Which team do you think is the # 1 ,2 and 3 of world cricket in team balance, Strength & Skill?

I think Australia is definately # 1 as they are simply a class above the rest in both the ODI and Test Arena

Pakistan would be # 2 as aside from Australia there is no team that does equally well in both forms of cricket other than the guys in Green

Sri lanka would be my # 3

What do you all think?

__________________

Have just checked on some stats...and it seems the most consistent performers in test cricket the last couple of years, have been South Africa, Pakistan and Sri Lanka...(apart from Aussies of course)

On current form though, I think Sri Lanka is a good number 2 (having had a great away series to England this year, followed by a royal thumping of SA), AND now drew an away series to Kiwi-land.

Number 3 a toss-up between SA and Pakistan. (SA beat the Windies and New Zealand but lost home and away to Aus)

Pakistan may have the better team on paper, but I want to see how they do against the Proteas next month. If they beat SA in the tests, I think I'd leap-frog Pakistan OVER Sri Lanka to the no 2 position.

Skill and strength is not an issue for the teams in the no 2 and 3 spots...It's probably just balance. And that of course may be the reason they are not as consistent as the Aus.

I don't disagree with your general comments Wanderer; just one observation though, when SL last toured Pak, the Test series was drawn. When we last toured there, quite recently, we won the test series.

__________________
A lie can travel halfway around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes
Mark Twain

At this point of time , from the right compostion point of view in terms of balance between run getters,spin and pace..would say :

1) Australia

2) India

3) SL

Just totally ignore the fact that England are unbeaten at home since the 2001 ashes then and the fact they have actually won a few away series in the meantime.

Greg I do not think it has been forgotten - but the question is based on both ODI and Test Cricket - I am pretty sure you would have to agree that Englands position would have slid down the list when you add there ODI performances to there test performances.

I agree I think are in the top three. But they have been roundly beaten in the Ashes giving people a bad impression. Therefore they underestimate England at the moment.

__________________
"Checkout the big brain on Brett" Pulp Fiction

Why is the thread in test cricket then?

Rather misleading if you ask me.

Good point Greg. If it where test cricket I still rate England number 2.

Ok in both forms of the game combined I would go with

1. Australia
2. Pakistan
3. India

In test cricket it would

1. Australia
2. England
3. Pakistan

ODI

1. Australia
2. South Africa
3. Pakistan

England are a very good team in test cricket and should be second in both forms of the game but for some reason they have been hopeless in one day internationals. They have big hitters like Flinotff and Pietersen who play test cricket like ODI's, they also have a decent bowling line up which is so very important in ODI's. I can't think of a reason why they fail in one dayers.

__________________
Bill Ponsford - The only one who could play in Bradman’s company and make it a duet.