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Australia vs World XI: Bigger than the Ashes?

Roar Guru
24th September, 2013
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Kevin Pietersen was a controversial character, but a great cricketer. (AFP PHOTO/ANDREW YATES.)
Roar Guru
24th September, 2013
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2056 Reads

In news sure to rock all Australian cricket fans, the home Ashes series has been usurped by a higher power than arch enemies England, as Australia prepares to face off against the might of World XI.

To work around any issues with Australia facing off against a side not from the British Isles for the Ashes, the touring World XI will be playing under the crafty name of E.N.G. (Every Nationalities Great) – Land.

Incorporating a handful of token Pommies, amongst the team to be the mouthpieces, will also assist them in projecting a somewhat English vibe, to at least keep some semblance of tradition alive.

Kevin Pietersen, despite his well-known staunch loyalty to his adopted home of England, said he has no problem padding up for the World XI and is happy to see such a strong South African contingent with his countrymen Jonathan Trott and Matt Prior also included in the E.N.G.-Land squad to tour Down Under.

Fellow African and former Zimbabwe U/19s player, Gary Ballance was said to have been devastated by his omission from his native country’s recent Test victory, but believed that World XI selection alongside his fellow mercenaries was a nice consolation prize.

Spare a thought for Australian Sam Robson, named in the E.N.G-Land development team squad, but just missing out from going up against his home nation.

A strange omission by the World XI selectors, as an Australian would be able give them an intimate knowledge of what winning Ashes series is all about.

Fast bowler Boyd Rankin is no doubt excited about playing Test cricket for E.N.G-Land after some promising one day performances for Ireland, proving that your home nation not having Test status isn’t a barrier in making it to the Alistair Cook captained World XI.

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In fact, there are almost no barriers to getting selected in this squad. If you’re good enough, you’re E.N.Glish enough, or as the saying goes.

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