SportsRooter.com

Dec 20, 2014

Today, India lost the second test to Australia by 4 wickets in the on going Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2014-15.
This means that India still stays at number six in the ICC Test team rankings.

It is hard to believe that a team that was number one  in 2011, has fallen so low in the rankings despite series whitewash against Australia at home and wins against New Zealand at home.The major culprit to the Indian team's loss in ranking has been the continuous defeats in the away tests. India lost tests in South Africa, Australia, England, New Zealand in previous 2-3 years which has dented India's ranking points.

India is still the number two side in both One-Day International and the T20 Internationals rankings as of now. But India can very well go down to number seven, behind New Zealand in the Test rankings, if they loose the series 3-0 or worst.

This may be the lowest point for India ranking wise. A team that is the current 50 over World cup holder, a T20I World Cup winner, but is unable to win test series or tests outside India on a consistent basis. Maybe Team India deserve a jolt to their brains with the lowest ranking they have ever achieved in Test matches.

With South Africa doing well against West Indies at home and New Zealand due to play Sri Lanka in Sri Lanka, all the teams have a chance to gain points to better their rankings. Where as India has to find out a way to salvage a draw or a win from some where, if they hope to end the year as the number six team in the ICC Test Rankings.

South Africa managed to end close day on an impressive 340/3. South Africa started like a house on fire and set the tone with a maximizing Power play as they rushed to 50/0. As they seemed to gaining further momentum the West Indies managed to pull three wickets back in fifteen balls. Dean Elgar (28), under fire Alviro Petersen (27) and Far du Plessis (0) all fell with the score at 57 with Roach being in inspired form with two brilliant deliveries.



When it seemed the West Indies had kicked on and were about to turn the screw on the Proteas entered the majestic duo of Hashim Amla and AB de Villiers who not just steadied the ship but managed to direct it to an island of paradise. An unbeaten double century partnership, a new record and a display of the strokes in their arsenal all but ended any hope of the West Indies revival. An injury to Kemar Roach (2/52) all but ended any hope of a revival as they lost their best performer with ball in hand. Inexperience and youth brought about the exuberance and energy this West Indies side had but it could not match the experience, calm and class that the Proteas managed to display. In charge and looking set to posting a massive score the underdogs will have a mountain to climb as they look to have an early breakthrough before tea tomorrow. Amla on his first day as Proteas Test captain at home ended on 133 not out, while ODI captain Abraham de Villiers ended on 141 not out.

AB de villiers [Image by Deon Maritz]

What we learnt:

• Despite a top order collapse the Proteas have a strong batting line up as de Villiers and Amla managed to steady ship. Alviro Petersen is on borrowed time and will look turn his form around in the second Innings or face the axe. 

• Young and still raw, the West Indies are in a building phase showing glimpses of what they are capable of. This side could reach the heights of the great West Indies sides of the past. How long could Kemar Roach lead their attack? Could he be consistent?

• The visitors must improve their bowling accuracy significantly or face the punishment. The South Africans look in good form and at this rate could be well over 450 by tea.

Article contributed by: Benedict Chanakira