LONDON, May 19: Just over a week on from announcement of squads for International Cricket Council Super Series, speculation is in full swing as to the possible identity of the man who might captain ICC World XI teams against Australia in October. With only three current Test captains in Michael Vaughan, Graeme Smith and Inzamamul Haq named in the squads, merits of each individual have already been analysed by media pundits.

According to a report on BBC Sport Online website, Pakistan’s Inzamam is considering prospect of leading the World XI.

“A place in World XI would be enough. If I get the captaincy it would be the icing on the cake. Much will depend on our West Indies series. If I am able to win, I will be in line to lead the World XI surely,” he said.

In Australia, Sydney Morning Herald identified England’s Michael Vaughan as “the obvious choice if he recaptured his superb form against Australia in this winter’s Ashes series”, but warned that “with no centuries and an average of 28.6 from his past 15 Test innings, Vaughan’s selections as a batsman is not guaranteed”.

The possible claims of ex-skippers Brian Lara and Sachin Tendulkar are described as “modest” based on their past performances, while India’s Rahul Dravid is nominated as a contender for the job by Sydney-based newspaper.

Interviewed by Sky Sports cricket reporter Tim Abrahams, Vaughan said: “It’s a great incentive to try and get into the squad of 20 and then into the final 13. I’ll be trying to have a good summer against the Aussies to try and push myself into that final 13.

“To get into the final squad we’re going to have to play well against Australia. Goals are important and there’s an ultimate goal to aim for there,” he said.—Agencies