England cricket team series. However, this status only lasted a year – having lost 3–0 to Pakistan over the winter, England were beaten 2–0 by South Africa, who replaced them at the top of the rankings. It was their first home series loss since 2008, against the same opposition. This loss saw the resignation of Strauss as captain (and his retirement from cricket). His replacement, Alastair Cook, who was already in charge of the ODI side, led England to a 2–1 victory in India – their first in the country since 1984–85. In doing so, Cook became the first ever captain to score
West Indian cricket team in England in 1973 were played for the Prudential Trophy. England were captained for the first time by Mike Denness, who succeeded Ray Illingworth. The captains top-scored for their teams (Kanhai with 55, Denness with 66); Chris Old and Derek Underwood each took three wickets as West Indies' middle order failed to build on a good start; Tony Greig took England to the brink of victory with 48, but three quick wickets then left last pair Underwood and Bob Willis to score six to win. Denness was Man of the Match. A comfortable victory for West Indies won them the Prudential Trophy for a