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- While Australia and South Africa do battle for the number one ranking, India is being short-changed; they're good enough to rate a mention in such an argument. Australia are rebuilding after the retirements of star players and the joust for top spot should include India. In choosing a good team from the three, India's merits become even more obvious. (Getty Images)
- The first ingredient in putting together a good team is a strong attack, as winning is only regularly achieved by taking 20 wickets. The vital aspects in selecting a good attack are penetrative new-ball bowlers and variety. Dale Steyn has evolved into the ideal opening bowler; he operates at a lively pace and swings the ball out to right-handers. (Getty Images)
- Ishant Sharma is only just behind Steyn as the most promising young quickie in world cricket and he would share the new ball with the South African. Sharma is accurate and penetrative and since he has developed a delivery that shapes away from the right-handers, he's become even more dangerous. At first change, the tireless and strong Mitchell Johnson gets the nod. (Getty Images)
- Spin is not a strong point for either South Africa or Australia. Therefore, I'd choose Harbhajan Singh for matches in India and Amit Mishra for contests on harder surfaces. Just as important as a penetrative new-ball attack is a strong opening combination. (Getty Images)
- India has the perfect dasher in Virender Sehwag, while Graeme Smith just edges out Gautam Gambhir to complete the ideal right and left-hand combination. (Getty Images)
- An early loss requires a strong character to rebuild from number three. A police identikit of the perfect suspect would reveal Ricky Ponting. Technically sound and possessed of a fine temperament, he counter-attacks when lesser batsmen are content to slowly extricate their team from danger. The same would unearth Sachin Tendulkar as the perfect number four. (Getty Images)
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