October 14 was the quintessential Test match day. Quality batting, complemented by hostile and accurate bowling and competent fielding. It was heartening to see the World XI play with passion. Their energy-levels showed a distinct improvement from what was seen in the three one-dayers. They appear keen on a competitive game of cricket. Australia’s star of the day was undoubtedly Hayden. He took his own time to score, and it seems that he has opted for a more sedate batting strategy. He has decided to show more respect to the bowlers and concentrate on building the innings. While such an approach may not be appreciated by spectators keen to watch a walloping of the bowlers, what eventually matters, especially in the longer variety, is how many runs the batsman finishes with. Hayden’s innings has given his team the upper hand in the game at this point.The Super Test has given the Aussies the opportunity to experiment with their batting order. Gilchrist was pushed up to No. 6 with Watson coming in at No. 7. The team thus began the game with as many as five specialist bowlers in the XI. The line-up looks good on paper. If Watson clicks, Australia’s future opponents have every reason to be wary. Gilchrist batted quite splendidly, continuing from where he left off in the one-day series. Australia were struggling a bit when he came in. Then, and, not for the first time in his career, he immediately got down rectifying the situation.Of the World XI bowlers, I thought Harmison and Flintoff bowled very well, swinging the ball and beating the bat on several occasions. With luck, they could have had Australia in a lot of trouble. Murali was good, as always. Not only did he pose questions for the batsmen, but also to Boucher behind the stumps. However, Mark need not be unduly worried. He is not the only player to be flummoxed by Murali’s variations, particularly the ’doosra’. I am impressed with Smith, who in my opinion has approached Test in a controlled and sensible manner. It’s hard to instil ’team spirit’ when you are captain for only a few days. When I led the World XI in the MCC Bicentenary Test in 1987, my job was made relatively easier by the fact that we travelled as a team all over England for warm-up games, and spent a fair bit of time with each other, on the field and in the bar!Smith hasn’t been so fortunate. I believe he has appealed to each and every member of his side to lift their respective game. If the players do that, the RoW will certainly give Australia a tough time over the next 120 hours. (PMG)
