Ricky Ponting pelted with grapes after first day’s play at The Oval
Ward, speaking to Murphy, said, “thanks for your time, appreciate you coming over and speaking to us you better go because we’re getting pelted by grapes.”
“I actually am someone’s just hit me with a grape and I wouldn’t mind finding out who it was actually,” replied Ponting.
Whoever threw grapes at Ricky Ponting is a complete wanker! Anyone have some snaps of the person? #ashes#Ashes2023
Earlier, Ponting rubbished Joe Root’s wish for play to go till 10pm in the aftermath of the Old Trafford draw, which may have upset some England fans.
“You can’t just choose to change the laws of the game whenever you want to,” Ponting said on The ICC Review podcast.
“I’m sure there have been times when England have wanted to not get back out there and play themselves. I mean, that’s just a ridiculous thing to say.”
Some England supporters, many of whom have talked endlessly of the “spirit of cricket” in this Ashes series, have not covered themselves in glory. In the second Test at Lord’s, Australia’s players were subject to abuse and taunts in the Long Room on their way back to the dressing room after a perfectly legitimate and fair stumping.
The result in that Test gave Australia an advantageous 2-0 series lead. A win for England at Headingley kept the series alive, before the Manchester rain confirmed Australia’s retention of the urn.
Now, the Aussies are aiming to win their first Test series win in England since 2001. After opting to field at The Oval, Australia bowled England out for 283 thanks to a much more disciplined display particularly after the first hour.
England were 61/0 and quickly fell to 73/3. After recovering to 184/3, the hosts then lost their last seven wickets for 99 runs, with Australia’s seamers focusing on a consistent length in the offstump corridor.
Australia, in response, finished in a good position at 61/1. Usman Khawaja ended the day on 26*, crossing 1000 balls faced in the series in the process. Marnus Labuschagne, fresh off an excellent hundred at Old Trafford, is not out on two.
Cricket News: When will Jasprit Bumrah make his comeback? | Jasprit Bumrah set to return to action soon
In some welcome news for India fans, pace bowler Jasprit Bumrah is expected to return to competitive cricket in the three-match T20I series against Ireland in August.
The matches will take place on August 18, 20 and 23. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is expected to announce the squad for the series sometime this week.
Bumrah set to make comeback after long injury layoff
India’s premier fast bowler underwent back surgery in March this year. His last match in any format was way back in the T20I series against Australia in September 2022. Since then, it has unfortunately been setback after setback for Bumrah, but the consensus is his recovery is progressing faster than expected.
According to the medical staff at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru, Bumrah was pencilled in for a return in the Asia Cup which starts on August 30. However, Bumrah was bowling well at the nets recently, indicating a return is not too far away.
The news is timely for India. A home World Cup represents a great opportunity to break their decade-long ICC trophy drought. A fully fit and firing Bumrah gives India another dimension, along with Mohammed Shami who is also enjoying a prolonged period of rest following the World Test Championship Final.
Prasidh Krishna is also bowling at full intensity. According to the BCCI’s press release last week, both Krishna and Bumrah will play practice matches to get them ready for competitive action.
“The duo will now play some practice games, which the NCA will organise,” read the statement. “The BCCI Medical Team is pleased with their progress and will make a final decision after assessing them following the practice games.”
Cricket News: Michael Vaughan questions England’s selection of James Anderson | Michael Vaughan’s comments on James Anderson
Former England skipper Michael Vaughan believes that England suffered in Ashes 2023 for their sentimental selection of pacer James Anderson in the playing XI.
Vaughan concedes that picking the 40-year-old fast bowler was necessary considering that he is a legend of the game. However, he simultaneously mentions that an alternate pick would have fared better in the series as Australia retained the Ashes after the final day of the fourth Test was washed out due to rains.
“We all agreed that James Anderson deserved to have that sentimental pick because he’s a legend of the game, but it may have cost England,” Vaughan says in the BBC Ashes Daily podcast. He adds, “Jimmy, in the three Test matches that he’s played in this series, has just had no impact at all. I don’t remember him getting a key wicket at any stage and that’s very unlike Jimmy Anderson.”
Vaughan pinpoints lack of zip in James Anderson
Going into details, Vaughan pointed at the lack of zip in Anderson’s bowling in this series. He gave the example of Chris Woakes, saying that the pacer has shown what can be done by inducing that bit of additional incisiveness from the Duke’s ball.
Anderson expressed his disappointmentat the kind of the tracks dished out in the first game of the 2023 Ashes series. At 40, questions are being raised on whether England should move on from the veteran pacer and reboot the pace attack, especially considering that their next Test assignment after the Ashes will be in India in January-February 2024.
“He loves playing cricket, he loves bowling, he loves being out in the battle, he loves the dressing room. I think he’ll find it very, very difficult to leave the game as a player. He’s played on for such a long period of time, he clearly is absolutely in love with playing the game and his body is pretty good,” Vaughan says, whilst adding that the English team management will find a way to keep Anderson in the squad if he wishes to continue playing the sport.
IND vs WI 1st ODI Dream11 Prediction Possible 11 Pitch Report | IND vs WI 1st ODI Dream11 Prediction Today | Barbados Pitch Report
India and West Indies enter this three-match ODI series with different goals. Hosts West Indies will be looking to restore some sort of pride after their dismal showing in the recent World Cup Qualifier in Zimbabwe, where they were well off the pace. For India, a home World Cup beckons, and they must get their combinations right as they attempt to break their decade-long ICC trophy drought.
Shimron Hetmyer returns for West Indies in a big boost for the hosts. As is Oshane Thomas, who can trouble opponents with his pace. Spin may play a key role, so how well the Windies spinners can limit India’s dynamic lineup will be interesting to see.
India have decisions to make. Sanju Samson, who has an excellent ODI record, could find a place in the middle order if the visitors opt to leave Ishan Kishan out. Also, pitch conditions will dictate whether India will pick an extra spinner. Mohammed Siraj is rested.
IND vs WI ODI 1st ODI Dream11 Prediction – Key Players to Watch/Key Stats
West Indies:
Shai Hope has enjoyed some wonderful past performances against India. He has struck 877 runs against them at an average of 46.15, which includes seven 50+ scores (three hundreds).
Hope will be key against spin. The Windies’ captain has scored 147 runs off 176 balls against Kuldeep Yadav at an average of 73.5.
West Indies will welcome Shimron Hetmyer back with open arms. The left-hander has hit 500 runs in 11 innings against India at an average of 45.45.
Hetmyer could target Jadeja. In 104 balls in ODIs, Hetmyer has struck 128 runs (two dismissals).
Alzarri Joseph has dismissed Virat Kohli thrice in 68 balls in ODIs (78 runs). He has also dismissed Rohit Sharma thrice, in 61 balls (51 runs). Key bowler.
Romario Shepherd can fetch fantasy points. He made two starts in his last two knocks in the World Cup Qualifier (36 and 26) and has taken five wickets in his past three games.
India:
Virat Kohli loves playing West Indies. He has the most runs in WI-IND ODIs (2,261) at an average of 66.50 and strike rate of 96.95. This includes 11 fifties and nine hundreds.
Rohit Sharma, who recently achieved a unique Test record, averages 57.17 in 36 ODIs against West Indies (1,601 runs).
Shubman Gill has taken to ODIs like a duck to water. He has scored 1,311 runs in just 24 matches at an average of 65.55 and strike rate of 107.10.
Gill struck 205 runs at an average/strike rate of 102.50 in West Indies last year. This included an impressive 21 off 10 balls against Alzarri Joseph without dismissal.
Hardik Pandya is set to play his first ODI in West Indies since 2017. He strikes at 109.37 in three ODI knocks vs the Windies (70 runs) and has seven wickets in five innings.
Ravindra Jadeja is the fourth-highest wicket-taker in WI-IND ODIs (41) at an average of 29.87 and strike rate of 36.75.
Kuldeep Yadav has taken 26 wickets in 15 innings against West Indies at an average of 24.96 and economy of 4.94.
Other Stats and Facts
India have won 10 of the past 11 ODIs against West Indies.
West Indies’ last home ODI win against India was back in 2017. They have lost six completed matches since.
Ravindra Jadeja can keep Shai Hope quiet. The left-arm spinner has conceded just 87 off 150 balls against him in ODIs (one dismissal).
Is this the series Suryakumar Yadav gets going in ODIs? He averages just 24.05 so far in 21 innings.
Kensington Oval Barbados Pitch Report and Weather
Expect spinners to be hard to get away on the Barbados surface. In the ODI series between West Indies and New Zealand last year, the first innings scores were 190, 212 and 301, with fingerspinners Kevin Sinclair, Akeal Hosein and Mitch Santner conceding less than five per over. But, Boult, Holder and Southee were the top wicket-takers.
There is a 20% chance of rain in Barbados on Thursday.
IND vs WI 1st ODI Dream11 Prediction Today Match 27 July 2023
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:
IND vs WI 1st ODI Dream11 Prediction Today Match 27 July 2023
Option 2:
IND vs WI 1st ODI Dream11 Prediction Today Match 27 July 2023
IND vs WI 1st ODI Match Prediction – Who will win?
India to win.
Disclaimer: The fantasy cricket stats, tips and predictions provided on CricBlog are intended for informational purposes, with the stats and writer’s views in place to guide fans in creating their teams. While we strive to offer accurate and insightful advice, CricBlog does not guarantee success or winnings in any fantasy contests. Users are encouraged to make their own informed decisions and play responsibly.
However, former England skipper Michael Vaughan recently told Fox Sports that he had heard murmurs of the southpaw calling it a day from Tests right after the coming Ashes Test. The batsman has warded off such suggestions in a recent media interaction.
“No, not at all. I haven’t seen anything…I don’t have an announcement. For me it’s about trying to work hard in the nets as I did today and if selected, go out there and play and try and win an Ashes series,” Warner said prior to the fifth Test match.
He added, “I came here last time and it was a draw. Hopefully, we can go away with a series win and then that’ll be a fitting Ashes campaign for us and a fitting tour over here in England with the World Test Championship as well.”
Michael Vaughan said he heard whispers not only David Warner could retire, but Steve Smith also
Vaughan also raised the possibility of Australian vice-captain Steve Smith retiring from the game after this series. Warner brushed that aside.
“Obviously it’s a joke,” Warner said. “I won’t take that too seriously.
Warner has hit 201 runs in four Tests in Ashes 2023 at an average of 25.13. He hasn’t looked in good touch for most parts but doesn’t look completely out of sorts on occasions either.
However, it is arguably apparent that his best days in Test cricket are behind him. After the farewell from red-ball cricket in Sydney, Warner plans to close out his international career with the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup that will be held in the Caribbean and the United States of America (USA) in mid-2024.
Ashes 2023 ENG vs AUS 5th Test Dream11 Prediction Possible 11 Pitch Report | Ashes 5th Test Dream11 Prediction | The Oval Pitch Report
England’s roaring comeback in this weird, wacky and wonderful Ashes series was put to a halt by the Manchester rain. In what was likely to be just a three-day Test looking at the forecast in the lead up, England, led by Zak Crawley, put on a magnificent show at Old Trafford to make a mockery of World Test Champions Australia.
While the urn remains in Australia’s grasp, there is little doubt the hosts will be motivated to stop themselves from become the first England team since 2001 to lose an Ashes series at home. They faced an identical scenario in 2019, where they rallied to win the last Test well and salvage the series 2-all.
However, contrary to belief among some England pundits and supporters, the series has been closely fought. In fact, the first three Tests were the second-closest as a group in Ashes history. Indeed, this series deserves a classic finish, with England determined to play smarter cricket than they did during the fatal first two Tests.
But, just as England’s response will be under the spotlight, so will Australia’s after a poor showing at Old Trafford. Their field placements and bowling tactics came in for a hammering down under, unable to stop the bleeding in Pat Cummins’ most difficult match as captain to date.
Cummins is in need of a rest given his mental and physical workload in recent weeks. However, given he is captain and a series win is at stake, he will likely have to face the music again. How he performs as leader of the team and bowling attack could define Australia’s fortunes at The Oval.
England, no doubt, have the momentum. They start as favourites. But, one feels Australia are too good to be so bad twice in a row. Australia’s approach to new batsmen will be interesting to see, as they let every England player get a start with easy runs early in their innings, including Zak Crawley who made a memorable 189.
Ashes 2023 5th Test: ENG vs AUS Possible Playing XIs
England have named the same XI as the Old Trafford Test.
Chris Woakes, despite feeling ‘extremely sore’ following the fourth Test, will play. Also, the hosts have stuck with James Anderson.
England: 1. Zak Crawley, 2. Ben Duckett, 3. Moeen Ali, 4. Joe Root, 5. Harry Brook, 6. Ben Stokes (c), 7. Jonny Bairstow (wk), 8. Chris Woakes, 9. Mark Wood, 10. Stuart Broad, 11. James Anderson
Australia have calls to make. The absence of a specialist spinner hurt them dearly at Old Trafford. So, they are likely to select Todd Murphy.
Also, how much longer can Australia ignore Michael Neser? Given Mitchell Starc had some injury concerns at Manchester, the left-armer could make way. Otherwise, there is a possibility Neser comes in for Josh Hazlewood.
Australia: 1. Usman Khawaja, 2. David Warner, 3. Marnus Labuschagne, 4. Steve Smith, 5. Travis Head, 6. Mitchell Marsh, 7. Alex Carey (wk), 8. Mitchell Starc, 9. Pat Cummins (c), 10. Todd Murphy, 11. Josh Hazlewood/Michael Neser
Ashes 2023 ENG vs AUS 5th Test Dream11 Prediction: Key Players to Watch/Key Stats
England:
Zak Crawley is coming off an absolute blinder at Manchester. He scored 189 off 182 balls. If Australia bowl mostly at his pads once again, expect the England opener to score well.
Crawley has had the better of Pat Cummins. In 251 balls, Crawley has struck 195 runs at an average of 97.50.
Joe Root, who put on a double-century stand with Crawley, averages 44.80 in nine Tests at The Oval. This is slightly lower than his averages at other grounds in the country.
Ben Stokes has hit a century and two fifties in his past five innings. If he gets through the seamers, expect the England captain to take on Todd Murphy, if selected.
Mark Wood, who has been outstanding, has Steve Smith’s number. He dismissed Australia’s great batsman twice at Manchester; one LBW and one with the short ball.
Chris Woakes has taken 12 wickets in two matches at an average of 19.50 in this series.
This will be the last time Stuart Broad and David Warner go head-to-head in an Ashes Test. Broad, who averages 31.39 in 13 Tests at The Oval, has dismissed the opener 17 times in Test cricket.
Australia:
Can Marnus Labuschagne’s superb Manchester hundred be the catalyst of an Australian top order revival? Australia’s number three has now struck 306 runs this series at an average of 38.25 with six consecutive 20+ scores.
Steve Smith has had a quiet series by his standards. Australia need him to fire. He loves batting at The Oval, with 546 runs in four Tests at an average of 91.00 including three hundreds.
Along with Smith, Travis Head hit a century in the World Test Championship Final against India on this ground. His middle order partner, Mitchell Marsh, has been magnificent since coming back into the team: 4 inns, 228 runs, avg. 76.00.
The spotlight is on Pat Cummins. Australia will be well-served having Cummins nag away in the channel to Joe Root. The Australian captain has dismissed England’s number four 11 times in Tests at an average of 23.10.
Will Australia pick Michael Neser? Neser has scored 487 runs (avg. 71.16) and taken 20 wickets (avg. 26.15) in the 2023 county season.
Other Stats and Facts
In the last four Ashes Tests at The Oval, England have won two, Australia one, with one draw.
Harry Brook has made five 30+ scores in seven innings this series (32, 46, 50, 4, 3, 75, 61).
The Oval isn’t one of Ben Stokes’ favourite hunting grounds. The skipper averages 33.22 in five Tests (299 runs).
Chris Woakes vs David Warner in England: 53 balls, 32 runs, two wickets.
Usman Khawaja (377) sits behind only Zak Crawley (385) in the run-scoring chart. But, Khawaja has not crossed fifty in his past five innings. Will he get back in the runs?
Kennington Oval Pitch Report and Weather
London’s weather is in the spotlight. There is rain forecast throughout the Test, but hopefully there should be a result. The highest probability of rain is on day five, with day one also having a greater than 50% chance of precipitation throughout the day.
The average first innings score at the ground since 2013 is 320.6. Australia scored 469 in the recent World Test Championship Final against India. Also, teams batting first have won 60% of the matches on this ground in the past decade, so spin could be key.
Two days out from the fifth Test, the surface had a light covering of grass. While it looks a bat first pitch, the overhead conditions may tempt either captain to bowl. However, overcast weather is also expected on day two.
Ashes 2023 5th Test ENG vs AUS Dream11 Prediction Today Match 27-31 July 2023
Option 1:
Ashes 2023 5th Test ENG vs AUS Dream11 Prediction
Option 2:
Ashes 2023 5th Test ENG vs AUS Dream11 Prediction
Ashes 2023 5th Test Match Prediction – Who will win?
Expect a better performance by Australia. However, England have the momentum and confidence. England are well-placed to win and level the series 2-all, as per the series prediction.
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: Will Australia choose Mitchell Marsh or Cameron Green for the 5th Test?| Cameron Green could be dropped for the first time in his career
With the final Test of the Ashes approaching, there is a growing sense that Cameron Green could be left out for the game. If it happens, it would be the first time that he will be dropped in his Test career.
Having made his red-ball debut for Australia in 2020, the all-rounder has missed games only due to injuries so far; a broken finger in December, 2022 and a small hamstring injury in this Ashes. However, it would largely depend on Mitchell Marsh’s fitness and availability as to whether Green features at The Oval.
Marsh suffered from soreness in the fourth Test and did not bowl on day three. However, Australia coach, Andrew McDonald, believes that the team needs their all-rounders to step up more often with the bat and that their batting is what he primarily demands from them.
“The team has played three quicks and one spinner and we have gone that way numerous times in the past. We have had the luxury of allrounders, or in particular Cameron Green, that’s changed the shape of the team over time. Runs were premium first and foremost,” McDonald said.
Mitchell Marsh, if fit, likely to be picked over Cameron Green if Australia select Todd Murphy or Michael Neser
Marsh has made a significant impact in the two games he has played so far this Ashes. He has bagged one ton and one fifty in four innings, along with a vital, unbeaten 31* off 107 balls in the third innings at Old Trafford.
Overall, he has scored 228 runs at an average of 76. With the ball, he has picked up two wickets in 18 overs, averaging 44.5.
On the contrary, Green averages a poor 20.6 with the bat and a mediocre 47 with the ball. He has scored only 103 runs across six innings and has taken five wickets in three games. If both are fit, there is little doubt that Marsh will be given the nod over a struggling Green.
Mitchell Marsh has been outstanding in this Ashes series so far.
Nevertheless, Green has the dressing room’s backing because of the immense promise he has shown so far in his 24-Test career. While the team’s coach thinks his batters are following the right processes and will get big scores anytime now, Marnus Labuschagne is of the opinion that Green is still young and he has done a decent job for someone playing in those challenging conditions for the first time.
“He’s still young, he’s still learning his trade, this is his first time in these conditions. With the IPL there wasn’t heaps of time to adjust but I think he’s doing a good job,” Labuschagne said during the fourth Test.
Green could be making way for Todd Murphy or Michael Neser at The Oval. Following Nathan Lyon’s injury, the Old Trafford game was the first time in 11 years that Australia went into a Test without a specialist spinner. They ended up conceding close to 600 runs and had no answers to the Bazball onslaught.
Murphy may be included to change the pace of the game. Neser is yet to get a game this Ashes. With Australia retaining the Ashes already after the fourth Test was drawn, the visitors could give the pacer an opportunity considering he can be handy with the bat too.
“Everyone’s on the table, every selection. And Michael knows that. He was a serious consideration here and he was under consideration at Leeds also, so you’re always sort of balancing those who are up and running in the series versus freshness,” McDonald added.
Ashes Opinion: Did Australia get lucky at Old Trafford? Yes. But England have only themselves to blame | Analysis on England’s shortcomings
Remember when Pat Cummins held a gun to Ben Stokes’ head forcing him to declare at 393/8 at Edgbaston with Joe Root on 118* and seeing them like beach balls?
Or when Cummins held the same gun to Stokes to keep Root bowling instead of taking the new ball in the dying moments of a thrilling first Test?
Or what about when Australia as a team forced England to bat recklessly in the first innings at Lord’s, squandering the advantage of being 188/1 in the glorious sunshine against a Nathan Lyon-less attack?
And, of course, Australia’s fielders dragging Jonny Bairstow out of his crease in the run chase to stump him.
No, these were England failings across the first two Tests of the series. Reactions to the drawn Old Trafford Test from areas of the England media and fanbase have once again bewildered the mind, placing the blame on other factors instead of the crucial shortcomings of the team at Edgbaston and Lord’s.
Were England unlucky at Old Trafford? Absolutely. Did they play Australia off the park? You bet. But looking at this Test alone as a measure of whether the Ashes urn deserves to go back to England or not is short-sighted.
England deserved to win at Old Trafford, but have themselves to blame for Australia retaining the Ashes
Piers Morgan says he can’t remember a less-deserved retention of the Ashes. Stuart Broad, who felt “magnificent” ten years ago as England retained the urn after rain ruined Australia’s chances at Old Trafford, described this episode as “unjust”. Joe Root has called for play to go on until 10pm, all the while Stokes had no issue with going 2-0 down in the first place.
There are also calls for reserve days, not taking a moment to consider the impact on players in an already jampacked schedule.
Just like in the aftermath of the Lord’s Test, England have no intention of looking inward. Everyone and everything else is to blame.
For goodness sake. England won all four tosses. They had the better of the conditions for the most part. Australia lost the glue of their attack – Nathan Lyon – mid-series, but it’s apparently England who are left to rue the worst luck anyone has ever experienced in cricketing history.
Sir Geoffrey Boycott reacts to soft Harry Brook dismissal at Lord’s
Think back to Lord’s. England bowled in overcast conditions in both innings, but still found themselves needing close to 400 to win. When they batted, glorious sunshine greeted them. Yet, there is very little analysis or even the mention of how gifting catches to fielders set in the deep when 1-0 down might just be the fatal blow with a Test still to come at one of the rainiest venues in world cricket.
Instead, it was about the injustice to Bairstow and Australia’s supposedly awful act. Give us a break.
The “spirit of cricket” is nothing but a card England choose to play depending on the decision. Should it go against them, the opposition must be hounded for not playing in the right spirit. After all, elite international cricket is the place to give someone who made a schoolboy error a warning or second chance.
If the decision goes for them, it’s a brilliant piece of cricket, ala Bairstow to Samit Patel in county cricket, or a piece of play they are entitled to, ala Stuart Broad edging to slip and standing his ground.
Back to the series. Let’s go back further to Edgbaston. If you think Ben Stokes’ declaration had no impact on the result, it’d be great to know why. Australia were run ragged at that point, and were on the receiving end of a run-a-ball 43-run stand by Root and Ollie Robinson that they didn’t look like breaking anytime soon.
Yet, Stokes did what the opposition would rather him do and took the foot off the throat. In the end, England narrowly lost, with the tactics and decision making to Cummins and Lyon also in the spotlight.
England’s questionable decision-making against a side willing to sit back and wait for mistakes has cost them dearly. Australia’s defensive mindset and willingness to allow every England batsmen to get off to a start has caught up with them somewhat, but it is too late for McCullum, Stokes and co.
Ben Stokes’ declaration at Edgbaston proved costly.
Now let’s discuss another point – England’s sentimental selections. Jonny Bairstow, following his 99 not out, shared his experience of suffering a serious injury last year.
“There’s times when there’s aches and pains and people are saying you’re limping, well, yeah, I am at times, because there’s a lot going on in the ankle, and other bits that people won’t understand,” he said. “It’s been a rollercoaster. There’s been a lot that’s happened in those nine months. And to come out and take the field again, with a group of boys that I care a heck of a lot about, is a special place for me to be.”
Despite this, England decided to throw Bairstow into the deep end with the wicket-keeping gloves with arguably the world’s best keeper – Ben Foakes – ignored.
It proved to be costly. Bairstow missed a number of chances throughout the first two Tests in particular, with Alex Carey’s keeping proving to be a pivotal difference between the teams.
It sucks how the rain yesterday made Johnny Bairstow drop all those catches and walk out of his crease in the first two tests. But that's weather for ya!
Also, England decided to bring Moeen Ali back out of retirement to replace Jack Leach, two years on from his last Test. While Moeen contributed at Headingley and Manchester, his selection at Edgbaston gave England’s attack a light look and feel with three similar-paced seam bowlers wheeling away at the other end. Predictably, Moeen’s finger was unable to handle the far greater workload, and England suffered because of it.
The BazBall style is a sight to behold; a delicious treat you feel obliged to enjoy. But how in love they are with it makes you want to throw it all up.
Stuart Broad is a wonderful bowler who notched up his 600th wicket. But, is he the man to lecture us on the spirit of cricket? Alex Carey will be remembered for one thing according to Broad, but moral victories, lack of accountability, failing to regain the urn for a third-straight time is how this England team will be remembered down under.
Cricket News: Australia predicted XI for 5th Ashes Test at The Oval | What will Australia’s XI be for the 5th Ashes Test?
Australia retained the Ashes thanks to Manchester rain and two wins to start the series. However, the nature of the performance at Old Trafford sent alarm bells ringing among the Australian fraternity, with criticism around the team selection, on-field tactics and general lack of intent.
However, thanks to solid displays under pressure at Edgbaston and Lord’s, Australia go to The Oval with the opportunty to win their first Test series in England since 2001. It will be interesting to see what changes they make after the main three bowlers were run into the ground as England ran rampant at Manchester.
Australia predicted XI for 5th Test at The Oval:
1. David Warner, 2. Usman Khawaja, 3. Marnus Labuschagne, 4. Steve Smith, 5. Travis Head, 6. Mitchell Marsh, 7. Alex Carey (wk), 8. Michael Neser, 9. Pat Cummins (c), 10. Mitchell Starc, 11. Todd Murphy
Mitchell Marsh’s contributions this series – century at Headingley and batting 107 balls in the second innings at Manchester – makes him undroppable. This leaves the capable and talented Cameron Green at risk of losing his spot if Australia are to go with the specialist spinner this time around in Todd Murphy.
Nathan Lyon’s absence has been telling with the Australians unable to control the game at Old Trafford. While Murphy is still raw, he can allow Cummins to turn to a change in pace, where Australia need to back the spinner to play a key role. Murphy was used for just two overs in the fourth innings at Headingley, so it will be interesting how Australia use him at The Oval should he be selected.
Also, it surely is too difficult to ignore Michael Neser any further. He is in outstanding form in country cricket having smashed 487 runs (avg. 71.16) and taken 20 wickets (avg. 26.15) in six matches.
All three seamers – Cummins, Hazlewood, Starc – were worked to the bone at Manchester. Given the short turnaround, the Neser selection would make sense. But, for whom?
Despite Cummins’ workload, he is the captain. Mitchell Starc had a shoulder complaint at Old Trafford, so it remains to be seen if he is fit enough. If he is, he may be preferred over Hazlewood given the left-arm angle he provides.
The fifth and final Test begins on Thursday, 27th July.
Cricket News: Most consecutive innings without a single digit score in Test cricket | Most consecutive innings without single digit score
Rohit Sharma slammed five boundaries and three sixes to score 57 off 44 to bring up the fastest half-century of his Test career on the fourth day of the ongoing Test match between India and West Indies.
However, he broke a unique record in this process, beating his ex-Mumbai Indians head coach Mahela Jayawardene to achieving the most consecutive innings without a single-digit score in Test cricket.
Most consecutive knocks without a single digit score in Tests
1. Rohit Sharma – 30
Rohit Sharma broke Mahela Jayawardene’s record by extending his run on this front to 30 innings in the second Test against West Indies in the Port of Spain.
He debuted in whites in international cricket in 2013 but he only really settled in the format from 2019 onwards. The batsman averages 46.54 including ten centuries and a solitary double ton in 88 innings so far. As the captain, he even led India to the final of the World Test Championship (WTC) in 2023.
2. Mahela Jayawardene – 29
Mahela Jayawardene played a mammoth 149 Tests for Sri Lanka and was one of the pioneers of the country’s cricketing landscape from the turn of the century. Jayawardene went 29 innings without getting dismissed for a single-digit score at one phase in his career. The ex-Sri Lankan skipper scored 34 centuries, seven double tons and rounded off his Test career at an average of 49.85.
3. Len Hutton – 25
Len Hutton had a stellar career for England and is widely regarded as one of the greatest openers in the history of the world cricket. He played 79 matches for the Three Lions and averaged 56.22 in his Test career. He scored 19 centuries and four double tons and aggregated 6971 runs in total. Hutton played his last Test against New Zealand at Eden Park in 1955.
4. Rohan Kanhai – 25
Rohan Kanhai is one of the most legendary West Indian wicket-keepers of all time. Kanhai was a bankable bat lower down the order for the Caribbean side. He played 79 games for the team and scored 6227 runs at an average of 47.53 with 15 centuries and 28 half-centuries. Kanhai emerged as one of the game’s earliest wicket-keepers who were equally proficient with the bat.
5. AB de Villiers – 24
AB de Villiers is a definite all-format great. He played 114 Tests for South Africa and averaged a stunning 50.66 with 22 centuries, two double tons and 46 half-centuries to his name. De Villiers’ playing style was unorthodox, ultra-aggressive and largely suited to white-ball formats. However, he adapted to the rigours of the Test format like fish to water and went 24 innings without getting sent back for a single digit score once.
