Cricket News: SL vs ZIM 2nd T20 Reactions – Luke Jongwe and Craig Ervine help seal great win
Zimbabwe, courtesy of Craig Ervine’s 70 and wonderful hitting from their lower order, sealed a terrific victory in the second T20I against Sri Lanka at Colombo. Luke Jongwe was awarded man of the match after taking 2/32 and hitting 25* off 12 balls, including 16 off the first three balls in the final over to all-but-seal the win.
The Sri Lankans, with 20 to defend in the last over, handed the ball to Angelo Mathews. It didn’t turn out as planned, with Mathews overstepping on the first delivery and conceding a six to give Zimbabwe a huge chance. Jongwe then hit another four and six, before a dropped catch from Maheesh Theekshana allowed the also-excellent Clive Madande to get on strike. He then hit a six of his own to seal victory.
Earlier, Craig Ervine (70 off 54 balls) set up the chase after Sri Lanka posted 173/6 after an awful start. Each of the Lions’ top three were dismissed for single figures as they slumped to 27/4, before Charith Asalanka (69 off 39) and Angelo Mathews (66* off 51) sparked a recovery.
SL vs ZIM 2nd T20 Reactions – Fans react to thrilling win for Zimbabwe
Fans took to social media to share their thoughts on the match. Sri Lanka would be disappointed to lose a match they had in their hands. Zimbabwe, on the other hand, can enjoy this moment ahead of the decider.
Great come back performance by @ZimCricketv after a close loss the other day against #SriLanka good luck for the series decider 👏👏 🇿🇼
Luke Jongwe pulled off an absolute heist. What a player! Stole the game away from Sri Lanka and secured one of the best comebacks in T20I cricket history!
There is a T20 World Cup in another 5 months time. And Sri Lanka lost today to a side that recently got beaten by Uganda! Yes, Uganda! All because of pathetic captaincy of Hasaranga and pathetic bowling by Agenda Mathews. 🤮#SLvZIM@OfficialSLC
Zimbabwe needed 20 runs in the final over then Jongwe smashed 6+Nb, 4, 6, 0, 1, 6 and won the game for Zimbabwe – What a game, one of the greatest win ever in T20I history. pic.twitter.com/UQjsqsX2d0
The victory is a deserved one for Zimbabwe given they have shown promising signs on this tour. The third and deciding T20I will be played at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Thursday.
Cricket News: What is Cameron Green’s record when batting at number 4 in the Sheffield Shield? | Cameron Green to bat at four for Australia
Steve Smith’s move to the top of the order has opened the door for Cameron Green to return to the Australian Test team. Green, who has batted 28 times at number six and eight times at number seven in Tests, will now bat at number four in a position he deems to be his strongest.
His Sheffield Shield numbers attest to that. In 25 innings batting at number four for Western Australia, Green has scored 1,413 runs at an average of 64.22. This includes six fifties and four hundreds, with a top score of 251. If he can replicate those sort of numbers for Australia in addition to his bowling, the team will enjoy the best of one of the most talented all-rounders going around.
CameronGreen’s record batting at number four: All-rounder excited by opportunity
Speaking to the media before the first Test against West Indies, Green said he was expecting to come into the team as opener. But, he is thrilled to be batting in his preferred position where he has more time to get set compared to number six.
“I thought I was about a 95 per cent chance of opening, so that’s where my head went for a couple of weeks and I’m grateful to be at four,” Green said.
“What I like is I’ve got a bit of time. I’ve always felt a touch rushed at six, especially after ‘Heady’ who makes it look a bit too easy at number five.
“So I’ve always felt like I’ve had to push the game along, whereas I feel like number four is my natural game where I can take my time and get settled in.”
Green slots into a settled Australian lineup that is fresh off a 3-0 triumph against Pakistan. David Warner’s retirement is the big change, but the home side is still heavily favoured to beat the West Indies who tour with a number of inexperienced players. Also, the Windies have not won a Test in Australia since 1997.
Australia’s playing XI for first Test against West Indies: 1. Usman Khawaja, 2. Steve Smith, 3. Marnus Labuschagne, 4. Cameron Green, 5. Travis Head, 6. Mitchell Marsh, 7. Alex Carey (wk), 8. Pat Cummins (c), 9. Mitchell Starc, 10. Nathan Lyon, 11. Josh Hazlewood
“So I’ve always felt like I’ve had to push the game along, whereas I feel like number four is my natural game where I can take my time and get settled in.”
Cameron Green
The first Test kicks off in Adelaide on Wednesday January 17. The series will then move to the Gabba on January 25 for the day/night Test.
Cricket News: Graeme Smith believes Steve Smith is not the right replacement for David Warner
Former South Africa captain and opening batsman Graeme Smith believes Steve Smith is not the right replacement for David Warner as Australia Test opener. Australia opted to make the call following their 3-0 series win over Pakistan, where Warner went out as a winner in the eight-wicket win at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG).
Steve Smith has never opened in Test cricket, but those in the thinktank believe a move away from number four can revitalise him. Since the start of 2023 Ashes, Smith has scored 567 runs at an average of 37.8, representing a lean patch for the typically prolific batter.
Not sure if Steve Smith is the right replacement for David Warner – Graeme Smith
However, Graeme Smith has doubts over whether the move will work. In an interview with Betway, the SA20 commissioner pointed to Warner’s ability to put pressure on the bowlers as a trait Steve Smith will struggle to replicate.
“Those types of players [like Warner] are like an engine room in terms of energy and the intensity,” Smith said.
“Having played against David, he was always at the forefront with setting the tone in the field. He comes with an immense amount of experience, travelling around the world and knowing what it requires to be successful playing in other people’s backyards, which is not easy.
Warner was the guy that took the game on and was able to apply pressure onto opposition attacks from the word go. He took a lot of the limelight and, when you lose a player like that, the pressure shifts to other people. How that impacts the team is always interesting to watch.”
Graeme Smith went on to say he was surprised by Australia’s call to move a player who did so well at number four for so long. Also, he wonders whether Steve Smith can succeed regularly against the new ball.
“Steve Smith is clearly keen to open, but I’m surprised that Australia have opted to give him a crack against the West Indies later this month,” said Smith.
“He’s an incredible player, so you would expect that he’d be able to adapt, but I worry that the new ball will potentially expose him to too much.”
Australia’s two-match series against West Indies begins on January 17 at Adelaide Oval. West Indies have not won a Test in Australia since 1997. Also, the Australians have won 11 of their past 13 home Tests, with only India tasting success against them on Aussie soil since 2016 where South Africa won 2-1.
A big series for Steve Smith should set him up nicely for the challenges ahead. Following the West Indies series, Australia will embark on a tour of New Zealand where they will play two Tests.
Then, India tour later in 2024 for a blockbuster five-match series.
Cricket News: Strong crowds & ratings mark Australia 2023/24 cricket season | Australian summer sees good crowds and ratings
The Australian 2023/24 season has been one for strong crowds and ratings. Last season, debates rung around as to whether the Australian public still loved cricket as low crowds – particularly during the T20 World Cup – were considered cause for concerns. This season, cricket fans rushed through the gates, and have been engaged both on TV and digital platforms.
Pakistan, who haven’t won a Test in Australia since 1995, was considered likely to be an easy series win for Australia. But, competitive performances by Pakistan in the MCG and SCG Tests saw excellent viewing figures in the stadium, on broadcasts,and social media.
Also, the move back to a shorter Big Bash League (BBL) season seems to have worked nicely for Cricket Australia (CA). Crowds in particular have been strong during the January peak period, where engagement typically picks up after Christmas.
The Boxing Day Test was a terrific match and was well viewed. There was a total attendance of 164,835 across four days, including over 60,000 on Boxing Day when the forecast did not look promising. Also, 5.5 million Australians were reached across the Channel Seven and Fox Cricket broadcasts.
Here are some other Boxing Day Test highlights:
250,000 fans attended Big Bash matches between 26-29 December.
132 million video views across Cricket Australia’s social media channels for the Test.
Biggest-ever audience on Kayo Sports for day one of a Boxing Day Test.
To the fans at the @MCG and those following along on in Australia and abroad on their TVs, radios, laptops and phones…thanks for making the 2023 Boxing Day Test one to remember! #AUSvPAKpic.twitter.com/NX8FFDLBCH
The New Years’ Test at the SCG was also a success. There was a total attendance of 125,292 across four days of David Warner’s farewell match, which is the highest at the ground since the India Test in 2018/19. Also, 322,000 Virtual Pink Seats were purchased, helping fund 46 breastcare nurses as part of the McGrath Foundation.
Big Bash League sees a strong upturn
The BBL had suffered through a few difficult seasons crowd-wise. The move to a 61-game season led to viewer fatigue, forcing a move back to 44 matches. This reaped rewards, with crowds up 29 per cent on last season at the halfway point of the season. This includes 42,504 at Adelaide Oval for the New Years’ Eve match between Adelaide Strikers and Melbourne Stars.
Also, since the midway point, the crowds continued to grow. 41,207 fans watched Sydney Sixers take down Sydney Thunder on January 12. 32,583 fans braved the 41-degree heat at Optus Stadium on 13 January for the clash between Perth Scorchers and Brisbane Heat. 41,205 attended the Melbourne Renegades-Melbourne Stars clash at Marvel Stadium to farewell Aaron Finch.
After 37 matches, the 2023/24 BBL Season has been attended by 722,484 spectators at an average of 20,642 across 35 matches (2 matches abandoned without a ball bowled = no crowd figure).
Highest crowd: 42,504 – Adelaide Oval Average last year: 16,720 from 61 matches#BBL13
There is a clear correlation between team success and big crowds in the @BBL. Imagine how much bigger the league’s crowd numbers will get when more of the Sydney and Melbourne clubs are performing. It’s been a great season. @au_sportpic.twitter.com/X3Z4B67cBE
In addition, TV ratings are regularly 400,000-plus each night across Channel Seven and Fox Cricket according to tvtonight.com.au. All in all, the summer has proven to be a pretty solid one for CA with Tests and limited-overs against the West Indies still to come. This sets things up nicely for what should be bumper summers in 2024/25 and 2025/26 with India and England touring respectively.
Cricket News: Reactions to David Teeger getting sacked as U19 South Africa captain after pro-Israeli comments | David Teeger removed as captain
Social media has erupted after Cricket South Africa (CSA) stripped David Teeger of the captaincy ahead of the U-19 World Cup which kicks off on January 19. Teeger, who is of Jewish heritage, praised Israeli soldiers fighting in Gaza at an award ceremony for Jewish achievers in October 2023. CSA then decided to remove him of the captaincy due to fears he could be targeted by protestors during the tournament.
“We have been advised that protests related to the war in Gaza can be anticipated at the venues for the tournament,” said CSA in a statement.
“We have also been advised that they are likely to focus on the position of the SA Under-19 captain, David Teeger, and that there is a risk that they could result in conflict or even violence, including between rival groups of protesters.
“CSA has a primary duty to safeguard the interests and safety of all those involved in the World Cup and must accordingly respect the expert advice of those responsible for the safety of participants and spectators.
“In all the circumstances, CSA has decided that David should be relieved of the captaincy for the tournament. This is in the best interests of all the players, the SA U19 team and David himself.”
Interestingly, Teeger will remain with the squad which raises questions as to whether there would be any reduction in the threat of violence towards him. Debates were rife on X (formerly Twitter), with some in support of the decision and others against.
Reactions: David Teeger removed as South Africa U-19 captain due to Israel comments
Piers Morgan was particularly vocal of CSA’s decision. “WTF!? Have they sacked him because he’s Jewish? This is shameful moral cowardice by Cricket South Africa,” he tweeted.
Below are some of the reactions both for and against CSA’s move ahead of the World Cup.
Reactions against CSA’s decision:
WTF!? Have they sacked him because he’s Jewish? This is shameful moral cowardice by Cricket South Africa. https://t.co/etEdiXVBmY
If you can’t guarantee someone’s safety because they will be targeted by racists, you need to either remove the racists or if you can’t do that, don’t hold the event at all.
Appalling decision by Cricket South Africa to strip David Teeger of SAU19 captaincy supposedly because of security concerns. As per their statement it is their duty to safeguard their players and any agitation against the captain should have been firmly resisted.
“Anti-apartheid” South Africa – just started practicing Anti-Jew apartheid. The Jewish captain of the Under 19 cricket team has been removed from the captaincy for the crime of being a Jew. https://t.co/DsaWTKoqGH
Deeply, deeply shocking South Africa (rainbow nation and moral titan at the International Court of Justice) has just sacked its under-19 cricket captain because he's Jewish. You read that right https://t.co/XFiXVsOlti
The Hamas-supporting Palestinian Solidarity Alliance complained about David Teeger – the S African U19 cricket captain – over his support for Israel. They have the right to do so. But the response of Cricket South Africa is shocking. Having first subjected him to an inquisition… pic.twitter.com/mpkM1H6a0U
When you give into cowards that threaten David Teeger because of his religion and beliefs instead of standing behind one of the best youth cricketers in South Africa. Cricket South Africa continues to showcase how absolutely atrocious they are. pic.twitter.com/kRvCjEhIQF
Shame on you, Cricket SA and @LawsonNaidoo for dropping U19 captain, David Teeger. It is your duty to protect your players, not cast them aside because there are threats to them. Cowardly and unprincipled.
David Teeger's Jewishness has nothing to do with him being stripped of the captaincy. Anyone who suggests that is heaping fuel on an already volatile flame. Please think before you leap to dangerous conclusions.
Before CSA gets accused of all sorts of things, please understand the background. Teeger has openly expressed support for the Zionist regime and the work of the IDF.
CSA is NOT anti-semitic. Neither is South Africa. Judaism does not equal Zionism. https://t.co/iyTmrSfjzU
in cricket when you’re a captain of a national team your literally representing your county and you don’t go against your governments stance on policies its as simple as it gets
David Teeger showed his support for Israel who are literally committing genocide against Palestinians. Surely there shouldn't be an issue with him being stripped of his SOUTH AFRICAN CAPTAINCY???? I am not sure what the problem is! Our captains should be inspirations, leaders!
If it were up to me David Teeger wouldn't even be playing in the tournament. If he wants to spread an Israeli nationalist movement, playing cricket for South Africa is the wrong place to be
Cricket News: A look at the most expensive players in the upcoming 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) season + major squad changes
The 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) player auction saw franchises battle to secure the services of top domestic and international cricketers for the upcoming season.
The latest IPL auction took place on December 19, 2023, and it was held at the Coca Cola Arena in Dubai. The auction saw big-money deals and even surprises that many fans are hyped up about. In this article, we’ll look at the 2024 IPL auction results in some detail.
IPL 2024: Most expensive players – who got the big deals?
If Sam Curran was able to bag the biggest deal in the previous season, this year, Mitchell Starc was able to beat his record. The Australian left-arm pacer became the most expensive player in the IPL history when Kolkata Knight Riders purchased him for INR 24.75 crore (US$3.1 million).
Another Australian player who secured a massive deal is Pat Cummins. Sunrisers Hyderabad purchased this pacer for INR 20.50 crore (US$2.6 million). New Zealand’s right-handed all-rounder was also notably purchased by Chennai Super Kings for INR 14.00 crore (around US$1.6 million).
Meanwhile, Royal Challengers Bangalore added West Indian quick Alzarri Joseph to their roster, purchasing INR 11.50 crore (approximately $1.4 million). Punjab Kings was also another franchise that made a big purchase during the same auction. They were able to secure Indian cricketer Harshal Patel.
Other players who were signed with contracts over INR 5 crore were Spencer Johnson (Gujarat Titans), Rovman Powell (Rajasthan Royals), Travis Head (Sunrisers Hyderabad), Umesh Yadav (Gujarat Titans), Shivam Mavi (Lucknow Super Giants), and Rilee Rossouw (Punjab Kings).
Major Squad Changes for IPL 2024
Most of the franchises retained many of their players. Gujarat Titans had a short list of players who left the team or were unavailable this year. That includes names like Shivam Mavi, Yash Dayal, and Pradeep Sangwan.
The same goes for Chennai Super Kings as some of the players they released for the upcoming season are Kyle Jamieson, Akash Singh, and Ambati Rayudu.
It’s also worth noting that English cricket star Ben Stokes also had to be released because he’s still reconvening from multiple injuries. Stokes has undergone knee surgery after the ODI World Cup.
When it comes to retained players, Mumbai Indians is one of the franchises that have a lot of them. That includes Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya. This year, Sharma will no longer serve as the captain of the team as he was replaced by Pandya.
Pandya is making a comeback to MI after having played with Gujarat Titans. Last year, it was already a rumour that he’ll be returning to MI. However, reports suggested Pandya only wanted to do that if he was allowed to captain the team.
While many were surprised about this, it most likely isn’t a big issue. After all, Sharma has already led the team to multiple IPL championships. In addition, based on reports, Sharma left it to the management to decide on the matter.
MI’s head of performance, Mahela Jayawardene, said that appointing Pandya as the captain is simply part of the team’s legacy. It’s them staying true to the team’s philosophy. Mumbai Indians also had to bring in a new bowling coach as Shane Bond has already resigned. He’s replaced by former Sri Lankan cricketer, Lasith Malinga.
When it comes to support staff, Lucknow Super Giants sacked Andy Flower and replaced by Justin Langer. Gautam Gambhir also resigned as LSG’s mentor. There’s no update yet on who will be replacing him.
Sunrisers Hyderabad also decided to change their head coach this year. Brian Lara was sacked and replaced by New Zealand’s cricket coach, Daniel Vettori. Meanwhile, defending champions CSK don’t seem to have any changes on their supporting staff this year as they look to successfully defend their title.
The IPL 2024 promises to be an exciting tournament, with some of the best players in the world competing against each other. The tournament is set to begin on March 22, 2024, and will be played across various venues in India. That includes venues like the Wankhede Stadium, MA Chidambaram Chepauk Stadium, and the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
Fans can catch all the action live on Star Sports or stream it on Hotstar.
Cricket News: Pakistan tour of New Zealand T20I series schedule | NZ vs PAK 2024 series schedule
Pakistan are currently in New Zealand for a five-match T20I series that will kick off on January 12. The series serves as important preparation for both teams ahead of this year’s T20 World Cup, where both sides have aspirations of performing well in the tournament.
NZ vs PAK T20I series 2024 series schedule:
1st T20I: Friday January 12, 2024 at Eden Park, Auckland (7:10pm local, 11:10am PKT).
2nd T20I: Sunday January 14, 2024 at Seddon Park, Hamilton (7:10pm local, 11:10am PKT).
3rd T20I: Wednesday January 17, 2024 at University Oval, Dunedin (7:10pm local, 11:10am PKT).
4th T20I: Friday January 19, 2024 at Hagley Oval, Christchurch (7:10pm local, 11:10am PKT).
5th T20I: Sunday January 21, 2024 at Hagley Oval, Christchurch (1:00pm local, 5:00am PKT).
Shaheen Shah Afridi to captain Pakistan in their tour of New Zealand
Shaheen Shah Afridi’s reign as Pakistan captain will begin on this tour. The left-arm pacer was rested for the third Test in Australia last week, which brought about some criticism. But, with a World Cup on the horizon, Pakistan have viewed this series as an important step in their preparations of which Shaheen is a crucial piece in the puzzle.
Mohammad Rizwan is the vice-captain. “It is an honour to be named as the vice-captain of Pakistan Men’s T20I side,” Rizwan said. “I am thankful to the PCB for entrusting me with this responsibility. I am looking forward to working closely with the captain, coaching staff, and my team-mates to contribute to the team’s success.”
In terms of the squad, Shadab Khan is out with injury. Haris Rauf, who did not play in the Australia Test series, will return to Pakistan duty in this series.
Pakistan squad for New Zealand 2024 T20I tour: Shaheen Shah Afridi (capt), Aamer Jamal, Abbas Afridi, Abrar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Haseebullah Khan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Mohammad Wasim, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Usama Mir, Zaman Khan.
Cricket News: Cameron Bancroft debate – Is the opener unlucky to miss out? | Cameron Bancroft misses out on Australia selection for West Indies series
Steve Smith will be Australia’s next Test opener after the selectors opted for the experienced batsman to replace David Warner. Cameron Green, who was also a strong contender for the opening slot, will return to the team and bat at number four.
In other changes, 27-year old Matt Renshaw has made the West Indies squad. This means Cameron Bancroft, who has been magnificent in Sheffield Shield cricket over the past two seasons, has missed out on selection altogether.
In the end, the selectors opted for a move for Smith in an attempt to rediscover his best form. Recent months have been lean pickings by Smith’s lofty standards. In fact, since the start of the 2023 Ashes, Smith has scored 567 runs at an average of 37.8.
However, it has prompted debate far and wide in Australia as to whether Bancroft has been hard done by. Some fans believe that Bancroft’s comments on the ball tampering scandal in 2021 has meant his chances of selection were always going to be slim. However, it has been reported that Pat Cummins rang Cameron Bancroft to let him know that his non-selection had nothing to do with Cape Town in 2018. Also, selector George Bailey denied that the ball tampering saga had anything to do with their decision.
Pat Cummins personally rang Cameron Bancroft today to make it clear his non-selection in the Test squad had nothing to do with the sandpaper saga or any subsequent comments made around the issue. @SEN_Cricket@SENSportsday
After all, the opener’s numbers have been superb in recent times and he could not have raised his hand any higher. Since the start of the 2022/23 Shield season, Bancroft has struck 1,457 runs at an average of 58.28, leading the run-scoring chart in both campaigns.
That being said, Cameron Green’s inclusion at number four could also catapult the all-rounder’s Test career. In 15 Shield matches batting at four, Green has smashed 1,413 runs at a superb average of 64.22. This includes six fifties, four hundreds, and a top score of 251.
Fans weigh in on the Cameron Bancroft debate
Fans and pundits shared their thoughts on social media over recent days, sparking debates on whether Bancroft was hard done by. Former cricketer Tom Moody was particularly critical of Bancroft’s exclusion. Here is a look at some of the reactions.
Arguments for Cameron Bancroft’s inclusion:
Selection is never an easy task but the oversight of Cameron Bancroft is shocking. His first class numbers are so compelling against his peers it feels there is another agenda which I hope was communicated to him honestly! #Bancroft
Hi @stevesmith49, you will rott in hell for ruining Cameron Bancroft's career. You and Warner asked him to rubb sandpaper on ball and when Bancroft revealed your true face in media, you guys make sure that je never plays for Australia again.
Csmeron Bancroft 2022/23 SS – 945 runs @ 59.06 2023/24 SS – 512 runs @ 56.88 Leading run scorers in both seasons..how he isnt getting picked…dont be selfish @stevesmith49https://t.co/jl86LtyoE8
Geez, I wonder if Bancroft has any grandparents in England or South Africa? I’d be defecting if I was him. Poor bloke was chewed up and spat out by selectors yet again. Not sure what else he could have done to get a start. #CricketTwitter#Cricket
Cameron Bancroft continues to bear the brunt of decisions made by David Warner and Steve Smith in South Africa in 2018.
Whilst Warner arrogantly insisted on a farewell tour, and Smith putting his hand up as his replacement at the top of the order, Bancroft was making the most…
Your life is destined to injustice if you are Cameron Bancroft. What more will he need to prove in the domestics to get picked? Sheffield Shield performances ain't even given damn about these days. Get them scrapped from next year on as simple as that imo. Bloody jokers.
Team ~probably~ better with Smith & Green in it despite it looking unconventional. Not definitely, but probably. Renshaw spare bat as he can bat in multiple spots as opposed to Bancroft. Hope being normal helps in case you’ve been bombarded with the worst takes of all time today
I feel bad for Cameron Bancroft, the first cricketer in the history of the sport to have a case for being selected for the national team only to discover that at least one other person also has a case.
So it looks like Western Australian Cameron Green has been picked to fill the one void left by David Warner. Which means Western Australian Cameron Bancroft didn’t get picked. So of course all the Western Australians are blowing up because a Western Australian didn’t get picked
The standout batsman in shield cricket for the past 5 years has been Cameron Green who has averaged 56. Poor taste? 😂… Its called honesty! All players want to know where they stand. Fancy getting upset about that.
One reason why this could work – Smith has been kept quiet by a packed field behind square on the leg-side that has cut off his go-to scoring shots. More attacking fields with the new ball may just unshackle him to start briskly? He's at his best when he looks to score #AUSvWIhttps://t.co/Cj1xwJhhvg
Australia’s Test series against West Indies kicks off on January 17 at Adelaide. The second Test will begin on January 25 in a day/night Test at the Gabba. The last time West Indies won a Test in Australia was way back in 1997, with the Australians winning 14 of 16 Tests since.
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.
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
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.
