Cricket World Ratings 25th Feburary 2020

 

Only a few weeks ago, Joe Root scored his thrid successive first innings total of 190 or greater, and set England up for their sixth successive away win. In defeating India, England even went top of my world ratings.  They didn't make many second innings runs in that game, but it didn't matter. However, that poor second innings total began a series whereby each subsequent innings has been lower than the last, and now in two successive tests they have broken their record for their lowest first innings total in India.  In their latest game, they were defeated in less than 2 days in spite of whittling Inida out cheaply thanks to Root of all people taking 5-8 with the ball.  Overall, it was the 10th lowest scoring test match (excluding drawn games, which are generally only low scoring if time is lost due to bad weather) ever.  They could still draw the series, but it's hard to see them coming back from this defeat.  My latest world ratings see India clearly back on top:

1. India         254 +14    
2. New Zealand   208 
3. England       196 -14
4. Australia     177 
5. Pakistan      108 
6. South Africa   60
7. West Indies    30 
8. Sri Lanka      16  
9. Bangladesh   -156   
   
10. Zimbabwe     -251    
11. Afghanistan  -303    
12. Ireland      -338

Next week, the final game in the series is scheduled, while Zimbabwe begin a two-game visit to Afghanistan.