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NZ vs AUS 1st T20 2024 Dream11 Prediction Possible 11 Pitch Report

Charbel Coorey
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NZ vs AUS 1st T20 2024 Dream11 Prediction Possible 11 Pitch Report

NZ vs AUS 1st T20 2024 Dream11 Prediction Possible 11 Pitch Report | NZ vs AUS 1st T20 Dream11 Prediction Today | Wellington Pitch Report

Australia’s long-awaited tour of neighbours New Zealand kicks off with the first of three T20 Internationals. Sky Stadium in Wellington hosts the series opener and it promises to be a fascinating showdown between two teams who have aspirations of going far in this year’s T20 World Cup.

The Australians prevailed 2-1 in their recent series against West Indies. New Zealand were far too strong for Pakistan earlier this year, winning 4-1. However, the black Caps will have to do without Daryl Mitchell (foot injury), Matt Henry (hip soreness), Tim Seifert (torn adductor), James Neesham (Bangladesh Premier League), and Kane Williamson (paternity leave). But, there is still quality talent in the ranks, especially in the form of Finn Allen who had a dream outing against Pakistan.

Given the absence of ODIs on this tour, this series will be played for the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy. A good start to the series for both sides is key not only to get a hand on the trophy, but to also firm preparations for the upcoming World Cup in West Indies and USA.

NZ vs AUS 1st T20 2024 Possible Playing XIs

Trent Boult is available for this series. He could partner Tim Southee, Lockie Ferguson and Mitchell Santner as the core of the attack. Also, all-rounder Josh Clarkson could make his debut.

Rachin Ravindra can play a role with bat and ball. He had a breakthrough ODI World Cup in 2023 (578 runs), and will now be hoping he can make a mark in T20s – a format where he averages just 15.12 with the bat in 47 innings.

New Zealand: 1. Finn Allen, 2. Devon Conway (wk), 3. Rachin Ravindra, 4. Mark Chapman, 5. Glenn Phillips, 6. Josh Clarkson, 7. Mitchell Santner (c), 8. Tim Southee, 9. Ish Sodhi, 10. Trent Boult, 11. Lockie Ferguson

For Australia, Marcus Stoinis (injured) and Matthew Wade (parental leave) will miss this match. Also, Spencer Johnson will join the squad in Auckland later this week.

Australia: 1. David Warner, 2. Travis Head, 3. Mitchell Marsh (c), 4. Steve Smith, 5. Glenn Maxwell, 6. Josh Inglis (wk), 7. Tim David, 8. Pat Cummins, 9. Mitchell Starc, 10. Adam Zampa, 11. Josh Hazlewood

NZ vs AUS 1st T20 Fantasy Cricket Tips: Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

New Zealand:

  • Finn Allen recently smashed 275 runs at a strike rate of 195.03 in five matches against Pakistan. He also hammered 42 off 16 balls in the 2022 T20 World Cup against Australia.
  • Devon Conway vs. Australia in T20Is: 6 inns, 284 runs, avg. 71.00, SR 145.64. This includes scores of 99* and 92*.
  • Glenn Phillips can also fetch fantasy points with his all-round ability. He averages just 19.33 in seven T20Is to date against Australia, but that can change quickly.
  • Phillips scored 147 runs at an average of 36.75 and strike rate of 134.86 in the T20I series against Pakistan.
  • Mitchell Santner has a good record against Australia (12 wickets, avg. 19.16, econ. 7.15) and on this ground (11 wickets, avg. 14.81, econ. 5.62).
  • Ish Sodhi has the most wickets in NZ-AUS T20Is (17) at an average of 18.82 and strike rate of 14.47. The legspinner also has 17 wickets on this ground at an average of 14.76 and strike rate of 10.94.
  • Trent Boult has a fine record against David Warner in all T20s: 82 balls, 77 runs, three dismissals.

Australia:

  • David Warner is in excellent form. He is fresh off 173 runs in the three-match series against West Indies (avg. 57.66, SR 166.34).
  • Warner has a modest T20 record against New Zealand. He has scored 216 runs in nine matches at an average of 24.00 and strike rate of 148.96.
  • Travis Head took a liking to the New Zealand attack in the 2023 ODI World Cup. He smashed 109 off 67 balls.
  • Glenn Maxwell, who recently smashed 120* vs West Indies, strikes at 155.02 in 11 T20Is against New Zealand (262 runs). Also, he has a strike rate of 211.9 in three T20Is on this ground (89 runs). A must-pick in fantasy teams.
  • Josh Hazlewood has picked up five wickets in two T20Is against New Zealand. He has dismissed Finn Allen once in three balls (5 runs) and Glenn Phillips twice in six balls (5 runs).
  • Mitchell Starc, in his two T20Is against New Zealand, has conceded 96 runs in eight overs. The left-armer will be looking to hit his stride ahead of the IPL and T20 World Cup.

Other Stats and Facts

  • Head-to-head: Matches 16, New Zealand 6, Australia 10.
  • The last meeting was back in the 2022 T20 World Cup. New Zealand smashed Australia by 89 runs.
  • Ish Sodhi has dismissed David Warner twice in 17 balls in T20Is (30 runs). He has also conceded just 27 off 26 against Mitch Marsh (one dismissal).
  • Warner has great numbers against Tim Southee in all T20s: 62 balls, 114 runs, two dismissals.
  • Trent Boult in T20Is vs Australia: 10 inns, 14 wickets, avg. 19.21, SR 15.78.
  • Tim Southee strikes every 20.75 deliveries vs Australia and every 14.11 balls on this ground in T20Is.

Sky Stadium Wellington Pitch Report and Weather

A cool and windy evening is forecast with a top of 20 degrees during the day. No rain is expected. The average first innings score in the past five T20Is on this ground is 169.4 with the team batting first winning four times.

Orthodox finger spinners have the lowest economy rate in this period (7.1) closely followed by pace (7.3). Legspin has been more expensive at 8.6 per over.

NZ vs AUS 1st T20 2024 Dream11 Prediction: Team combinations, captaincy, vice-captaincy

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 *Add Trent Boult for Ish Sodhi once Boult is available in Dream11*:

NZ vs AUS 1st T20 2024 Dream11 Prediction Possible 11 Pitch Report | NZ vs AUS 1st T20 Dream11 Prediction Today | Wellington Pitch Report
NZ vs AUS 1st T20 2024 Dream11 Prediction

Option 2:

NZ vs AUS 1st T20 2024 Dream11 Prediction Possible 11 Pitch Report | NZ vs AUS 1st T20 Dream11 Prediction Today | Wellington Pitch Report
NZ vs AUS 1st T20 2024 Dream11 Prediction

NZ vs AUS 1st T20 2024 Match Prediction: Who will win?

An interesting match awaits. Australia, with their experience, start as slight favourites and are our pick to win this match.

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.

Australia holding all 3 major ICC trophies would be fitting for this group – David Warner

Charbel Coorey
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Australia holding all 3 major ICC trophies would be fitting for this group – David Warner

Cricket News: Australia T20 opener David Warner said it would be fitting for this team to hold all three ICC trophies at one time

No team has ever held the three major ICC trophies across formats. Australia’s men’s team has the opportunity to achieve a world-first in 2024 after a superb 2023 where they added two ICC trophies.

Opener David Warner believes the team is well-placed to add the 2024 T20 World Cup to their trophy cabinet. Speaking to the media ahead of the three-match T20I series in New Zealand, Warner said it will be fitting for this group of players to achieve further success.

“It would be very, very fitting for this group,” Warner said. “We’ve got a great balance at the moment with all three formats.

“It’s not just the men, it’s the women as well. We’re just doing a lot of things right, and everyone talks about Australia and winning titles.”

Squad has belief to win more trophies – David Warner

This core group of players have enjoyed success over the past decade, starting with the 2015 ODI World Cup at home. Since then, Australia won the T20 World Cup in 2021 followed by a stellar year in 2023 where they lifted both the World Test Championship mace and ODI World Cup trophy.

Warner believes Australia’s success comes down to the license to express themselves on the field. Also, the fact that the upcoming T20 World Cup is potentially the last major tournament a number of players will be involved in is added motivation.

“The coaching structure, the leadership structure allows us to express ourselves as we want, and I feel like the last 18-24 months has showcased that build-up,” Warner said.

“The character of guys we have in this group, we’re all really good mates, we’ve all pretty much come through all the grades and systems with each other so we know each individual’s game very well.”

The showpiece tournament, to be held in the West Indies and USA in June, will be Warner’s last assignment in Australian colours. Also, who knows how many more ICC tournaments Glenn Maxwell (35), Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc (both 34) and Josh Hazlewood (33) will play. So, Australia have focused on strong preparation, starting with sending a full-strength squad for the New Zealand series.

Mitchell Marsh will lead a squad consisting of Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc, both of whom have not played a T20 International since the 2022 World Cup. Also, Australia are spoilt for batting options with Travis Head available, with decisions to be made on the make up of the order.

The first T20I will be played at Sky Stadium in Wellington on Wednesday February 21 at 7:10pm local time. Eden Park in Auckland will host the final two T20Is on Friday February 23 (7:10pm local time) and Sunday February 25 (1:00pm local time) respectively.

Australia squad for New Zealand T20I series: Mitchell Marsh (c), Pat Cummins, Tim David, Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Spencer Johnson, Glenn Maxwell, Matt Short, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Matthew Wade, David Warner, Adam Zampa.

England’s 434-run loss at Rajkot proves they have learnt nothing from the Ashes – Michael Vaughan

Charbel Coorey
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England’s 434-run loss at Rajkot proves they have learnt nothing from the Ashes – Michael Vaughan

Cricket News: Former captain Michael Vaughan believes England’s huge 434-run loss in Rajkot is a wake up call for Stokes & McCullum

Former England captain Michael Vaughan has criticised the team’s approach in the wake of their thumping 434-run defeat against India at Rajkot. Vaughan believes the Bazball style of play still has a way to go when it comes to playing the situation, which ultimately cost them a golden opportunity to push India harder in the third Test.

In his column for The Telegraph, Vaughan wrote that England have not learnt from their mistakes in the Ashes. In that series, the Ben Stokes-led side had their chances to seize the initiative in the first two Tests, but eventually lost both in a hammer blow to their hopes of regaining the urn.

“This England team are a bundle of energy and have already brought huge excitement and joy”, Vaughan wrote. “But surely their 434-run defeat to India in Rajkot has to be a wake-up call for captain Ben Stokes and his players.”

England need to learn how to play the situation better – Michael Vaughan

Vaughan singled out Joe Root’s shot on the third morning as a key turning point in the Test. England, sitting solid at 224/2 on a good batting surface in response to India’s 445, completely surrendered the opportunity to at least match the hosts’ first innings score and create a second innings shootout.

“The way they played in the third Test this week gifted India victory”, wrote Vaughan. “I couldn’t believe my eyes the way they batted on day three, especially Joe Root’s shot in the first innings.

“You are 230 behind on day three, thinking a brilliant bowler in Ravichandran Ashwin may play no further part in the Test, and Ravindra Jadeja is looking a bit stiff. It’s 1-1 in the series and you have your best player at the crease. From there, you can see a route to victory, and it involves batting all day.”

Cricket News: Former captain Michael Vaughan believes England's huge 434-run loss in Rajkot is a wake up call for Stokes & McCullum
Joe Root came under criticism for his shot selection on the third morning of the Rajkot Test.

Vaughan was particularly critical of Piers Morgan’s view of Root’s shot during the Test. Morgan said that because England fight fire with fire, fans need to accept when audacious shots go wrong. However, the former England captain was having none of it, calling Morgan’s view “utter rubbish.”

“Utter rubbish Piers,” tweeted Vaughan. “The skipper doesn’t Bazball.. he plays the situation. Joe is far too good to gift India such a cheap wicket 20 mins into a crucial day when they are down to 10 players. Sport is about changing styles at the right time.”

ALSO READ: England’s biggest defeats in Test cricket history (by runs)

Vaughan then echoed those thoughts further in his column. He acknowledged that Root has played such shots before under McCullum and Stokes, but the game situation was different.

“It was no time for extravagant risks, but Root took one. I hear people say “but he played it against Pat Cummins” and, yeah, he did. But England were on top when he did that. Here, they were 221 behind on day three in India, with the series finely poised,” said Vaughan.

“It’s a shot that really worries me,” he continued. “It shows England have learnt nothing from the Ashes. The collapse that followed was reminiscent of Lord’s, when Nathan Lyon hobbled off with England 1-182, and they gifted Australia all those wickets. That’s why they lost that Test, not because Jonny Bairstow was stumped.”

England’s defeat at Rajkot was their second-biggest in history in terms of runs. It is a bad turn of events for Stokes’ team after their magnificent come-from-behind win at Hyderabad at the end of January. Now, they face two must-win Tests if they are to become the first team since 2012 to win a series in India.

“Listen to them, and you would think nothing is ever wrong,” Vaughan continued. “Jimmy Anderson said they would chase 600 in Vizag. Ben Duckett said “the more the better” in terms of their target this week, but they fell 434 short. Duckett also reckons they deserve credit for the way Yashasvi Jaiswal is batting, as if no player in history has ever played an attacking shot.

“They have to be careful that people around don’t think they are smug, or above their station. Root’s shot was another reminder that they are in a bubble. All that matters is their dressing room, and fun. There is a bit more to Test cricket than that.”

Like the Ashes, it seems as though England have left themselves too much to do as a result of their own mistakes. If they are to bounce back and achieve a superb series victory, it will take smarter cricket in key moments.

Otherwise, India will run away with it in the final two matches.

Bazball trolled as England cop huge defeat by 434 runs against India at Rajkot

Charbel Coorey
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Bazball trolled as England cop huge defeat by 434 runs against India at Rajkot

Cricket News: Bazball trolled as England cop huge defeat by 434 runs against India at Rajkot

England’s tour of India, which began so promisingly after an Ollie Pope and Tom Hartley-inspired victory at Hyderabad, has gone pearshaped. Two Tests later, England copped one of their biggest-ever defeats in Tests, losing by 434 runs at Rajkot to go 2-1 down in the series.

Bazball has come under fire for a couple of key reasons. The first was Joe Root’s shot with England right in the contest early on day three. The second was on the back of Ben Duckett’s comments after Yashasvi Jaiswal played yet another blinder in this series. Both instances screamed of a side so in love with their style of play that reading the room is not always on the agenda.

Joe Root has ammassed over 11,000 Test runs due to his abundant skill and talent. Bazball has certainly seen some good from Root, but also the ugly, none more so than in this series. Their premier batsman has not made a mark, often the own architect of his dismissals rather than the bowler doing anything special.

After his ugly swipe in the second innings at Visakhapatnam, Root then reverse swept a Jasprit Bumrah delivery to second slip that he has caressed through the covers countless times throughout his superb career.

Yes, backing yourself is key. But, playing the situation is also vital to succeeding in big Test matches. Bumrah is one of India’s key bowlers, and even more so when R Ashwin wasn’t available. A huge opportunity was wasted.

The dismissal changed the game, with England collapsing from 224/2 to 319 to hand the advantage to India. Then, Jaiswal further drove home that advantage, which to which Ben Duckett claimed that England should take some credit for opponents playing in an aggressive style.

“When you see players from the opposition playing like that, it almost feels like we should take some credit that they’re playing differently than how other people play Test cricket,” Duckett said. “We saw it a bit in the summer and it’s quite exciting to see other players and other teams are also playing that aggressive style of cricket.”

Bazball trolled as England cop heavy defeat at Rajkot

The reactions came in thick and fast after the events of the past two days. England were right in the match, but were completely dominated from thereon as they suffered their second-largest defeat by runs in Test history.

England will need to bounce back quickly. The fourth Test begins at Ranchi on the 23rd of February, which is now a must-win match for England if they wish to regain The Pataudi Trophy.

England’s biggest defeats in Tests (by runs)

Charbel Coorey
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England’s biggest defeats in Tests (by runs)

Cricket News: List of England’s top 6 biggest defeats in Tests by runs | What is England’s largest defeat in Tests?

England’s 2024 Test against India at Rajkot began in promising fashion. They took the first three wickets within the first hour of the Test. However, from thereon, things went pearshaped.

After India recovered to post 445, Ben Stokes’ team collapsed in their first innings to hand the hosts a 126-run lead. Yashasvi Jaiswal, courtesy of his second double-century of the series, combined with Shubman Gill (91) and Sarfaraz Khan (68*) to pile on 430/4 and leave England needing an improbable 557 to win.

Worse, England collapsed to 122 all-out in the chase to raise questions of their biggest defeats in Tests. Here is a look at their top six.

England’s top 6 biggest defeats in Tests (by runs)

6. 405 runs vs Australia, Lord’s, 2015

England won the 2015 Ashes but suffered one of their biggest-ever defeats during that series. After losing the first Test by 169 runs at Cardiff, the Australians roared back at Lord’s courtesy of Steve Smith’s 215 that set up their huge first innings score of 566/8d.

England didn’t muster much in response, falling 254 short of Australia’s first innings score. The visitors then bludgeoned 254/2 at more than five runs per over to leave England needing 509. They only managed 103 in the chase.

5. 409 runs vs Australia, Lord’s, 1948

Australia again. Lord’s again. This time 67 years earlier. Sir Donald Bradman’s team thrashed England by 409 runs courtesy of a dominant third innings display (460/7d) that left the hosts with a mammoth 596 to chase.

Ernie Toshak (5/40), Ray Lindwall (3/61) and Bill Johnston (2/62) ensured England didn’t get close, knocking them over for 186 in 78.1 overs.

4. 423 runs vs New Zealand, Hamilton, 2024

England lost by 400+ runs twice in 2024, with the second coming in Hamilton. After bowling New Zealand out for 347 (after having them 231/7 and 272/8) on a relatively flat pitch, England completely imploded.

Ben Stokes’ team were rolled for 143 in 35.4 overs to hand New Zealand the advantage. Kane Williamson did not relent, striking his 33rd Test century en route for 156. The Black Caps’ second innings score of 453 set England a mammoth 658 to win.

With the pitch still good for batting, England’s batting effort was riddled with poor shots. They lasted 47.2 overs second time around, falling short by a huge 423 runs. Ben Stokes did not bat due to a hamstring injury, and while he has pulled off heists in his career, it is safe to say this one would have been a stretch.

3. 425 runs vs West Indies, Manchester, 1976

England dismissed the great West Indies side for what looked to be a modest total of 211 in their 1976 series. However, that’s where the good news ended.

From there, the Windies dominated. First, Andy Roberts (3/22), Michael Holding (5/17), and Wayne Daniel (2/13) wreaked havoc to roll England for 71. The visitors showed no mercy in their second innings, with tons to Gordon Greenidge (101) and Viv Richards (135) setting up their total of 411/5d.

Needing 552 to win, Andy Roberts (6/37) ripped through the England lineup once again to help bowl the hosts out for just 126. The West Indies went on to win the five-match series 3-0.

2. 434 runs vs India, Rajkot, 2024

Bazball has seen a revival in England’s Test cricket fortunes since its inception in 2022. Before Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes took over as coach and captain, England had won just one in 17 Tests, with the last being a 1-0 series defeat in the West Indies.

However, McCullum and Stokes have also overseen England’s second-biggest defeat in Test history. England, who were 224/2 in reply to India’s 445, collapsed to 319 before Yashasvi Jaiswal took over.

Chasing 557 to win, England were out of the contest very early, falling to 28/4. They were soon bowled out for 122 to lose by a whopping 434 runs.

1. 562 runs vs Australia, The Oval, 1934

Defeat by 562 runs against Australia in 1934 is a record that England may never break. Australia racked up a mammoth 701 in their first innings, with Sir Donald Bradman smashing 244 at a strike rate of 90.03. Bill Ponsford (266) also piled on the misery.

In reply, England’s 321 looked miniscule in comparison. Australia then decided to pile on further pain by batting again and hitting 327, leaving England with the small measure of 708 runs to win.

They may as well not have gone out to bat. Clarrie Grimmett (5/64) led the way as Australia knocked England over for 145 to seal the deciding Test of the 1934 Ashes in the most dominant fashion.

“One-in-a-million bowler”: Reactions to R Ashwin taking his 500th Test wicket

Charbel Coorey
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“One-in-a-million bowler”: Reactions to R Ashwin taking his 500th Test wicket

Cricket News: Fans, pundits, former players, and legends react to R Ashwin taking his 500th Test wicket for India

Ravichandran Ashwin has joined elite company, becoming the ninth bowler – and second Indian after Anil Kumble – to take 500 Test wickets. The offspinner brought up the milestone by dismissing Zak Crawley on the sweep on the second afternoon of the third Test against England at Rajkot, sparking widespread reactions of congratulations online.

Ashwin has been a standout performer spanning over a decade, underpinning India’s dominance at home in particular. He is the fastest Indian to all the major milestone up to the 500th scalp, reaching his 50th, 100th, 150th, 200th, 250th, 300th, 350th, 400th, 450th, and 500th quicker than anyone else.

Ashwin’s thinking and understanding of the game has captured millions worldwide. Not only does he possess the most beautiful of conventional offspin deliveries, skillful carrom and devastating arm balls, but he has the mind to go with it. An example was how he dismissed Marnus Labuschagne caught behind from around the wicket with a slight change in the seam, getting the ball to go across the right-hander after turning the previous delivery into the stumps.

With the offspinner still bowling nicely, who knows how many wickets he will end up with. For now, fans and Ashwin himself can revel in this terrific achievement.

IND vs ENG 2024: Reactions to R Ashwin taking his 500th Test wicket

“500 Test wickets for a one-in-a-million bowler!” tweeted legend Sachin Tendulkar. “In AshWIN the SpinNER, there was always a WINNER. 500 wickets is a huge milestone in Test cricket. Congratulations, Champion!”

“A champion bowler who never stops to learn. Congratulations @ashwinravi99 on this monumental achievement! Wonderful to see another Indian spinner joining the club.” tweeted Anil Kumble, who is currently India’s leading wicket-taker with 619.

Here are some of the reactions from fans, pundits and other former players to Ashwin’s superb achievement.

Kane Williamson the quickest ever to 32 Test centuries

Charbel Coorey
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Kane Williamson the quickest ever to 32 Test centuries

Cricket News: Kane Williamson reaches 32 Test centuries in the least number of innings in Test history

Kane Williamson has become the fastest player to reach 32 centuries in terms of number of innings in Test cricket history. The former New Zealand captain achieved the feat in his 172nd knock, beating Australia’s Steve Smith, who previously held the record with 32 centuries in 174 outings.

Williamson brought up the milestone on the fourth day of the second Test against South Africa at Hamilton. It is fitting that the century was brought up in the fourth innings of a home Test where he has typically done his best work, this time in a potentially tricky run chase of 267 in a game that an under-strength South Africa had the better of for the most part.

Kane Williamson takes the fewest innings to achieve 32 Test centuries

Cricket News: Kane Williamson reaches 32 Test centuries in the least number of innings in Test history

Kane Williamson became the seventh player to reach 32 Test hundreds in 200 innings or less, roaring to the mark thanks to seven tons in his last seven tons. He has got to the milestone quicker than some of the very best batsmen to ever grace the game, at an average above 55. At 33 years of age, one feels Williamson can continue on his trajectory to achieve further greatness by the time his career his over.

Williamson’s latest achievement is another big feather in his cap. He is the only Black Cap to have over 8,000 Test runs, and he is heading quickly towards 9,000 as his 100th match nears. Also, no other New Zealander has 20 Test hundreds, with Ross Taylor and Martin Crowe next best with 19 and 17 respectively.

Also, Williamson’s fourth innings exploits are something to behold. Yes, New Zealand is a country where batting last is often easier than in other nations, but over 1,000 runs at an average above 56 is nothing to be scoffed at. In fact, five of his 32 centuries have come in the fourth dig.

Much was made of South Africa’s touring party for this series. However, New Zealand were in danger of being on the wrong end of one of the biggest upsets in Test history. But, Williamson’s 32nd century was just as calm and measured as so many of his others right when his team needed it.

Looking ahead, the upcoming series against Australia promises to be a big test for Williamson. But, he has the form and class to deliver, as his numbers show. One can be excused for revelling in such an achievement before a big series, but Williamson, humble and focused as ever, will aim to be as ready as possible for Pat Cummins and co.

If he can deliver big in that two-match duel, the Black Caps could well enjoy their first Test series win (of more than one match) over Australia since 1986.

What is Ravindra Jadeja’s First Class record at Rajkot?

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What is Ravindra Jadeja’s First Class record at Rajkot?

Cricket News: A look at Ravindra Jadeja’s incredible First Class record in matches at Rajkot

Ravindra Jadeja’s love affair with the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot continued as he struck an important, unbeaten 110 on day one of the third Test against England.

Jadeja’s effort took him to 1,564 runs in 17 First Class innings on this ground at an incredible average of 142.18. Four fifties and six centuries make up this mighty tally, including a high score of 331.

Interestingly, not even the great Sir Donald Bradman has over 1,500 First Class runs at a single venue with an average above 125.

Ravindra Jadeja’s record at Rajkot goes from strength to strength

Ravindra Jadeja’s incredible batting record at Rajkot.

Two of Jadeja’s four Test hundreds have come on this ground. He struck an unbeaten 100 against West Indies back in 2018. However, he came in to bat with India well placed at 470/5 on that occasion, with Prithvi Shaw (134) and Virat Kohli (139) striking tons.

This time around, Jadeja walked into a bit of chaos after returning from a hamstring injury. India had lost three wickets cheaply – two to Mark Wood and one to Tom Hartley – to sit in a troublesome position of 33/3. But, there was a sense of calm when Jadeja began to go about his work, combining defensive solidity with proactive strokeplay to keep things moving first with Rohit Sharma and then debutant Sarfaraz Khan.

Jadeja’s only blemish of the day was in his 90s. He looked more passive as he drew closer to the ton, surviving a very close LBW shout on 93 that would have been given out had England reviewed. Then, seeking his 100th run, Jadeja left Sarfaraz stranded after the debutant struck a superb 62 off 66 balls.

But, with all that said and done, Jadeja will begin day two with an eye to more runs. After all, this is his ground. And, India, 326/5 after day one, need him to continue on his merry way given the surface is proving to be a good one for batting.

India fans’ reactions to Rohit Sharma named as captain for 2024 T20 World Cup

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India fans’ reactions to Rohit Sharma named as captain for 2024 T20 World Cup

Cricket News: India fans have shared their reactions online to the news Rohit Sharma will captain the team in the 2024 T20 World Cup

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) have confirmed that Rohit Sharma will captain the team in this year’s T20 World Cup. There was some uncertainty following the 2023 ODI World Cup as to whether Rohit will take the reigns for the T20 edition to be held in June in the West Indies and USA, but the BCCI have stood firm with the opening batsman.

Rohit didn’t play a single T20I after the 2022 World Cup campaign where India lost to England in the semi-final. However, the opener returned for the Afghanistan series where he produced a superb performance in the third match.

BCCI Secretary Jay Shah said, “The fact that he was returning after a year to lead in the Afghanistan series recently meant he was obviously going to [lead in the T20 World Cup].

“In 2023 (final) at Ahmedabad, even though we did not win the World Cup after 10 straight wins, we won hearts. I want to promise you that in 2024 (T20 World Cup), under Rohit Sharma’s captaincy, we will hoist the Indian flag in Barbados.”

Rohit and India have the task of breaking their ICC trophy drought that is now over a decade long. Time and again, India have reached the business end of tournaments only to fall short, with last year’s ODI World Cup Final against Australia arguably the most heartbreaking.

However, with Rohit playing more fearlessly at the top with a number of talents coming through the ranks in T20s, India feel confident they can build on last year’s showing.

Reactions to Rohit Sharma retaining the captaincy for the 2024 T20 World Cup

India fans took to social media to share their thoughts. Many were supportive of the decision. Others were skeptical, pointing to the make up of the team. Below are some of the reactions.

Reactions in support of the decision:

Fans skeptical of the decision:

What are your thoughts? Are India right to stick with Rohit Sharma as captain or should they have gone in a different direction?

Rajkot pitch report for 3rd IND vs ENG Test

Charbel Coorey
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Rajkot pitch report for 3rd IND vs ENG Test

Cricket News: A look at the Rajkot pitch for the third Test between India and England starting on February 15

The ten-day-long break between the second and third Test is set to end, with anticipation building ahead of the Rajkot showdown. It has been a fascinating series between India and England so far, with the visitors landing the first blow in Hyderabad before the hosts fought back to win in Visakhapatnam.

So, what will the Rajkot pitch have in store? This will be just the third Test played on this ground, with batsmen finding joy in the two matches. The last Test took place in 2018 where India hammered West Indies by an innings and 272 runs after pummelling 649/9d batting first. Two years earlier, it was a high-scoring draw between England and India where both sides scored well over 450 in their first innings.

Rajkot pitch report for 3rd Test between India and England 2024

Images of the Rajkot pitch have surfaced on social media two days out from the Test. There appears to be a touch of grass on the surface which could hold it together for the first few days before it begins to take more spin. If so, it should be a fine batting pitch in the early stages.

Hot and clear conditions are forecast for the five days which makes the toss an important one. The two first innings totals in Tests at Rajkot are 649/9d and 537, and the ground has a reputation for being one of the best batting surfaces in the country. However, any presence of grass will bring the skilled pacers from either side into the game early, where they need to pounce.

Also, even if it a flat surface, both teams are a good chance of offering opportunities for wickets given the attacking nature of their batting.

Pitch won’t be a rank turner – Kuldeep

Spinner Kuldeep Yadav shared his thoughts on the Rajkot pitch in a press conference. “It is not going to be a rank turner, but will be a good wicket,” he said.

“When we say it is going to be a batting (friendly) wicket we do not mean that 700-800 runs will be scored here, but it will be a better wicket compared to playing on a rank turner. I hope it helps the spinners who play.”

Both teams have their injury and availability concerns. Jack Leach is out of the series due to a knee injury, while Shreyas Iyer and Virat Kohli will not feature. However, Ravindra Jadeja is likely to play according to Kuldeep.

“He (Jadeja) is doing his routine (work). He did one session yesterday and I think he is available. I am not (even) sure of my position because there are two days left for the game. If I get the opportunity, I will be more than happy. I do not think too much about if I am playing or not — I just enjoy my day and keep working hard and that is my process,” Kuldeep said.

This Test is a crucial one in England’s quest to become the first team since 2012 to win a series in India. A defeat means they will have to win both the final two Tests which will be a mighty difficult task.

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