TOP ODI SPOT ON THE CARDS FOR SOUTH AFRICA

South Africa will go into the NatWest ODI series against England aiming to climb to the top of the rankings in all the three formats of game.

The Proteas, who are currently leading the ICC Test and T20 rankings tables, will reach the top of the ODI rankings as well if triumphant in the one-day series against England, commencing at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff, on Friday, August 24, 2012.

The Graeme Smith-led formidable South Africa contingent reached the pinnacle of the Test rankings after their 51-run win over the Poms, at Lord’s earlier this week. Going into the series as World No. 3, the Proteas needed to win the three Test series at least 1-0 to rise to the helm of the ICC Test rankings, but they won the series 2-0, winning the opening Test at The Oval by an innings and 12 runs, and then the series finale at the home of cricket by 51 runs.

They earlier dethroned England as World’s top T20 side when the ICC issued its revised rankings earlier this month. The International Cricket Council (ICC) updates its rankings, across all the three formats, every year to reflect the current form of teams.

The ICC rankings revealed on 8^th of this month included results from matches played after August 2010, and based on their triumphant performances during the this period, eight wins in 11 matches, South Africa surpassed England on the ICC T20 rankings.

And once again it will be England whom they will topple at the helm of the ICC ODI rankings, given they win the ongoing five match ODI series with a 3-2 margin or better.

Alastair Cook led England team became the No. 1 ranked ODI side after trouncing the Ashes rivals 4-0 last month, and currently lead the Proteas by a fraction of point. A five-nil series whitewash at the hands of tourists will see England falling from 121 points to 112, while a 5-0 England win will see South Africa drop to 108 rating points.

It may be noted here that England have clean swept in their last three ODI series, against Pakistan, West Indies and Australia, and must be oozing on confidence going into the one-day series against South Africa.