From Apartheid to institutionalisation

The 1970s were probably the best in post-war cricketing eras. Small wonder then, that when a World XI side led by Sir Garfield Sobers clashe...

The 1970s were probably the best in post-war cricketing eras. Small wonder then, that when a World XI side led by Sir Garfield Sobers clashed with England the best in 1970and then Australia 1971-72, the world sat up and took notice. Ray Illingworth8217;s England didn8217;t stand a chance against Sobers8217; side comprising Clive Lloyd, Barry Richards, Rohan Kanhai, Mike Procter and others first, and then Ian Chappell8217;s side went down to Bishan Bedi, Kanhai, Tony Greig, Zaheer Abbas, Intikhab Alam, et al. Now as the International Cricket Council ICC prepares to institutionalise the World XI games three ODIs and one six-day Test versus Australia in Australia in October 2005, The Indian Express looks back at some of the earlier seasons8230;

THE BEGINNINGS

While the first of the series was played as per plan against the best side of the time 8212; England 8212; the second happened by chance. South Africa had just been ostracised and the Australians 8212; who were waiting for the Safs at home 8212; were left with a gap in their schedule. Sir Donald Bradman and Sobers got together and planned a World XI, which included three Safs: Peter and Graeme Pollock and HD Ackerman.

THE SOBERS SHOW

If there was ever any doubt about Sobers8217; claims to being the world8217;s best all-rounder ever, the two series served to shatter them. Sobers 8212; not only as captain, but also as batsman and bowler, excelled for two successive years. His battles with John Snow first and then Dennis Lillee, and the two big centuries 8212; 254 and 183 8212; are still remembered with reverence.

BIRTH OF THE UGLY AUSSIES

Ian Chappell began his eventful innings as a captain in 1971-72. His style of being one among the boys and his fight on behalf of the players endeared him to his players and began a golden period for Australia. Under his leadership began the careers of young turks like Dennis Lillee and Rodney Marsh who would rule the world. In the 1972-73 series, Lillee bowled a scorching spell to shoot the Rest out for just 59 on a Perth wicket.

CLOUDY DAYS

After starting his career with a bang, India8217;s Sunil Gavaskar faced his first failure in international cricket during the five Tests against Australia. He scored just 277 in 10 innings with a highest of 68. The only high was batting alongside hero Rohan Kanhai.

SLEEPING WITH THE ENEMY

In his book Idols, Gavaskar talks about that uncomfortable fortnight in December 1971. For as their nations fought the Bangladesh war, Alam, Bedi, Gavaskar, Zaheer and Farokh Engineer played together, discussed the war, and remained friends.