I know there have been some strong reactions to my view that the Super Series should not have been granted “official” status. However, I would like to clarify that the series itself is a wonderful concept, one that the ICC should persevere with, Australia’s domination of the one-day series and Super Test (so far) notwithstanding.
There are several lessons that can be drawn from this series. I believe it is important for the World XI players to spend more time with each other, playing lead-up games against quality opposition before the big battles begin. Ask any cricketer and he will tell you that playing “matches” together is more conducive to bonding than practicing together in the nets for a couple of days. If the World XI plays three or four “warm-up” games against strong sides, the players will be more comfortable with each other and consequently better prepared to fire as a team. How a longer Super Series can be fitted into the packed international calendar is something the ICC needs to look at. There could well be a situation sometime in the future where one team is leading the ODI ratings and another is leading the Test ratings. Will the Super Series be split if this is the case? But the ICC possesses the expertise and experience to tackle such issues. I know there are many people who have christened it the “First and Last” Super Series, but it will be sad if things turn out that way.
The Australian players rapped after the Ashes defeat, and how well they have responded! Day two of the Super Test was no different. Flintoff gave the World XI a splendid start with some incisive bowling. Gilchrist’s fall in the nineties and the termination of the innings for 345 would have gladdened the hearts of the World XI supporters. It seemed that the World XI would finally silence all their detractors who have wondered whether the players are in Australia on a holiday. But the Australian bowlers gave nothing away. Glenn McGrath was outstanding as always, and Warne and MacGill, playing together after a long, long time, tormented the batsmen. Virender Sehwag batted as only he can, but his was a solo effort.
No World XI batsman got out in a “soft” manner. It was just that they found the bowling too hot and hostile to handle. Flintoff was criticized for the way he got out after hitting a six, but to be fair to him, he was batting with the tail, and had to take chances.
Australia’s obvious aim will be to bat as long as they can and put the game beyond the reach of the World XI. They will still have plenty of overs to bowl out the opposition, for don’t forget, it is a six-day Test. It usually gets tougher to bat on the SCG wicket by the fourth day. For now, it seems like the Aussies are on a one-way street. The only way they can go is ahead.
