Shaky at the top

If the glum English faces were to be airbrushed from the background,Lords,with its aristocratic splendour,would have been perfect for South Africas coronation. But the subdued mood in the stands was understandable. Losing a final Test,a closely fought series and the World No.1 ranking race that too days after the happy Olympics haze was certainly not an occasion to send the locals dancing down the aisles.

With Andrew Strausss reign as the leader of the top Test team lasting just a year,Englands promise to be an all-weather,consistent side lay shattered. In contrast,far away in the corridors of ICC in Dubai,the men in sharp suits must be smiling. Musical chairs for the Test throne three teams have now been ranked No.1 during the last year indirectly means a bright future for the game. Intense contests bring eager anticipation,unpredictable results,more gate money and bigger broadcast deals. The monotony of Australias seven-year rule starting from 2003,the year in which ICC introduced rankings,wasnt good for competition or commerce.

In the present scenario,there is a lot to play for. The second and third teams are within striking distance of the No.1 spot and the 4th and 5th nations are regrouping to march towards the podium. No.2 Australia can dethrone South Africa if they beat them later this year. But the script can change in case England beat India. After last years free fall,India will be looking to head north because of their busy itinerary in the coming days that is littered with home games. Trailing leaders South Africa by 16 points and 4th on the table,India arent just a team in transition they have a steep mountain to climb.