Former England captains Michael Vaughan and Alec Stewart are predicting years of dominance from Andrew Strauss’ current crop of Test stars.
England are in the midst of a fourth Test match with India and are well-placed to secure a series whitewash over MS Dhoni’s side, in which they displaced as the world’s top ranked Test-playing nation this summer.
Sports betting pundits note how it would be the first time since 1974 that an England side had a perfect record against India in a Test series.
But with bad weather hanging over their heads, England could be forced to settle for a draw in the final Test and a 3-0 series victory.
But with England crushing India in the third Test last week, they secured the ICC’s world number one ranking.
Strauss’ side are now unbeaten in their last nine Test’ series, which included home and away Ashes victories and a draw in South Africa. Their last series defeat came at the hands of West Indies in a five-match series in 2008/09.
And former captain Vaughan, who won a record 26 Tests as skipper, believes that Strauss can lead his side on to bigger and better things.
He is quoted as saying by the BBS: “I really think this side are going to dominate Test cricket for a period because of their strength in depth, fitness levels, determination and the real hunger they display.
"It is not just this 11, the depth of the 24 or 25 players England have to choose from is fantastic - there is some great talent out there."
Stewart, England’s most capped player added: "As an ex-player and a fan, I am delighted that England are number one.
"But the important thing is that this is not just for six weeks or the next six months, it's got to be for the next six years.
"I believe they can go on and dominate for some time now. To win a game you have to take 20 wickets, and our bowling attack is capable of doing that in any conditions.”
England’s task of holding on to their ranking as world number one will face a severe examination over the next year.
Winter tours pit them in Tests against Pakistan and Sri Lanka, on tracks which are likely to be difficult for England’s seam attack to produce wickets on.
The following summer sees England play host to West Indies and South Africa. Graeme Smith’s Proteas are currently ranked in at third in the ICC Test rankings.
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