Cricket World Ratings 31st December 2016

The year comes to an end and England are in fre-fall, having lost their lost four tests, and six of their last eight, including a first ever defeat to Bangladesh.  In their subsequent series against India, the difference in class betweeen the two sides was clear: in the finall test, England made 477 in their first innings and started their second innings with a century stand and still lost by an innings, thanks to a triple century from Karun Nair in only his third test match.  The bowling of Ravindra Jadeja was another stand-out feature of the match (and series); for once, India's captain Virat Kohli was not needed to make a major contribtion.

Eleswhere, Australia have begun their home series against Pakistan with two wins, and likewise, South Africa have seen off Sri Lanka, confirming the pattern of the domianance of Asian teams at home and their relative weakness away. So the latest shape of my world ratings is as follows:

India         183  +9  
South Africa  116 +14  
Australia     109 +27 
Sri Lanka      42 -15   
New Zealand    41    
England        25  -9  
Pakistan       13 -28
West Indies   -58   
Bangladesh   -148    
Zimbabwe     -325

And the official ratings (now relecting India's win over England but not yet the other matches looks as follows):

India        120 +5
Australia    105
Pakistan     102
South Africa 102
England      101 -4
New Zealand   96
Sri Lanka     96
West Indies   69
Bangldesh     65
Zimbabwe       5 

A happy new year to all!