Cricket News: Australia’s possible XI for World Cup match vs India | What will Australia’s XI be against India at Chennai?
Australia’s quest for a sixth World Cup title begins with a difficult test against favourites India at Chepauk. The Australians won at the ground back in March, but a World Cup opener is a whole different challenge indeed.
Part of the challenge is selecting a balanced XI. Spin is expected to play a key role, but Australia also need to get their death bowling in order. So, there is the possibility of three specialist fast bowlers for greater reliability.
Australia’s possible XI for 2023 World Cup match vs India at Chennai: 1. David Warner, 2. Mitchell Marsh, 3. Steve Smith, 4. Marnus Labuschagne, 5. Alex Carey (wk), 6. Glenn Maxwell, 7. Cameron Green, 8. Mitchell Starc, 9. Pat Cummins (c), 10. Adam Zampa, 11. Josh Hazlewood
There are a couple of big selection calls for Australia to make. Alex Carey’s shaky form and Josh Inglis’ promising knocks in the warm-ups gives the selectors a decision. However, the team management may opt for Carey given he provides a left-handed option in the middle order.
Also, Marcus Stoinis or Cameron Green? Australia could go with both, but that would mean either one less specialist batsman (Marnus Labuschagne) or bowler (Josh Hazlewood). Given Labuschagne has been in excellent form, Hazlewood provides another strong powerplay and death bowling option, and Stoinis’ struggles early against spin, the thinktank could go for Green who looked in decent touch in the warm-up against Pakistan.
Also, reports are emerging that Stoinis is under an injury cloud. Such news raises questions over Australia’s schedule, with the team playing 13 white-ball matches since late August.
Glenn Maxwell is key for Australia
Looking at the makeup of Australia’s squad and possible XI, a lot will rest on Glenn Maxwell. The dynamic all-rounder has been in excellent touch with the ball since his return from injury, and struck 77 (71) against Pakistan.
Cricket News: South Africa fans face big World Cup broadcasting issue | SABC confirm they won’t broadcast the 2023 World Cup
In a big blow for Proteas fans, the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) has failed to reach an agreement with Multichoice to share the broadcasting rights for the 2023 ODI World Cup.
This means that fans without DStv, a leading streaming service in South Africa, will not be able to watch World Cup matches. SABC is the country’s national broadcaster which provides 19 radio stations and six television broadcasts to the public.
SABC, in a statement, said, “Following extensive negotiations with Multichoice for the sub-leasing of the Cricket World Cup 2023 free-to-air broadcasting rights, the SABC regrets to announce that the corporation was not successful in securing these rights for South African audiences.”
Earlier this week, Multichoice, the rights holder for cricket in Sub-Saharan Africa, shared their disappointment at negotiations with SABC. In a statement, the media corporation said, “after prolonged negotiations the SABC has rejected their latest proposal to possibly sub-license the broadcast rights of the World Cup on the basis of a proposed fee”.
A similar situation unfolded just before the Rugby World Cup. SABC and Multichoice struck an eleventh hour deal on that occasion.
However, that possibility looks to be gone as far as the cricket is concerned.
South Africa’s quest for their first World Cup title begins against Sri Lanka on October 7. Temba Bavuma’s team come into the tournament with confidence after coming from 2-0 down to beat Australia 3-2 in their recent ODI series.
PAK vs NED Dream11 Prediction Possible 11 Pitch Report ODI World Cup 2023 Match 2 | PAK vs NED Dream11 Prediction Today Match | Hyderabad Pitch Report
Pakistan will take on the Netherlands in the second game of the 2023 World Cup. It will be the first game of the tournament for both teams, and they will look to start on a winning note.
While they have a quality squad, Pakistan still have plenty of concerns, as visible in the recently concluded Asia Cup. Their spinners haven’t taken wickets as consistently, and the injuries to key players haven’t helped them, either. However, Pakistan will still go in the rubber as the favourites.
Meanwhile, the Netherlands come into the World Cup after defeating some good sides in the qualifiers. They might be inexperienced, but the opponents can’t take them lightly. They have some good names on their side, and the Netherlands will definitely not be pushovers in this tournament.
ODI World Cup 2023 Match 2: PAK vs NED Possible Playing XIs
The injury to Naseem Shah means Hasan Ali might feature in the XI. Saud Shakeel impressed in the warm-ups, so it will be interesting to see whether Pakistan go in with Agha Salman or start with Saud Shakeel.
Pakistan: 1. Abdullah Shafique, 2. Imam-ul-Haq, 3. Babar Azam (c), 4. Mohammad Rizwan (wk), 5. Saud Shakeel/Agha Salman, 6. Iftikhar Ahmed, 7. Shadab Khan, 8. Mohammad Nawaz, 9. Shaheen Afridi, 10. Hasan Ali, 11. Haris Rauf.
The return of the experienced Colin Ackermann and Roelof van der Merwe will boost the Netherlands. There are some hard calls to make for them.
Netherlands: 1. Vikramjit Singh, 2. Max O’Dowd, 3. Wesley Barresi, 4. Bas de Leede, 5. Colin Ackermann, 6. Scott Edwards (c & wk), 7. Roelof van der Merwe/Teja Nidamanuru, 8. Logan van Beek, 9. Aryan Dutt, 10. Shariz Ahmad, 11. Paul van Meekeren.
PAK vs NED Dream11 Prediction – Fantasy Tips
Pakistan:
Imam-ul-Haq has been among the consistent run-scorers for Pakistan in this format. He has 448 runs at an average of 40.72 and struck at 78.73 in the ODIs this year. The southpaw also has five half-centuries.
Babar Azam doesn’t need any validation. He has 222 runs at an average of 74 and a strike rate of 80.72 in three ODI innings against the Netherlands. The Pakistan skipper has also amassed a half-century in each ODI innings against the Men in Orange.
Mohammad Rizwan scores runs for Pakistan consistently, irrespective of the format. He made a fine century against New Zealand in the warm-up fixture at the same venue. Expect another substantial knock from the experienced campaigner.
Shabad Khan has struggled with his form lately but is a skilled player. He will contribute with both bat and ball. Shadab can cause severe damage against an inexperienced Netherlands unit.
Shaheen Afridi is a monster with the new ball. He provides breakthroughs for fun. Shaheen has 24 wickets at 22.04 runs apiece in the ODIs this year.
Haris Rauf might be too hot to handle for the Netherlands. He is an enforcer in the middle overs for Pakistan, who cranks it up while bowling those shorter lengths. Haris has six wickets at 13.83 runs apiece in two ODIs against the Netherlands.
Netherlands:
Vikramjit Singh has 116 runs at an average of 38.66 and a strike rate of 62.36 in three ODI innings against Pakistan. This includes two fifties. Vikramjit can also bowl a bit if required.
Crucial player Bas de Leede has 110 runs at an average of 36.66 and a strike rate of 67.90 in three ODIs against Pakistan. He also has five wickets at an average of 24 in three ODI innings against them.
Colin Ackermann looked in fine touch in the warm-up games. He is a skilled player who can contribute with both bat and ball. Such players provide real value to fantasy teams.
Roelof van der Merwe is a shrewd operator with the ball. He bowls on the tight areas to stifle and dismiss the batters. Merwe is also a handy lower-order batter who can chip in with useful runs.
Logan van Beek has 12 wickets at an average of 30.16 and a strike rate of 36.16 in eight ODI innings this year. Logan is among the experienced bowlers for the Netherlands and will have to keep the Pakistani batters in check.
Other Stats and Facts
Head-to-head in ODIs: Played 6, Pakistan 6, Netherlands 0.
Mohammad Rizwan at No. 4 in ODIs: 1060 runs, avg. 44.16, SR 89.67 & two centuries.
Bas de Leede in ODIs in 2023: 285 runs, avg. 47.50, SR 101.06 & one century.
Haris Rauf in the middle overs in ODIs this year: 12 wickets, avg. 23.75, SR 25.66, econ. 5.55.
Babar Azam vs Aryan Dutt in ODIs: 37 balls, 24 runs, two dismissals. Watch out for this battle.
Imam-ul-Haq needs 24 more to complete 3,000 ODI runs.
Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad, Pitch Report and Weather
The average first innings score in Hyderabad has been 288, with the teams batting first winning four of the seven games here. There will be some assistance for the spinners in the middle overs in both innings.
A temperature of around 31°C, with little chance of rain, is forecasted during the match hours.
World Cup 2023 Match 2: PAK vs NED Dream11 Picks
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.
PAK vs NED Dream11 Prediction – Ideal team combination: 1-3-3-4
Option 1:
Option 2:
World Cup 2023 Match 2: PAK vs NED Match Prediction – Who will win?
Pakistan look good enough to dominate the contest, but cricket is a funny game. The Netherlands are not that easy to lose without a fight, and Pakistan have been handed a few shocking defeats in the global events. But quality-wise, Pakistan are a formidable unit and will go as favourites in the game.
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: Chepauk Chennai weather forecast for IND vs AUS World Cup match | What is the Chennai weather for IND vs AUS?
The weather in India is in the spotlight after rain had a significant say in the warm-up matches. In fact, India had both their warm-up games abandoned without a ball bowled in Guwahati and Thiruvananthapuram respectively.
So, what does Chennai have in store for the big India-Australia clash? Very hot conditions in the city has led to thunderstorms and heavy rain over the past week, but conditions look promising for Sunday.
— Chennai Weather-Raja Ramasamy (@chennaiweather) October 3, 2023
What will the Chennai weather be for the India-Australia match?
Chepauk has organised for four new super-soppers to deal with any rain throughout the World Cup. Hopefully, they won’t be needed for the big showdown between two of the leading contenders for the 2023 title.
AccuWeather predicts mostly sunny conditions from Wednesday onwards in Chennai. Humidity will certainly test the players, with the RealFeel temperature expected to cross 40 degrees every day, including Sunday. As a result, dew is a possibility, which may tempt the captain who wins the toss to bowl.
However, fielding first in such conditions is a huge challenge.
What can we expect from the Chepauk pitch?
Chepauk typically suits the spinners as we see in the Indian Premier League (IPL). India and Australia met in an ODI back in March, where the Australians defended 269 thanks mainly to Adam Zampa’s excellent 4/45. In fact, spinners shared 11 of the 20 wickets to fall that day.
The average first innings in the last four ODIs at Chepauk is a solid 284. The team batting first won three of these matches.
Given Australia will field Adam Zampa and Glenn Maxwell as their key spinners, expect India to look to put pressure on these two to force Pat Cummins to look elsewhere for control. Also, the revival of Kuldeep Yadav, as well as the possible return of R Ashwin to his beloved Chepauk, gives Australia a big challenge to overcome.
Speaking exclusively to Online Cricket Betting, South Africa legend Lance Klusener, who had a magnificent tournament in 1999, doubts the Proteas will make it to the semi finals. He doesn’t think they will consistently score enough runs in the competition.
Also, he believes all-rounders are the glue in any cricket team and the nation doesn’t have enough of them. Ben Stokes looks good in any cricket set-up but thinks the knee injury is just for show.
Lance Klusener interview ahead of the 2023 World Cup
The Proteas won’t make it to the semi finals, Australia could be there though
LK: “I’m not sure if South Africa will get out of the group stages. I think if they get to the semi finals, they will have needed to have consistently scored enough runs in the competition. That is the challenge for them. I’m not too sure they’ll reach the semi finals.
“I think Australia will be there in the semi finals and maybe finals but I’m not so sure that South Africa will go as far as the semi finals but let’s see and let’s hope so.”
Lance Klusener is not sure South Africa will qualify to the semi finals.
Could we see another 1999 style finish?
LK: “Can’t really give you anything too definitive after ‘99. But yes, of course, there’s always upsets, and that’s why we all play the game and play sports. But yes, absolutely something along those lines can happen.”
There’s no unfinished business between Australia and South Africa
LK: “In terms of the South Africa and Australia series, I think the conditions are totally different. Players were rested, rotated, certainly from an Australian point of view so it’s difficult to draw any certain conclusions from. But Australia are a proper good force in World Cups. It’ll be interesting to see.”
I don’t think you can stop Heinrich Klaasen, just like Ben Stokes
LK: “How do you stop him [Heinrich Klaasen]? I think he’s one of those batsmen that needs to fire for South Africa to get out of those group stages. Like Ben Stokes, he’s vulnerable early. If there’s some decent fast bowling at him early on, there’s always an opportunity and it always gives you an opportunity during the course of his innings. Two very good batsmen. Lets see with them.
“Ben Stokes is a proper good player but there’s ten other guys in that England team that are pretty decent so I don’t think there’s any real reason to be too concerned about one player. Scoring runs consistently in a place like India and the team that can do that will go deep into the competition.”
Lance Klusener believes Heinrich Klaasen will be vital for the Proteas.
There’s some good match ups between England and South Africa
LK: “I think it’s more than that. Can South Africa as a group consistently score an excess of 300 consistently in the competition against good teams? But a couple of good match ups there, Shamsi and Rashid, but I think a guy like Mark Wood on his day is going to be a handful especially with Rabada being a little bit off his best. But Buttler and Miller, Klassen and Stokes just as a batting group, whichever group shines on the day will be the one to get through it and win.
After the SA series, AUS still favourites
LK: “It’s all guess work. Never discount your Sri Lanka’s, your Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, those subcontinent teams doing well and creating upsets in those Indian conditions.
“Australia have a good chance just like anyone, not forgetting New Zealand as well. Lots of teams there can cause an upset, lots of teams on South Africa’s plate can cause an upset.
“In terms of batting, I’m not so sure South Africa can be consistent enough, some questions still need to be answered there.
“And I think India is a pretty solid team.”
Australia need to look at their bowling options
LK: “If there’s no spinner for Australia, no quality spinner, are you better off choosing a fast bowler. They might be lacking one quality spinner but they’ve proved in South Africa they’ve got more than enough weapons in terms of slower bowling and full pace when it comes to doing what they need to do in the World Cup.”
Adam Zampa will be key for Australia.
South Africa might shock us all and go all the way
LK: “South Africa seem to never get over the line in big competitions due to bad luck, or down to rain, or bad running or whatever reason, but I’m sure at some point they will. Maybe this year when no one really, certainly not me, is giving them much of a chance, maybe they’ll surprise us all, which would be fantastic!”
No West Indies is weird
LK: “It’s a little bit weird not having the West Indies there. They’re going through a transition at the moment, failing to qualify in Zimbabwe. Bit of a shame, it’s always nice to have them in any World Cup.”
Joe Root might shine or might not
LK: “It’s hard to say what Joe Root’s form will be like in this World Cup. He’s a quality player, someone who’s performed around the world, he’s got a good as chance as anyone to get runs.”
Can the Proteas’ all-rounders step up?
LK: “In terms of all-rounders from South Africa, I think Marco Jansen is someone that’s going to be fantastic. I’m sure Keshav Maharaj could do pretty much what Nicky Boje could do for us. We’ve had some good all-rounders for us in the past and even before my time, in terms of Adrian Kuiper, Brian McMillan, Clive Rice.
“I think it goes in cycles really, nothing at the moment to write home about but Marco Jansen is going to grow and get better. I think a guy like Aiden Markram as well, let’s not forget him. But I think it does help, I think your all-rounders are like your glue, they seem to help with your balance so they might be missing an all-rounder or two but it is what it is.”
Can Aiden Markram have a big tournament?
Who knows where 50-over cricket might beafter this World Cup
LK: “It’s hard to say what will happen in 50-over cricket, but it is the benchmark of white ball cricket so hopefully it doesn’t come under pressure but we’ve all seen the love and support that T20 gets. Let’s see what happens.”
Virat Kohli isn’t done yet
LK: “Virat Kohli, retirement? Probably not. He’s absolutely quality. He’ll be playing in his home conditions. He’ll probably be the leading run scorer if India go all the way.”
Stokes’ knee is just for show
LK: “Always looks like he’s carrying an injury. Never misses a game. I don’t know what to make of it. Someone with a hunger for the game. Always nice to see him in any set up, the extent of his knee injury; looks more for show than really anything. I haven’t seen him miss anything because of it. I think if it was a concern, they’d probably ask him to stop playing Test cricket and preserve him in some sort of way.”
Cricket News: Australia fans rejoice at Michael Vaughan’s World Cup prediction | Michael Vaughan sets his prediction for the 2023 WC
Former England captain Michael Vaughan has predicted India, England, Pakistan and South Africa will qualify for the semi finals of the 2023 Cricket World Cup.
“Can’t wait for the World Cup to start this week .. My 4 semi finalists will be … England, South Africa, India and Pakistan,” tweeted Vaughan.
The prediction created quite the stir on social media, with his omission of five-time champions Australia in the spotlight. However, rather than criticise Vaughan for leaving Pat Cummins’ team out, many celebrated given Vaughan’s history of jinxing teams on social media.
With Australia’s joy comes concern from other fans. India fans, among others, have sarcastically (or not) congratulated Australia on their sixth World Cup title.
Australia’s World Cup campaign will begin with a blockbuster against India at Chennai on October 8. Before then, England will take on New Zealand in the tournament opener, followed by Netherlands vs Pakistan on October 6 and Afghanistan vs Bangladesh and South Africa vs Sri Lanka on October 7.
ENG vs NZ Dream11 Prediction Possible 11 Pitch Report – World Cup 2023 Match 1 | ENG vs NZ Dream11 Prediction Today | Ahmedabad Pitch Report
Here we go. Cricket’s biggest carnival is all set to get underway, with the finalists of the 2019 World Cup to lock horns in the first game. England and New Zealand will face each other in the world’s largest ground, Narendra Modi Stadium, in Ahmedabad on Thursday (October 5), in what promises to be a blockbuster clash.
England are one of the tournament’s favourites, with plenty of quality players in their ranks. From top to bottom, they have an explosive batting lineup that can hit the big shots straightaway. Their bowling will also be bolstered by including Mark Wood and young sensation Gus Atkinson. Also, the likes of Chris Woakes and Sam Curran also have vast experience playing on Indian soil.
Meanwhile, New Zealand will also hope to continue their good work in ICC tournaments. While Kane Williamson will miss the opening game, the Kiwis still have a solid batting unit, with most being quality players of spin. The return of Trent Boult boosts the bowling lineup significantly, but the Black Caps would be concerned with the fitness of Tim Southee, who dislocated his thumb last month.
One thing is guaranteed – entertainment. Be prepared for some exhilarating action for a month and a half, and maybe some heartbreaks as well. A good start will be key for both these contenders.
World Cup 2023 Match 1: ENG vs NZ Possible Playing XIs
England will have to make some tough calls given the quality of their squad. Dawid Malan will open the innings. However, Ben Stokes reportedly could miss this match.
Liam Livingstone has been terrific in ODIs this year. He has 186 runs at an average of 62 and a strike rate of 110.05 in four ODI innings in 2023. Livingstone’s spin bowling will also be handy throughout this World Cup.
England: 1. Jonny Bairstow, 2. Dawid Malan, 3. Joe Root, 4. Ben Stokes/Harry Brook, 5. Jos Buttler (c & wk), 6. Liam Livingstone, 7. Moeen Ali, 8. Chris Woakes, 9. Adil Rashid, 10. Mark Wood, 11. Gus Atkinson/Reece Topley.
Kane Williamson will miss the first game. Tom Latham will lead in his absence. Tim Southee is also unavailable due to his thumb injury.
New Zealand: 1. Devon Conway, 2. Will Young, 3. Mark Chapman, 4. Daryl Mitchell, 5. Tom Latham (c & wk), 6. Glenn Phillips, 7. Jimmy Neesham, 8. Mitchell Santner, 9. Matt Henry, 10. Trent Boult, 11. Lockie Ferguson.
ENG vs NZ World Cup 2023 Dream11 Prediction – Fantasy Tips
England:
Jonny Bairstow has 546 runs at an average of 54.60 and a strike rate of 110.08 in 11 ODI innings against New Zealand. He has amassed a fifty and three centuries against them.
Joe Root has 971 runs at an average of 46.23 and a strike rate of 88.83 in 25 ODI innings against New Zealand. He has hit three fifties and five centuries against them. Despite poor recent form, Root is a fine player of spin and will have to keep the innings stable.
Ben Stokes recently smashed a memorable 182 against New Zealand. Overall against the Black Caps, Stokes has smashed 661 runs at an average of 55.08 and strike rate of 97.92.
Jos Buttler is among the best white-ball batters in world cricket. He has 738 runs at an average of 41 and a strike rate of 127.24 in 21 ODI innings against New Zealand. The English skipper has hit four half-centuries and a century against them.
Adil Rashid has 18 wickets at an average of 41.22 in 14 ODI innings against New Zealand. He has experience bowling in Indian conditions and will have the onus of leading the spin department.
Mark Wood has all the ingredients to be successful in Ahmedabad. He has pace and generates ample bounce in the middle overs. Wood will act as an enforcer for England in this World Cup.
New Zealand:
Devon Conway has 141 runs at an average of 47 and a strike rate of 80.57 in four ODI innings against England. The southpaw has also amassed a century against them. Conway will have to weave long innings, as he can play an all-round game against the slow bowlers.
Daryl Mitchell is among the best Kiwi batters in this World Cup. He has 652 runs at an average of 43.46 and a strike rate of 92.61 in 16 ODI innings this year. This includes a half-century and three centuries.
Tom Latham is among the finest players of spin in the ODI format. He has 321 runs at an average of 32.10 and a strike rate of 83.59 in 10 ODI innings against England. This includes three fifties.
Mitchell Santner can stifle the batters with his immaculate lines and lengths. He will be a giant in this World Cup and will look to make a significant impact in the tournament. Santner can also score a few runs consistently.
Santner has good numbers against Ben Stokes (67 balls, 62 runs, two dismissals) and a decent matchup against Joe Root (142 balls, 127 runs, three dismissals).
Trent Boult has 27 wickets at an average of 26.85 and a strike rate of 28.70 in 14 ODI innings against England. He is known for his threatening bowling in the powerplay, as he can move the new ball at will.
Boult has dismissed Jonny Bairstow four times in 112 balls in ODIs (81 runs). He also has a good record against Joe Root (104 balls, 90 runs, five dismissals).
Other Stats and Facts
Head-to-head in the ODIs: Played 95, England 45, New Zealand 44, Tied 2, NR 4.
Jos Buttler has struggled in ODIs in India. In seven innings, he has scored just 83 runs off 94 balls at an average of 11.85.
Tom Latham has excellent numbers in ODIs in India: 11 inns, 475 runs, avg. 52.77, SR 85.89.
Jonny Bairstow vs left-arm pacers in ODIs since 2021: 22 runs, 32 balls & three dismissals.
Trent Boult needs three more scalps to complete 200 ODI wickets.
Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, Pitch Report and Weather
A good batting track with some extra bounce will be on offer in the maiden game of the World Cup 2023 in Ahmedabad. The pacers can have a major say in the bowling department. A total of around 280 can be a fighting one.
The temperature will rise to 33°C during the match hours with clear skies.
ENG vs NZ World Cup 2023 Dream11 Picks
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.
ENG vs NZ Dream11 Prediction – Ideal team combination: 3-3-2-3
Option 1:
Option 2:
World Cup 2023 Match 1: ENG vs NZ Match Prediction – Who will win?
Both teams have a quality squad and are expected to put some quality cricket in the tournament opener. However, England are slightly stronger and might start the tournament on a winning note.
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: Former Netherlands cricketer Tim de Leede shares lovely story on Sachin Tendulkar | Sachin Tendulkar 2003 World Cup story
Former Netherlands cricketer Tim de Leede, father of star all-rounder Bas de Leede, has shared a lovely story on cricketing legend Sachin Tendulkar.
Speaking to BBC, de Leede recalled the 2003 World Cup match against India, where he finished man of the match with 4/35. This included the dismissal of Tendulkar, who went on to score the most runs in that tournament with 673.
However, the joy didn’t end there for de Leede. Not only did he receive the match ball, but he was able to get a special signature years later.
Tim de Leede recalls lovely Sachin Tendulkar moment
“I took four wickets against India in the 2003 World Cup. Umpire Peter Willey gave the ball to me as a momento,” de Leede recalled. “I wanted Sachin to sign it, but by the time I’d done media duties, the India team had left.
“Some years later, Tendulkar was in the Netherlands getting some treatment on an elbow injury and a physio friend tipped me off. He was gracious, remembered the game and kindly signed it for me.”
In the 2003 meeting at Paarl, de Leede led an inspired bowling display. The Dutch knocked over a class Indian batting lineup that included Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, Virender Sehwag, Rahul Dravid and Yuvraj Singh for just 204 in 48.5 overs.
The Indian attack was too strong in the second-half of that match, dismissing the Netherlands for 136 despite Daan van Bunge’s 62. Javagal Srinath (4/30) and Anil Kumble (4/32) took eight of the ten wickets.
“Some years later, Tendulkar was in the Netherlands getting some treatment on an elbow injury and a physio friend tipped me off. He was gracious, remembered the game and kindly signed it for me.”
Tim de Leede on Sachin Tendulkar
Fast forward to 2023, and the two teams will meet for just the third time in ODI cricket. They will clash at Bengaluru in the final match of the league stage on 12 November.
The Netherlands pulled off a remarkable effort in the Qualifier tournament in Zimbabwe earlier this year, where they managed to seal their passage to the World Cup despite missing a host of key players. Tim’s son, Bas, produced one of the all-time great performances, taking 5/52 and scoring a 93-ball 123 to enable the Dutch to qualify after a classic against Scotland.
Cricket News: “Suryakumar hasn’t done anything big yet in ODI cricket”- Virender Sehwag | Sehwag shares thoughts on India middle order
Former Indian opener Virender Sehwag does not see dynamic hitter Suryakumar Yadav featuring in the first choice XI in the upcoming ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023.
Speaking to CricBuzz Live following the end of the third ODI between India and Australia, Sehwag said that the T20 specialist had not done anything of note to warrant an automatic place in the first XI for the World Cup.
Yadav redeemed himself in the recent series against Australia by smashing a couple of half-centuries, including a whirlwind 37-ball 72 in the second ODI at Indore.
But, his issues as an ODI batter again came to the fore in the final match in Rajkot as he struggled to come to terms with the slowness of the surface and arrest the collapse.
”He only bats in those final 15-20 overs”- Virender Sehwag on Suryakumar Yadav
With Shreyas Iyer smashing a hundred in the second ODI, the former opener said that he has confirmed his place at the number four spot, and with KL Rahul and Hardik Pandya set to bat at five and six respectively, Sehwag does not see how SKY can sneak into the XI
Though he acknowledged Surya’s game-changing ability with the bat in the final 15 overs, he also asserted that the likes of KL or Hardik can also nail that role, but the reverse cannot be said about Suryakumar Yadav.
Here’s what Virender Sehwag said:
“Suryakumar hasn’t done anything big yet in ODI cricket. He only bats in those final 15-20 overs where he utilises his T20 abilities which undoubtedly is important as well. But Hardik, Ishan and Rahul can all do that same job as well. So Iyer is confirmed for No. 4. Suraykumar will have to wait and if he does get a chance at No. 4 he has to score a big hundred and show that he can also score a ton as well,” he told CricBuzz Live.
“At No. 6 and 7 KL Rahul and Hardik Pandya will be there. So Suryakumar won’t be there at either of those positions. There is No. 5 though. But if Hardik Pandya is your sixth bowler then Rahul will bat at No. 5, and Hardik at No. 6, then comes the bowlers. We thought Ishan Kishan could fit in somewhere in the line-up, but that hundred which Shreyas Iyer scored, if he plays at No. 4 then it will be Iyer, Rahul and Hardik at No. 4, 5 and 6 respectively,” he added.
Surya is set to retain his place in the final 15-member WC squad that the BCCI will announce on Thursday, September 28.
India will play a couple of warm-up games against defending champions England and the Netherlands before opening their campaign against five-time winners Australia in Chennai on October 8.
Cricket News: Is Marnus Labuschagne in Australia’s final World Cup squad? | Australia confirm final World Cup squad
Marnus Labuschagne has been named in Australia’s final World Cup squad. The classy batsman has replaced Ashton Agar, who will miss the tournament due to a troublesome calf injury.
Also, Australia have picked Travis Head. Such has been Head’s impact in ODIs over the past year-and-a-half, the Australian selectors have faith that he can deliver when he eventually returns from his fractured hand injury at around the midway point of the World Cup.
Australia’s final World Cup squad: Marnus Labuschagne selected
Here is Australia’s squad: Pat Cummins (c), Sean Abbott, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, David Warner, Adam Zampa.
Labuschagne’s excellent run of form since the start of the South Africa series has won him a place. He has scored 421 runs at an average of 60.1 and strike rate of 97.7 in this period.
Indeed, Labuschagne’s form has been a positive in what has been a tricky little period for Australia. Injuries and lack of form hampered Australia in a run of five straight defeats, but the return of Glenn Maxwell and Mitchell Starc to fitness is a big boost.
After their welcome win in the third ODI against India, the Australians will play two warm up games – one against Netherlands on Saturday, followed by Pakistan on Tuesday.
Then, it’s all eyes on Chennai on October 8 for the huge showdown against the Indians once again, where Australia will be aiming to make the perfect start in the quest for a sixth ODI World Cup title.
