Image: Sameer Pawar
We looked beyond ICC rankings to assess where the top 8 teams stand on cricket’s power map. We considered clout and competence, and here’s what emerged.
Top Dogs
India
- Reclaimed top spot in ODIs for the first time since 1995 after a power-packed show at the ICC Champions Trophy. Shifted focus from corruption charges plaguing the BCCI.
- On a course correction after losing their way in 2011-12, particularly against England and Australia. Recovered lost ground on home turf against West Indies and Australia.
England
- Relinquished top spot in Tests to South Africa following a home humbling, but boast a bowling attack that has them as favourites in the Ashes series.
- Disappointing in the T20 format since winning the World T20 in 2010, dropping from 1st to 5th position.
South Africa
- Easily the best Test side but flatter to deceive in the limited-overs format where they struggle to remove the ‘choker’ tag.
- Powered by Dale Steyn, the world's best fast bowler. But overly reliant on him and Graeme Smith, their Test captain who no longer plays the shorter versions.
Strugglers
Sri Lanka
- Regressive peformances in both ODIs and Tests, dropping to 5th and 6th in the world, respectively. Ageing team has been key factor in decline.
- Form away from home is iffy, bowling attack looks blunt.
Australia
- Slipped to 3rd in ODIs and a woeful 7th in T20s. What would hurt them most is their decline in Tests where they are now 4th.
- Michael Clarke and Shane Watson only players who can be counted on for brilliance.
West Indies
- Winning the 2012 World T20 has catapulted them six places to 2nd in T20s.
- Still struggle in Tests, but progress has been made.
Laggards
Pakistan
- Up three places in T20s but languishing in Tests and ODIs.
- Set back by turmoil at home and a fragile batting line-up.
New Zealand
- Have been unable to shake off the plucky underdog status.
- Held England to a win-less draw in recent home Test series but fell from 3rd to 8th in T20s.
(This story appears in the 26 July, 2013 issue
of Forbes India. To visit our Archives, click here.)