By Gaurang
August 13 2012

For the fourth time in less than a couple of years, South Africa are on the brink of reaching the top rank in Test cricket.  The question is will they yet again let the opportunity slip?

South Africa look all set to be crowned the new Numero Unos in Test cricket.  But for their fans and critics alike the question remains will they acheive it, or let the prize yet again slip away at the last instant.  In early 2011 they let India, the then No. 1 team in the World, claw back into a series South Africa were expected to win and thus dethrone Dhoni and his men.  Instead India defeated South Africa sensationally in the Second Test, and then conservative captaincy from Smith, according to some, ensured that India could escape with a draw in the Third Test, and retain their Test crown.  Next, they won the series against Sri Lanka at home, but somehow managed to lose a Test match to the Lankans thus slipping up, right at the momment they looked likely to reach the top spot in Test rankings.  Finally, against lowly New Zealand, they were foiled by a combination of weather, and a fiercely determined Kane Williamson and had to settle for winning the three match series 1-0, thus once again failing to reach number one in Tests.

So this is really their fourth try in less than two years.  All the portents are favorable for South Africa.  England is self-destructing under a cloud of nasty in-fighting and petulant bickering from their board and one of the key members of the side.  In fact, that key member, who just scored a game saving, brilliant, century in the previous match, has been dropped.  It really seems England who reached number one last summer, in dominant fashion, soundly whipping the then number one Indian team, is now pretty much a shambles, and ripe for the picking.  Another factor in South Africa's favor is that they have the steady and steely Gary Kirsten in charge behind the scenes as well.  Kirsten seems to have the happy knack of getting the best out of people he coaches.  He is an undemonstrative, understated, leader who seems to be able to inspire greatness in others.  He certainly did that for India, who have looked rudderless after he left. 

If South Africa do manage to not lose the Third Test at Lord's Kirsten will become the first coach to lead two different teams to the Number One ranking in Test cricket.  It will be a seminal achievement and yet only the beginning in a sense, as previous Number One's have had a hard time holding on to that spot.  And holding on to Number One for several years, if they manage to do it, will be what truly would qualify South Africa under Smith as one of the best of all time. 

Will South Africa Step Up?

Discussion started by Indian Cricket Fever (IP Logged), 13/08/2012 19:12

Indian Cricket Fever
13/08/2012 19:12

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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2012:09:03:17:16:01 by Birbal.

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Birbal
14/08/2012 22:56

I am looking forward to South Africa finally achieving No. 1 title... It seems a slam dunk...but nothing is really...when you are talking about perinnial "chokers" South Africa...

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Birbal
15/08/2012 18:39

Someone mentioned that England need to prepare a spin friendly pitch to win here...and hope Swann out bowls Tahir...

Well when was the last time Lord's had a spin friendly pitch... and if somehow the curator were able to do it... would that be pitch-fixing?...

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Max
16/08/2012 14:46

South Africa are clearly a much better team than England. Only way for them to lose this Test is by choking. For their sake, I hope it doesn't happen.

India - World Cup winners 2011!!!
Champions Trophy winners 2013!!!
Congrats to Indian team and all Indian fans!

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Martian
16/08/2012 15:20

uh ohh...123/5

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Birbal
16/08/2012 17:27

Yup the are CHOKING... luckily this is Test...so one bad session won't be determinative, but they are already behind big time...

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Birbal
16/08/2012 17:56

from 54-4 to 235-6... a bit of a recovery...but now the new ball is due... and who knows it may all be over in the next few overs...

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Birbal
16/08/2012 18:43

Well Dumi plays a silly shot... but fortunately no more wickets...

I still think England will probably win this one easy now...

Lord's truly turns into a patta as the days go on...and England will fancy scoring 600+ here...even if they don't have their best batsman in the side...

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Birbal
17/08/2012 17:47

After initial scare of 56-4... England settling in nicely...through Bell and Brairstow...

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Birbal
17/08/2012 17:49

Ooops I jinxed them...(YEAH!!)...and Philander gets Bell...

England bat deep though... Prior, Swann and Broad... are a very long tail...

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Birbal
18/08/2012 18:01

Smith choked again under pressure...will the rest of the team do the same?

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Birbal
19/08/2012 00:37

Kallis goes to an iffy decision...but at least not a HOWLER like the first innings...

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Martian
20/08/2012 16:24

Eng dangerously close..just 79 reqd..will SA hold their nerve and win...I think Eng has a better chance now..

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Martian
20/08/2012 17:07

and there they are..well deserved No 1 status in tests for SA...

congrats SA...

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Birbal
20/08/2012 17:17

Fourth time is the Charm... they are richly deserved No. 1s... and Kirsten now has led TWO Test teams to the summit...

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choor
21/08/2012 07:57

All credit to them. England gave them a run at the end but were too inconsistent and dropped far too many catches. The Saffers were the professional unit. Even when England had them sweating at the end, Philander was just ice cool and cleaned up the last 2 wickets. He has been an amazing find for them in the last 12 months, and has to be one of the best bowlers going around.

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Birbal
21/08/2012 18:32

Can't wait for him to bowl in the subcontinent...that will put the final seal on his "greatness"....

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Max
22/08/2012 11:59

Congrats to SA for reaching No.1. India had 20 months at the top, and England only 12 months. I wonder how long SA's reign will last. Also considering South Africa's history, it's also great that their two best performers currently are Amla and Philander.

India - World Cup winners 2011!!!
Champions Trophy winners 2013!!!
Congrats to Indian team and all Indian fans!

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Birbal
22/08/2012 19:36

Max, their past history is long past...Thankfully...Though I suspect both Amla and Philander at least had a taste of apartheid as kids...

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