Credit due to Pakistan

While the test championship has been delayed, it is still very important for cricket teams around the world to do well in each cycle so that they rank well on the International Cricket Council’s table. There is the monetary incentive for it but also just a pride issue with teams wanting to be the best in the world.

Australia and India’s face-off in the series Down Under has been like ‘Groundhog Day'for India as they have been beaten very much in the manner that they were by England over in the United Kingdom about six months ago. Though the expectation would be that Australia win a series at home against India more often than not, the expectation was for India and their stars to do well. However, after the whitewash and the inept performance by the team, the focus is on ageing legends and when they will call it quits.

Not far away, Zimbabwe embarked on a tour to New Zealand for the first time in a while. Alan Butcher, the Zimbabwe coach, was after a credible performance and accepting of the fact that defeat was the mostly likely outcome. The annihilation that ensued though was tough to stomach as the home season had been filled with promise. With only the one-off test match to play, there is no chance to address and right the wrongs of the horrible performance, so it’s back to the drawing board.

Then there is the Pakistan-England series that is ongoing in the United Arab Emirates, it has been fascinating to watch as the cricket really has burst to life after periods of quiet on pitches that seem very docile.

When England, who is the number one ranked test nation, lost the first test match in Dubai, many said it was because they were rusty and so would be better in the rest of the series by not making the same mistakes and also bouncing back as a champion team does.

Well, Abu Dhabi seemed to be answering all the questions for England until a couple of Pakistan youngsters, Asad Shafiq and Azhar Ali with a partnership of 88 in the second innings, set things up for Pakistan by giving them what seemed only a fighting total to defend. That England was bowled out for just 72 was a surprise to all but credit must go to Pakistan as they kept fighting.

That second test defeat was worse than the first as it was a 'do or die' match for England. With it they lose the series to Pakistan, who is fifth on the test table. With one to play, it is now about saving face for the English.

Who can forget the scandal and disaster than hit Pakistan cricket when their captain and two other players were found out for spot-fixing in England? It is amazing how well Pakistan have done since then, having to play their home series away from Pakistan. They have made the Emirates a fortress for themselves -- having played seven tests there and not lost. Of the three series there, they have won two.

It is great to see that on any given day, in their own conditions, any of the top six teams could beat one another. This, for me, makes for exciting prospects in most match-ups and is good to see.

With much now expected of them, I wonder how Pakistan will handle that expectation? They do have the tag of being the most unpredictable side in world cricket.

I can’t wait for the third test.