The Hindu : Sport : Criticism should fuel world stars

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Oct 14, 2005

Sport

Sport

Criticism should fuel world stars

I would be surprised if the game goes into even the fifth day

STEVE WAUGH

If the stinging criticism of the stars in the world team does not stir them into action, nothing will. I have played against most of the players who have made it to the one-day and Test teams of the Super Series, and each one of them is a proud individual with unquestionable talent.

I can already see signs of these guys making an extra effort for the Test match. Brian Lara has admitted to having extra sessions at the nets, and chances are that he is not the only guy who wants to make amends for Telstra Dome.

Brian has always liked playing at the SCG so much so that he has even named his daughter Sydney. This will in all probability be his last Test appearance at this venue, where he has scripted some incredible knocks. Brian has always relished the big stage, and has a habit of saving his best for Australia. One final encounter with Glenn McGrath will be really worth watching.

Exemplary form

Then there are the Indian players, who are a study in contrasts. Rahul Dravid has just become a father, and since he seems to have decided to stay on and finish his commitment with the World team, he might just see this as an opportunity to celebrate the birth of his son. He has a proven pedigree and was in exemplary form during India's last tour here. Even though he did not get too many runs, he did show some good attitude in the one-dayers as well, so I would expect a good score from him. Virender Sehwag has always been a hot and cold player, so there will be periods of time when he does not get going. Since he relies heavily on confidence and momentum, the Australians will have to bowl in good areas to cramp him at the start. That is easier said than done, especially because if Sehwag decides it's his day.

Crowd pullers

Expectedly, the crowds are most eager to watch Andrew Flintoff and Steve Harmison after their performance in the Ashes. The latter is an exciting bowler and he will enjoy bowling at the SCG. As far as Flintoff is concerned, Australian spectators have never seen the best of him, and this would be a good opportunity to change that around.

Graeme Smith has the attitude and confidence to turn this side of world-beaters into one well-knit team. He has often got into tussles with the Australians in the past, and he will relish this opportunity to take them on with the best personnel possible, behind him.

From the Australian side, I would think that all eyes would be on Shane Warne. His England performance was the best I have seen him bowl in the last seven-eight years. He has had some memorable encounters against many of these batsmen, so it will be great to see him operate at one of his favourite grounds. The Test will be played over six days, but I don't think any Test match in present-day cricket will go on for that long. Cricketers play at a frenetic pace these days, so I would be surprised if the game goes into even the fifth day. Having said that, the SCG is one of the few pitches that improves as the game progresses, so if there is a pitch in world cricket that would hold together for six days, it's got to be the one at this ground.

(Gameplan)

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