The Next World Champions of Test Cricket?

I remember growing up when South Africa came back into World Cricket, particularly when they were included in the 1992 World Cup. My friends and I couldn't wait to get home from school because we wanted to see this new team play for the first time. I was so excited that I left my back pack at school that day!

Ever since then I have been a big fan of South Africa, even though I'm from Pakistan, and every time the two teams clashed my friends and I got together to watch it.

I clearly remember the World Cup Semi-final in 1999 between the Aussies and the South Africans; What a sad day that was for South Africa fans.

All night long I was dreaming and thinking about it, had it been me instead of Allan Donald I would have run! 

I was so heartbroken but finally after almost ten years my wait is over—South Africa beat Australia in a Test series in their home country.

The last time that happened to Australia it was the mighty West Indies, in their last hurrah before losing their status to Australia as leaders of World Cricket, with Curtly Ambrose and Courtney Walsh crushing the bones of the Aussies in the only way they knew to win a test series in Australia with Steve Waugh and Allan Border at the helm.

But this South African side of 2008-9 showed much courage. Graeme Smith in particular came through as a much more mature captain and batsman than he was in 2005.

I think South Africa can easily take over the no.1 spot in 2009, if they can keep the momentum going, and I think Jaques Kallis in particular needs to come through for them because he is one of the best Test players in the world and one of their senior players.

Although I think that Neil McKenzie is a fine player, if South Africa can find another J.P. Duminy to partner Smith opening the batting, I think South Africa will be unbeatable no matter who they play—even against India, because India in my opinion is much stronger at home then anywhere else, and South Africa already played India in India last year.

So, it's in their hands now to grab the number 1 spot and take the throne from the mighty Aussies after so long. It's about time and I am sure most cricket lovers would agree with me.