International stars delighted with selection

Top stars from around the cricket world have welcomed their selection in the squads of 30 for the ICC World XI teams.

England captain Michael Vaughan, named in the Test squad, said the selection of seven England players was a timely boost ahead of this summer's Ashes series.

"It's a great achievement to be selected in the squad of 30 and it's fantastic to see seven English players involved in the Test and ODI squads."

Commenting on the inclusion of Kevin Pietersen in the ODI squad after a handful of international games, Vaughan said: "It's a testament to how Pietersen has played since he came into the England team. To score three centuries in South Africa was a great achievement. For him to get into the ODI squad of 30 is a great effort, as it is too for Andrew Strauss who is in the Test squad. He hasn't played that many games either so for Strauss to get into the 30 is a huge boost to him and just goes to show how well he's played since he got into the England team."

From India, middle order batsman VVS Laxman said: "I'm very happy that I made it to the probables of the ICC World XI and am confident that I will make it to the final playing eleven in the Super Test. It's a great honour to be selected in the ICC World XI. Perhaps, my performance in Australia played a big role in finding me a place among the top players of the world." Laxman's compatriot Virender Sehwag, named in both Test and ODI squads, commented: "The thought of teaming up with the world's best players against the world's best team is very exciting. It's an honour to be selected in the squads and will be an even bigger honour to represent `the world' in October. I am really hoping to be part of this fantastic series."

A third India representative, record-breaking leg spin bowler Anil Kumble also felt honoured by his inclusion in the ICC World XI Test squad "It is an honour and it does feel good but then the matches are six months away and I need to keep performing to merit selection into the team," said Kumble.

One of the selectors' surprise inclusions was young New Zealand wicketkeeper/batsman Brendon McCullum. On learning of his selection in both squads, he said: "I'm pretty stoked, even though it is a 30-man squad and there is a lot to happen between now and then. There are three keepers and those two are both great players and I'm very much the new boy. I'm just pleased to be there."

Pakistan pace spearhead Shoaib Akhtar, meanwhile, is hoping for another chance to take on the Aussies after a hamstring problem cut short his tour there last winter. "If I get a chance to represent the ICC World XI, I would do my best to upstage them. When you play against Australia, it brings the best out of you. I can't wait for the day when I play a lead role in beating Australia," he said.

From Australia, national team coach John Buchanan said he was looking forward to the challenge offered by the ICC World XIs. "Many of the players selected have great records against Australia and I am very excited about the prospect of having them all in the one team," said Buchanan.

"It will be interesting to see how the players from very diverse backgrounds meld into a team, but on paper the names are impressive. Australia is certainly going to have to play at its best but I am confident that the calibre of our guys is such that they will relish the opportunity to display their abilities against the best the world has to offer.

"I think the standard of cricket and competition that we will see in the Johnnie Walker Super Series has the potential to be better than anything we have seen in Australia," he added.