Born to lead the world

Graeme Smith’s captaincy of the World XI has received a mixed reception. Vic Marks of The Observer profiles Smith – he is only 24 and has “always been captain” – and decides he was born to lead the world. Ian Chappell is a critic of Smith’s appointment and his view, which was reported by Cricinfo last week, is here.

Speaking of the Super Series, Mark Richardson, the former New Zealand opener, writes on the New Zealand Herald website that the contest will remain an exhibition because of the associated gimmicks.