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Will Steve Smith open the batting for Australia in Tests?

Charbel Coorey
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Will Steve Smith open the batting for Australia in Tests?

Cricket News: Will Steve Smith open the batting for Australia in Tests? | Steve Smith considered for opening slot in the Australia team

According to a report in The Sydney Morning Herald, Steve Smith and all-rounder Cameron Green are considered the two frontrunners to replace David Warner as Australia’s Test opener. The decision is likely to be made on Tuesday evening (9th January).

During the third Test against Pakistan, Smith expressed his desire to move to the top of the order. “I’m actually happy to go up the top,” said Smith to ABC Grandstand. “I’m pretty keen if that’s what they want to do.”

A move away from number four for Smith has caused debate. Some believe it could be the spark he needs after a bit of a lean run in recent times. Since the start of the 2023 Ashes, Smith has scored 567 runs at an average of 37.8, well below his superb career average. “If he [Smith] wants to open the batting and they give him the chance, he’ll be the No. 1 Test opener within 12 months,” Michael Clarke said to ESPN’s Around The Wicket show.

However, others, including former opener Matthew Hayden, believe Smith should stay at four. “I just can’t see how strategically that [Smith opening] is going to work for Cricket Australia. They will need someone more concrete than that,” Hayden said.

“When you look at the success over the last two years of this Test team, it’s been based on a very solid foundation. It’s been such a key structure – that number one to four set in stone has been gold for Cricket Australia.

“I feel it’s not the story. The story is who is going to be the next Australian opener that they’ll pick.”

Steve Smith a chance to open the batting for Australia in Test cricket

Hayden believes Matt Renshaw is the best candidate to replace Warner in Tests. At 27, he is approaching what should be his peak period. Also, all but one player in the Australia Test side (Labuschagne) is under 30 years of age, so Renshaw could be a longer-term option.

However, the rumours are that Smith and Green are the leading contenders, even though Pat Cummins hinted he was against it during the third Test. “Obviously Marnus [Labuschagne], Smudge [Smith], Trav [Head] and [Mitchell] Marsh have been pretty impressive at Nos. 3, 4, 5 and 6. So first instinct isn’t probably to disrupt that,” he said.

Should Australia go with either option – even with Green never opening in First Class cricket – it would mean Cameron Bancroft misses out. The opener has been superb in Sheffield Shield cricket, averaging well over 50 in the past two seasons (including the current 2023/24 campaign). Marcus Harris has averages in the 30s in the same period, while Renshaw is averaging 31.63 this season.

The first Test against the West Indies begins on January 17 at the Gabba. Australia are hot favourites to take the series 2-0 which will further solidify their position at the top of the World Test Championship table.

List of highest successful run chases in Tests at the SCG

Charbel Coorey
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List of highest successful run chases in Tests at the SCG

Cricket News: List of highest successful run chases in Tests at the SCG | What is the highest run chase at the SCG?

The iconic Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) has played host to 113 Test matches, with the first taking place way back in 1882. Sydney has traditonally been the ground in Australia that aids spin the most, which is reflective of the difficulty teams typically have in the fourth innings.

200+ has been successfully chased down just six times on this ground in history. Here is a look at the top five, including the years they were achieved and the context behind them.

Top 5 highest successful run chases at the SCG

5. Australia 219/4 vs England, 1980

Greg Chappell struck 98* in the fourth innings to guide Australia to a six-wicket win in the second Test of the 1979/80 Ashes series. It was an outstanding performance given the low-scoring nature of this game, with the first innings yielding scores of just 123 for England and 145 for Australia.

David Gower struck his own brilliant 98* in the second innings to guide England to 237, leaving the Australians with 216 to get. At 3/98, Australia needed a partnership, and Chappell combined with Kim Hughes (47) to help guide the hosts home in 85.3 overs.

4. Australia 260/6 vs New Zealand, 1985

New Zealand’s 1985/86 tour of Australia is remembered for Richard Hadlee’s superb haul of 33 wickets at an average of 12.15 that led the tourists to a famous 2-1 series win. In between their wins in the first and third Tests, Australia chased down 260 to level the series at Sydney after a hard-fought contest.

Australia had to fight back from a 63-run deficit in the first innings. Spinners Bob Holland (4/68 off 41 overs), Ray Bright (3/39 off 17.5 overs) and Greg Matthews (2/55 off 30 overs) led the way on a surface aiding spin to restrict New Zealand to 193.

But, a fourth innings chase of 260 looked tough. Wayne Phillips (63) and David Boon (81) got Australia to 1/131. But, they were reduced to 5/192, before David Hookes (38*) and Matthews (32) helped steer the ship towards safety.

3. Australia 275/8 vs England, 1907

The 1907 Test between Australia and England was neck and neck. England hit 273 in their first innings courtesy of George Gunn’s 119. Australia responded with 300 thanks to contributions right down the order, led by Clem Hill’s 87, to take a 27-run lead.

England then responded with their own 300. Gunn was strong again (74), combining with Joe Hardstaff (63) to take England to 3/218. But, Australia took the final seven wickets for 82 to leave the target at 274.

In the end, England were left to wonder how they didn’t win. They reduced the hosts to 5/95, 6/124 and then 7/185. But, Peter McAlister (41), Sammy Carter (61), Tibby Cotter (33*) and Gerrt Hazlitt (34*), all batting below number seven, struck 30+ scores to seal a brilliant two-wicket win.

2. Australia 276/4 vs England, 1898

The second-highest successful chase at the SCG was way back 1898. Australia chased 276 with ease to seal the series 4-1, with Joe Darling taking the England attack to all parts for his 160 in just 171 minutes.

It wasn’t all smooth sailing beforehand, though. England bowled Australia out for 239, taking a first innings lead of 96. Tom Richardson took an incredible 8/94 off 36.1 overs. In the second dig, England left the door open, accumulating just 178 to leave Australia with 275 to win. Darling, along with Jack Worrall (62), made light work of it.

1. Australia 288/2 vs South Africa, 2006

Cricket News: List of highest successful run chases in Tests at the SCG | What is the highest run chase at the SCG?
Highest successful run chases in Tests at the SCG: Ricky Ponting hit twin tons in 2006.

Ricky Ponting at his peak. The Australian captain at the time became the first player in history to hit two centuries in his 100th Test. He struck 120 in the first innings followed by a glorious 143* in the second to guide Australia to what remains the highest total in successful run chases at the SCG.

South Africa, trailing 1-0 ahead of the final game of the three-match series, hit 9/451d in the first dig. Australia responded with 359, before South Africa went harder in the second innings to try force a result. They declared at 6/194, leaving the Australians with 287 to win.

After Charl Langeveldt dismissed Justin Langer with the score at 30, the Proteas never had a sniff as Ponting and Matthew Hayden (90) broke the back of the chase with a mammoth 182-run stand.

Don’t mind pitches like this as long as everyone keeps their mouth shut in India – Rohit Sharma

Charbel Coorey
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Don’t mind pitches like this as long as everyone keeps their mouth shut in India – Rohit Sharma

Cricket News: Rohit Sharma says he doesn’t mind playing on pitches such as those in Cape Town, but has called for the outcry over Indian surfaces to stop

India captain Rohit Sharma has shared some strong words after his team’s seven-wicket win over South Africa in the shortest Test match of all-time (by balls bowled). The pitch at Newlands has come under fire as a result, with excessive seam movement and inconsistent bounce a common feature on the first day in particular where 23 wickets fell.

Rohit said surfaces such as that in Cape Town is one he doesn’t mind playing on. His attitude was replicated in a decent outing for the captain on what was a very challenging track, scoring 36 and 16* to ensure India got off to good starts in both innings. But, he bluntly pointed out the outcry when it comes to Indian pitches should stop given that helpful bowling conditions are a common theme right around the world.

Rohit Sharma shares thoughts on pitches after Newlands Test

“I don’t mind playing on pitches like this as long as everyone keeps their mouth shut in India & doesn’t complain about Indian pitches,” Rohit said. “You come here to challenge yourself and when people come to India it is challenging as well.”

ALSO READ: India fans highlight hypocrisy when it comes to helpful bowling pitches in Asia vs. SENA

Rohit’s thoughts come after sections of the media and supporters in England and Australia were less than impressed with Indian pitches in 2021 and 2023 respectively. Michael Vaughan was quite vocal during England’s tour three years ago, before Fox Cricket led the chorus of discontent over the surfaces in last year’s Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Rohit also spoke out about how the pitch for the World Cup Final at Ahmedabad was rated below average. He believes the pitch was fine as there was century scored on it (by Travis Head).

“I still can’t believe that the World Cup final was rated below average. A batter got a hundred. How can that be a poor pitch?”, said Rohit.

Next up for India is a five-match Test series at home to England starting later this month after finishing their South Africa tour with a 1-1 series draw. In the Newlands Test, Mohammed Siraj was far too good on the opening morning, taking 6/19 as India rolled South Africa for just 55. India then collapsed remarkably from 153/4 to 153 all-out, but they still won comfortably in the end despite Aiden Markram’s superb hundred that gave the Proteas a ray of hope of achieving an incredible victory.

List of the top 5 shortest Test matches in history

Charbel Coorey
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List of the top 5 shortest Test matches in history

Cricket News: List of the top 5 shortest Test matches in history | What is the shortest Test match in history?

India wrapped up the second Test of their 2023/24 series of South Africa by seven wickets in the second session of the second day. It was a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it kind of Test, with India rolling the Proteas for 55 in the opening session of the match before losing six wickets for no runs themselves to be bowled out for 153 as part of 23 wickets on the first day.

Where does the match rank among the shortest Test matches in history? It is the shortest ever. Here is a look:

  • 107 overs (624 balls): South Africa vs India, Cape Town, 2023/24.
  • 109.2 overs (656 balls): Australia vs South Africa, MCG, 1932/33.
  • 111 overs (672 balls): West Indies vs England, Bridgetown, 1934/35.
  • 197 four-ball overs (788 balls): England vs Australia, Manchester, 1888.
  • 198 four-ball overs (792 balls): England vs Australia, Lord’s, 1888.

Shortest Test matches in history by balls bowled

107 overs (624 balls): South Africa vs India, Cape Town, 2023/24

Test cricket in 2024 began in record-breaking fashion. However, while it brings attention to the longest format of the game, one wonders if a match that lasts one-and-a-half days is good for the format.

Mohammed Siraj led the onslaught in the first session, taking 6/15 in a superb display of fast bowling on a hostile pitch. The South Africans had no answer, crumbling to just 55 after winning the toss and batting. They then fought back with the ball to reduce India to 153 in remarkable fashion, but their eventual lead of 78 – courtesy of an outstanding and memorable hundred from Aiden Markram that led them to 176 in the second dig – wasn’t enough to seal a victory.

109.2 overs (656 balls): Australia vs South Africa, MCG, 1931/32

Australia’s 153 in 1932 remains the lowest total that has resulted in an innings victory. They rolled South Africa for just 36 and 45 back in 1932. Left-arm Bert Ironmonger wreaked havoc, taking 5/6 and 6/18 at 49 years of age.

Sir Donald Bradman did not bat in this game as he was unfit. Jack Fingleton (40) and Alan Kippax (42) together outscored South Africa’s entire match output of 81 runs.

111 overs (672 balls): West Indies vs England, Bridgetown, 1934/35

Back to the 1930s. There were two declarations in this Test as it was a shootout on a difficult Bridgetown pitch affected by rain. West Indies, who were sent in to bat, crawled their way to 102 courtest of George Headley’s 44. In a tactical move, England declared at 81/7 after Wally Hammond’s 43 to have another go at the Windies while the pitch was still extremely difficult for batting.

Windies then declared quickly themselves at 51/6 in 19 overs. The great Wally Hammong (29*) was at it again, leading the tourists to a four-wicket win in their chase of 73.

197 four-ball overs (788 balls): England vs Australia, Manchester, 1888

1888 was certainly a different time when it came to cricket pitches. It rained the day before the first day’s play at Manchester which made the pitch difficult to bat on. Day one ended with Australia 32/2 in response to England’s 172, but the surface became more difficult to bat on from day two as the sun baked the wet pitch.

Australia were then rolled for 81 and 72. Left-arm spinner Bobby Peel was too good, taking figures of 7/31 and 4/37 in the Test.

198 four-ball overs (792 balls): England vs Australia, Lord’s, 1888

This Test holds the record for the most wickets to fall in a single day. 27 wickets fell on day two, where Australia ripped through the England lineup to bowl them out for 53 in response to their 116. Australia only managed 60 in their second innings, but the lead of 123 was too much for England who fell short by 61 runs after getting bowled out for 62 in the fourth innings. W.G. Grace top-scored with 24.

Reactions to Newlands Cape Town pitch – 23 wickets fall on day 1 of SA vs IND Test

Charbel Coorey
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Reactions to Newlands Cape Town pitch – 23 wickets fall on day 1 of SA vs IND Test

Cricket News: Fans react to the pitch at Newlands in Cape Town after 23 wickets fall on day one of the SA vs IND Test

Whoever coined day three as “moving day” wouldn’t have wanted to catch day one of the second Test between South Africa and India at Newlands. A remarkable 23 wickets fell on the opening day of the New Year’s Test at Cape Town, with India losing six wickets for no runs to collapse to 153 all-out after South Africa were rolled for 55 in the first session. The Proteas then finished on 62/3 in their second innings, still trailing by 36 heading into day two.

The day marked the end of Dean Elgar’s Test career from a batting perspective. He, along with Tony de Zorzi and Tristan Stubbs, were dismissed twice on a manic day that has put spotlight on the Newlands pitch. Fans from the subcontinent, especially India, questioned what the furore would have been had 23 wickets fallen on a spinning track. After all, one can understand their reasoning given this surface had uneven bounce and cracks on the first day of the match, culminating in excessive seam movement plus deliveries that both reared up and stayed low.

Mohammed Siraj (6/15) and the South African trio of Kagiso Rabada (3/38), Lungi Ngidi (3/30) and Nandre Burger (3/42) had a field day as only Virat Kohli (46), Rohit Sharma (39), Shubman Gill (36) and Aiden Markram (36*) crossed 20. A total of seven batsmen across both teams were dismissed without scoring, including five of India’s last six. A total of seven India players were dismissed for naught, a Test record.

Fans react to Newlands pitch in Cape Town

Ravi Shastri made headlines for his commentary after India collapsed to be bowled out for 153. “If someone went around the corner for a dump and has come back, India have been bowled out for 153,” he hilariously said. But, the spotlight was on the Cape Town surface, with fans making their views heard on Twitter. Indeed, it will be interesting to see how the ICC responds after the match.

“Plenty of chat about the Test match. India’s collapse, Ravi Shastri commentary, Siraj spell and batsman being out twice in a day. But little being said about the pitch curator? He would be under the spotlight elsewhere,” one fan said. Here are some of the reactions to the pitch at Newlands, including from Sachin Tendulkar and Aakash Chopra.

Twitter reactions to India rolling South Africa for 55 all out

Charbel Coorey
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Twitter reactions to India rolling South Africa for 55 all out

Cricket News: Twitter reactions to India rolling South Africa for 55 | Fans react to South Africa bowled out for 55 at Newlands

India responded to their heavy defeat in the first Test in the best possible fashion, rolling South Africa for just 55 in the first session of the second match at Newlands in Cape Town. Mohammed Siraj was at his absolute best, producing one of his famous spells to finish with 6/15 off nine overs, with the Proteas batsmen having no answers against quality fast bowling on a challenging pitch.

Siraj partnered with Jasprit Bumrah (2/25) to deliver a devastating opening burst. South Africa were four down by the tenth over with just 15 on the board before David Bedingham and Kyle Verryenne attempted a reguard action. But, after Bedingham was out to rip-snorter of a delivery, the remainder of the session was simply a formality at Mukesh Kumar (2/0) also got in on the act amid wonderful slips catching by India.

That being said, some of the strokeplay would have disappointed the South African team, coaching staff and supporters. Numerous players were loose outside the off stump, most notably Dean Elgar and Kyle Verryenne, as the Proteas weren’t winning to let enough balls go. In the end, incredibly, they were out for 55 after choosing to bat.

Reactions to South Africa getting bowled out for just 55 at Newlands

Of course, fans were all over it on social media. Supporters took to Twitter to both analyse the situation as well as share some humorous takes. “No idea what Rohit told to his men in the dressing room, but this has been one hell of a performance from India,” one fan tweeted. “After being absolutely hammered in Centurion, the visitors have shown why they are the best Test team in the world.”

The great Sachin Tendulkar was thrilled, tweeting “Siraj weaving magic at Newlands! Impeccable length and a spellbinding display of seam bowling!” Here are some of the reactions to an utterly dominant first session by India, led by Siraj.

South Africa now have to produce a performance out of this world to come back from such a terrible position. Should India go on and win – which they should – they will leave the country with a drawn Test series, drawn T20I series, and ODI series win.

Fans slam Australia for slow over rate on day one of SCG Test vs Pakistan

Charbel Coorey
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Fans slam Australia for slow over rate on day one of SCG Test vs Pakistan

Cricket News: Fans unhappy with slow over rate by Australia at the SCG against Pakistan in 2024 New Years’ Test

In a welcome change, rain did not have a say on the first day of a New Years Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). However, the forecast suggests some rain may fall over the coming days, and matters weren’t helped by a very slow over rate on day one of the Test.

By tea, Australia had bowled just 48 overs. In the end, just 78.1 overs were bowled as Pakistan recovered to be bowled out for 313 thanks to Aamer Jamal’s magnificent 82 that took the visitors to a respectable score after falling to 227/9. Australia then faced just the one over, with David Warner, in his final Test, scoring an unbeaten six off six balls to get through to stumps.

Fans took to social media to voice their disappointment. Over rates continue to be a problem in Test cricket which hurts the format as the faster-paced T20 format continues to take preference around the world. Some called called for the captain to be suspended for a Test as the current system of docking World Test Championship points doesn’t seem to be making a difference.

Reactions: Fans disappointed at slow over rate by Australia on day one of New Years Test against Pakistan

“Don’t care how well we’ve bowled, only getting through 48 overs by Tea is embarrassing,” tweeted one fan. “Appalling but not enough is being done about it! 12th man running drinks out to the fielding team happens regularly. It shouldn’t be allowed,” tweeted another.

Here are some reactions to the slow over rate during the first day of the 2024 New Years Test at the SCG.

https://twitter.com/AdV_76/status/1742405494365684221

Australia will begin day two no wicket for six after Pat Cummins took his third-consecutive five-wicket haul. The Australian captain’s career statistics took another boost, further enhancing his status as one of Australia’s greats.

ALSO READ: Top 10 wicket-takers among Australia fast bowlers – Where does Pat Cummins rank?

Most Test wickets by Australia fast bowlers – Where does Pat Cummins rank?

Charbel Coorey
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Most Test wickets by Australia fast bowlers – Where does Pat Cummins rank?

Cricket News: Most wickets by Australia fast bowlers: Where does Pat Cummins rank? | Pat Cummins Test strike rate

Australia has a rich history of producing high quality fast bowlers. Two of the very best in history – Dennis Lillee and Glenn McGrath – greaced Test cricket from the 1970s through to the 2000s, with numerous others making a mark in the country’s proud cricketing story.

Including Lillee and McGrath, five Australian fast bowlers have taken more than 300 Test wickets. There is one bowler – Pat Cummins – who is set to join them, with his numbers putting him among the greatest pacers Australia has ever produced.

Most wickets by Australia fast bowlers

BowlerWicketsAverageStrike rate
Glenn McGrath56121.6451.95
Dennis Lillee35523.9252.01
Mitchell Starc34427.5548.60
Mitchell Johnson31328.4051.12
Brett Lee31030.8153.32
Craig McDermott29128.6356.99
Pat Cummins25622.1046.30
Graham McKenzie24629.7871.87
Josh Hazlewood24526.2256.16
Ray Lindwall22823.0359.86

Pat Cummins, as of January 3 2024, has the best strike rate among any Australia fast bowler with at least 250 Test wickets. In fact, only John James Ferris (48 wickets, strike rate 42.29), Frederick Spofforth (94 wickets, strike rate 44.52) and John Victor Saunders (79 wickets, strike rate 45.12) have better strike rates than Cummins among all Australians who have played Test cricket.

However, both Ferris (1887-1890) and Spofforth (1877-1887) played in the 1800s. Saunders played in the first decade of the 1900s (1902-1908). So, Cummins has the best strike rate of any Australian bowler since 1909. Remarkable.

There is certainly an argument that Cummins is Australia’s third-best fast bowler of all-time behind McGrath and Lillee, especially among the top ten wicket-takers as fantastic as they all were and are. Cummins’ current average of 22.25 sits him in the middle of McGrath (21.64) and Lillee (23.92), and he is showing no signs of slowing down.

In terms of Test opponents, Cummins averages below 30 against every team he’s played against. He also averages under 30 in every country he’s played in except India (four Tests, 11 wickets, avg. 32.81) and Sri Lanka (two Tests, two wickets, avg. 60.00). One remarkable performance in Cummins’ career was his 2022 display on some of the flattest pitches in recent memory in Pakistan, where he finished with 12 wickets in three Tests at an average of 22.50.

Cricket News: Most wickets by Australia fast bowlers: Where does Pat Cummins rank? | Pat Cummins Test strike rate
Most wickets by fast bowlers for Australia: Pat Cummins has been outstanding around the world.

Pat Cummins’ Test numbers against all teams

OpponentMatchesWicketsAverageStrike rateEconomy
Bangladesh2629.0063.02.76
England199124.1045.73.16
India135026.1854.02.90
New Zealand31218.7550.82.21
Pakistan83619.7544.12.68
South Africa84119.3141.82.77
Sri Lanka41614.3135.12.44
West Indies1311.3340.61.67

Where Cummins sits in the history of Australia fast bowlers is up for debate. However, it’s clear that the team currently has one of the all-time greats in their ranks. His ability to bowl memorable deliveries and get the better of some of the world’s best batsmen has been a delight to watch, along with his relentless consistency.

He has also well and truly found his feet as captain, leading Australia to the 2023 World Test Championship and Cricket World Cup titles. One can only wonder where he’d be now given all those years he lost through injury after a memorable debut as an 18-year old against South Africa in 2011.

But, it will be a career well worth remembering regardless.

BBL 2023-24 Match 23: STA vs REN Dream11 Prediction Fantasy Cricket Tips Possible 11 Pitch Report

Charbel Coorey
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BBL 2023-24 Match 23: STA vs REN Dream11 Prediction Fantasy Cricket Tips Possible 11 Pitch Report

BBL 2023-24 Match 23: STA vs REN Dream11 Prediction Fantasy Cricket Tips Possible 11 Pitch Report | STA vs REN Dream11 Prediction Today | MCG Pitch Report

A few days ago, the Melbourne Derby did not look like an enticing contest as both teams are struggling. However, Melbourne Stars have found their groove, winning their past three games, including a superb 200+ run chase against Adelaide Strikers on New Years’ Eve. Melbourne Renegades also have more to be optimistic about after also beating the Strikers in their last game by four wickets last week.

This game has such importance in the playoffs race. The Stars have moved into fourth while the Renegades can move into the top five with victory. The BBL 13 table is so tight that a couple of results can shift positions so quickly, so it will certainly be a test of resolve in front of what should be a good crowd despite rain in Melbourne during the day.

Match Details

BBL 2023-24 Match 23: STA vs REN Possible Playing XIs

Stars have confirmed their squad. Dan Lawrence has made an immediate impact. They may stick with the same team that beat the Strikers.

Melbourne Stars: 1. Tom Rogers, 2. Dan Lawrence, 3. Beau Webster, 4. Glenn Maxwell (c), 5. Marcus Stoinis, 6. Hilton Cartwright, 7. Imad Wasim, 8. Sam Harper (wk), 9. Joel Paris, 10. Corey Rocchiccioli, 11. Mark Steketee

Joe Clarke picked up an injury in the last game. Englishman Jordan Cox may open. Also, Nic Maddinson has been named in the squad, but he may not find a place once again.

Kane Richardson, who missed the last game with injury, has trained with the team and is likely to play.

Melbourne Renegades: 1. Jordan Cox, 2. Quinton de Kock (wk), 3. Jake Fraser-McGurk, 4. Shaun Marsh, 5. Jonathan Wells, 6. Mackenzie Harvey/Nic Maddinson (c), 7. Will Sutherland, 8. Tom Rogers, 9. Adam Zampa, 10. Peter Siddle, 11. Kane Richardson

STA vs REN Fantasy Cricket Tips: Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

Melbourne Stars:

  • In 2023, Dan Lawrence belted 587 T20 runs at an average of 29.35 and strike rate of 158.65. He made an excellent start to his BBL campaign, hitting 50 off 26 balls on New Years’ Eve.
  • Beau Webster is in fine touch. He has two fifties in four innings this season. He may also be called on to bowl with the make up of the Stars team. A good captaincy option for fantasy cricket.
  • Glenn Maxwell has smashed 519 runs in 19 innings against the Renegades at an average of 37.07 and strike rate of 144.97. He also has the most runs of any player in T20s at the MCG (1,345) at an average of 36.35 and strike rate of 146.83.
  • Marcus Stoinis found form in the last game. He smashed 55* off 19 balls in the New Years’ Eve clash. When playing for the Stars against the Renegades, Stoinis has scored 418 runs at an average of 52.25 and strike rate of 121.16. He also has 11 wickets in nine innings at an average of 15.27.
  • Mark Steketee has picked up 12 wickets in eight matches against the Renegades. Steketee has dismissed Shaun Marsh once in 16 balls, conceding just 15 in the process.

Melbourne Renegades:

  • Jake Fraser-McGurk is enjoying a breakout BBL season. He is currently the fifth-highest scorer in BBL 13 with 175 at a superb strike rate of 198.86. He scored 70 off 37 balls in his last match.
  • Shaun Marsh has scored an incredible 26 half-centuries in 76 BBL matches. Since the start of 2020, Marsh has struck 191 runs in seven matches against the Stars at an average of 27.29 and strike rate of 120.89. He will be aiming to build on this.
  • Will Sutherland can contribute with bat and ball. He has taken seven wickets so far this season and has 86 runs at a strike rate of 165.38.
  • Sutherland has kept Marcus Stoinis relatively quiet in the BBL. He has conceded just 26 off 21 balls against him (one dismissal).
  • Kane Richardson will be key against Glenn Maxwell. He has dismissed the Stars captain three times in 50 balls, conceding 70 runs in the process.
  • Since the start of 2018, Richardson has taken 14 wickets in 11 matches against the Stars (avg. 20.86, econ. 6.82). Also, he has picked up 18 wickets in 12 matches at the MCG at a strike rate of 14.83.
  • Adam Zampa has the most wickets of any bowler at the MCG (52) at an average of 18.44 and strike rate of 16.29.

Other Stats and Facts

  • Head-to-head: Matches 24, Stars 15, Renegades 9.
  • Renegades have won four of their last five matches against the Stars.
  • Adam Zampa has conceded just nine runs off 17 balls against Beau Webster with one dismissal. Zampa has also dismissed Maxwell once in nine balls (6 runs).
  • Hilton Cartwright has a strike rate of 164.10 this season. He will likely be needed to come in late and strike lusty blows.

BBL 2023-24 Match 23: STA vs REN Dream11 Prediction

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:

BBL 2023-24 Match 23: STA vs REN Dream11 Prediction Fantasy Cricket Tips Possible 11 Pitch Report | STA vs REN Dream11 Prediction Today | MCG Pitch Report
BBL 2023-24 Match 23: STA vs REN Dream11 Prediction

Option 2:

BBL 2023-24 Match 23: STA vs REN Dream11 Prediction Fantasy Cricket Tips Possible 11 Pitch Report | STA vs REN Dream11 Prediction Today | MCG Pitch Report
BBL 2023-24 Match 23: STA vs REN Dream11 Prediction

MCG Pitch Report and Weather

There has been plenty of rain during the day in Melbourne. Hopefully it will clear by the evening as per the weather forecast.

Earlier this season, Stars were rolled for 101 but they were without Glenn Maxwell. Bowlers found joy in last year’s BBL, which was soon after the T20 World Cup where bowlers also had a say. In six matches in BBL 2022/23, the average first innings score was 147.17. The chasing team won the last four matches.

BBL 2023-24 Match 23: STA vs REN Match Prediction – Who will win?

A good game is in prospect. Stars, at home, are favourites 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.

SCG weather forecast for 2024 AUS vs PAK New Year’s Test

Charbel Coorey
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SCG weather forecast for 2024 AUS vs PAK New Year’s Test

Cricket News: SCG weather forecast for 2024 AUS vs PAK New Year’s Test | What is the weather forecast at the SCG?

The New Year’s Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) is upon us once again. However, when it comes to this match, the focus is on the weather as much as the action on the field. Rain has often played a factor in Tests at the SCG in recent years, and the hope is that we can get a rain-free third Test between Australia and Pakistan after an excellent Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).

The match will be played from January 3-7 2024. Here is a look at the weather forecast across the five days at the famous SCG in what will be David Warner’s final Test.

SCG weather forecast for 3rd AUS vs PAK Test: Will rain have a say?

The Bureau of Meteorology (bom.gov.au) forecasts 0-1mm of rain to fall on day one of the Test. “High chance of showers, most likely in the morning and afternoon,” says the platform. AccuWeather predicts similar conditions – “mostly cloudy and humid with a thunderstorm around; breezy in the afternoon,” with about two millimetres of rain forecast to fall during the day. So, there is the possibility of having one of those frustrating on-off days often seen at the SCG in recent seasons.

Unfortunately, more rain is expected on day two. Bom.gov.au forecasts up to 6mm to fall, with a high (70%) chance of showers and chance of a thunderstorm. AccuWeather predicts a 55% chance of precipitation on Thursday, January 4.

Similar conditions are then forecast for the rest of the match. Showers are a possibility once again from days three to five, but the hope is there will be enough play to force a result.

Rain has been a common feature in Sydney in recent weeks. Humid conditions during the day have been followed by late afternoon rain and thunderstorms. Close to 100mm fell in the city in December.

So, all eyes will be on the SCG pitch. The spotlight is certainly on the surface after a Sheffield Shield game between New South Wales and Tasmania earlier this season saw 24 wickets fall on the third day of that match. It prompted former Australia captain Tim Paine to label the circumstances “embarrassing” and an “absolute disgrace”, but Nathan Lyon believed the Test track will play differently.

The average first innings score at the SCG in the last five Tests is a high 461. Conditions typically flatten out after early movement, and similar can be expected for this Test with the centre surface set to be used according to ESPNcricinfo. However, four of those matches have ended in draws, with rain having a say in each of them.

In 2019, India were well in control after Cheteshwar Pujara (193) and Rishabh Pant (159*) took India to a mammoth 622/7d. Australia were forced to follow on after replying with 300, but rain had a say on the last three days, including washing out day five completely.

In 2021, rain caused a stop-start first two days in the Australia-India Test, before the tourists fought to secure an excellent draw. In 2022, just 46.5 overs were possible on day one of the fourth Ashes Test. Rain also had a say on days two, four and five as England held on for a draw with one wicket in hand. Last year, the Australia-South Africa Test finished as a draw after just 280.5 overs were possible across the five days.

Here is hoping the 2024 New Year’s Test at the SCG is different than recent editions.

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