Super Test: World XI continue to be in shambles
The World XI showed no signs of improvement over their one-day form and were bundled out for a paltry 190, out of which 76 runs belonged to the man from Najafgarh. Other than Sehwag, only 3 men managed to get into double figures. Smith fell early trying to hook Lee but Sehwag was the usual one we see in first innings of several India Tests - belting the bowling at will and scoring at a strike rate of almost 90. The greatest disappointments were Dravid's duck and Lara's yet another single digit score for the World XI. Both of them were nailed by the master called McGrath. Warne got rid of Sehwag caught at forward short leg by Katich and the score was 134/4. From then on, the Aussie legspin duo weaved their magic and made their team bat again for 20 overs. MacGill ended up with 4 wickets and Warne picked up three.
Apart from the happenings later in the day, the first hour was a happy one for the World XI with Flintoff continuing to be a pain to the Aussies. He picked up 4 wickets for 59 runs as he helped his team dismiss Australia for just 345 after being 331/6 at close of play on day 1. He started the slide by trapping Gilchrist right on front with the second ball of the day for his overnight score of 94. The tail followed very soon and the World XI was suddenly looking a revived unit until their batters let them down again and made 155 runs less than what Australia managed in the first innings. Australia ended the day with 66 runs on the board in the second innings for the loss of Langer's wicket.
Inspite of the poor showing by his teammates, Sehwag sounded very optimistic after the day's play. Now, one does not wonder about the status of this Test - official or unofficial, but why was it scheduled for 6 days? Is this World team just not able to bring in the team factor?
Labels: super series 2005
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Well spoke Ganesh. I think those playing for the World XI are playing for themselves and their own reputations and not for the team.
In fact the only good thing I can think of about this match is that it has allowed the administrators to experiment with the use of the third umpire.
I have written comments on this issue on my blog: http://englishcricket.blogspot.com
Please feel free to visit.
By 
Unknown (16 Oct 2005, 2:44:00 am)
exactly pat, the world xi seems to do ok as a bowling unit, but when it comes to batting, the "team" effect is nowhere seen. they mite pull off a miracle tomorrow by chasing the 355, but still they lack the "team" in australia.
btw, nice blog pat, quite a few interesting posts - enjoyed them.
By Ganesh (16 Oct 2005, 9:36:00 pm)
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