South Africa's cricket team are set to slip down the world ranking as a result of their loss to West India - and in a somewhat desperate drive to soothe my aching wounds, I've awoken with a great new yardstick to measure true greatness in sport.

I've always been irked by the claims of sports leagues in the USA.  World Championships, World Series and such and such have a hollow sound and probably are worthless titles even to those sorry Yanks in their island of sporting isolation. Similarly, as explained above, I wonder what value can be attached to the current cricket (and rugby) rankings.

During the recent Rugby World Cup, the All Blacks were adamant they were unequalled at No.1.  But as a South African I took the stance that, in context of the development of rugby, South Africa should get extra credit for the 'baggage' we carry in developing the game in Africa. 

'When I look at my beloved Proteas, I am astonished by their workload and moral high ground earned in this fashion'


Now, looking at the cricket world rankings, and at the prospect of a big slide by Graeme Smith's Proteas, I wonder if the Australians would entertain my logical critique of their 'unfetted' focus on merely turning up and swinging the willow?

The Australians have, after all, no worries (or seemingly so) when it comes to development of the game of cricket, beyond obvious growth.  When I look at my beloved Proteas, I am astonished by their workload and moral high ground earned in this fashion.

If the Proteas, in a marathon analogy, were running an ultra-marathon where the Aussies merely had to cross the 46km mark, they would be the ones carrying the world on their shoulders.

So who are the true champions, in my eyes?  The lads doing the most for the sport - and that may be the Indians, the Pakistanis, Bangladeshis or English.

But obviously South Africa is in there with a great big "Howzat !"

Which nation do YOU think does the most for cricket? Post your comments below or write an article for Sportingo.