Pakistan holds second best win/loss ratio in Tests between 2010-2015

The Express Tribune compares Pakistan's win/loss ratio against the world

Ever since Misbahul Haq took over Pakistan’s Test captaincy in November 2010 with a series against South Africa in the UAE, Pakistan have been on a roll in the five-day format.

The Express Tribune compares Pakistan’ Test record - specifically win/loss ratios - with eight Test playing nations from November 1, 2010 till November 1, 2015.

South Africa

PHOTO: AFP

The Proteas saw two captains during this era. First, left-hand batsman Greame Smith who captained the side from 2003 till 2014 and later, right-hand batsman Hashim Amla who was made to hold the reins of the team. South Africa played 39 matches during the aforementioned period and won 20 while losing only six matches – accumulating a win/loss ratio of 3.33 -- far better than anyone else.

Pakistan

PHOTO: AFP

Following a spot-fixing scandal that involved three Pakistani cricketers - then captain and left-hand batsman Salman Butt, right-arm fast-bowler Muhammad Asif and teenager left-arm quickie Muhammad Amir – Misbah held the fort for Pakistan and led the team to some marvelous achievements. Pakistan were involved in 43 outings during the period – including the on-going third Test match against England – out of which they won 19 and lost 12, summing up a win/loss ratio of 1.58. Not as great as South Africa, but it is the second best in the world in the last five years.



Australia

PHOTO: AFP

Australia – one of the Big Three – are the third best in the list with a win/loss ratio of 1.36 after playing 55 matches. The Kangaroos have won 26 and lost 19 matches. They were led by Michael Clarke from 2011 to 2015. And new captain Steven Smith promises to bring Australia back on the top.

England

PHOTO: AFP

If there is one captain who has been on the pitch leading his pack for as much time as Misbah has, it is England’s Alastair Cook. He was inducted as the leader of the English side in 2010 and is still going strong – recently leading England to a win in the Ashes against the mighty Aussies. England have played the most number of Tests in the mentioned period. They have participated in 62 duels and have come out victorious on 26 occasions with 20 defeats to their name. They are placed fourth in the list with a win/loss ratio of 1.30.



India

PHOTO COURTESY: HINDUSTAN TIMES

The team led by one of the most successful captains in India’s history, MS Dhoni, is fifth in the list on the basis of its win/loss ratio. They have played 9 five-day matches, winning only 17 of them and losing 19. They are the first team in the list with lesser victories than defeats which gives them a win/loss ratio of 0.89.

New Zealand, Sri Lanka and West Indies

The sixth, seventh and eighth positions on the list are held by to New Zealand, Sri Lanka and West Indies, respectively.

New Zealand have won 13 and lost 16 matches in a total of 42 Tests --  a win loss ratio of 0.81

Sri Lanka have a win/loss ratio of 0.77 with 14 wins and 18 losses in 48 outings.

Meanwhile, West Indies are in the last spot with a 0.57 win/loss ratio. They played 45 Test in the last five years, winning 12 and losing 21.