WHEN cricketing greats like Shane Warne compare England to the legendary teams of the past, it puts into perspective just how good this current side is.

Such gushing praise must have stuck in Warne’s craw, but even the most died-in-the-wool Aussie would struggle to build an argument against.

England have struck upon a golden generation of players, but are they champions of circumstance?

Only in this country, and possibly Australia, is Test cricket the be-all and end-all.

Yes, we enjoyed every minute of winning the Twenty20 World Cup last year. And it did hurt when we were beaten by Ireland and Bangladesh in the 50-over World Cup.

But the joy and despair lasted little. What mattered more was Ashes success and a quest to become the best Test team in the world.

Only on these shores do players and spectators alike rank five-day dominance above all else.

Take a quick look around the world - when England and their travelling hordes of supporters are not involved - and the scattering of spectators in the stands is more akin to a County Championship match than international cricket.

It’s a different story in the limited overs format, however. Such is the clamour for tickets in places like India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, fans will take any vantage point possible - be it a creaking tree or local hillside.

Such disinterest in Test cricket and enthusiasm for one-day cricket is bound to filter down to the pitch. Capacity crowds bring financial riches and professional satisfaction, hence the new packing order of priorities.

The Indian side is packed with legends - players like Sachin Tendulkar, VVS Laxman and Rahul Dravid will be smarting with the 2-0 series scoreline.

But a new breed of sub-Continent players realise the fame and money comes hand-in-hand with crash, bang, whallop cricket.

The current England team has so much talent within the ranks, I would fancy their chances against any side in history.

But is the shift in power anything to do with the way each country views the three respective formats currently played around the globe?