Well.. many cricket followers prefer games including their own national team.. and certain contests (like Ind-Pak) wil always have a certain local resonance... but to be fair.. Ind-Pak was not (for me) even the most interesting series that was going on at that time (NZ vs SA.. with many thinking that these two teams were the most serious contenders for 2nd in the world"... and SL vs Aus.. on pitches that really presented a challenge to the world's undisputed best side)... let alone the most interesting of recent times.

Sorry Zainub: Pak, as a Test side, remain a joke: I get more excited about games involving ANY other side... to be even remotely credible they stil need to ditch Sami for someone with more traditional virtues... and find 2-3 consistent, gritty batsmen.

To hold a genuine, global status as the biggest Test series of recent years a Test series really does need to include the champions... and it has to involve the toughest challenge that can be thrown at the champions.. and witha chronic record in India over a generation or more.. Aus in India remains HUGE.