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ShareMy form will be construed as fickle as Matthew Hayden's currently, but frankly, South Africa have left little scope for dispute. After chasing down 414 runs to win the first Test, they won the second by nine wickets and narrowly failed to save the third -- in defeat too there was triumph. I can't think of another side which has shown such extraordinary gumption in adversity in recent times, best exemplified by skipper Smith coming out to bat with a fractured hand.
Indeed, Smith's role in his team's rise to eminence has not just been stellar, but spectacular. Earlier his batting defined his cricket, but this has now morphed seamlessly with his ruthless and visionary leadership. Apprenticeship with Shane Warne in the IPL appears to have helped him far more than the currently hapless Kevin Pietersen, who played under the charismatic Aussie leg-spinner for Hampshire.
Smith's sense of pride and purpose appears to have had a salutary effect on his team: the South Africans were (in)famous for being chokers; today theyplay with the panache, aggression, enterprise and ambition that defined the best teams of the game.
I am emphasising captaincy because that is going to determine which team finishes this year at the top. There is very little to choose between the top six in terms of talent, which makes leadership crucial. Here, Smith appears to have surged ahead.
Ponting got exposed by the loss of form of his key players like Hayden, Hussey and Lee. He was unimaginative and at times inexplicably defensive. The understated Jayawardene may wonder what more he needs to do to earn stronger ratings from critics. Better overseas performances perhaps? Pakistan have played too little cricket in 2008 and the West Indies and New Zealand, frankly, don't have the depth of talent for their captains to make significant impact.
That leaves Dhoni who has won universal approval as batsman-wicket-keeper and his outstanding record as captain has pitchforked India into strong contention for the number one team. He would have headed my list too, but for the strangely apathetic approach towards trying to win the Mohali Test against England.
Making allowances for Yuvraj and Gambhir to get their centuries was very un-Dhonilike and a hark back to the wicked days of Indian cricket when players and captains hankered after records rather than victory. Hopefully, South Africa's success in Australia will have chastened him, got his competitive juices flowing. For, to make India the number one team in the world, I believe Dhoni will have to throw the gauntlet strongly at Smith.
In that act might also be the panacea for my belly-ache.
