Which is the best cricket team in the world of all time
Cricket, one of the most popular sports in the world, has evolved over leaps and bounds since its inception. Every era has had teams that stood out due to their exceptional performances on the field, consistency, or sheer brilliance of talent within their ranks. However, naming a single best cricket team of all time is challenging due to several influential factors including different formats of the game (Test, ODI, T20), changing rules and conditions over centuries across continents.
The Great West Indian Test Team – 1970s-1980s
In regard to exposure, skill execution under varying conditions and domination across oppositions over an extended period – West Indies during late 70’s and 80’s would arguably be the best test match side ever graced the sports.
Under Clive Lloyd’s leadership followed by Sir Vivian Richards’ tenure as captain with talents like Gordon Greenidge and Desmond Haynes at the top; middle order comprising stalwarts such as Larry Gomes, Richie Richardson; all-rounders Malcolm Marshall, Joel Garner — they were invincible for about fifteen years from mid-’70s to early ’90s.
Ever so dynamic behind stumps was Jeff Dujon forming a wall with his gloves along pacers Marshall, Andy Roberts, Michael Holding, Colin Croft ripping apart batting line-ups tearing hearts out of opponents not allowing them slightest of upperhands. They went unbeaten in a series for fifteen years – it still stands as an unprecedented record in Test Cricket history
West Indian Domination: By Numbers
Dominated for more than a decade winning two World Cups consecutively (1975-1979). This destruction machine recorded major victories against Australia (’75-’76 & ’84) England multiple times(’76,’80,’84,’86,’88).
They showcased skills successfully even on foreign soils mastering English pitches leaving them struggling on their turfs (England lost 3 series at home in ’76, ’84, and ’88). Another impressive triumph was against Pakistan in Arab Emirates for three consecutive years between ’86-’88.
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The Australians 1995-2007
Following West Indians’ intimidating reign, the Australian cricket team led by Mark Taylor followed by Steve Waugh and then Ricky Ponting stood out as possibly greatest test side challenging Windies’ cricket monopoly. The powerful Australia possessed an extraordinary combination of great minds and versatile cricketers like Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath, Adam Gilchrist, Matthew Hayden and others.
The Aussies dominated much of late ‘90s till ‘07 across all formats, unfortunately Curtly Ambrose-Richie Richardson’s Windies couldn’t keep up with world cricket’s pace underwent a decline just when down-under stars rose above horizon pulled off consequently two World Cup victories (1999 & 2003) thus stamping their authority rightfully on world stage.
Australian Domination: By Numbers
They whitewashed cricket giants England (‘2006-’07) in Ashes Series asserting supremacy rushing past records casually setting new ones and lifting the prestigeous trophy. Against India (2001–02), they won away Test series; almost mirrored same feat next year except for Indian comeback during final moments.
Their victorious run brought them sixteen continuous test wins twice under Steve Waugh(repeated again later during Ponting’s captaincy). Ponting’s men defeating World Cup Champions Sri Lanka (’04) made them only second team to win ICC champions trophy twice(they later emerged winners at 2019 tournament too.)
Indian Cricket Team – Modern Day Dominance
Modern day cricket has been shaped largely by T20 format along with ODI and Tests. Recent years have seen dominance from Indian Cricket Team in all forms of cricket, both at home and away. Led by Virat Kohli, they have displayed tremendous consistency, resilience and aggression.
They are blessed with excellent blend of young talent and experienced stalwarts like Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan and Jasprit Bumrah. The prolific run-scorer in all three formats – Virat Kohli himself is a force that elevates team’s performance also, his predecessors’ contributions particularly from the little master Sachin Tendulkar needs no further emphasis to cricket followers.
There’s enough evidence suggesting India’s dominance but such comparisons though fun might not be entirely accurate considering numerous variables affecting performances throughout eras. However, it suffices to say each era mentioned witnessed teams dominating others significantly making cricket richer with their contribution.
