England are currently the number one Test playing nation in the world. They went unbeaten during 2011, whitewashing India at home and beating Sri Lanka 1-0 in a three match series. Before that they reclaimed the Ashes in Australia and have arguably looked stronger than any other previous England Test side. However, 2012 has been a different story. Their trip to the United Arab Emirates to face Pakistan has been a shambles, clearly identifying their inability to play on slow, turning pitches. With the series already lost and one match still to play, there is one question that needs to be answered - can a team truly be the best in the world when they can’t win on the subcontinent?
In the last 10 years, England have toured the sub-continent eight times (Including the current Pakistan series), winning just twice, both against Test minnows Bangladesh. The last time England won a Test series against a major subcontinent team was against Sri Lanka in 2001, whilst their last win over India came way back in 1985.
So what is it that makes the subcontinent such a difficult place to play? For starters, the climate difference between the subcontinent and the rest of the world is vast. The humidity levels are high, the heat is sweltering and fitness is tested. Then again, these are athletes we are talking about and all it takes is a few weeks of acclimatisation and training to get up to speed. The phrase ‘under cooked’ should never be used in professional sport, especially in cricket when teams often have a gap of several months ahead of their first tour the year.
Then you have the difference in pitch conditions. In places like England, New Zealand and South Africa the ball swings and seams early and the pitches often hold a green tinge to them, but when you get to the subcontinent is a whole different ball game. You will rarely get movement off the pitch and the ball will wear quickly on the dry, dusty surfaces. This brings spin into play – arguably England’s main weakness.
There is a reason why the top wicket takers in Test cricket are spinners, and it’s unsurprising that 3 of the top 4 spinners on that list have come from the subcontinent. In this current series Saeed Ajmal has bamboozled England’s batsmen making them look like school boy cricketers. It has been a known problem for years, and yet we still continue to be embarrassed by slow bowling. Until this is addressed England will continue to fall flat on their faces, as has been shown in the UAE this winter.
Coming back to my original question, can England by the No. 1 team in the world without the ability to win on the subcontinent? Statistically, obviously they can if they continue to crush opposition outside of the subcontinent, but in theory I don’t believe so. To truly be the best in the world you have to be able to win everywhere and in ever conditions, and at this current point England cannot. Drawing the two match Test series in Sri Lanka is a must.
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| Ajmal has instigated Pakistan's destruction of England |
