Sour grapes indeed, flavoured with a good dose of paranoia. England's rise to No.1 was gradual and their fall just as sudden as the Proteas. Australia's rise due more to the mediocrity of the other teams rather than their own ability (except for the brilliance of MJ). Agree that SA should play far more test cricket, but who's to blame for short series, Cricket SA or the ICC? I'm sure all the top test teams would like to play 5 test series against each other, but there's just too much cricket going on these days.
Anyway, Aus are No. 1, for what it's worth, and I hate the thought, but we all have to deal with it - they are likely to lose Harris permanently to injury very soon and it will be interesting to see if MJ can keep his form going. Without those two and Clarke, they are fairly ordinary. What worries me that with England rebuilding (again!) and SA depending too heavily on ABdV and DS, Aus might hold on to this spot for a while.
It amazes me that England are still no. 3 in the test rankings after a dreadful winter.
Anyway, Aus are No. 1, for what it's worth, and I hate the thought, but we all have to deal with it - they are likely to lose Harris permanently to injury very soon and it will be interesting to see if MJ can keep his form going. Without those two and Clarke, they are fairly ordinary. What worries me that with England rebuilding (again!) and SA depending too heavily on ABdV and DS, Aus might hold on to this spot for a while.
It amazes me that England are still no. 3 in the test rankings after a dreadful winter.