ICC World Series: A little too much Johnnie Walker?

The recently concluded World Series cricket between Australia and the Rest of the World was quite aptly called Johnnie Walker Super Series. Whoever came up with the idea for this series certainly had lots of Johnnie Walker before coming up with the idea and forgot to setup a few practice games for the World XI. Overall it was a pathetic show. The World XI was like a bunch of individuals hangin out because they were told to and paid to do so. No motivation whatsoever was evident on the part of the World team players. How else can you explain such a dismal show?

The Aussies on the other hand had plenty to play for after having lost the coveted Ashes. Warne was at his best. Brilliant to say the least. Muralitharan was superb. Barring a suspect action, this guy is a real genius. No one but he seems to know which way the ball will turn. His control, variation etc was simply phenomenal. His one over to Katich in the Australian second innings was truly legendary. The only one who could really read his bowling was Ponting. Though Hayden scored so many runs, he hardly looked comfortable against Murali. Boucher was a mistake, when Sangakkara, a good batsman and a perfect keeper for Murali was available. Inzy slept through the test. I never saw him speak to anyone of his team mates or to the opposition. He was always on the boundary line! Kallis’ batting reminded me of Yashpal Sharma (remember this guy?) — far from graceful, but very effective.