'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
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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.
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.
Yes, there shouldn't be any doubt about that.
Not necessarily. The Super Series is a little bit different. The tsunami games were fundraisers and were for a good cause.
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.
I don't care whether they do or not to be honest.
The best and worst was Gary Sobers's 254 at Melbourne in 1972.
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.
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.
We already had friendships with most of them anyway.