A battle of the giants: Lorgat

While millions of Indian fans see the South Africa Test series as the final challenge to reinforce the team's No. 1 status, the cricketing world is keenly watching the Ashes contest after England took the series lead in style.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is delighted with the way Test cricket has shaped up of late.

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While millions of Indian fans see the South Africa Test series as the final challenge to reinforce the team's No. 1 status, the cricketing world is keenly watching the Ashes contest after England took the series lead in style.

ICC's South African CEO, Haroon Lorgat, was pleased with the way Tests and limited-overs contests were shaping up. "It must be a very exciting series," he told Hindustan Times on Saturday.

"India are a very settled team and are a fabulous blend of experience and youth. South Africa on the other hand are a very disciplined team. You can't beat them easily. It will be the battle of the giants."

"To add to that Sachin Tendulkar is still scoring as prolifically as he is," Lorgat added, having no doubt who would be the focus of all South Africa and India during the clash.

Lorgat acknowledged a shift in the focus following the slide of the mighty Australia.

"The strength of the teams has changed. These things happen in cycles. All three South Africa, India and England, are very good teams and the introduction of the Test Championship will offer a lot to the teams, fans and commercial partners."

The changing equations could be a pointer for the future, as Indian fans and sponsors have until now treated the Australia-India clashes above all others.

But Lorgat was not willing to give up on Australia.

"You can never disregard Australia, they are a very proud cricketing nation. This is just a change of guard. I'm sure they will come back and take their place on the top of the table."