Why Andrew Strauss’ led England deserved to be number one – Part-2
England’s batsmen certainly played a crucial role, helping their side to become number one in Test cricket. However, the bowlers and all-rounders’ role should also be considered in the team’s recent success.
The Poms were up against India, which has one of the finest batting line-ups in modern day cricket. The Men in Blue took the number one spot in Test Team rankings last year and also emerged victorious in the ICC World Cup 2011.
This was not hidden from the world that http://www.senore.com/Cricket/India-c750’s recent success was mainly because of their batsmen. However, there were a lot of question marks on the team’s status in the longest version of the game, as there major success had been in their own backyard.
The team was expected to give a tough time to the English bowlers, as they had the likes of http://www.senore.com/Cricket/VVS-Laxman-c2772 in their middle-order.
Things did not prove to be ideal for the Indian team, as they suffered a humiliating whitewash series defeat and also their number Test spot. They have declined to number three in the updated Test Team’s rankings.
One of the main reasons behind the struggle of the Indian team was the quality bowling line-up of the opposition. Four of England’s bowlers are in the http://www.senore.com/Cricket/ICC-World-Cup-2011-c100625’s top 10 bowlers list and one is just positioned outside the list on 11th.
This makes England one of the most lethal sides of the world. They also have a fantastic backup and the team does not need to worry about the injuries to any of their bowlers.
http://www.senore.com/Cricket/DW-Steyn-c1409.
Just a few points behind Anderson; http://www.senore.com/Cricket/GP-Swann-c1501 is positioned at number three in the rankings. The wily off-spinner has been a fabulous performer over the past couple of years, adding to the strength of his side.
Although Swann is an off-spinner, his aggression can be compared to the fast bowlers in the team. He is mentally tough and does not give up easily. The veteran bowler has played a huge part in his team’s uplift.
Just a couple of more places down, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/SCJ-Broad-c2465 lies at number five in the list. The promising youngster was not considered to be an attacking option early on in his career. He did not give up though and has become a regular member of the team with his consistent
performances.
Tall right-arm seamer Chris Tremlett completes the top 10 of the bowlers’ rankings. He suffered an injury at the start of the series against India, missing most of the games.
Another English bowler knocking at the doors of the top 10 list is http://www.senore.com/Cricket/TT-Bresnan-c2711, who is currently 11th. He replaced the injured Tremlett in the series and proved to be a good choice in the end.
Apart from the bowlers and batsmen, England have three players in the ICC’s top Test all-rounders list. Broad is placed at number two followed by Swann and Bresnan, who are sixth and eighth respectively.
These stats are more than enough to justify that England does deserve to be on top of the points tables and the team’s focus will be to maintain this position from now onwards.
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