Sehwag, Inzamam mocked skipper Smith

SYDNEY: It is now Virender Sehwag’s turn to draw flak alongside his Pakistani peer Inzamam-ul Haq as the Australian media continues to dissect sub-standard performances by the World XI stars in the recently concluded ICC Super Series. This time, the Brisbane-based ‘Courier-Mail’ reports on how World XI captain Graeme Smith faced his ‘’large teammate (Inzy) with an even larger ego’’ and also mentions how Sehwag laughed scornfully at Smith during the Test.

Dubbing the ‘Nawab of Najafgarh’ as ‘’another limp performer off the field who reportedly gave nothing to the side’’, it said, ‘’During the match, when Smith tried to urge his players with a routine ‘come on boys’, Inzamam and Virender Sehwag started laughing.’’

Meanwhile, continuing its tirade at Inzy, the newspaper said at training two days before the Super Test the players lined up for slips training with Smith in his customary position at first slip, where he is regarded as one of the world’s best catchers. It goes on to say: ‘’Over walked the imposing figure of Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul Haq. ‘I’m first slip,’ said Inzamam.

‘No we have already decided that I will be. You’re third,’ said Smith.  ‘But I only field first slip,’ said Inzamam. ‘You’re third,’ Smith replied.’’

‘’The big man spun on his heel and reluctantly walked over to third. When he dropped an early ball he left the ground immediately to sulk in the dressing room and did not return,’’ the newspaper adds. Finally it declares that for all the talk of harmony, the team never really bonded, and that was the way they (World XI) played.