A world XI of retirees

It seems retirement bells are a-ringin' all over the cricketing world. The last 2-3 of years have seen some of the biggest names in the games (and we are talking of legend class stuff here) call it a day and saunter into the sunset. So in keeping with the cricket followers' favourite pastime of making lists at the drop of a helmet (well, hats have sorta gone outa fashion in the Gentleman's Game these days), I decided to come up with a World XI of retirees from the 2005-2008 period in world cricket. Here goes: (in batting order)

1. Matthew Hayden (Australia)
2. Justin Langer (Australia)
3. Brian Lara (West Indies)
4. Steve Waugh (Australia)
5. Inzamam-ul-Haq (Pakistan)
6. Adam Gilchrist (Australia)
7. Shaun Pollock (South Africa)
8. Darren Gough (England)
9. Shane Warne (Australia)
10. Anil Kumble (India)
11. Glenn McGrath (Australia)

And just look at those who missed out - Sanath Jayasuriya (Sri Lanka), Maravan Atapattu (Sri Lanka), Graham Thorpe (England), Saurav Ganguly (India), Gary Kirsten (South Africa), Damien Martyn (Australia), Stuart MacGill (Australia) and I am sure a few others too.

Actually, a close look at the list will also give you the prime reason for Australia's sudden decline in fortunes - there are SIX Aussies in that XI.No country can recover from losing so many world class cricketers in such a short time. The closest thing I have seen to it was during the 1985-87 period when the West Indies lost Holding, Garner, Gomes and Lloyd in quick succession. Although they would not lose a Test series for a while, that was the time when the Windies fall began. Unlike their Carribbean counterparts, Australia do not have the bench strength to compensate for those who have departed, and also have lost many more players. S their decline is likely to be more spectacular unless the selectors have something hidden up their sleeves.