'It should have been done two years ago'
Over three decades on, Doug Walters, who was part of the Australian side that took on the Rest of the World in 1971-72, talks exclusively to Cricinfo
Nagraj Gollapudi
12-Oct-2005
Over three decades on from the Rest of the World team's adventures in England and Australia, the concept is about to be dusted off and relaunched at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Doug Walters, who was part of the Australian side that lost 1-2 to the Rest of the World in 1971-72, talks exclusively to Cricinfo about the genesis of the idea, and the motivation to do well in such games
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I think it was good at the time when it was first suggested. Probably, it should have been done two years ago. It should be beneficial to the game and, I guess, for the players who will be financially rewarded. Game-wise, the standard of world cricket hasn't been particularly high in some countries, so to get the rest of the world against the No.1 team is good.
Do you think these matches should have official status?
Not as far as the Test match is concerned, no. It could be classified as a first class match. I can accept the one-dayers getting the status.
Not as far as the Test match is concerned, no. It could be classified as a first class match. I can accept the one-dayers getting the status.
Do you think that by giving official status, the ICC has ensured that it will be played in competitive spirit?
Yes, there shouldn't be any doubt about that.
Yes, there shouldn't be any doubt about that.
Do you the think the tsunami relief matches and Afro-Asia games deserved official status?
Not necessarily. The Super Series is a little bit different. The tsunami games were fundraisers and were for a good cause.
Not necessarily. The Super Series is a little bit different. The tsunami games were fundraisers and were for a good cause.
Having played against the Rest of the World yourself, do you feel cheated that those games didn't have official status?
Can't say I feel cheated. It was a long, long ago and those days are gone, so who cares? I don't think they should have been classed official Test matches and I don't think this Super Test should be either. I am not sure if my figures would have been enhanced if the Tests I played had been granted official status, so personally, it could've been for the better or worse. Since we were playing against the best lot at that time, it could've done with first-class status though.
Can't say I feel cheated. It was a long, long ago and those days are gone, so who cares? I don't think they should have been classed official Test matches and I don't think this Super Test should be either. I am not sure if my figures would have been enhanced if the Tests I played had been granted official status, so personally, it could've been for the better or worse. Since we were playing against the best lot at that time, it could've done with first-class status though.
Would you want the ICC to give those matches official status with retrospective effect?
I don't care whether they do or not to be honest.
I don't care whether they do or not to be honest.
Where are your best memories of playing for against Australia against the Rest of the World?
The best and worst was Gary Sobers's 254 at Melbourne in 1972.
The best and worst was Gary Sobers's 254 at Melbourne in 1972.
Did you take those matches as seriously as you would a Test match?
Yes, definitely. The Australian players were fighting for their positions in the side and they wanted to perform well. The same holds true now for the present Australian side. I am not sure if that applies for the present World squad as I'm not sure if the boys not performing would have any influence on their selection.
Yes, definitely. The Australian players were fighting for their positions in the side and they wanted to perform well. The same holds true now for the present Australian side. I am not sure if that applies for the present World squad as I'm not sure if the boys not performing would have any influence on their selection.
Is it easy for a player to motivate himself when he is not playing for his country?
I think it would be a lot harder. I guess in a way you are still playing for your country, but it doesn't seem quite as serious. During my time the players tended to sort of relax a little bit more than they normally would. Whether that is still the case, I don't know.
I think it would be a lot harder. I guess in a way you are still playing for your country, but it doesn't seem quite as serious. During my time the players tended to sort of relax a little bit more than they normally would. Whether that is still the case, I don't know.
Off the field, what was the equation like between the players? Did you make any lasting friends as a result of that tour?
We already had friendships with most of them anyway.
We already had friendships with most of them anyway.