(02-24-2016, 01:32 AM)JonHenry link Wrote:Australia win and take the number 1 mantle for test cricket back.
I am often very cautious about us proclaiming to be the # 1 side but I honestly believe this group plus 3 or 4 others are the best in the world.
When you consider the improvement in the batting, in particular Khawaja at number 3, it is a very ominous line up. If Mitch Marsh can soften his hands they will be a great top 6.
Our bowling has very good skill and variety. Add Starc and Cummins to that group and they are world class.
Lyon will end up with 400+ wickets.
Probably the no.1 side. Not many sides can win away, meaning there's no dominate side, which you are alluding to, but we have in SA and NZ, plus, remembering individual Test wins counts rather than a series, we only lost 3-2 in England while pumping them 5-0 previously. That's probably got us no.1.
Up until the Australian series New Zealand hadn't been beaten for quite a long time. Drawn series in England (1-1) and surprisingly a drawn series in the UAE against the Pakis (1-1) on real spinning tracks. So beating them 4-0 home and away is a good win.