England eclipse India at top of ODI rankings
England have now put the woeful 2014-15 ODI season behind them, where they won only seven of twenty-five matches. The result of which is that they suddenly find themselves in a much better position globally. Namely: number one ODI team in the world.
This vast improvement in form has come in part in the wake of a shake-up post 2015 ICC World Cup. Peter Moores’ fateful return to the head coach role saw his ODI side slump unceremoniously to a very early exit and that cost him his job.
Under the stewardship of Eoin Morgan and new coach Trevor Bayliss a much more attacking style, particularly with the bat, has led to complete reversal in fortunes and a win ratio to be proud of. In the previous 63 matches, England has won 41.
And while India’s form hasn’t exactly dipped (they have only dropped one ODI ranking point), England have surged forwards in their form, gaining 8 points since the last calculation was made.
England haven’t been in the number one slot since 2013 and it is in large part Morgan’s drive to play attacking, daring cricket that have brought the accolades and the on pitch results. It also stands in stark contrast to the current form of the England test side, who are ranked fifth in the world and have been much less successful over the last 2 years. The settled nature of Bayliss’ ODI team sheet reflects the positive scorecard statistics. Contrast that with the endless carousel of test batsmen so problematic of late for coaches, selectors and test captain, Joe Root.
The latest ODI rankings have also highlighted several other notable changes in form, perhaps most striking is Australia’s slump to fifth place after series defeats by India, South Africa and England. They are now only a perilous two points ahead of Pakistan, whose rise in form has seen them gain 6 ranking points. Afghanistan’s impressive rise and rise is confirmed as they gained an extra five points.
New rankings for the 2015-16 and 2016-17 seasons:
- England
- India
- South Africa
- New Zealand
- Australia
- Pakistan
- Bangladesh
- Sri Lanka
- West Indies
- Afghanistan
Despite a shuffling of the deck, the top ten remain unchanged and therefore make up the finalists of the ICC World Cup 2019. Those hovering just outside the top ten are Zimbabwe, who gained four points and an increasingly ageing Ireland team who lost 3 points.
Whether England can remain top of the pile come the start of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 is yet to be seen. Their first stern test comes in the form of a return ODI series on British soil against Australia this summer, followed by an even tougher task of their current rivals for top spot, India in July. And while as many sides take their opportunity to gain invaluable experience on green English wickets this summer in advance of next year’s World Cup, we are in for a cracker of a season.
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