Cricket World Ratings 15th May 2017

Pakistan have now completed their test series in the West Indies: they lost the 2nd test, but won the first and the last, to take a series victory overall.  The series marks the last appearance of two of their great batsmen, Younis Khan and their almost 43-year old captain Misbah ul-Haq, who managed a half-century in his final test.  These two evergreen veterans will be sorely missed, but leave behind great contributions: Younis made 10,000 runs at an excellent average of 52, while Misbah made 5000 at 44, and almost all past the age of 35.  The result leaves the rankings as follows:

India         192    
South Africa  142    
Australia     115    
New Zealand    53    
England        25    
Pakistan        8 +15  
Sri Lanka      -1    
West Indies   -64 -15  
Bangladesh   -145    
Zimbabwe     -325

And there's now a break from test cricket until July, when England host South Africa, a tough series for the home side and the first under their new captain Joe Root.

Cricket World Ratings 8th May 2017

 For over a decade (centred on the 1980s), the West Indies dominated international cricket, but the last 20 years have been tough for them; and recently, only Bangladesh and Zimbabwe have rated lower than the West Indians in my cricket world ratings. Indeed, the last time the West Indians were higher than 8th in the pecking order was late 2013, which is quite notable given the effect that a single good series can have - in other words, it's been a long time since the West Indies last had a really good series.  But they have just won a good, comeback victory in their second (home) test against Pakistan, keeping the series open and lifting them back towards the other top nations (though not yet out of eigth place - they need a whole good series, and not just an isolated win, for that).  As for Pakistan, they very brielfy held top place in the official world rankings (though not in mine) at the end of last summer; but it hasn't been a great winter for them, and they now sit just one place, and 42 points, above their current opponents.

India         192    
South Africa  142    
Australia     115    
New Zealand    53    
England        25    
Sri Lanka      -1    
Pakistan       -7 -22  
West Indies   -49 +22 
Bangladesh   -145   
Zimbabwe     -325

The decider in this 3 match series will be played this week.