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
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.”
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.
Well said Captain.. Rohit Sharma always speaks truth.
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.
"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?"#SAvIND#cricket
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.
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.
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.
If this pitch was in India.. intl media would’ve created ruckus and made sure it was rated poor!!
Cricket in ‘24 begins with 23 wickets falling in a single day. Unreal! Boarded a flight when South Africa was all out, and now that I'm home, the TV shows South Africa has lost 3 wickets. What did I miss?#SAvIND
I feel for Braam Mong. This is the first international pitch he has prepared at Newlands. Conditions have been scorching, so he decided to leave extra grass on to ensure that the cracks on the pitch don't open up early. It backfired
Is it a shocking pitch at Newlands ? Marque fixture of the season in SA and will be done and dusted in 2 days or so.shame and seems a crazy situation You don’t want a flat featherbed of a pitch but surely a pitch that takes the game deep and give a chance for 4/5 days of crowds.
Been at Newlands cricket ground today, this pitch needs a commission of enquiry, 23 wickets to fall on one day of a test match. We have to fight on. pic.twitter.com/DjbxNroKoV
Surely @icc must rate this Newlands wicket as the worst surface to be ever played on? 23 wickets in a single day!!! Not good advertisement for the game, eh??#SAvIND
— Rishit_Sachinist •EF• 5.0? (@RishitShukla) January 4, 2024
Just imagine 23 wickets fall on day 1 on Indian pitches.
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.
No idea what Rohit told to his men in the dressing room, but this has been one hell of a performance from India. After being absolutely hammered in Centurion, the visitors have shown why they are the best Test team in the world.
To say this performance from the Indian bowling unit is unexpected after the last 5 Tests in SENA is understating this effort. This has been a sensational bowling effort, completely worthy of going down in history books!
Outstanding display of seam bowling. Length, accuracy, movement everything just perfect. Well bowled Siraj 🙌🏽 To bowl the opposition out in first session when they've elected to bat first is crazy 🤯 #SAvINDpic.twitter.com/MEOuRe93eP
A breathtaking Siraj burst and the opposition rolled over for a score in the 50s is becoming common phenom.
India would have dreamt of better days than what they endured in Centurion. In their wildest imaginations though I wonder if they'd have envisioned this #SAvIND
Incredible show from bowlers led by Siraj ….55 all out SA…innings win is on..1-1 Rohit Sharma second Indian captain after Dhoni not to lose a Test series in South Africa Leader, legend @ImRo45
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.
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.
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
Pat Cummins on the eve of this series: “I think that the Ashes was such an anomaly, really. We've never really had over rate issues anywhere else in the world.” https://t.co/Wb8CBQhnyb
48 overs at tea. Barely half the overs bowled. Absolute disgrace. Breaks should be taken when they reach 30 overs for lunch, 60 overs for tea and stumps at 90. Set a time it should take and penalise accordingly how far behind bowling side are at breaks. #AUSvPAK
It’s a bit “old man yells at cloud”, but 48 overs bowled at Tea. Operating at 12 overs an hour. Snails pace, and not enough delays in the game to justify it. About time Test teams were penalised harsher to quicken up the pace of play. #AUSvPAK
The overrate penalty has to be one of the most biased rules of @ICC . I think there were no rain interruptions today and still Aussies have managed only 80 overs. They defaulted multiple times last test too but no fine. Let's see what happens this time #AUSvPAK#PAKvsAUS
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.
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.
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.
Most wickets by fast bowlers for Australia: Pat Cummins has been outstanding around the world.
Pat Cummins’ Test numbers against all teams
Opponent
Matches
Wickets
Average
Strike rate
Economy
Bangladesh
2
6
29.00
63.0
2.76
England
19
91
24.10
45.7
3.16
India
13
50
26.18
54.0
2.90
New Zealand
3
12
18.75
50.8
2.21
Pakistan
8
36
19.75
44.1
2.68
South Africa
8
41
19.31
41.8
2.77
Sri Lanka
4
16
14.31
35.1
2.44
West Indies
1
3
11.33
40.6
1.67
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 | 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.
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
Option 2:
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.
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.
THU vs SIX Dream11 Prediction Fantasy Cricket Tips Possible 11 Pitch Report – BBL 2023-24 Match 19 | ST vs SS Dream11 Prediction Today | Sydney Showground Pitch Report
The New Year period is always an exciting time, especially in the Big Bash League (BBL). It means the Sydney Smash is here, and this one is certainly important for Sydney Thunder. Chris Green’s team have endured an inconsistent season so far, currently sitting in second-last position, but a win will put them into fourth.
Sydney Sixers look as efficient as ever and start this match as favourites. They did lose their last match to Melbourne Stars, but they are well placed in third position. Also, they have beaten the Thunder four times in a row. A fifth will further cement their spot in the top five as the playoffs start to appear over the horizon.
There are a few key battles to look forward to, which the Thunder need to win. While defeat won’t be terminal, they can’t afford a defeat with teams like Melbourne Stars, Adelaide Strikers and Melbourne Renegades showing good signs in recent matches.
In this article, we’ll look at the possible playing XIs, Sydney Showground pitch report, Dream11 fantasy tips and more for this important THU vs SIX clash.
Tom Kohler-Cadmore is available for selection after replacing Zaman Khan who has left for Pakistan duty.
Sydney Thunder: 1. Cameron Bancroft (wk), 2. Alex Hales, 3. Jason Sangha, 4. Oliver Davies, 5. Alex Ross, 6. Tom Kohler-Cadmore, 7. Daniel Sams, 8. Nathan McAndrew, 9. Chris Green (c), 10. Gurinder Sandhu, 11. Tanveer Sangha
Sydney Sixers have named an unchanged squad. They may play the extra spinner in this clash ahead of Joel Davies. Steve O’Keefe has taken 15 wickets in 12 matches against the Thunder at an average of 16.73 and economy of 6.03.
Sydney Sixers: 1. Josh Philippe (wk), 2. James Vince, 3. Daniel Hughes, 4. Moises Henriques (c), 5. Jordan Silk, 6. Jack Edwards, 7. Sean Abbott, 8. Ben Dwarshuis, 9. Jackson Bird, 10. Todd Murphy, 11. Steve O’Keefe
THU vs SIX Dream11 Prediction & Fantasy Cricket Tips – Key Players to Watch/Key Stats
Sydney Thunder:
Alex Hales is yet to get going in this BBL. Thunder needs him to now. He has hit 233 runs in seven matches against the Sixers at an average of 33.29 and strike rate of 171.32.
Hales has dominated Ben Dwarshuis in T20s. He has scored 58 runs off 29 balls against him without a single dismissal. He has also smashed 85 off 36 balls against Steve O’Keefe (two dismissals).
Cameron Bancroft is the second-highest run-scorer in BBL 13. He is just about a must-pick in fantasy teams as wicket-keeper. He has struck 175 runs at an average of 43.75 and strike rate of 132.57 this season.
Bancroft has struck an impressive 49 runs in 28 balls against Sean Abbott in T20s (one dismissal).
Tom Kohler-Cadmore can add important batting depth for the Sydney Thunder. He was in excellent form in the recent Abu Dhabi T10 tournament where he struck 68*, 42, 8, 35, 44*, 69*, 10, 43*, 36*, and 13 in his ten knocks.
Daniel Sams has taken the most wickets on this ground (31) at an average of 15.71 and strike rate of 11.90. He has good numbers against Josh Philippe (49 balls, 48 runs, two dismissals) and has also dismissed Moises Henriques twice in 19 balls (27 runs).
Sydney Sixers:
James Vince found form in the last game. He struck 83 (55) against the Strikers. Against the Thunder, Vince has scored 129 runs at an average of 25.80 and strike rate of 116.22.
Vince has a good record against Daniel Sams (21 balls, 41 runs, one dismissal). He has also scored 24 off 14 against Tanveer Sangha (one dismissal), 42 off 24 against Gurinder Sandhu (one dismissal), 35 off 27 against Chris Green (no dismissal) and 21 off 14 against Nathan McAndrew (no dismissal).
Daniel Hughes has an excellent record against the Sydney Thunder. He has struck 435 runs at an average of 48.33 and strike rate of 129.46.
Hughes has scored 37 off 24 against Sams without dismissal, 20 off 10 against Nathan McAndrew (one dismissal) and 20 off 10 against Tanveer Sangha (one dismissal).
Moises Henriques also has a terrific record against the Sydney Thunder: 18 inns, 492 runs, avg. 49.20, SR 138.20. Also, he has struck two 50+ scores in six innings on this ground, totalling 168 runs at an average of 42.00 and strike rate of 151.35.
Sean Abbott has taken the most wickets in SIX-THU matches. He has picked up 22 wickets in 16 matches at an average of 19.27 and economy of 7.88. He has completely dominated Alex Ross in T20s, conceding just 12 runs in 30 balls (two dismissals).
Ben Dwarshuis has kept Cameron Bancroft quiet in the past. He has conceded just 32 off 33 balls, dismissing him once. He has also dismissed Alex Ross once in 16 balls, conceding just 12 in the process.
Overall against the Thunder, Dwarshuis has picked up 16 wickets in 13 matches at an average of 20.81 and economy of 7.74.
Other Stats and Facts
Head-to-head: Matches 23, Thunder 7, Sixers 16.
Sean Abbott vs. Alex Hales: 22 balls, 42 runs, two dismissals.
Sean Abbott (bowling) vs. Daniel Sams (batting): 13 balls, 27 runs, two dismissals.
Jackson Bird vs. Alex Hales: 35 balls, 41 runs, three dismissals.
Oliver Davies has scored just three runs in four innings against the Sydney Sixers.
Nathan McAndrew vs. Sydney Sixers: 8 inns, 3 wickets, avg. 85.67, econ. 11.51.
Sydney Showground Pitch Report and Weather
The Sydney Showground pitch typically has assistance for both pace and spin bowlers. Fast bowlers often find movement upfront with the spinners settling in on the slower surface. Last season, the average first innings score in five BBL matches was 141.4, with the chasing team winning three times.
A clear and beautiful evening is forecast in Sydney with a top of about 27 degrees.
THU vs SIX Dream11 Prediction – Picks, captaincy, vice-captaincy, team combinations
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 19: THU vs SIX Dream11 Prediction
Option 2:
BBL 2023-24 Match 19: THU vs SIX Dream11 Prediction
BBL 2023-24 Match 19: THU vs SIX Match Prediction – Who will win?
Sydney Sixers to win. The Sydney Thunder may struggle with the departure of Zaman Khan.
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.
REN vs STR Dream11 Prediction Fantasy Cricket Tips Possible 11 Pitch Report BBL 2023-24 Match 18 | MR vs AS Dream11 Prediction | Docklands Pitch Report
It’s desperation time for Melbourne Renegades. Sitting bottom of the table with four defeats and a no-result from five games, the time is now for the Renegades to get their season going.
Nic Maddinson’s team certainly had their chances on Boxing Day against Perth Scorchers. They finished well with the ball and had the chase in their hands, but they let things slip when it mattered most. Today, the key is holding their nerve in the big moments.
Adelaide Strikers also need a win. They are currently in fifth position and are also coming off a botched run chase against Sydney Sixers. They had the game in their hands back on December 22, so they’ve had a week to think things through ahead of this important clash.
In this article, we’ll look at the possible playing XIs, fantasy cricket tips, Dream11 prediction & Marvel Stadium pitch report.
Melbourne Renegades: 1. Quinton de Kock (wk), 2. Joe Clarke/Aaron Finch, 3. Jake Fraser-McGurk, 4. Shaun Marsh, 5. Nic Maddinson (c), 6. Jonathan Wells, 7. Will Sutherland, 8. Tom Rogers, 9. Kane Richardson, 10. Adam Zampa, 11. Mujeeb Ur Rahman
Adelaide Strikers: 1. Matthew Short (c), 2. D’Arcy Short, 3. Chris Lynn, 4. Jake Weatherald, 5. Adam Hose, 6. Jamie Overton, 7. James Bazley, 8. Harry Nielsen (wk), 9. Wes Agar, 10. David Payne, 11. Cameron Boyce
REN vs STR Dream11 Prediction – Key Players to Watch/Key Stats
Melbourne Renegades:
Quinton de Kock in T20s this year: 26 inns, 860 runs, avg. 34.40, SR 151.40. He is a captaincy option in Dream11 fantasy cricket teams given the potential he has for a big score.
Jake Fraser-McGurk is in fine touch. He is striking at 205.88 so far this season.
Shaun Marsh is one of the BBL greats. He has struck 25 fifties in 75 BBL matches. He enjoys batting at Marvel Stadium, with 534 runs at an average of 48.55 and strike rate of 138.34.
Will Sutherland can fetch fantasy points with both bat and ball, especially given he is being trusted in the death overs. He has scored 12 runs off four balls against Cameron Boyce (no dismissal).
Kane Richardson has taken 16 wickets in ten matches for Renegades against Strikers at an average of 22.44 and economy of 9.45. Also, Richardson has the most wickets of any bowler in T20s at Marvel Stadium (37) at an average of 20.16 and strike rate of 15.89.
Richardson has dismissed Chris Lynn twice in 31 balls (46 runs) and Jake Weatherald twice in 24 balls (23 runs).
Adam Zampa has had the better of Chris Lynn in T20s. He has dismissed him four times in 87 balls, conceding just 74 in the process. Zampa will also look to test Matt Short’s deficiencies against spin, if he gets the chance.
Adelaide Strikers:
Matthew Short is a must-pick in fantasy teams. He has struck 208 runs at an average of 29.71 and strike rate of 155.2 against the Renegades. He also has four wickets.
Chris Lynn has an excellent career record against the Renegades. He has smashed 450 runs at an average of 37.50 and strike rate of 152.03. Also, he has a decent 48 off 39 balls against Mujeeb Ur Rahman in T20s (one dismissal).
Jamie Overton is also a must-pick in fantasy teams with his all-round abilities. He was player of the tournament in the 2023 Hundred with his strike rate of 181. Also, he has picked up five wickets in two innings so far in this tournament.
Adam Hose is a key player for the Strikers. So far in the BBL he has scored 312 runs at an average of 26.00 and strike rate of 127.87. How he speeds things up through the middle could help decide the result.
Wes Agar has taken 12 wickets in nine matches against the Renegades at an average of 17.83 and economy of 7.17. He has dismissed Nic Maddinson once in 13 balls (ten runs) and Will Sutherland once in one ball so far.
Wes Agar vs. Jake Fraser-McGurk: 14 balls, 15 runs, one wicket. Agar has also dismissed Shaun Marsh once in seven balls, conceding just one run in the process.
Kane Richardson vs. Matt Short: 20 balls, 30 runs, one wicket.
D’Arcy Short averages just 18.17 in six matches at Marvel Stadium. Chris Lynn doesn’t fare much better with an average of 19.50 in nine innings.
Adam Zampa vs. Jake Weatherald: 13 balls, 13 runs, two dismissals.
Tom Rogers strikes every 14.82 deliveries at this ground (17 wickets).
Marvel Stadium Docklands Melbourne Pitch Report and Weather
Chasing is usually the way to go on this ground. Brisbane Heat chased Melbourne Renegades’ 162 with 11 balls to spare earlier this campaign. Last season, the average first innings score in six games was 159.5, with the chasing team winning five times.
The weather in Melbourne is clear and mild, which could mean the roof won’t be used.
REN vs STR Dream11 Prediction – Picks, captaincy, vice-captaincy, team combinations
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 18th match: REN vs STR Dream11 Prediction
Option 2:
BBL 2023/24 18th match: REN vs STR Dream11 Prediction
REN vs STR Match Prediction – Who will win?
This could be the game where Melbourne Renegades get their first win of the season. Renegades 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.
