, i'm a scientist"
>atb@uk.ac.dl.gserv1       ! bill murray - ghostbusters

-Murali

Newsgroups: rec.sport.cricket