Hi folks! We all have a fancy for statistics, don’t we? Don’t you constantly keep an eye on the ICC rankings to see whether our very own Virat is at the top of the pile among ODI batsmen, or whether Ravindra Jadeja is among the best all-rounders in the world? To satiate our hunger for these statistics, SPORTZWIKI presents to you an all-new section ‘STATS’ in which we would cover the most interesting stats in the cricketing world.
Some of the best teams in the world are good not only because they have the resources and the players, but because they have the desire and the mentality to succeed at the highest level. SPORTZWIKI casts an eye on some of the most consistent teams in the world with our latest STATS article – Top 10 test teams with best win/loss ratio in 21st century.
10. Bangladesh
Bangladesh have sprung the occasional upset on some of the big boys in the ODI format. Remember Cardiff in 2005 when they beat Australia courtesy a Mohammed Ashraful century? But in the test matches, the tigers have failed to live with the big boys and find themselves in the 10th place in Top 10 test teams with best win/loss ratio in 21st century.
9. Zimbabwe
It was up until 2005 that Zimbabwe were still a force in World Cricket when the likes of Andy Flower, Grant Flower, Heath Streak and Andy Blignaut were still a part of the setup. But things took a turn for the worse and Zimbabwe’s cricketing future collapsed. They are 9th in Top 10 test teams with best win/loss ratio in 21st century.
8. West Indies
For the most feared team of the 70s and 80s, a mere 0.35 win/loss ratio must be difficult to digest. But West Indies will look to weather this transitional period and give the big boys a run for their money in the near future. The men from the Caribbean come in at 8th in Top 10 test teams with best win/loss ratio in 21st century.
7. New Zealand
Much of New Zealand’s test match success came under the flamboyant leadership of Stephen Fleming – the Kiwis have looked a shadow of their former selves in recent times. But with the home series win over India, are things looking up?
6. Pakistan
Undoubtedly the most inconsistent team in the countdown, Pakistan have struggled to live up to the amazing potential they have to become a cricketing superpower in the modern day game. Can the next generation deliver?
5. Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka win more often than they lose in test matches, and this is always an acceptable statistic. With Muttiah Muralitharan, Vaas, Sanath Jayasuriya, Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene in their ranks, things were much easier than they are now. With Sanga and Jayawardene coming to the twilight of their careers, can Sri Lankan cricket maintain their standing at the highest level?
4. India
Yes, India haven’t won a test match since a victory over West Indies in Antigua in 2011, but India’s impressive home record has ensured the men-in-blue have a 1.42 win/loss record. But with the golden generation having hung up their boots, wonder what lies in store for the Indian team!
3. England
England have a win/loss ratio of 1.53 in test matches played in the open era, which includes that memorable 2-1 ashes win over the Aussies under Michael Vaughan‘s dynamic captaincy. And the Barmy Army march on!
2. South Africa
Arguably the most ruthless team in the last five years, South Africa have the most balanced line-up in test matches with the right mixture of youth and experience. Graeme Smith‘s men are untouchable at home, while their away form isn’t too shabby either!
1. Australia
With a staggering win/loss ratio of 3.02, Australia have undoubtedly been the most consistent team in test matches in the 21st century, and although the current team is going through a transition, expect Michael Clarke and Co. to be right up there with the very best sooner rather than later. They top SPORTZWIKi’s Top 10 test teams with best win/loss ratio in 21st century.
