Number 1 ranking - what is it worth?

[Wallaby]

First point - this is not sour grapes at England - they are the best team in the world right now. South Africa are very close, however.

But is the #1 ranking actually worth anything? No one sets out to become the #1 test side in the world - you set out to win test matches and test series. Along the way, via some magical algebra involving about 4 years of results, one team gets nominated as #1.

But sides play unequal schedules. Sides play different numbers of test matches. Schedules are largely driven by revenue streams, and each team can set their own schedule.

The ICC rankings are just a mathematical expression of someone's opinion - who decided that '4 years accumulated results with recent results counting for more' was the way to decide the best? It's no better than your opinion, based on your own criteria. If you want a real #1 ranking, organise a championship with even fixtures (no, not like the AFL) and have teams aim for that.

I read a lot of english papers on the web - the build-up to the series against India was dominated by talk of 'England becoming #1'. And then it hit me - it creates a story for the papers to write about.

But it's really not worth very much. The two most enjoyable series wins in my career where 1989, where we stuffed the poms when no one gave us a chance (we were probably got to No 4 or 3 in the 'rankings') and 1994 when we beat the Windies - the champs - on their home ground. I have no idea of 1994 made us No 1 in the world or not - that was not a consideration.

 

[Kyptastic]

It will be worth more when the Test championship comes in. You'd have to be consistent over a period of time and then beat two of the best sides in a couple of weeks to prove that you are the worthy of the number one spot.

 

[whats_at_stake]

I think all teams aspire to be number 1 Test team. Whilst their may be some flaws in the ranking, generally if you keep winning you remain number 1.

The new ICC Test Championships finals will be a good way to determine the best Test team, although it does depend on who is better in 2 Tests. Although England do get home advantage as they are hosting the championships in 2013 and 2017. Post this I would like to see whoever is ranked number 1 a month or two before the event to host it.

 

[NAUGHT5]

In almost every other sport, you win a world cup or premiership or some sort of championship that makes you the best in the world. Test cricket doesn't have that. So the #1 ranking is the ultimate achievement in test cricket.

 

[Furn]

What being number 1 in the world in tennis or golf worth ?

Its huge!!

Apart from the Ashes for England and Aus, being number 1 is the pinnacle.

 

[Rabbit of Caerbannog]

What being number 1 in the world in tennis or golf worth ?

Its huge!!

Exactly. And the team that achieves the number 1 test ranking does actually get something.

 

[Doodlesweaver]

Did anyone think it was worthless when the Aussies were on top for so long? Rankings operate in all sports.

 

[Wallaby]

Did anyone think it was worthless when the Aussies were on top for so long? Rankings operate in all sports.

Yes, I did think it was worthless (or at least worth very little). As I said, uneven fixturing, no playoffs, arbitrary application of past results - it's rubbish.

At least in tennis or golf, all players play the same competitions (or have the opportunity to qualify for them). But the prestige of the No 1 ranking is still way below the achievement of winning any reasonable tournament around the world, let alone a Grand Slam tourney.

The press love it, the players don't care much at all.

 

[Doodlesweaver]

Yes, I did think it was worthless (or at least worth very little). As I said, uneven fixturing, no playoffs, arbitrary application of past results - it's rubbish.

At least in tennis or golf, all players play the same competitions (or have the opportunity to qualify for them). But the prestige of the No 1 ranking is still way below the achievement of winning any reasonable tournament around the world, let alone a Grand Slam tourney.

The press love it, the players don't care much at all.

How do you know the players don't care? That's a big call.

I'll bet they do care where they are ranked. They will certainly care if they are at 5 when the Test Championship comes around.

 

[Byron_Clanger]

Nothing really, just knowing that you're number 1

 

[Partridge]

How do you know the players don't care? That's a big call.

I'll bet they do care where they are ranked. They will certainly care if they are at 5 when the Test Championship comes around.

I bet they also care when contracts get renewed too.