The chasing pack

Pakistan, thanks in no small part to Shoaib Akhtar, are leading the race to be No. 2 © AFP

When England beat Australia people dared to call them the new best side in the world. After five Tests and no wins in the subcontinent not even the most barmy member of the army would claim that England were No. 1. On current form, they have probably been shaded into fourth after their series of unfortunate events.

The jostling for position behind Australia is currently Test cricket's box-office hit. And the fact that England, India and Pakistan have all played each other in the last six months makes the battle all the more enticing.

Regardless of what happens in Mumbai over the next few days, Pakistan have won this particular three-cornered fight, after beating the other two contenders to the runners-up position by a combined scoreline of 3-0. And they can legitimately lay claim to the No. 2 spot. England will be hoping that a full-strength side and home advantage later this year can reverse the pre-Christmas 2-0 result.

But the sands are shifting all the time. Shoaib Akhtar's injury diminishes Pakistan¹s potency; England's lack of depth has been exposed while the emergence of a bowler like Munaf Patel suddenly cast new light on India¹s new-ball capabilities.

Adaptability and strength in depth are the unsexy but vital ingredients for sustained champion status. Australia were adaptable enough to win everywhere in the world, none of the three pretenders yet look quite mature enough to be spoken of in the same breath.

But nonetheless these are exciting times for the Test cricket. To have three very decent sides scrapping away for second place and with Australia at least on the horizon, if not quite in full view, is a privilege that the five-day game has not enjoyed for a generation.

Unparalleled greatness can be admired for a while but there comes a time when ceaseless dominance becomes wearisome (just ask football followers in England who don't support Chelsea). The next three weeks in South Africa might give us an indication of whether the scent of Australian uncertainty will grow into the stench of full-on decline. Or alternatively it might just tell us yet again how great Shane Warne is.

South Africa aspire to be grouped with England, India and Pakistan rather than mid-table mediocrity alongside New Zealand and Sri Lanka. A good showing against Australia is vital for that aspiration to be realised.

Even if Australia are not in decline, it is unlikely that they will get better in the immediate so the gap is narrowing. How much, the next 12 months will tell. Either way, enjoy the ride. At least three Test sides have never had it so good, as Harold Macmillan didn't say.