Home Blog Page 124

List of Australian players sold and unsold in IPL 2024 Auction

Charbel Coorey
-
0
List of Australian players sold and unsold in IPL 2024 Auction

Cricket News: List of Australian players sold and unsold in IPL 2024 Auction | List of Australian players in IPL 2024 Auction

It was a mammoth day in the IPL Auction for Australian players, with two breaking the record for the most expensive player in history within two hours of one another. It comes off the back of their magnificent victory in the Cricket World Cup in November, with franchises keen to bring Australian talent into their respective teams.

Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins were sold for a combined AU$8 million. It’s safe to say the drinks are on them in the next Australian team event. Here is a look at the Australians sold and unsold in the IPL 2024 Auction.

Mitchell Starc – Kolkata Knight Riders (approx. $AU4.42 million)

The audience gasped as Mitchell Starc’s named was called by auctioneer Mallika Sagar wondering what madness could come of it. The left-armer, who is back in the IPL after an eight-year hiatus, more than made up for the loss of huge potential earnings over the years, going for a whopping 24.75 crores (approx. AU$4.42 million).

Two-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) won his services after a fascinating battle with Gujarat Titans (GT). Starc’s ability to swing the new ball upfront and nail those famous yorkers at the death is what KKR will be banking on after forking out plenty.

Should he bowl four overs in every match, Starc will earn around AU$13,185 per delivery. Not a bad payday.

Pat Cummins – Sunrisers Hyderabad (approx. $AU3.66 million)

Pat Cummins, who led Australia to a famous World Cup title, was the IPL’s most expensive player ever for about 90 minutes. He broke Sam Curran’s record (approx. $3.3 million) in incredible fashion, with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and eventual buyers Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) going toe-to-toe.

Cummins’ price has raised some eyebrows, but his ability to deliver in clutch moments cannot be denied. When it mattered most, Cummins delivered with the ball, bat and as captain in the recent World Cup, and SRH will be hoping their new man will get the franchise challenging for the title once again.

Spencer Johnson – Gujarat Titans (approx. AU$1.79 million)

Another fast bowler, Spencer Johnson, was also a big winner in the IPL Auction. The talented left-armer, who may have thought his career was over after years of injury struggles, has left a strong impression over the past year in both the BBL and Hundred in particular.

GT, after a battle with DC, acquired his services. He should fit in nicely and enjoy conditions at Ahmedabad which may aid early swing under lights. Plus, Johnson can nail yorkers at the death.

Travis Head – Sunrisers Hyderabad (approx. AU$1.22 million)

It’s some day when Travis Head’s AU$1.22 million looks pale in comparison. Australia’s star all-rounder was also picked up by SRH in a solid value buy after his magnificent performances in the semi-final and final of the recent World Cup.

Head’s ability to get the team off to a rapid start is a big feature of his game. This is an area SRH have struggled badly in recent seasons, culminating in under-performances and disappointment.

Jhye Richardson – Delhi Capitals (approx. AU$893,000)

The world knows of Jhye Richardson’s talent. DC, coached by Ricky Ponting, picked him up for 5 crores (approx. AU$893,000). The fast bowler can offer value at all stages of the innings, particularly the powerplay and death overs, as RCB were also after his services.

The only risk here is Richardson’s injury record. However, he has enjoyed a successful return from a serious hamstring injury, picking up wickets in both the Sheffield Shield and BBL.

Ashton Turner – Lucknow Super Giants (approx. AU$178,000)

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), coached by Justin Langer, acquired the services of Ashton Turner. Turner, who has performed brilliantly for Perth Scorchers, will offer LSG good depth in their campaign. Also, Turner’s offspin could come in handy at Lucknow where the surface is typically slow.

Players unsold:

There were also players who went unsold, namely:

  • Steve Smith
  • Josh Hazlewood
  • Josh Inglis
  • Ben Dwarshuis
  • Lance Morris

Other Australian players previously retained for the 2024 season

Matthew Wade (Gujarat Titans), Marcus Stoinis (Lucknow Super Giants), Nathan Ellis (Punjab Kings), Glenn Maxwell (Royal Challengers Bangalore), Tim David and Jason Behrendorff (Mumbai Indians), and David Warner and Mitchell Marsh (Delhi Capitals) were retained by their respective franchises for the 2024 season.

Cameron Green was traded from Mumbai Indians to Royal Challengers Bangalore.

Reactions to Mitchell Starc getting sold for 24.75 crore in the IPL 2024 Auction

Charbel Coorey
-
0
Reactions to Mitchell Starc getting sold for 24.75 crore in the IPL 2024 Auction

Cricket News: Reactions to Mitchell Starc getting sold for 24.75 crore in the IPL 2024 Auction | Starc sold to KKR for 24.75 crore

Australia fast bowler Mitchell Starc has enjoyed a massive payday in his return to the Indian Premier League (IPL) after an eight-year absence. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) picked him up for a whopping 24.75 crore (approx. AU$4.4 million), beating the record set by fellow Australian teammate Pat Cummins less than two hours earlier.

Cummins previously broke the record for most expensive player in Indian Premier League (IPL) history, going for a whopping 20.5 crore (approx. AU$3.7 million) to Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). But, one got the feeling that Starc could break the record, and it turned out to be the case with KKR, holding off Gujarat Titans (GT) after Delhi Capitals (DC) and Mumbai Indians (MI) kicked things off.

Cummins recently led Australia to the World Cup title in India, where his bowling in particular improved as the tournament went on. He undoubtedly peaked in the big moments in all facets of the game, whether it’d be ball, bat or captaincy. Such a big game player was too much to pass up on with SRH and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) going toe-to-toe in a fascinating battle after Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Mumbai Indians (MI) kicked things off.

“Pumped to be joining SRH for the upcoming IPL season,” said Cummins. “I’ve heard a lot about the Orange Army. I’ve played in Hyderabad a few times and always loved it, so can’t wait to get started.

“Great to see another Aussie in Trav Head over there as well. I think we are going to have a lot of fun this season and hopefully plenty of success.”

Reactions: Mitchell Starc sold for whopping 24.75 crore on huge day for Australians in the IPL 2024 Auction

Fans shared the views – and memes – to the record bid. Here are some of the reactions to the whopping 24.75 crore KKR forked out for Mitchell Starc, plus the 20.5 crore by SRH for Pat Cummins.

STR vs THU Dream11 Prediction Fantasy Cricket Tips Possible 11 Pitch Report BBL 2023-24 Match 8

Charbel Coorey
-
0
STR vs THU Dream11 Prediction Fantasy Cricket Tips Possible 11 Pitch Report BBL 2023-24 Match 8

STR vs THU Dream11 Prediction Fantasy Cricket Tips Possible 11 Pitch Report BBL 2023-24 Match 8 | AS vs ST Dream11 Prediction Today | Adelaide Oval Pitch Report

The 2023-24 season of the Big Bash League (BBL) got underway 12 days ago, but Adelaide Strikers will finally line up for their first match. Their opening fixture against Brisbane Heat was washed out, which was soon followed by the short break due to the first Test between Australia and Pakistan at Perth. Matt Short will lead a somewhat new-look Strikers outfit that now includes the likes of D’Arcy Short and Jamie Overton with star Rashid Khan unavailable for the whole tournament due to injury.

Last season, the Strikers fell away badly after a promising start. They lost five matches in a row to end the season in second-last position, so this campaign represents a fresh beginning. How D’Arcy Short settles in will be key to set up a platform for a middle order that can go big.

For Sydney Thunder, they will be aiming to right the wrongs of their horrible 15-all out against the Strikers last season. Also, they started this season in shaky fashion, falling to the Heat in a game that highlighted the reliance they have on their top order. One feels Alex Hales, who was out for a golden duck last week, must deliver to boost the Thunder’s hopes of victory.

STR vs THU Possible Playing XIs

Before Strikers’ opener against Brisbane Heat, coach Jason Gillespie confirmed Matt Short and D’Arcy Short will open. David Payne is in the squad.

Adelaide Strikers: 1. Matt Short (c), 2. D’Arcy Short, 3. Chris Lynn, 4. Jake Weatherald, 5. Adam Hose, 6. Jamie Overton, 7. Harry Nielsen (wk), 8. Wes Agar, 9. Henry Thornton, 10. David Payne, 11. Cameron Boyce

Jason Sangha has been cleared of serious injury to his thumb. However, he will miss this match. Talented pacer Will Salzmann is in the squad and could play.

Sydney Thunder: 1. Cameron Bancroft, 2. Alex Hales, 3. Matthew Gilkes (wk), 4. Ollie Davies, 5. Alex Ross, 6. Daniel Ross, 7. Chris Green (c), 8. Nathan McAndrew, 9. Liam Hatcher, 10. Zaman Khan, 11. Tanveer Sangha

STR vs THU Fantasy Cricket Tips – Key Picks/Players to Watch

Adelaide Strikers:

  • Chris Lynn has excellent numbers against Sydney Thunder. In 18 matches, he has hammered 653 runs at an average of 43.53 and strike rate of 164.48.
  • Lynn has belted 91 off 56 against Chris Green in T20s (two dismissals). He has also struck 35 off 19 against Nathan McAndrew (one dismissal) and 40 off 31 against Daniel Sams (one dismissal).
  • Matthew Short averages just 17.60 in ten matches against Sydney Thunder. But, he hit his highest score against them (65 off 44) in his most recent matchup last season. Also, Short has scored the fifth-most runs of any player in T20s at this ground (782) at an average of 32.58 and strike rate of 141.41.
  • Short vs. Daniel Sams in T20s: 26 balls, 53 runs, one dismissal.
  • Adam Hose in T20s at Adelaide Oval: 7 inns, 244 runs, avg. 48.80, SR 139.43.
  • Watch out for Jamie Overton. The England all-rounder was player of the series in the 2023 Hundred courtesy of 202 runs at a strike rate of 181.98. He also took three wickets.
  • Henry Thornton has taken eight wickets in three matches against Thunder including an incredible 5/3 last season. Plus, in seven matches at Adelaide Oval, Thornton has picked up 15 wickets at an average of 14.67 and strike rate of 10.40.

Sydney Thunder:

  • Alex Hales has an excellent record at the Adelaide Oval. He has belted 503 runs at an average of 50.30 and strike rate of 153.82.
  • Hales has a liking to Wes Agar. In just 38 balls, Hales has scored 78 runs at a strike rate of 205.3 (one dismissal).
  • Ollie Davies scored the most runs for the Thunder last season (333) and was top-scorer in their BBL 13 season opener (35 off 30 balls).
  • Daniel Sams is crucial for the Thunder. He has taken 17 wickets in ten matches vs Strikers at an average of 16.12. But, with the bat, he averages just 4.50 in eight knocks.
  • Sams has dismissed Jake Weatherald three times for 19 runs in 24 balls in T20 cricket.
  • Nathan McAndrew has enjoyed past success against D’Arcy Short. He has dismissed him twice in 15 balls (19 runs).
  • Zaman Khan has opportunities to take wickets with his yorkers at the death, as he did against Heat. Tanveer Sangha (3/21) also had an excellent start to the season.

Other Stats and Facts

  • Head-to-head: Matches 21, Strikers 10, Thunder 9, N/R 2.
  • D’Arcy Short is seeking a fresh start. He has good numbers against some of the Thunder bowlers including Chris Green (68 off 45, no dismissal) and Daniel Sams (33 off 19, no dismissal).
  • Wes Agar strikes every 15.40 deliveries in T20s at Adelaide Oval. He has dismissed Cameron Bancroft once in 15 balls in T20s (23 runs) and Matthew Gilkes once in nine balls (12 runs).
  • Alex Ross has a strike rate of 146.57 in 14 innings on this ground (299 runs, avg. 27.18).
  • Chris Green has taken just five wickets in 16 innings against the Strikers (avg. 64.20, econ. 6.53).

BBL 2023-24 Match 8: STR vs THU Dream11 Prediction – Picks, Captaincy, vice-captain, 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.

Best probable Dream11 picks for STR vs THU:

Wicket-keeper:

  • Cameron Bancroft is in some decent form and will open the batting.

Batter:

  • Alex Hales has an outstanding record at the Adelaide Oval.

All-rounder:

  • Matthew Short has had his issues against spin, but it should be a good pitch. Daniel Sams is also a solid pick with his bowling record against the Strikers.

Bowler:

  • Tanveer Sangha is a wicket-taking option for the Thunder in the middle overs.

Option 1:

STR vs THU Dream11 Prediction Fantasy Cricket Tips Possible 11 Pitch Report BBL 2023-24 Match 8 | AS vs ST Dream11 Prediction Today | Adelaide Oval Pitch Report
BBL 2023-24 Match 8: STR vs THU Dream11 Prediction

Option 2:

STR vs THU Dream11 Prediction Fantasy Cricket Tips Possible 11 Pitch Report BBL 2023-24 Match 8 | AS vs ST Dream11 Prediction Today | Adelaide Oval Pitch Report
BBL 2023-24 Match 8: STR vs THU Dream11 Prediction

Adelaide Oval Pitch Report and Weather

A cool and mostly clear evening is forecast in Adelaide. Expect a true surface that should be good for batting. The average first innings score in seven matches in last year’s BBL was 171. The team batting first won four times.

BBL 2023-24 Match 8: STR vs THU Match Prediction – Who will win?

Tough game to pick. However, Sydney Thunder might prevail especially if they get good returns from their top order.

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.

Reactions to Nathan Lyon taking his 500th Test wicket

Charbel Coorey
-
0
Reactions to Nathan Lyon taking his 500th Test wicket

Cricket News: Reactions to Nathan Lyon taking his 500th Test wicket | Fans react to Nathan Lyon becoming the third Australian to take 500 Test wickets

Australia thumped Pakistan by 360 runs on the fourth day of the West Test at Perth. Mitchell Marsh won the man of the match award in his home state after David Warner set the game up with his 164 on day one.

But, the fourth day belonged to Nathan Lyon. The offspinner became the third Australian – and eighth bowler overall – to take 500 Test wickets after pinning Faheem Ashraf LBW. He joins Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath in elite company, which is quite the achievement after making his Test debut in 2011 with just five First Class matches under his belt and a role as curator at the Adelaide Oval.

His career began in the most memorable of circumstances, picking up the wicket of the great Kumar Sangakkara off his very first ball. 499 wickets later, there is to be no doubt over the importance and significance of Lyon in Australia’s attack, especially considering how greatly the team missed his services in the final three-and-a-half Tests of the 2023 Ashes series.

Lyon’s value goes beyond just his sheer numbers. Although 501 Test wickets at a tick under 31 is a remarkable record for a conventional offspinner from Australia, he held up an end time and time again, allowing Australia’s superb pace attack to do their thing without worrying about the spinner being ineffective.

His tag as the GOAT of Australian offspinners is well justified. Australia’s next-most prolific offspinner is Hugh Trumble, way behind on 141 wickets. Ashley Mallett (132), Bruce Yardley (126) and Ian Johnson (109) are next. Simply superb.

Fans and players react to Nathan Lyon picking up his 500th Test wicket

“Something I’m very proud about,” said Lyon to Channel 7 after the match. “Personally, to take 500 is a bloody big milestone.”

Here are some of the reactions from fans and players to Lyon’s magnificent achievement. India’s legendary offspinner Ravichandran Ashwin led the messages of congratulations.

Reactions to Hardik Pandya replacing Rohit Sharma as Mumbai Indians MI captain

Charbel Coorey
-
0
Reactions to Hardik Pandya replacing Rohit Sharma as Mumbai Indians MI captain

Cricket News: Twitter Reactions to Hardik Pandya replacing Rohit Sharma as Mumbai Indians captain | Fans react to news Hardik will captain MI

The leadup to the IPL Auction and 2024 season has certainly been eventful at the Mumbai Indians (MI). News emerged on Friday that Hardik Pandya will replace Rohit Sharma as captain, soon after the all-rounder completed one of the most stunning trades from Gujarat Titans.

Predictably, fans were all over it and took to social media to have their say. Even players took to social media. Suryakumar Yadav posted an Instagram story with a broken heart emoji. The overwhelming consensus is that Rohit has been hard done by given what he has delivered for the franchise. After taking over the captaincy in 2013, Rohit has led MI to a record five titles as captain in this period, with the last being in 2020 after also lifting the coveted trophy in 2019.

Cricket News: Twitter Reactions to Hardik Pandya replacing Rohit Sharma as Mumbai Indians captain | Fans react to news Hardik will captain MI

Reactions to Hardik Pandya replacing Rohit Sharma as new Mumbai Indians captain

“The only party which is wrong in this whole trade and captaincy situation is MI only. Shouldn’t have traded at first place when you already had good captaincy options available. Doesn’t help in that “One family” image that they have always built,” one fan said.

“Rohit Sharma deserved to step down on his own terms at @mipaltan . Gave the franchise great success over the years. Seems strange how it’s played out so suddenly,” said another.

It will be interesting how things play out at MI. They are no doubt hungry for success with a talented batting lineup, but getting everyone on the same page will be key in the leadup to the IPL 2024 season.

Here are some further reactions to the news that Hardik Pandya has replaced Rohit Sharma as MI captain.

https://twitter.com/Iconic_Rohit/status/1735883714499100735

3 players to watch out for in BBL 2023-24

Charbel Coorey
-
0
3 players to watch out for in BBL 2023-24

Cricket Opinion: A look at 3 players to watch out for in the BBL 2023-24 season

The Big Bash League (BBL) is one of the most popular and thrilling T20 cricket competitions in the world, including some of Australia’s and the world’s finest players. The BBL is also one of the most competitive and unpredictable leagues, with each club having a chance to win the coveted trophy and each match having the ability to thrill supporters.

The 13th season of the BBL began December 7, 2023, with eight teams: Adelaide Strikers, Brisbane Heat, Hobart Hurricanes, Melbourne Renegades, Melbourne Stars, Perth Scorchers, Sydney Sixers, and Sydney Thunder. BBL 2023-24 will also include some of the most skilled and promising players, who will demonstrate and display their talents and abilities while attempting to impress and impact the outcome and performance of their teams and themselves.

BBL 2023-24: Three players to keep an eye on this season

In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the players to keep an eye on in the BBL 2023-24 season and discover more about their skills and potential.

Jake Fraser-McGurk – Melbourne Renegades

This is a big season for Jake Fraser-McGurk. The 21-year old recently smashed the fastest-ever List A century off 29 balls for South Australia, testament to his incredible talent and strokeplay. He started the BBL 2023-24 campaign in excellent fashion, smashing 48 off 24 balls against the highly-fancied Sydney Sixers at the SCG.

McGurk will bat higher up the order this season and has it in him to deliver more impactful innings as he looks to don Australian colours in the near future. He is particularly strong on the legside, and is a player who can finish BBL 2023/24 with an enhanced reputation.

Will Sutherland – Melbourne Renegades

Another Melbourne Renegades talent. Will Sutherland has taken on leadership duties at Victoria (captain in the 2022/23 season) and the Renegades (vice-captain in 2023/24), and is also starting to deliver as a cricketer.

Not only was Sutherland the top wicket-taker in the 2022/23 Sheffield Shield season (41), he also smashed 210 runs in BBL 12 at a strike rate of 150. He has now made a very strong start to the BBL 2023-24 season, taking three wickets in his first two games and hitting an impressing 51* off 40 balls against Sydney Sixers. Given his all-round ability, Sutherland is certainly a player to keep an eye on going forward.

Cooper Connolly – Perth Scorchers

Cooper Connolly wowed one and all with his stunning innings in the BBL 12 Final. The Perth Scorchers looked down and out against Brisbane Heat, before Connolly, aged 19 at the time, hit a remarkable 25* off 11 balls to seal a stunning win with four balls to spare.

This season, Connolly has been trusted to bat up the order and looked good for his nine-ball 20 against the Melbourne Stars. He can also bowl, with his handy left-arm orthodox offering another dimension for the Scorchers.

Indeed, with Australia on the search for talented cricketers over the coming years, Connolly is another player to watch.

When will Glenn Maxwell return in the BBL?

Charbel Coorey
-
0
When will Glenn Maxwell return in the BBL?

Cricket News: A look at when Glenn Maxwell will return for the Melbourne Stars in BBL 13 after his forearm injury

In welcome news for the beleaguered Melbourne Stars, captain Glenn Maxwell is set to return for their clash against Sydney Thunder on December 23. Maxwell missed the Stars’ heavy loss to the Perth Scorchers after picking up a grade two forearm muscle injury in the other heavy loss this season to the Brisbane Heat.

Maxwell’s player agent Ben Tippett shared the injury update to SEN Sportsday on Friday. He said that the star all-rounder is progressing well and is benefitting from the break in the BBL as this injury typically takes two weeks to recover from.

There is currently a break in the competition due to the first Test between Australia and Pakistan at Perth.

“He’s going really well,” Tippett said. “There was a grade two strain (in his forearm), so I guess he’s really lucky with the BBL break for this Test match that he only misses one game.

“It’s a couple of week injury (recovery), but it means he only misses one (game for the Stars), which is excellent news for everyone.”

Melbourne Stars desperately need Glenn Maxwell to fire in BBL 13

Things are no easier for the Melbourne Stars after finishing rock-bottom in BBL 12. Maxwell was ruled out for the entire tournament last season due to his broken leg injury, and the team felt his absence. They also felt his absence earlier this week against Perth Scorchers, where they only managed 101 and eventually lost by seven wickets with 37 balls to spare.

Worryingly, the Stars were also rolled for 111 with Maxwell in the team in their season opener against the Brisbane Heat. But, the captain picked up the injury early in his innings in the mammoth chase of 215.

As mentioned, next up for the Stars is Sydney Thunder at Albury on Saturday December 23 at 3:30pm local time. With this BBL season being a shorter one, it is almost must-win territory given their horrendous net run rate of -4.040 after two matches.

Twitter reactions to Suryakumar Yadav’s 100 off 56 balls against South Africa

Charbel Coorey
-
0
Twitter reactions to Suryakumar Yadav’s 100 off 56 balls against South Africa

Cricket News: Twitter reactions to Suryakumar Yadav’s 100 (56) against South Africa | Fans react to brilliant century by Suryakumar Yadav at Johannesburg

Another day, another magnificent century by Suryakumar Yadav in T20 cricket. India’s dynamic batsman played a gem in Johannesburg after walking in to a hat-trick ball against Keshav Maharaj in just the third over.

Yadav combined with the talented Yashasvi Jaiswal (60 off 41 balls) to give the Indian innings lift-off after two early wickets. They put on 112 in just 11.3 overs to give India the momentum on the way to an imposing 201/7 that South Africa never got close to.

The day belonged to the captain Suryakumar along with birthday boy Kuldeep Yadav. India’s number four smashed seven fours and eight sixes in his 56-ball stay, displaying the kind of audacious and remarkable strokeplay we have become accustomed to in this format in recent years. Four of those sixes came courtesy of his trademark flick, part of an excellent control rate of 80% in such a swushbuckling innings.

In all T20s since 2022, Yadav has hammered 2,805 runs at an average of 45.98 and strike rate of 171.70. His latest gem set the game up perfectly for India’s bowlers, who dismantled the talented South Africa lineup for just 95 in 13.5 overs. Mohammed Siraj was brilliant early on and was unlucky not to get a wicket, before Kuldeep (5/17) continued his wonderful wicket-taking run in white-ball matches this year.

Twitter reactions to Suryakumar Yadav’s 100 and India’s big win to level T20I series

“It’s unbelievable how SKY finds a way regardless of the opposition & conditions in the T20 format. He now has a T20I hundred in India, England, NZ and South Africa. Just an outstanding T20 batter. Could end up as a T20 goat when he calls time on his career, if he isn’t already!” one fan tweeted.

Here are some reactions to a quality 100 (56) by Suryakumar plus India’s big win.

Perth crowd for day one of Australia-Pakistan Test: 16,259

Charbel Coorey
-
0
Perth crowd for day one of Australia-Pakistan Test: 16,259

Cricket News: Perth crowd for day one of Australia-Pakistan Test: 16,259 | 16,259 fans turn up for the first day of the Pakistan Test at Perth Stadium

16,259 fans entered the gates for day one of the “West Test” between Australia and Pakistan at Perth Stadium. They witnessed a dominant day from World Test Champions Australia, led by David Warner who hit 164 off 211 balls, a satisfying innings in the context of the lead up to the series.

Australia ended the day 346/5, with Alex Carey (14*) and Mitchell Marsh (15*) combining for an unbroken 45-run stand after Pakistan clawed their way back into the contest after a poor first session thanks somewhat to some giveaways from the Australians.

In terms of the crowd, much was made of how many would flock through the gates in mid-December against a team who hasn’t won a Test in Australia since 1995. The re-branded “West Test” came as an attempt to boost crowds in the large 60,000-seat Optus Stadium following the 10,929 who came to see the first day of the Australia-West Indies Test last year.

Crowd of 16,259 for day one of the Perth Test between Australia and Pakistan

Last week, outgoing WA cricket CEO WA Cricket CEO Christina Matthews said she hoped for 25,000 fans on day one of the match. But, where does the crowd of 16,259 sit among other day one turnouts at Perth Stadium?

20,746 attended day one of the Australia-India Test in 2018, followed by 19,084 in 2019 against New Zealand, which was a day/night Test. As mentioned, 10,929 came through the gates for day one of the Windies Test, which puts this attendance against Pakistan at around average.

Interestingly, it is a record attendance for day one of a Perth Test against Pakistan. However, there were debates on social media. Some fans believed there should have been greater numbers given the year the Australian team has had, winning the World Test Championship, retaining the Ashes, and winning the World Cup. Others had the view that it was a decent turnout given work and school is still on, plus Christmas is around the corner.

Skipper Pat Cummins put it well before the match. He said the way Australians consume cricket means that engagement can’t only be measured by ticket sales.

“We’re still on a high from that [the World Cup victory],” said Cummins. “It’s not going to get much better from that. But I’m sure it’s going to be well-supported here. Some of the Test matches you play in Australia, I think school might still be in here, you might not get the packed stadium, but you know there’s going to be millions of people watching.

And it’s kind of the start of their summer, that first Test match. So we feel really supported whenever we play over here and probably after the last 12 months we’ve had, I’ve never felt the support like we have in the last month.”

Why Usman Khawaja is wearing a black armband in the 1st Test against Pakistan

Charbel Coorey
-
0
Why Usman Khawaja is wearing a black armband in the 1st Test against Pakistan

Cricket News: Why Usman Khawaja is wearing a black armband in the 1st Test against Pakistan | Usman Khawaja wears black armband vs Pakistan

Australia opening batsman Usman Khawaja is wearing a black armband in the first Test against Pakistan in Perth in solidarity with people suffering due to the war in the Middle East. Khawaja took to social media on the eve of the match to share his thoughts in the situation in Palestine in particular, with the message that “all lives are equal.”

“All Lives are Equal. Freedom is a Human right. I’m raising my voice for human rights. For a humanitarian appeal. If you see it any other way. That’s on you,” Khawaja wrote on social media.

Captain Pat Cummins was in full support of Khawaja taking a stance. “I think everyone in our team has their own individual thoughts and I love that. I think it’s one of our strongest points.”

Usman Khawaja wears black armband in solidarity with his social media post – Cricket Australia

Khawaja took to social media after some fans were against the messaging of “all lives are equal” seen written on his shoes in the leadup to the Test.

“I won’t say much, I don’t need to,” Khawaja said. “But what I do want is for everyone who did get offended, somehow, is to ask yourself these questions. Is freedom not for everyone? Are all lives not equal?

“To me personally, it doesn’t matter what race, religion or culture you are. Let’s be honest, if me saying ‘all lives are equal’ has resulted in people being offended to the point where they are calling me up and telling me off, isn’t that the bigger problem?

“What I’ve written on my shoes isn’t political. I’m not taking sides. Human life to me is equal. One Jewish life is equal to one Muslim life. Is equal to one Hindu life, and so on.

I’m just speaking up for those who don’t have a voice.”

Khawaja then expressed disappointment at the ICC’s stance that he can’t wear the shoes, hence why he has worn the black armband instead.

“The ICC have told me that I can’t wear my shoes because they believe it’s a political statement under their guidelines. I don’t believe this. It’s a humanitarian appeal. I will respect their view and decision, but I will fight it, and seek to gain approval.

“Freedom is a human right.”

Cricket News: Why Usman Khawaja is wearing a black armband in the 1st Test against Pakistan | Usman Khawaja wears black armband vs Pakistan
Khawaja’s shoes. ‘All lives are equal’ statement had to be covered for the Test.

Khawaja starts the Australian Test summer off the back of two brilliant years back in the team. Since being recalled into the side in the 2021/22 Ashes, Khawaja has scored 2,117 runs at an average of 60.5. Against Pakistan, Khawaja averages a mammoth 100.40 with over 1,000 runs to his name.

1...123124125...504Page 124 of 504