More Cricket? World Vs Oz

[Old Croc]

Australia v World XI, Super Test, Sydney

Time for the real battle to begin

Preview by Peter English in Sydney

Forget the past week. The Super Test starting on Friday is the match of the series. Run over in the limited-overs games in Melbourne, the World XI have six days to rediscover their sparkle and show their undoubted quality. The contest is vital for both teams - an all-star bunch and a revitalised Australia - who will determine the validity of the Super Series.

Home and happy, Ricky Ponting can gain further distance from the Ashes and add the novel prize of taking on the World and winning. The Australians displayed incredible excitement at securing the one-day series 3-0 but the resurgence - Ponting would call it consistency, but they have improved significantly since England - would mean nothing if the intensity and ferocity is not matched at the SCG.

Overseas and currently overpaid, the World are struggling to merge their skills and roles while holding unfamiliar positions. John Wright, the coach, understands his team cannot match the collective desire of his opponents and will rely on a clutch of high-class performances in an arena that gives individual genius more chance to thrive. Today they cut Shoaib Akhtar from the squad and will finalise the side on Friday morning.

The combinations and head-to-heads are mind-blowing; the mood in Sydney is expectant. Four specialist spinners are massaging their fingers and almost gleaming at the prospect of their bowl-off. Shane Warne said Daniel Vettori and Muttiah Muralitharan were the most dangerous of the World XI's components. "Expect a very good showing from these guys," Warne said of the opposition. "You get the true indication in a Test because the best side will always win."

Graeme Smith has never handled a quality spinner and his leadership and tactical nous will be tested as sternly as his batsmen from the Warne and Stuart MacGill threats. "The responsibility falls on myself and Murali to help us through that," Vettori said. "We have to guide Graeme. He's obviously a strong character and will have his way of doing things, but in the end it will come back to us to work out what we need."

Australia named both spinners in their team today and included the allrounder Shane Watson while Brad Hodge was 12th man. Michael Clarke will slot in at No. 4, the spot formerly held by Mark Waugh, another New South Wales batsman who grew up in the western suburbs of Sydney. "He looks at home whenever he strides to the crease in both forms of the game," Ponting said. "He's got a big future and will certainly be around for some time."

The World XI's problems are much tougher as they attempt to squeeze 13 experts into 11 chairs. Shoaib has already been considered excess baggage, but Smith said the decision was not based on fitness. "Combinations are very important for us and we are pretty confident in the 11 we will pick," he said. "Shoaib's been left out and it's got nothing to do with his weight. We didn't feel he'd fit into the 12 we picked."

Smith's final selection decision will depend on whether Andrew Flintoff bats at six or seven. Shaun Pollock, the one-day captain, is vulnerable if an opening attack of Flintoff and Steve Harmison is used with Jacques Kallis providing extra seam support. Inzamam-ul-Haq, the most recent addition to the squad, is the batsman in most trouble if Pollock is picked.

Spinning duels will definitely provide some of the highlights, but there is suitable competition from the batsmen. Will a player come close to matching the immediately recalled achievement of Garry Sobers's 254 at Melbourne in 1971-72 for the Rest of the World? Or the batting of the Chappells? Or can a bowler mirror the force of Dennis Lillee?

Virender Sehwag lifts himself for the Tests and the pride of Dravid, Lara and Kallis is bruised following the one-day matches. A similar feeling applies to the current Test specialists Matthew Hayden and Justin Langer as they face Flintoff and Harmison after the England loss. Ponting, too, is keen to make points with bat and captaincy.

Five Tests were played during that summer 24 years ago, this time it is a one-match shoot-out with Test instead of exhibition status. At every point there will be intriguing subplots but the result is what will matter. The closeness of the contest will determine how super the series is, and whether it will be repeated in four years.

Australia 1 Justin Langer, 2 Matthew Hayden, 3 Ricky Ponting (capt), 4 Michael Clarke, 5 Simon Katich, 6 Shane Watson, 7 Adam Gilchrist (wk), 8 Shane Warne, 9 Brett Lee, 10 Glenn McGrath, 11 Stuart MacGill, 12 Brad Hodge.

World XI (probable) 1 Graeme Smith (capt), 2 Virender Sehwag, 3 Rahul Dravid, 4 Inzamam-ul-Haq, 5 Brian Lara, 6 Jacques Kallis, 7 Andrew Flintoff, 8 Mark Boucher, 9 Daniel Vettori, 10 Steve Harmison, 11 Muttiah Muralitharan.

Peter English is the Australasian editor of Cricinfo.

[Old Croc]

Australia won the toss (4 from 4) and will bat on a slightly green pitch. The 4 best spinners in the world included in the sides.

English bowlers Harmison and Flintoff opening the bowling.

Langer out!! 3rd ball bowled by Harmison. 1/0

[Siam_superfly]

The World v Australia.......thats says something in itself......

Shouldnt it be England v The World.......?

[chuchok]

The World v Australia.......thats says something in itself......

Shouldnt it be England v The World.......?       

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

At the mo...yep! After all, they did give you guys a big kick up the arse.

[Siam_superfly]

The World v Australia.......thats says something in itself......

Shouldnt it be England v The World.......?       

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

At the mo...yep! After all, they did give you guys a big kick up the arse.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Chuck....u've been drinking some bottles of "Lampard Red" again......England v The World....I wouldnt be paying any money at the gate to see a 9 over match

The Australia A side could take on the World and win....

[chuchok]

The World v Australia.......thats says something in itself......

Shouldnt it be England v The World.......?       

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

At the mo...yep! After all, they did give you guys a big kick up the arse.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Chuck....u've been drinking some bottles of "Lampard Red" again......England v The World....I wouldnt be paying any money at the gate to see a 9 over match

The Australia A side could take on the World and win....

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

pity you didn't do that against England.

[jackr]

I wouldn't bother mate, the guy's so far up his own arse he can't hear reason.

Anyone who sees this World XI as a legit TEAM need their head read, but I spose the aussies need a feel good match as they're a bunch of girls after all and can't take a shafting.

[Siam_superfly]

The World v Australia.......thats says something in itself......

The Australia A side could take on the World and win....

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

pity you didn't do that against England.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Are u saying that the Australia A side couldnt beat England ?

[Siam_superfly]

I wouldn't bother mate, the guy's so far up his own arse he can't hear reason.

Anyone who sees this World XI as a legit TEAM need their head read, but I spose the aussies need a feel good match as they're a bunch of girls after all and can't take a shafting.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Coming from someone who's not even a cricket fan (by ur own words)....u always seem to mention ARSE in ur posts...

I told u before to stick to the forum above this one Jackr......

disclaimer ( no dis-respect to memebers of that forum)

[jackr]

I wouldn't bother mate, the guy's so far up his own arse he can't hear reason.

Anyone who sees this World XI as a legit TEAM need their head read, but I spose the aussies need a feel good match as they're a bunch of girls after all and can't take a shafting.

Coming from someone who's not even a cricket fan (by ur own words)....u always seem to mention ARSE in ur posts...

I told u before to stick to the forum above this one Jackr......

disclaimer ( no dis-respect to memebers of that forum)

I love it! SS, you're so predictable. My words were, I'm not really a sports fan, meaning I still watch the odd game, be it footy, ruggers, cricket, tossing the caber or whatever and enjoy it, but not to the extreme, unless England win the Wotld Cup that is.

I think the reason I mention arse when replying to your posts, SS, is that...well, it's kind of self explanatory me thinks

[chuchok]

The World v Australia.......thats says something in itself......

The Australia A side could take on the World and win....

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

pity you didn't do that against England.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Are u saying that the Australia A side couldnt beat England ?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Well if your top side got thrashed, then it stands to reason that your "B" (B actually means A in Australian)side would get a shafting as well.

[Old Croc]

Back on topic.

First innings Australia 345

World 190

Second innings Australia 0/1 (Langer off a pair)

[Thomas_Merton]

There's cricket (like the Ashes - won by England, bye the way) and there is show business.

This game is "the Sound of Bloody Music".

[Siam_superfly]

There's cricket (like the Ashes - won by England, bye the way) and there is show business.

This game is "the Sound of Bloody Music".

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Typical...its not England, so its a joke and not worth watching....

[Thomas_Merton]

There's cricket (like the Ashes - won by England, bye the way) and there is show business.

This game is "the Sound of Bloody Music".

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Typical...its not England, so its a joke and not worth watching....

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Sounds about right to me.

Win or lose - the Aussies are on a hiding to nothing.

And as for the so called World team - what's in it for them?

You win - who've you beaten? A National side - so what?

You lose - and you are beaten by the team that lost the Ashes. Big deal.

[Old Croc]

There's cricket (like the Ashes - won by England, bye the way) and there is show business.

This game is "the Sound of Bloody Music".

Are you able to watch the game where you are Thomas?

Despite the manufactured nature of the match I'm finding it fascinating to watch. Although the World's batsmen haven't produced much, the sight of 4 of the best spinners on the planet operating on a turning wicket is incredible! In the Australian second innings Murili is turning the ball 2 feet in both directions and is almost unplayable. Harmison and Flintoff seemed to have found their feet and are looking very dangerous again. It now feels like pride has become a factor in this game for both sides.

Also, the use of electronics and the third and forth umpires to help decide lbws and fine edges is adding to the experience. I feel some of these measures will filter through to the real game.

Spectators, like the barmy army and the Sri Lankan shriekers, are barracking for their national players when operating just as if it was a test match.

I wouldn't dismiss the concept so lightly.

[Siam_superfly]

There's cricket (like the Ashes - won by England, bye the way) and there is show business.

This game is "the Sound of Bloody Music".

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Typical...its not England, so its a joke and not worth watching....

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Sounds about right to me.

Win or lose - the Aussies are on a hiding to nothing.

And as for the so called World team - what's in it for them?

You win - who've you beaten? A National side - so what?

You lose - and you are beaten by the team that lost the Ashes. Big deal.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Merton....

If it was England v The World....ur thoughts would be the same ??

I dont think so......

but coz its Australia...it a joke.......bit of a slap in ur English face isnt it....that its Oz v The World......

[Thomas_Merton]

There's cricket (like the Ashes - won by England, bye the way) and there is show business.

This game is "the Sound of Bloody Music".

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Typical...its not England, so its a joke and not worth watching....

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Sounds about right to me.

Win or lose - the Aussies are on a hiding to nothing.

And as for the so called World team - what's in it for them?

You win - who've you beaten? A National side - so what?

You lose - and you are beaten by the team that lost the Ashes. Big deal.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Merton....

If it was England v The World....ur thoughts would be the same ??

I dont think so......

but coz its Australia...it a joke.......bit of a slap in ur English face isnt it....that its Oz v The World......

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Far from it - the game is just a non-event.

A bunch of losers versus a fun team.

[Siam_superfly]

There's cricket (like the Ashes - won by England, bye the way) and there is show business.

This game is "the Sound of Bloody Music".

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Typical...its not England, so its a joke and not worth watching....

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Sounds about right to me.

Win or lose - the Aussies are on a hiding to nothing.

And as for the so called World team - what's in it for them?

You win - who've you beaten? A National side - so what?

You lose - and you are beaten by the team that lost the Ashes. Big deal.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Merton....

If it was England v The World....ur thoughts would be the same ??

I dont think so......

but coz its Australia...it a joke.......bit of a slap in ur English face isnt it....that its Oz v The World......

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Far from it - the game is just a non-event.

A bunch of losers versus a fun team.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

[/quote

Slap in ur face......again...

[Thomas_Merton]

199 all out --ooh, slap me again.

[Pink Mist]

2 for 18 Lara up to bat , I'm excited

[Thomas_Merton]

2 for 18 Lara up to bat , I'm excited

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

.. and some people sing and dance to the "Sound of Music".

Perhaps that what the 22,000 who have stayed away from the SCG are doing?

[Pink Mist]

2 for 18 Lara up to bat , I'm excited

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

.. and some people sing and dance to the "Sound of Music".

Perhaps that what the 22,000 who have stayed away from the SCG are doing?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I heard it was only 21199 that stayed away

[Thomas_Merton]

2 for 18 Lara up to bat , I'm excited

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

.. and some people sing and dance to the "Sound of Music".

Perhaps that what the 22,000 who have stayed away from the SCG are doing?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I heard it was only 21199 that stayed away

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Nah...that's cos Siam Superfly was so paralytic, they thought he was dead.

[lampard10]

[]

Nah...that's cos Siam Superfly was so paralytic, they thought he was dead.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

He is;...................................from the neck up

[Old Croc]

The six day test finished in three and a half days.

The World team crashed to be all out for 144 in the second innings. MacGill and Warne took eight wickets.

Australia won by 210 runs.

[jackr]

Quite meaningless really. Nice little feel good match for the aussies I spose but it doesn't detract from the fact that they're has-beens

[Pink Mist]

Quite meaningless really. Nice little feel good match for the aussies I spose but it doesn't detract from the fact that they're has-beens

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

obviously you are an informed cricket commentator

[Siam_superfly]

[]

Nah...that's cos Siam Superfly was so paralytic, they thought he was dead.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

He is;...................................from the neck up

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Paralytic......naaa that will be the night that I spend at Lampards bar.....(course I will buy all my Heineken from the 7/11, coz I dont wont Lampard to have any of my money)......

[Pink Mist]

[]

Nah...that's cos Siam Superfly was so paralytic, they thought he was dead.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

He is;...................................from the neck up

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Paralytic......naaa that will be the night that I spend at Lampards bar.....(course I will buy all my Heineken from the 7/11, coz I dont wont Lampard to have any of my money)......

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

give it a rest mate, remember the talk we had