Fair

Would be a fair word to describe the selection of the 39 players for the 2 World X1 Squads. Not that that is a compliment in any sense. 30 is such a large number that it is difficult to do a really bad job while selecting 30 players. I mean I don't see any point in selecting this probable squad and then trimming it down except to provide some consolation to the players who are eventually going to be left out - it will make them feel - "OK We could not make it to the last 12 but at least we made it to the 30". Why should I bother about making them feel happy ?? In that case one might as well have started off last year with a 100-man probable squad and then trimmed it down to 30 !! Then everyone would have been happy !!! Make no mistake, selecting 25-30 probables is fine when you are selecting a national squad for a camp because it helps the fringe players to get a feel; improve their skills by matching them with the best and demonstrate their abilities to the coach in the training camp or whatever. Here, these 30 players are never going to meet each other. So clearly there is no rational explanation for their nomination than the aforementioned desire to please.

Among those who would feel justfiably disappointed to be left out:
1) Matthew Hoggard - if youngsters like Pathan and Rana Naved could get the nod, I think this genuine swing bowler, one of a species in danger deserved a look-in
2) Yuvraj Singh - for the ODIs? - well, could be a marginal call.
3) Chris Cairns - again for the ODIs? - He's always done well against Australia and is a genuine match-winner.
4) Jacob Oram - a huge talent and had scored a brilliant 100 at Brisbane last October, but maybe his fitness disqualified him ??
5) Mahela Jayawardene and Marwan Atapattu - again both exceptionally talented, and had good tours of Australia last year. Atapattu scored 2 centuries against Australia last year.
6) Shivnarine Chanderpaul ?

Of the ones I think lucky to be in there include
1) Irfan Pathan - no questions about his talent and potential but he has yet to establish himself firmly, is also suffering from injuries and bad form
2) Rana Naved - superb series in India - but just that - again yet to establish himself. I would have picked Hoggard over either of these
3) Kevin Pietersen - same arguement applies - great last series but nothing more
4) Shoab Malik - I fail to see where he really is going to fit in