Before one jumps to the irrational conclusion that an official India - Pakistan war is about to break out, this is not about that. Instead it is indeed great news for cricket that England has decided to keep its date with the Tests in India under heavy security cover. But this is a contest for India to regain its top two ranking, if South Africa can help.
England team at Dubai International Airport
Pic above: Tight security at Chennai airport as England team arrives in India
With all due respect to England, they have hardly shown the mettle in the one day internationals to inspire one into thinking they are destined for greater things in the two Tests. Perhaps in that, India is awaiting this contest with an eagerness perhaps unanticipated. Not only would it provide the perfect opportunity to score big but also, another chance to steal the number two tag from South Africa.
While India were dueling England (though dueling is perhaps not a fair word for the contest that it was), South Africa beat Bangladesh comfortably in the two Test series at home to sneak ahead of India in the rankings, this only after India regained the number two tag by beating Australia in the Border Gavaskar Trophy by a 2-0 margin.
Now with South Africa with their neck in front have a stiffer battle than that on India’s hands. They now face Australia in a three Test series and while they believe they have the wherewithal to put it across Australia, India is certainly going to think they are going in as favourites to regain the number two tag before the year 2008 comes to a close. It also helps that the series in India will finish before Christmas as requested by England so, India’s result should come faster than does the one in Australia.
Keep jostling! It can only get more fascinating as Ricky Ponting holds tight to the number one crown.
Read related articles as well:
England’s Decision: Decisive for India?
The Wait is Over; England’s Back!
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