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CSK vs RCB Dream11 Prediction Possible 11 Pitch Report – IPL 2024 1st match

Charbel Coorey
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CSK vs RCB Dream11 Prediction Possible 11 Pitch Report – IPL 2024 1st match

CSK vs RCB Dream11 Prediction Possible 11 Pitch Report – IPL 2024 1st match | CSK vs RCB Dream11 Prediction Today | Chepauk Pitch Report

The two openers who helped lead Chennai Super Kings to the 2021 title now captain against each other. Ruturaj Gaikwad has been unveiled as the new CSK skipper, and his first task will be a blockbuster IPL 2024 opener against Faf du Plessis’ Royal Challengers Bangalore.

RCB have the batting to worry teams this season, and they will be tested right away at Chepauk. A solid start can work wonders for confidence, and early points on the board is vital even in the first game with a tight playoffs race expected. But, how well their bowling fares will be interesting to see.

For CSK, they have some injury worries but the big question is how quickly Gaikwad settles in as captain. However, they have plenty of experience around him and will be aiming for a big game in front of their home crowd.

ALSO READ: CricBlog’s 4 big predictions for IPL 2024

IPL 2024 1st match: CSK vs RCB Possible Playing XIs

CSK have some injury concerns. Devon Conway (thumb) and Matheesha Pathirana (hamstring) are out, while doubts remain over Shivam Dube (side strain). With RCB’s plethora of right-handers, CSK could look to play Mitchell Santner.

Chennai Super Kings: 1. Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), 2. Rachin Ravindra (OS), 3. Ajinkya Rahane, 4. Shivam Dube/Sameer Rizvi, 5. Daryl Mitchell, 6. Ravindra Jadeja, 7. Moeen Ali/Mitchell Santner (OS), 8. MS Dhoni (wk), 9. Deepak Chahar, 10. Shardul Thakur. 11. Maheesh Theekshana (OS)

Possible impact player sub: Mukesh Choudhary/Shivam Dube

RCB’s top seven looks settled. Virat Kohli returns to cricket and RCB have previously said Cameron Green will bat in the middle order.

The key question is the makeup of their attack. One of Lockie Ferguson, Alzarri Joseph, and Reece Topley will likely win the overseas pace slot, while Siraj and Deep are likely to be the domestic pacers.

If RCB opt for another spin option, they have left-arm orthodox bowlers Mayank Dagar and Swapnil Singh to choose from along with legspinner Himanshu Sharma.

Royal Challengers Bangalore: 1. Faf du Plessis (c & OS), 2. Virat Kohli, 3. Rajat Patidar, 4. Glenn Maxwell (OS), 5. Mahipal Lomror, 6. Cameron Green (OS), 7. Dinesh Karthik (wk), 8. Lockie Ferguson/Alzarri Joseph/Reece Topley (OS), 9. Mohammed Siraj, 10. Karn Sharma, 11. Akash Deep

Possible impact player sub: Karm Sharma/Suyash Prabhudessai

Fantasy Cricket Tips for 1st match of IPL 2024: Key Players to Watch/Key Stats for CSK vs RCB

Chennai Super Kings:

  • Ruturaj Gaikwad averages 36.80 in six matches against RCB (184 runs). He has a good matchup against Mohammed Siraj in the IPL (39 balls, 53 runs, one dismissal), as well as Lockie Ferguson (29 balls, 56 runs, no dismissal) and Alzarri Joseph (25 balls, 47 runs, no dismissal).
  • Gaikwad has struck five 30+ scores in eight matches at Chepauk. In total, he has scored 268 runs at an average of 33.50 and strike rate of 138.86 on this ground.
  • Ajinkya Rahane smashed 326 runs at an average of 32.6 and strike rate of 172.48 in IPL 2023. Can he do something similar in 2024?
  • In domestic T20s since the start of 2022, Daryl Mitchell has struck 340 runs against spin at an average of 37.8 and strike rate of 142.9. Expect Mitchell to go after RCB’s spin attack.
  • Ravindra Jadeja will have a key role against RCB’s right-handers. He has a great record against Glenn Maxwell in the IPL: 51 balls, 70 runs, six dismissals.
  • Expect CSK to test Virat Kohli with spin in the powerplay. At Chennai, he has scored 15 runs off 23 balls at this stage and has been dismissed twice. Step up, Maheesh Theekshana.

Royal Challengers Bangalore:

  • Virat Kohli has 443 runs on this ground in 14 matches at an average of 31.64 and strike rate of 115.06. Also, he has 985 runs overall against CSK, and is just 73 runs away from surpassing Shikhar Dhawan as the highest-ever scorer against the Yellow Army in the IPL.
  • Kohli has scored 68 runs off 49 balls against Deepak Chahar in the IPL (one dismissal). He has very similar numbers against Shardul Thakur (67 off 42 balls, one dismissal).
  • Faf du Plessis was the second-highest run-scorer in IPL 2023. The captain hit 730 runs at an average of 56.15 and strike rate of 153.68.
  • du Plessis has the sixth-most runs of any player on this ground (553). He averages 36.87 with a strike rate of 119.44.
  • Glenn Maxwell strikes at 149.15 in three matches at Chepauk. He has hit two fifties in these matches.
  • Since the start of 2021, Maxwell has smashed 138 runs in five matches against CSK at a strike rate of 186.49. With his bowling on what could be a spinning pitch, Maxwell is a handy captaincy option in Dream11.
  • Mohammed Siraj is key upfront. He has had the better of Ajinkya Rahane in T20s, conceding just eight runs in 21 balls (one dismissal).
  • However, Siraj has a horror record against CSK. He has taken just two wickets in nine matches since 2018 at an average of 122 and economy of 9.04.

Other Stats and Facts

  • Head-to-head: Matches 32, CSK 21, RCB 10.
  • RCB have not beaten CSK in Chennai since 2008. Chennai have a 7-1 record against Bangalore on this ground.
  • Shivam Dube has taken RCB apart over the past two seasons. In two innings, he has smashed 147 runs at a strike rate of 201.37.

MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chepauk, Chennai Pitch Report and Weather

According to ESPNcricinfo, the centre wicket will be used. This is traditionally a spin-friendly one. Chepauk hosted a Ranji Trophy match between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka last month, where it was a sharp turner. However, that wasn’t the centre strip.

The average first innings score in nine matches last season was 170. The team batting first won five of these games.

A hot and humid evening is forecast with no chance of rain. Dew is likely, so bowling first may be the go.

IPL 2024 1st match: CSK vs RCB Dream11 Prediction Today Match

Note: The below teams are not based on the final playing XIs. We may not be able to update these in time. Use the stats and commentary in this article, as well as your own instincts, to create your teams.

Option 1:

CSK vs RCB Dream11 Prediction Possible 11 Pitch Report - IPL 2024 1st match | CSK vs RCB Dream11 Prediction Today | Chepauk Pitch Report | CHE vs RCB Best Dream11 Prediction today | IPL Fantasy Cricket Tips
IPL 2024 1st match: CSK vs RCB Dream11 Prediction Today Match

Option 2:

CSK vs RCB Dream11 Prediction Possible 11 Pitch Report - IPL 2024 1st match | CSK vs RCB Dream11 Prediction Today | Chepauk Pitch Report | CHE vs RCB Best Dream11 Prediction today | IPL Fantasy Cricket Tips
IPL 2024 1st match: CSK vs RCB Dream11 Prediction Today Match

CSK vs RCB Match Prediction: Who will win?

RCB are capable of achieving great things. But, CSK at home look strong. CSK to win.

Disclaimer: The fantasy cricket stats, tips and predictions provided on CricBlog are intended for informational purposes, with the stats and writer’s views in place to guide fans in creating their teams. While we strive to offer accurate and insightful advice, CricBlog does not guarantee success or winnings in any fantasy contests. Users are encouraged to make their own informed decisions and play responsibly.

IPL 2024 Predictions – Orange Cap, Purple Cap, playoffs and who will win?

Charbel Coorey
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IPL 2024 Predictions – Orange Cap, Purple Cap, playoffs and who will win?

Cricket Option: CricBlog’s predictions for IPL 2024 – A look at the orange cap, purple cap, four playoff teams and winner

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is back for a 17th season. Once again, it shapes up to be a cracking tournament with all ten teams having a case for going all the way in 2024.

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are the defending champions and are equal with Mumbai Indians (MI) with five titles in total. Will it be one of those two teams who win IPL 2024 or could there be a brand new champion in Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), Delhi Capitals (DC), Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) or Punjab Kings (PBKS)?

In this article, we will look at four predictions for the IPL 2024 season, specifically the Orange and Purple Caps, teams who will qualify for the playoffs and winner.

IPL 2024 Predictions: Orange Cap, Purple Cap, Playoffs & Winner

Orange Cap

Yashasvi Jaiswal

Expect Jaiswal to have a big season in IPL 2024. The talented left-hander has come a long way over the past couple of years. He finished with 625 runs last season at an average of 48.07 and superb strike rate of 163.61, and is coming off a magnificent Test series against England where he struck two double centuries.

Jaiswal will be tasked with not only providing the Rajasthan Royals (RR) with fast starts, but also batting through the middle overs. One great feature of Jaiswal’s game is when he gets in, he often makes it count. Because of his ability to get the big scores, Jaiswal will win the Orange Cap in IPL 2024.

Other leading contenders: Shubman Gill, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Faf du Plessis, David Warner, Virat Kohli.

Purple Cap

Yuzvendra Chahal

It’s a big year for Yuzvendra Chahal as he looks to keep his name in the mind of the Indian selectors. The legspinner has taken 20+ wickets in three of the past four seasons and the added personal motivation of getting back into the Indian team can spur him on further in IPL 2024.

Also, the makeup of RR’s bowling attack gives Chahal a good chance of being in the wickets again. R Ashwin will be expected to play a holding role in the middle. If he keeps things tight, batsmen may be tempted to try go after Chahal to keep the scoring rate moving.

Other leading contenders: Jasprit Bumrah, Mitchell Starc, Kuldeep Yadav, Rashid Khan.

Four teams to make the playoffs

Mumbai Indians, Chennai Super Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders, Rajasthan Royals

There can be so many different opinions and thoughts as to who will make the top four. Of course, with ten strong teams, anything is possible. But, we’ve picked MI, CSK, KKR and RR as the four teams.

MI’s team comraderie could be the big question after Hardik Pandya was selected to replace long-standing skipper Rohit Sharma as captain. That being said, their batting lineup and return of Jasprit Bumrah makes them a huge force to be reckoned with.

With such a strong record at Chepauk, a solid core with Rachin Ravindra and Daryl Mitchell adding further strength and an undeniable ability to get the best out of their pacers, CSK look good again. They do have injury concerns with Devon Conway (thumb), Matheesha Pathirana (hamstring), and Shivam Dube (side strain), but all are expected to return soon.

Joining MI and CSK are Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Gautam Gambhir at the helm can make a huge difference for KKR and the emergence of Rinku Singh and return of Shreyas Iyer should hold them in good stead.

The fourth pick is RR. The Royals missed out last season due to a poor second-half of the season, but they have the players to bounce back. Expect the franchise to nail the impact player rule and get strong scores with a batting lineup that covers all bases. Also, the strong bowling core of Boult, Ashwin and Chahal should see strong results.

Why will LSG, SRH, RCB, PBKS, DC and GT miss out?

Expect Gujarat Titans (GT) to challenge for a playoffs spot. They have a strong squad once again. However, Hardik Pandya and Mohammed Shami are two huge holes they have to fill. Also, Rashid Khan is just coming off a back injury and has only recently returned to cricket.

LSG are also a strong contender. It will not be a surprise if they make the playoffs, especially with such a solid bowling attack. But, can they get enough powerful impact from their top order? Also, how much will they miss Gambhir as a coach?

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) have arguably the best overseas contingent in the league. But, can they get enough out of their Indian players? Plus, is the team management capable of nailing their combinations early or will it be another season of strange decisions?

RCB have a mighty strong batting lineup. But, one feels they may struggle to defend scores. Their bowling attack looks quite light on, especially at the batting-friendly Chinnaswamy.

DC can also challenge, but do they have enough firepower in the finishing department? Also, can Rishabh Pant hit the ground running straight away? At the moment, there are more questions than answers.

Similar applies to PBKS. They have come close in recent years, but consistency is the big issue. With the makeup of their squad, similar can be expected.

Winner

Chennai Super Kings

Despite some injury concerns, CSK will go all the way once again. They know how to get the best out of their players, so don’t be surprised if the likes of Shardul Thakur have a strong season. Also, Ravindra and Mitchell are excellent purchases and will have big impacts respectively for the team.

Plus, this may very well be MS Dhoni’s last season in the IPL. What better way to send him out than with another IPL trophy? With a strong spin contingent for turning tracks and deep batting lineup for flat pitches, CSK have the know-how and quality to go back-to-back.

So, what do you make of our IPL 2024 predictions? Leave a comment below or get in touch on X (formerly Twitter) at @cric_blog!

Possible playing 11 for Delhi Capitals (DC) in IPL 2024: Will Rishabh Pant play?

Charbel Coorey
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Possible playing 11 for Delhi Capitals (DC) in IPL 2024: Will Rishabh Pant play?

Cricket News: A look at the possible playing 11 for Delhi Capitals (DC) for the IPL 2024 season where they are aiming to have a better year

Eyes will be on the Delhi Capitals (DC) in IPL 2024 with the long-awaited return of Rishabh Pant. Pant, who will captain the franchise, will be looking to find his best form after missing the past year or so due to a serious car accident.

In terms of DC as a whole, this needs to be a season of redemption. After being involved in the business end of the tournament in recent years, 2023 was a disaster as they finished second-last in the table.

Along with Pant’s return, DC have made some key picks in the IPL Auction. Here is a look at their possible playing 11 for their showdown against Punjab Kings.

DC possible playing 11 for their first game of IPL 2024 against Punjab Kings

1. David Warner (OS), 2. Prithvi Shaw, 3. Mitch Marsh (OS), 4. Rishabh Pant (c & wk), 5. Tristan Stubbs (OS), 6. Axar Patel, 7. Lalit Yadav, 8. Kuldeep Yadav, 9. Mukesh Kumar, 10. Anrich Nortje (OS), 11. Khaleel Ahmed

David Warner, Mitch Marsh, Tristan Stubbs, and Anrich Nortje could be DC’s four overseas players to start with. The franchise does have the option of the dynamic Jake Fraser-McGurk as well as pacer Jhye Richardson. However, the latter missed the late part of the Big Bash League as well as Australia’s tour of New Zealand due to a side injury.

Rishabh Pant should slot into his usual number four spot. A lot of the finishing and power-hitting will rest on his shoulders as well as whoever the franchise selects at number five. However, don’t sleep on Axar Patel, who was a shining light with the bat for DC in IPL 2023.

In terms of the seam attack, Mukesh Kumar and Khaleel Ahmed are likeliest to join Anrich Nortje, with the in-form Kuldeep Yadav to head up the spin attack.

DC’s opening match against Punjab Kings will be an afternoon match on Saturday March 23 at Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur.

Possible playing 11 for KKR in IPL 2024 – Will Shreyas Iyer play?

Charbel Coorey
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Possible playing 11 for KKR in IPL 2024 – Will Shreyas Iyer play?

Cricket News: A look at the possible playing 11 for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for their first game of IPL 2024 against Sunrisers Hyderabad

Two-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have endured a bit of a rough patch in recent years. They have missed the playoffs in four of the past five seasons, with their late run to reach the 2021 final standing out like a sore thumb.

This season, there is renewed optimism. Shreyas Iyer is expected to be available for all games of IPL 2024 despite lingering back issues, while Mitchell Starc makes his long-awaited return to the tournament at an eyewatering record price.

KKR will begin their IPL 2024 campaign at home against Sunrisers Hyderabad. So, it will be interesting to see the make up of their team given Eden Gardens has typically assisted seamers in recent years.

KKR possible playing 11 for their first game of IPL 2024 against Sunrisers Hyderabad

1. Rahmanullah Gurbaz (OS & wk), 2. Venkatesh Iyer, 3. Nitish Rana, 4. Shreyas Iyer (c), 5. Rinku Singh, 6. Andre Russell (OS), 7. Sunil Narine (OS), 8. Mitchell Starc (OS), 9. Chetan Sekariya, 10. Vaibhav Arora, 11. Varun Chakravarthy

With Shreyas Iyer available, KKR could look to shift Venkatesh Iyer to opener permanently. Rinku Singh and Andre Russell rounds out the top six, giving the franchise wonderful finishing ability.

Mitchell Starc, at 24.75 crore, is a lock. Rahmanullah Gurbaz could be preferred as opener over Phil Salt, who also provides a wicket-keeping option.

In terms of the seam attack, Chetan Sekariya also provides a left-arm option. The seamer will be aiming to replicate some of the form he showed in his early days in his IPL career. With Sunil Narine and Varun Chakravarthy set to take the key spin duties, KKR have a choice to make for the last seamer role and they may opt for Vaibhav Arora over the likes of Harshit Rana.

The key for KKR will be to hit the ground running. They have been unable to put consistent performances together in recent seasons, often putting them in difficult situations come the end of the tournament.

“Finally RCB!” – Reactions to RCB winning the WPL 2024 Final over Delhi

Charbel Coorey
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“Finally RCB!” – Reactions to RCB winning the WPL 2024 Final over Delhi

Cricket News: RCB fans in delirium after the team won the WPL 2024 Final thanks to a strong bowling display against Delhi Capitals

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) are enjoying glory for the first time, with the women’s team winning the 2024 Women’s Premier League thanks to a magnificent bowling display in front of a huge crowd at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi.

After a strong start by the Capitals thanks mainly to Shafali Verma’s blistering innings, player of the match Sophie Molineux turned the game on its head with three wickets in the eighth over. From there, the RCB spinners kept a stronghold on the Delhi lineup, who simply couldn’t get going as they stuttered to 113 all out.

With the ball, the Capitals tried their best to keep RCB in check. They succeeded in limiting the run rate, but the lack of wickets ultimately proved costly. Openers Sophie Devine and Smriti Mandhana hit 30+ scores, before Ellyse Perry overcame a slow start to finish with 35*. In the end, it was star Richa Ghosh who hit the winning runs to cap off a superb tournament individually.

Reactions: RCB add first trophy to the cabinet after winning the WPL 2024 Final

Celebrations ran long into the night in Bangalore after Smriti Mandhana’s team produced a superb performance when it mattered most. Remember, last season RCB lost their first five games to miss the playoffs, but they made amends in the best way possible.

“Looking around the TL i have observed one thing. RCB Fans aren’t just celebrating the RCB women’s side. They are celebrating RCB’s win,” one fan wrote on X, formerly Twitter. “The loyalty is beyond gender lines. I don’t know if this has happened in other sports or clubs ever. A unique barrier has been crossed.”

England must move on from James Anderson before 2025/26 Ashes: Boycott

Charbel Coorey
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England must move on from James Anderson before 2025/26 Ashes: Boycott

Cricket News: Geoffrey Boycott says England must move on from James Anderson before the 2025/26 Ashes in Australia

Former batsman Geoffrey Boycott believes England need to look beyond James Anderson before the next Ashes series to be held in Australia in 2025/26.

In his column for The Telegraph, Boycott wrote that England are picking the seamer on sentiment, particularly given his reduced role in recent series.

“Jimmy Anderson deserves all the adulation and plaudits for staying fit to play 187 Test matches and reach 700 wickets but, because of his age, he is used too sparingly,” said Boycott.

James Anderson won’t have enough in him to succeed in Australia in 2025 – Boycott

England will play six Tests against West Indies and Sri Lanka in their 2024 home season before visiting Pakistan and New Zealand. They will then host India at home in 2025.

However, Boycott looks at the Ashes as England’s next biggest assignment, especially given they have not win a single Test in Australia since January 2011. He believes there needs to be strong planning in place to ensure they have a well-rounded attack for Australian conditions.

“England cannot keep wrapping him [Anderson] in cotton wool and picking him on sentiment forever,” Boycott continued. “In a year-and-a-half England’s next big challenge will be going to Australia to try and win back the Ashes. Fast bowling is physically very demanding and eventually takes its toll on every bowler’s body.

“Jimmy will be 43 by the next Ashes and I don’t see him being able to do the hard yards on tough, bone hard pitches and in hot weather.”

Boycott wrote that the likes of Josh Tongue and Matt Potts need to be given more playing time to get used to the rigours of Test cricket.

“England have to find some young seamers who can bowl 20 overs and come back the next day ready for more,” said Boycott. “They need to be given matches before the team is selected for Australia. For example, Josh Tongue played at Lord’s against Australia and took five wickets and has never been seen again. Matt Potts 23 wickets in six Tests but has not played since the Ireland game last summer.”

Anderson, who became the first fast bowler in Test history to reach the incredible milestone of 700 wickets, bowled the fifth-most overs for England in their recent tour of India. Tom Hartley, Rehan Ahmed, Shoaib Bashir and Joe Root all bowled more, with Anderson finishing with ten wickets at 33.50.

The seamer also struggled for impact in the 2023 Ashes. The surfaces weren’t to his liking, where he finished with five wickets at an average of 85.4 in four Tests.

“Jimmy remains a great craftsman and he can give experience at one end while some new boys get bedded in at the other but before the Australia trip it will be time to nicely say ‘sayonara Jimmy, thank you for the memories. We have loved watching your skill but it is time to move on’”, concluded Boycott.

Possible playing 11 for CSK in IPL 2024

Charbel Coorey
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Possible playing 11 for CSK in IPL 2024

Cricket News: A look at the possible playing 11 for CSK in IPL 2024 as they aim to defend their title

Five-time Indian Premier League (IPL) champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) look strong once again in their quest for a record-breaking sixth title. The Yellow Army sealed a remarkable triumph in 2023, with their depth and belief coming to the fore.

This season, CSK will be tough to beat once again. They have added quality domestic and overseas talent to their squad, giving the team management plenty of options as to the makeup of their playing XI for the opening match against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at Chepauk on March 22.

CSK possible playing 11 for first game of IPL 2024 against RCB

1. Ruturaj Gaikwad, 2. Rachin Ravindra (OS), 3. Ajinkya Rahane, 4. Shivam Dube, 5. Daryl Mitchell (OS), 6. Moeen Ali (OS), 7. Ravindra Jadeja, 8. MS Dhoni (c & wk), 9. Mitchell Santner (OS), 10. Deepak Chahar, 11. Shardul Thakur/Tushar Deshpande

In a blow for CSK, opener Devon Conway is set to miss at least a few games of the IPL 2024 season due to a thumb injury suffered in the recent T20I series against Australia. His New Zealand teammate, Rachin Ravindra, could take his place at the top.

CSK have the services of Daryl Mitchell after landing him for 14cr in the auction. Mitchell gives the side excellent balance in the middle order, with his ability to play spin crucial on what is often a spin-friendly surface at Chepauk.

There may be no room for Sameer Rizvi, dubbed the “right-handed Suresh Raina”. The talented batsman went for 8.40cr in the auction, but whether CSK opt for experience in Rahane and Dube in the first game remains to be seen.

Also, CSK have a call to make on their fourth overseas option. Matheesha Pathirana was outstanding in 2023, but we could see a slow, spin-friendly surface at Chepauk to counter RCB’s strong batting lineup. So, Mitchell Santner may get the nod given RCB’s top six is likely to be all right-handers: Faf du Plessis, Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, Glenn Maxwell, Cameron Green, and Dinesh Karthik.

The sad reality about the 2023-25 World Test Championship

Charbel Coorey
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The sad reality about the 2023-25 World Test Championship

Cricket News: The sad fact about the 2023-25 World Test Championship | A look at the 2023-25 WTC table in March 2024

Australia’s thrilling three-wicket win over New Zealand in Christchurch has given Pat Cummins’ side a firmer hold on second position in the 2023-25 World Test Championship (WTC) table. India hold top spot after a 4-1 series win over England took them to a win percentage of 68.51.

However, the table presents the current reality of Test cricket. While fans have been blessed to have witnessed multiple thrilling Test matches in 2024 alone, there is no hiding from the fact three teams dominate the landscape too much for the International Cricket Council (ICC) to ignore.

As of 11 March 2024, India, England and Australia have played 31 Tests between them. The others? Just 23 combined. New Zealand have played the most with six, followed by Pakistan with five, West Indies and South Africa with four, and Bangladesh and Sri Lanka with two.

It begs the question of where the format is heading, especially as it is not financially viable for the majority of Test nations.

ALSO READ: Test cricket needs more than a thrilling Ashes series to survive and thrive

Australia, England, India play the majority of matches in the 2023-25 World Test Championship cycle

The 2023-25 cycle began with the Ashes, and then India hosted England for five Tests. Australia will host India for five Tests at the end of 2024 and start of 2025.

Just recently, South Africa sent a significantly under-strength squad to New Zealand with their first-choice players involved in the lucrative SA20 tournament that is crucial to the board’s finances. The Proteas have a number of talented players fans aren’t given the privilege of watching in Tests regularly, as is the case with other nations, where we now hope we see as much of the brilliant Shamar Joseph with the red ball as possible.

“I dare say the West Indies need to be invited to these geographies to play because a Test match in the West Indies today is a dead-rubber unless it’s against India, England or Australia where we get revenues from television,” said former Cricket West Indies CEO David Cameron.

With regards to the ICC, the WTC concept is one that adds context to the Test format. Also, there is a lucrative mace to be won at the end of each cycle. However, as things stand, there is a risk of Tests being played among a few nations in the future.

According to a future of cricket poll by CricBlog, 42.1% of the nearly 5,000 respondents said Tests will be played by a maximum of six countries in the next 10-15 years. Also, three-quarters predict that IPL franchise owners will hold more power over multiple cricket boards.

A strong, competitive landscape adds so much more for Test cricket. However, much has to be done to get there.

ALSO READ: What’s the solution to make Test cricket more appealing for nations?

List of highest successful run chases in Tests at Hagley Oval Christchurch

Charbel Coorey
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List of highest successful run chases in Tests at Hagley Oval Christchurch

Cricket News: A look at the highest successful run chases in Test cricket at Hagley Oval in Christchurch

In a sporting world full of large stadiums, Hagley Oval in Christchurch is one of the beautiful, picturesque grounds. Teams batting fourth have won five of the past seven Tests at Hagley Oval, with the damage often done in the first innings with the ball.

Thus, there haven’t been big totals chased at this ground. Here is a look at the top five.

Top 5 successful run chases in Tests at Hagley Oval Christchurch

5. 111/1 by New Zealand against Bangladesh, 2017 (target 109)

The second Test between New Zealand and Bangladesh was evenly poised after the first innings. The Black Caps took a lead of 65 after scoring 354, with Shakib Al Hasan’s 4/50 keeping the Tigers in the game.

But, Tim Southee (5/94 and 3/48 for the match) stole the show, helping dismantle the Bangladesh lineup in the second dig for just 173, leaving New Zealand with 109 to get. They achieved it with a huge nine wickets to spare.

43. 132/3 by New Zealand against India, 2020 (target 132)

New Zealand sealed an emphatic 2-0 series win over India with a seven-wicket win in the Christchurch Test. Kyle Jamieson (5/45) dominated in just his second game to dismiss India for 242. However, New Zealand scored just 235 in reply, leaving the Indians with the chance to control the match.

But, Trent Boult (4/28) and Tim Southee (3/36) produced one of their classic performances as a duo to knock India over for just 124. In the fourth innings, Tom Latham (52) and Tom Blundell (55) all-but-sealed the chase with a 103-run opening stand.

3. 201/3 by Australia against New Zealand, 2016 (target 201)

This was Joe Burns’ Test. The opener struck 170 and 65 in a dream outing to lead Australia to a strong win in 2016. His first innings ton, along with Steve Smith’s 138, took Australia to a huge 505 in response to New Zealand’s 370.

The Black Caps fought with 335 in their second dig thanks mainly to Kane Williamson (97) and Matt Henry (66). But, it wasn’t enough, with all of Australia’s five batsmen contributing in their successful chase of 201.

2. 281/7 by Australia against New Zealand, 2024 (target 279)

Australia again. This time in 2024. Alex Carey played arguably his greatest innings, hitting a superb 98* to lead Australia home in the second Test of their 2024 series in New Zealand. Mitchell Marsh (80) and Pat Cummins (32*) were also outstanding as the visitors recovered from 34/4 and 80/5 to successfully chase 279.

Earlier in the Test, New Zealand fought back from being bowled out for 162 in the first innings. They ensured they stayed in touch by limiting Australia to 256, courtesy of Matt Henry’s 7/67. In the second innings, they resisted very well, with four half-centurions in their score of 372, but it wasn’t quite enough in the end.

1. 285/8 by New Zealand against Sri Lanka, 2023 (target 285)

One of the classics. Soon after New Zealand sealed an unbelievable one-run win after following on against England, the Black Caps achieved their run chase of 285 off the very final ball against Sri Lanka in 2023.

Kane Williamson (121*) played one of his finest knocks, combining with player of the match Daryl Mitchell (102 and 83) to put New Zealand in with a chance of victory after falling into trouble at 90/3.

Wickets then fell regularly, but Williamson stood firm. Heading into the last over, New Zealand needed eight to win with three wickets in hand. A hobbling Neil Wagner joined Williamson after Matt Henry was run out, before the great batsman carved a magnificent shot though point and then sneaked through a bye to seal a memorable win.

Fans slam New Zealand cricket for selecting Scott Kuggeleijn against Australia

Charbel Coorey
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Fans slam New Zealand cricket for selecting Scott Kuggeleijn against Australia

Cricket News: Fans react to New Zealand selecting Scott Kuggeleijn after telling Neil Wagner he won’t be picked

Fans have expressed their disappointment and displeasure after New Zealand selected pace bowler Scott Kuggeleijn for the first Test against Australia. Kuggeleijn was on trial for sexual assault in 2016, which resulted in a hung jury. A retrial then took place in 2017, but many were left angered by his comments and admissions during the process.

Kuggeleijn was picked ahead of Neil Wagner, with the left-arm seamer retiring this week after he was informed he wouldn’t be in the playing XI. This frustrated fans, with Wagner one of New Zealand’s finest bowlers with 260 wickets at 27.57.

Fans express their disappointment after Scott Kuggeleijn was selected in the first Test at Wellington

“A dark cloud over this game I’m afraid,” wrote one fan. “Shouldn’t be here representing his country. Wouldn’t sit well being a team mate either.”

“Who knows what dirt SK has on NZ cricket for this insanity to even occur,” another fan wrote.

Here are some of the reactions during the first day’s play.

The Test against Australia at the Basin Reserve is Kuggeleijn’s second after making his debut against England in 2023. He has also played 18 ODIs and two T20Is for New Zealand.

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