Feel good about this. Against all expectations, India clung on to the title of the No 1 Test cricket team in the world as 2009 readied to melt into 2010 on the penultimate day of the year.

At Kingsmead, Durban, in the Test between England and South Africa, Graeme Swann, twirling and tweaking England to a massive win, proved to be our unlikely benefactor.

Against all odds, India end 2009 on top of the ICC’s Test rankings, and England’s win means the reign of Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s men at the top will extend longer than one would have thought.

South Africa needed to win their four-Test series against England 2-0 or better to displace India. With the first match of the series drawn and England winning the second on Wednesday, South Africa — yapping at India’s heels in the Test rankings — have no way of toppling India. At least not for the moment.

The other contenders, Australia, who dominated the last decade, have even less chance of catching up with India. Currently at No. 3, Australia thrashed Pakistan in Perth to take a 1-0 lead, but they need a 3-0 whitewash to just hang on to their current position.

For India, the first assignment is a light one — two Tests in Bangladesh in January. The real challenge will come in February when South Africa come calling to play two Tests.

Not bad, to be on top as the decade ends. Can anyone say it wasn’t well deserved?