South Africa?s journey to the pinnacle of Test Cricket - Opinion
It was hardly a year ago when an overjoyed English captain was mobbed by his teammates as he was handed over the ICC Test Championship Mace at the Oval after dethroning India from the top Test spot. On Monday, it was Graeme Smith?s turn to flaunt his recent accomplishment in a similar fashion as his counterpart watched on, with an expression of sullen resentment.
South Africa inflicted a convincing 2-0 series win to England and in the process, dethroned them off their perch in Test rankings. It was England?s first home defeat since they were beaten by the same opposition in 2008. The relentless charge by the visitors was transpired due to a consistent run at home and abroad.
Despite suffering major heartaches, their consistency throughout the last two decades meant that the recent feat for the Proteas was a long time coming - they have been occupying the 2nd spot for the longest period of time. Following Kepler Wessel?s retirement, it was the inspiring leadership of Hansie Cronje that set the tone, which eventually translated into success under Smith?s command.
In the 69 series that South Africans have played ever since their return from international isolation, the Proteas boasts of an impressive record, which is only bettered by Australians, who remained the most formidable Test side throughout this period. While England witnessed an upsurge in the last decade due to a host of victories, India maintained a higher percentage due its remarkable record at home.
Test series played since 1991-92:
Australia ? Series Played (72) ? Win/Loss ? (51/12) ? Win/Drawn % ? (83)??
South Africa ? Series Played (69) ? Win/Loss ? (41/15) ? Win/Drawn % ? (78)??
India ? Series Played (70) ? Win/Loss ? (33/21) ? Win/Drawn % ? (70)??
England ? Series Played (69) ? Win/Loss ? (31/27) ? Win/Drawn % ? (60)??
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In 2003, after a disastrous World Cup campaign in their own backyard, Shaun Pollock was relieved from his services as captain, and a relatively unknown Graeme Smith?s introduction as the new Proteas skipper was coincided with the establishment of a new Test rating system designed for the ICC by cricket statistician David Kendix. The 22-year-old, who later became the most capped captain, started off with a white wash against Bangladesh and had an impressive first tour of England.
In the last eight years, four teams that reached the top-spot under the prevailing ICC ranking system. These teams maintained an impressive success ratio which allowed them to achieve the rare feat. While Australia had its best time in Test history during this time, winning 16 Tests in a row, South Africa was also not far behind, whereas India and England rode high based on their strong home record.
Test series played since 2003:
Australia ? Series Played (36) ? Win/Loss ? (26/6) ? Win/Drawn % ? (83)??
India ? Series Played (33) ? Win/Loss ? (18/7) ? Win/Drawn % ? (78)??
South Africa ? Series Played (34) ? Win/Loss ? (18/8) ? Win/Drawn % ? (76)??
England ? Series Played (36) ? Win/Loss ? (21/10) ? Win/Drawn % ? (72)??
To judge the greatness of any team is to see its performances on foreign soils; the past-records of the great West Indian and Australian teams were the envy of their oppositions which made them one of the greatest Test sides ever. South Africa maintained an astonishing away-record - their commanding victory against England would mean that they have remained unbeaten in ten successive away series, with their last defeat coming against Sri Lanka in 2006.
While the Aussies have always been strong opponents in all conditions, India and England have struggled to match the intensity outside their own backyard. Soon after becoming the number one side, India suffered two white washes in England and Australia, and a similar fate awaited the Poms when they had a 3-0 drubbing at the hands of Pakistan early this year.
Away-Test series played since 2006:
South Africa ? Series Played (10) ? Win/Loss ? (10/0) ? Win/Drawn % ? (100)??
Australia ? Series Played (14) ? Win/Loss ? (8/4) ? Win/Drawn % ? (71)??
India ? Series Played (14) ? Win/Loss ? (5/6) ? Win/Drawn % ? (57)??
England ? Series Played (10) ? Win/Loss ? (2/5) ? Win/Drawn % ? (50)South Africa briefly held the top spot in 2009 before they relinquished it four months later however, it remains to be seen if they manage to hold on for long this time around. Their next big challenge will come against Australia, and a victory against them will surely put the present Proteas? team in the glorious annals of Test cricket history.
Disclaimer: Any views and opinions expressed in this article are solely of the author and do not represent Bettor.com's official editorial policy.
Source: http://blogs.bettor.com/South-Africas-journey-to-the-pinnacle-of-Test-Cricket-Opinion-a181927
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