A long, horrible winter is finally over for England. Having been beaten in their first match against New Zealand, they got the better of their second game, but couldn't win. It's a disappointing end to a second disappointing winter in succession. Before heading to New Zealand, of course, the team were thrashed by Australia; but Australia also have also just finished a disappointing tour, losing three on the trot to South Africa (and losing their captain and coach to boot after a ball tampering scandal.
So India remain on top of my version of the world ratings:
India 174
South Africa 165 +15
Australia 105 -15
New Zealand 82 -5
Sri Lanka 29
England 15 +5
Pakistan -27
West Indies -86
Bangladesh -135
Zimbabwe -322
And the offical ratings don't look so different, alhough it's notable just how high New Zealand are rated:
India 121
South Africa 117 +2
New Zealand 102 +2
Australia 102 -2
England 97 -2
Sri Lanka 95
Pakistan 88
West Indies 72
Bangladesh 71
Zimbabwe 1
The next text will be Ireland's first ever test match: they'll play Pakistan, before the latter team play two matches in England.
