For the first time since the inception of the One-Day rankings for Cricket in 2002 the Australians are not on the top anymore. Thanks to England and New Zealand's sudden domination of the usual dominator, the Aussies slipped from the top spot as South Africa took over.
Australia's defeat to the Kiwis (NZ) couple days back was their fourth consecutive loss - the first such sequence since 1997 - and fifth in their last six matches. South Africa on the other hand, have been in stunning form, having won seven of their last eight ODIs. What's worse is that the Aussies are without their top 2 batsmen (Ponting and Gilchrist), on a respite before the World Cup, and 2 other stalwarts who are off injured, and still doubtful for the tournament.
This leaves the World Cup wide open. Just maybe. You never know with Australia. We have faves like South Africa, the current number one and all perinnial chokers; the West Indies, the home team but very unpredictable, and even India (who might do it this time around). But I have friends making comments (and know cricket more than I do) that New Zealand might pull it off. The other lot of England, Pakistan and Sri Lanka might have a chance, but I personally don't think so. And the other minnow teams....they are just that...minnows. Hmmmm.....let's wait and see.
Also, this March the Cup will be played on this side of the Western Hemisphere for the first time in the West Indies. So thank God we don't have to stay up during un-Godly hours watching a match. The only problem.....it's gonna be during work time!!! :(
Let's hope there are some desi (South Asians) managers at the clients sites!!!
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