IPL’s fault, no quality, reasons vary

In the MCC box, the emotions could not have been more varied. Former Prime Minister John Major (a hard core Test enthusiast) was delighted England was thrashing their traditional rivals. Ali Bacher, saw the carnage but with a minor shake of his head indicated his disappointment. This is a walkover, he said. The ECB should thank the BCCI and IPL for messing up the technique of young Australians.

Mark Waugh, commentator with Fox Sports, thought the Aussies have only themselves to blame. There is no quality, the blokes are not up there, he said. When told that Swann was deadly, with some balls spitting threateningly and others keeping straight, he responded in typical Aussie drawl: He is good but you should be able to sort that out.

Sourav Ganguly, also present at the ground which witnessed two of his greatest triumphs (century on Test debut, and victory in the Natwest final) was equally unimpressed with the Australian team. I have never seen a more ordinary side, he observed. Clarke is their only proven Test batsman. Asked about their spin, specially left armer Agar, Sourav smiled, his look suggesting the youngster would struggle in Ranji.
the writer is a delhi daredevils official