Pick your 30!

[Steulen]

As stated above, I also think that two world-class spinners in the world XI will give them another advantage. Although this could be negated by the lack of teeth in the pace department.

 

[FaaipDeOiad]

I'd agree that Dravid/Tendulkar/Lara/Kallis is a better middle-order than Australia (hell, it's a better middle order than any single side has had, ever), but faced with the brilliant Australian bowling attack it's certainly going to be tough for them.

Let's not forget that only a few months ago McGrath, Gillespie, Warne and Kasprowicz effectively routed the Indian batting lineup which included Tendulkar in two tests and Dravid in all of them, as well as Sehwag (another certainty for this side), and Laxman who had caused them problems in the past. Lara did very well in the West Indies last time he faced Australia, but that was with McGrath half-fit and no Warne. In Australia the tour before that he struggled. And Kallis doesn't have a great record against Australia, although he hasn't played them yet at his peak. I certainly can't see Flintoff doing that well against McGrath and Warne, at least not on a consistent basis.

So, it's a strong middle order of course, but I don't think it's necessarily guaranteed to make a bucketload of runs.

I do hope for the sake of a good contest that there's a bit in the pitch for the bowlers, rather than the shocking Sydney wicket we saw two seasons ago for the Indian tour.

 

[vic_orthdox]

I do hope for the sake of a good contest that there's a bit in the pitch for the bowlers, rather than the shocking Sydney wicket we saw two seasons ago for the Indian tour.

I wouldn't be suprised if the SCG curator sees a 6 day test as a license to produce a flat batsman friendly pitch. As well as pressure from ICC/Cricket Australia/Cricket New South Wales for the match to last all 6 days to give TV viewers full value and ensure that gate takings are maximised.

 

[FaaipDeOiad]

I wouldn't be suprised if the SCG curator sees a 6 day test as a license to produce a flat batsman friendly pitch. As well as pressure from ICC/Cricket Australia/Cricket New South Wales for the match to last all 6 days to give TV viewers full value and ensure that gate takings are maximised.

Yeah I think so too, which might make for some rather poor cricket in what could be a great spectacle. Also, it would I think give the World XI their best chance of winning, since with a long, strong batting lineup and a 6 day test with a pair of world class spinners, the longer the test goes and the higher scoring it is the better they will be for it. Australia's best chance to win is to prepare a pitch with a bit in it for McGrath and company that takes a while to start really turning, and hope their superior bowling class shows through.

 

[Mister Wright]

Depending on how the Ashes series goes and which batsman really stand up against the Aussie attack, I don't think it would be all that bad of an idea to play Vaughan as an opener, he did extremely well in the role against Australia in Australia and did well at the SCG. This is of course dependent on form and if Strauss has a shocker and Vaughan does well, I think it is an option.

 

[Pratters]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/cricket/other_international/pakistan/4541299.stm

We havent discussed the captain at detail but Inzy reckons he is favourite if Pakistan manage to beat the Windies

 

[Steulen]

Inzy? Would be a good choice if only he could make the team.

Of the players most mentioned, I'd say Dravid has the best chance of becoming captain, although they could go for Lara as he has the most captaining experience.

 

[Scaly piscine]

I can't see Inzamam making the Test team either, he'd have to do very well in the next few months and for 2 of Dravid/Kallis/Tendulkar/Lara to do particularly badly.

 

[FaaipDeOiad]

I can't see Inzamam making the Test team either, he'd have to do very well in the next few months and for 2 of Dravid/Kallis/Tendulkar/Lara to do particularly badly.

2? Not necessarily.

Let's not forget that despite his below-par bowling of late Kallis is still widely considered an all-rounder, and along with Dravid and Ponting averages 70+ in the last couple of years. I think Flintoff may well miss out if he has anything other than a fantastic Ashes series. Still, I can't see Inzamam making it unless one of the four is injured AND Flintoff has a poor Ashes.

 

[marc71178]

You must have access to some sort of crystal ball. How the crap do you know who is going to be in form in August (when the team is picked) or October (when the match is played)? I mean, let's get this right, and expose your flawed thinking

How many of these players will play before then?

I'd say about none?

 

[marc71178]

Let's not forget that despite his below-par bowling of late Kallis is still widely considered an all-rounder,

Not really.

For a start, he'll not be wanting to bowl against the Australian's, so some little niggle will reappear.

 

[shankar]

Let's not forget that only a few months ago McGrath, Gillespie, Warne and Kasprowicz effectively routed the Indian batting lineup which included Tendulkar in two tests and Dravid in all of them, as well as Sehwag (another certainty for this side), and Laxman who had caused them problems in the past.

Sehwag did reasonably well on that tour averaging 42. Sachin played only in the third match after a long injury gap and actually played a matchwinning knock in the next match. So Dravid is the only one whom the aussies would have a bit of an edge over.

 

[howardj]

How many of these players will play before then?

I'd say about none?

That's kind of the point. None of those guys will have played for a long time, therefore you will not know who is in form. Accordingly, to use form as your sole basis for picking the team is ridiculous. Got it now?

 

[honestbharani]

Whatever be the reason, I think Sachin is a certainity in the side... I mean, seeing Pathan get picked in both sides shows that Sachin is guaranteed to bat at 4 or 5 for the World XI...

 

[Deja moo]

Its interesting how Sehwag has already decided hes going to make the final eleven. All his recent interviews have him saying how honoured he feels to be chosen to take the field for the world against the best team in the world.

 

[chaminda_00]

Its interesting how Sehwag has already decided hes going to make the final eleven. All his recent interviews have him saying how honoured he feels to be chosen to take the field for the world against the best team in the world.

The boys got confidence, it good to see.

 

[Deja moo]

The boys got confidence, it good to see.

Confidence, yes. But surely its disrespectful to the other openers in the squad ?

 

[chaminda_00]

Confidence, yes. But surely its disrespectful to the other openers in the squad ?

Why, if he isn't going to talk himself then who is.

 

[dinu23]

Confidence, yes. But surely its disrespectful to the other openers in the squad ?

I certainly don't mind him being in the final IX. He's one of the players i'm hoping will put on a great batting display. when he gets going it's a treat to watch!

 

[Mister Wright]

Its interesting how Sehwag has already decided hes going to make the final eleven. All his recent interviews have him saying how honoured he feels to be chosen to take the field for the world against the best team in the world.

I don't think there's much doubt.