The ICC Super Series, 2005-06

At Docklands Stadium, Melbourne, October 5, 2005 (day/night). Australia won by 93 runs. Toss: Australia. One-day international debut: C. L. White.

Even allowing for a mid-innings collapse and some shoddy fielding, Australia began their home season with emphatic success. The opening partnership of Gilchrist and Katich gave them a bright start, then Symonds and Hussey rebuilt after the loss of four wickets in nine overs. The World XI spinners made the ball grip on the drop-in pitch at the Telstra Dome, where the roof was firmly closed for all three one-day games. The World XI - including representatives of all the other Testplaying countries bar Zimbabwe and Bangladesh - were then immediately pegged back by McGrath.

They did not reach 100 until the 28th over, and the impressive Sangakkara cut to backward point two balls later. The stadium was only one-third full, despite a heavy marketing campaign which revolved around two of the Ashes conquerors, Pietersen and Flintoff. Neither player enjoyed a happy evening. Flintoff was the most expensive of the World XI attack, and had Katich dropped and then caught off a no-ball in the same over. Pietersen lasted just six balls before being trapped in front by Watson, attempting to play through the leg side. However, after six drops during the Ashes series, Pietersen did manage to hold on to a catch.

Man of the Match: S. R. Watson. Attendance: 18,435.