Cricket News: Hyderabad pitch report for 1st IND vs ENG Test | Will the Hyderabad pitch spin big early in the Test?
The nature of the pitches in England’s tour of India in 2021 was a hot talking point. Ahead of their 2024 showdown, attention is squarely on the Hyderabad pitch ahead of the first Test of an eagerly-awaited five-match series.
A glimpse of the pitch via social media suggests it will aid spin quite early in the Test. The surface is quite dry and bare especially near the popping crease, which will certainly test the front foot techniques of the batsmen. Also, warm, dry conditions throughout the match will assist spin further.
Hyderabad pitch report – dry, turning surface set to greet the teams
The groundsman has peeled back the covers for McCullum, Key and (England Lions coach) Dinesh Karthik to take a look at the Hyderabad pitch.
England’s final XI suggests they feel it will spin from the get-go. They have picked three specialist spinners and just the one fast bowler in Mark Wood. Rehan Ahmed, Tom Hartley and Jack Leach will assume the main spin duties. Joe Root, who took 5/8 in 2021, can also offer more-than-handy offspin.
So, one feels the toss could prove crucial. There is little doubt the captain who wins the toss will opt to bat and look to play from in front before the surface wears out further. However, it must be noted that no team who won the toss went on to win a Test in last year’s Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Australia won the first two tosses only to lose, before India lost at Indore after choosing to bat. The last Test was a draw. Also, in 2021, England won three of the four tosses but ended up losing 3-1.
Rahul Dravid held his cards close to his chest when discussing the pitch on the eve of the Test. But, the India coach expects spin to play a key role.
“Hard one to say [nature of pitch]. We will have a look at it and figure it out. It looks good from what I’ve seen,” Dravid said.
“But may spin a little bit. How quickly and how fast, I’m not sure. But it might spin a little bit certainly as the game goes on.”
England fast bowler Mark Wood believes his team shouldn’t focus too much on the surface. Back in 2021, the surfaces were a big talking point as England barely laid a glove after winning the first Test at Chennai.
“We’ve discussed the pitch,” said Wood. “But I wouldn’t say we discussed it at that length to worry about it. We have enough self-belief in our group that we can do something special.
“We’ve got spinners, we’ve got seam, we’ve got good batters and we’ve got a good recent history behind us.”
Wood continued, “We know that this is a massive task. It’s not good coming here and rolling over thinking it’s going to be tough because the pitches are not what we’re used to. We have to find a way.”
Cricket News: Gabba Brisbane weather forecast for 2nd AUS vs WI Test | Will it rain at the Gabba for the day/night Test?
The 22nd day/night Test is about to kick off at the Gabba in Brisbane. Australia, who took a 1-0 series lead with a very comfortable ten-wicket win in Adelaide, will be aiming to seal another victory against West Indies to lock away more World Test Championship (WTC) points.
The match will be played across the Australia Day long weekend (25-29 January). However, the weather forecast at the Gabba doesn’t look too promising. Rain has lashed through Brisbane and parts of Queensland in recent weeks and months, and that is likely to continue in the coming week, which will likely result in disruptions.
Gabba weather forecast for AUS vs WI day/night Test
According to the Bureau of Meteorology (bom.gov.au), rain is forecast from day three onwards. Brisbane is renowned for its late afternoon thunderstorms, which puts any weekend play at risk. Of course, if Australia dominate the way they did in the first Test, the match may not even go past a third day.
On day one (Thursday 25 January), mostly sunny conditions are forecast with a top of 32 degrees. The humidity will surely test the players, especially the batsmen under lights where the pink ball typically hoops around. Conditions should also be good on Friday (Australia Day, day two) with a top of 31 degrees.
Gabba Brisbane weather forecast for first two days of AUS vs WI 2nd Test
From thereon, up to 30mm is forecast on each of days three, four and five. There is a chance of a thunderstorm each day. Given this match will be played during the hours in which those thunderstorms typically take place in Brisbane, rain interruptions are likely.
There has been some criticism from fans regarding the scheduling of this Test. This time of year is typically the wet season in Brisbane, with humidity and thunderstorms a regular feature. One can only hope the rain stays away long enough on days three, four and five to allow for a result.
This could happen with the nature of the pitch. Photos have emerged showing a very green surface, but more of the grass will be shaved off after a two-day Test between Australia and South Africa last season.
Cricket News: Will Usman Khawaja play in the 2nd Test vs West Indies? | Usman Khawaja injury updateafter being struck on jaw
Australia opening batsman Usman Khawaja will continue to be assessed after he was cleared of a fractured jaw in the aftermath of his team’s comfortable, ten-wicket win in the first Test against West Indies. With just one run required to complete the simple 26-run chase, Khawaja was struck on the jaw by a Shamar Joseph bouncer as he attemped to sway out of the way.
The veteran had blood coming from his mouth, but thankfully he has been cleared of structural damage. However, Khawaja will be monitored for any delayed concussion symptoms after passing an initial test. Should the opener develop any, he will likely miss the second Test at the Gabba in Brisbane starting Thursday, January 25.
Matt Renshaw set to come in if Usman Khawaja is ruled out of the 2nd Test against West Indies
Khawaja took to social media to share an update. He was his typical, witty self. “Thanks for all the well wishes, I’m fine, just wanted Marnus to have a hit!” he wrote.
Fellow left-hander Matt Renshaw was selected as the backup opener after Steve Smith was picked as David Warner’s replacement. If Khawaja is ruled out, Renshaw will slot in for what will be his first Test as Australian opener since 2018.
Renshaw has been in decent red-ball form in the past two seasons. Earlier this summer, he scored a patient 136* off 337 in the tour match against Pakistan in Canberra. However, his Sheffield Shield average of 31.63 in six matches this season is something the selectors will hope he improves on if he does take the field for the second Test.
In terms of the series, Australia look classes above the inexperienced West Indies. They completed the ten-wicket win shortly before lunch on the third day after dismissing the tourists for just 120 in the second innings.
Josh Hazlewood took 5/35 to follow his 4/41 in the first innings. Earlier, man of the match Travis Head’s 119 helped Australia to a healthy lead of 95 on a challenging Adelaide pitch.
The second Test will be a day/night encounter in Brisbane. It will run across the Australia Day long weekend, so there should be good crowds once again after an excellent turnout in Adelaide.
HEA vs SIX Dream11 Prediction Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report: BBL 2023/24 Qualifier | HEA vs SIX Dream11 Prediction Today | Carrara Pitch Report
After an excellent BBL league stage headlined by strong crowds and ratings, it’s time for the playoffs. While a number of star players, including Colin Munro, have headed off to the UAE for the second ILT20 season, there should still be some interesting player battles that could make for a fascinating Qualifier.
However, Brisbane Heat need to find a way. Their Test players are currently on duty and they have lost Munro and Sam Billings. One feels they need their top order to set a platform for Paul Walter and Michael Neser to finish strongly with the bat. Indeed, after such a strong league stage where they lost just one match, the Heat will want to keep the momentum going.
Yet again, Sydney Sixers are here at the business end. Despite some challenges throughout the season, they managed to get into the top two courtesy of a thrilling, memorable win in Perth a few days ago. James Vince is no longer available, but as the Sixers have always shown, there is a player or two who will put their hand up to deliver when they need it most.
The winner of this match will go straight to the final.
BBL 2023/24 Qualifier: HEA vs SIX Possible Playing XIs
Brisbane Heat confirmed a much-changed squad on Twitter. Charlie Wakim is in the squad with Colin Munro off to the UAE ILT20. Sam Billings has also left.
Brisbane Heat: 1. Josh Brown, 2. Max Bryant, 3. Nathan McSweeney (c), 4. Matt Renshaw, 5. Jimmy Peirson (wk), 6. Paul Walter, 7. Michael Neser, 8. Xavier Bartlett, 9. Matt Kuhnemann 10. Mitch Swepson, 11. Spencer Johnson
Sydney Sixers have confirmed their squad. James Vince has departed for the UAE ILT20. Expect Josh Philippe and Daniel Hughes to open.
Sydney Sixers: 1. Daniel Hughes, 2. Josh Philippe (wk), 3. Kurtis Patterson, 4. Moises Henriques (c), 5. Jordan Silk, 6. Jack Edwards, 7. Hayden Kerr, 8. Ben Dwarshuis, 9. Sean Abbott, 10. Jackson Bird/Todd Murphy, 11. Steve O’Keefe
BBL 2023/24 Qualifier: HEA vs SIX Fantasy Cricket Tips – Key Players to Watch/Key Stats
Brisbane Heat:
Josh Brown has a strike rate of 167.95 in four matches against the Sixers (131 runs). He has hit 12 runs off five balls against Jackson Bird (no dismissal) and 18 off 11 against Ben Dwarshuis (one dismissal).
Nathan McSweeney will be key in holding the innings together for the Heat. He has struck 139 runs in four innings against the Sixers at an average of 69.50 and strike rate of 133.65.
Michael Neser is playing outstanding cricket. He is just about a must-pick in Dream11 fantasy cricket teams. He has taken five wickets in his past three matches and also hit 64* recently against the Scorchers.
Since the start of 2022, Neser has belted 97 runs at a strike rate of 176.36 against the Sixers. He has also picked up eight wickets in four matches in this period (avg. 14.75, econ. 8.43).
Tall Paul Walter is also vital for the Heat. He scored 23* and took 2/25 against the Sixers earlier this season. In fact, Walter is the Heat’s second-highest wicket-taker in BBL 2023/24 (13).
Xavier Bartlett is the Heat’s leading wicket-taker this campaign with 16. He has dismissed Josh Philippe once in 13 balls (15 runs) and Jordan Silk once in 15 balls (16 runs).
Sydney Sixers:
Daniel Hughes hit 74 (43) in his last outing against Perth Scorchers. Hughes has the most runs in SIX-HEA matches (356) at an average of 27.38 and strike rate of 123.18. Hughes has scored 52 off 35 against Neser in T20s without dismissal.
Josh Philippe is yet to score a half-century this season (229 runs, avg. 25.44). He has very similar numbers against the Heat (255 runs, avg. 28.33), including 31 off 19 against Swepson without dismissal.
Moises Henriques is coming off a superb 47* off 20 balls against the Scorchers. He averages a modest 22.54 in 15 innings against the Heat (293 runs), but he is a big-game player and can also contribute with the ball.
Henriques has scored 60 off 42 against Swepson (no dismissals).
BBL 2023/24 has been a below-par season by Sean Abbott’s standards. But, this is the game he could deliver. He has taken 28 wickets in just 14 matches against the Heat.
Abbott has dismissed Jimmy Peirson three times in 31 balls (46 runs) and Max Bryant three times in 18 balls (22 runs).
Steve O’Keefe continues to deliver. He has taken 12 wickets in 12 matches vs the Heat, including Jimmy Peirson three times in 19 balls (14 runs). He has also dismissed Josh Brown twice in 22 balls (33 runs).
Matt Renshaw is key for the Heat. He is averaging just 18.83 this season. With a number of Heat players no longer available, Renshaw (197 runs, avg. 32.83, SR 135.86 vs Sixers) must step up.
Mitchell Swepson vs Daniel Hughes: 36 balls, 33 runs, one dismissal.
Ben Dwarshuis vs Brisbane Heat: 15 inns, 16 wickets, avg. 27.25, econ. 8.69.
Carrara Oval Gold Coast Pitch Report and Weather
There has been a lot of rain in southern Queensland in recent days. This may lead to a slow pitch at Carrara Oval. Also, there is a chance of rain on gameday, but bom.gov.au forecasts most of the rain to fall in the late morning.
Last season, Sydney Thunder (182/6) beat Brisbane Heat (171/9) on this ground. Earlier that season, West Indies (145/9) came very close to defending the modest score against Australia (146/7 off 19.5 overs).
BBL 2023/24 Qualifier: HEA vs SIX Dream11 Prediction Today Match
Note: The below teams are not based on the final playing XIs. We may not be able to update these in time. Use the stats and commentary in this article, as well as your own instincts, to create your teams.
Option 1:
BBL 2023/24 Qualifier: HEA vs SIX Dream11 Prediction
Option 2:
BBL 2023/24 Qualifier: HEA vs SIX Dream11 Prediction
HEA vs SIX Match Prediction – Who will win?
The Sydney Sixers’ squad is less decimated by departures. For that reason, we pick the Sixers to win, weather permitting.
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: Did Rohit Sharma retire hurt or retire out against Afghanistan? | Controversial moment in thrilling IND vs AFG 3rd T20I
The third T20I between India and Afghanistan will go down as one of those bilateral T20s that will be remembered for years to come. Rohit Sharma, after two ducks in the opening two matches, came back to form in the most stunning way possible. He smashed 121* off 69 balls in India’s 212/4 at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, followed by further big hits in the Super Overs.
Afghanistan were outstanding, with Gulbadin Naib (51 off 23 balls) and Mohammad Nabi (34 off 16 balls) spearheading the chase. They tied the match and came close to defending 17 in the first Super Over. In the end, Rohit and India prevailed in the second Super Over, leaving the Afghans waiting further for a landmark first international win over India.
However, should Rohit have been allowed to bat again in the second Super Over? He seemed to have retired out in the first to allow for Rinku Singh – deemed to be a faster runner – to enter the game in a tactical move. Rohit then came out in the second and hit a four and six.
Did Rohit Sharma retire out or retire hurt?
Given Rohit came back out to bat soon after retiring, the general consensus is he retired out first time around. However, there has been no official word from the umpires as yet.
According to the ICC’s rules, “[a]ny batsman dismissed in any previous Super Over shall be ineligible to bat in any subsequent Super Over.” Retired out is a method of dismissal. So, if Rohit wasn’t injured or ill, it is then an umpiring error to have allowed the Indian captain to bat again.
If Rohit retired hurt, he would have been eligible to come out to bat a second time. However, India coach Rahul Dravid suggested that Rohit had chosen to retire out. He likened incident to Ravichandran Ashwin for the Rajasthan Royals in the 2022 Indian Premier League season.
“Taking himself out was Ashwin-level thinking,” Dravid said. “That’s Ash-level thinking.”
Rohit Sharma shouldn't have batted in this second Super Over.
Law says "any batter dismissed in any previous Super Over shall be ineligible to bat in any subsequent Super Over."
He retired out, which is counted as a dismissal.#INDvAFG
India will now prepare for a five-match Test series against England kicking off later this month. Afghanistan will play a rare Test in early February against Sri Lanka before three T20Is and three ODIs in the Island Nation.
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.
Australia 2023/24 season: Pakistan Tests see strong engagement figures
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
