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Highest successful run chases at Old Trafford Manchester

Shahryaar Mirza
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Highest successful run chases at Old Trafford Manchester

Cricket News: Highest successful run chases at Old Trafford Manchester | What is the highest run chase in Tests at Old Trafford?

The Ashes are well and truly alive with Australia leading 2-1 three Tests into the series. Two of the three Tests so far have been won by the teams chasing.

The action now moves to Old Trafford, Manchester. There is a lot to play for both sides, and more so for England with the Ashes on the line.

Considering winning the toss and fielding first has been a trend so far, let us take a look at the five highest successful chases at Old Trafford in Test Cricket.

List of highest successful run chases at Old Trafford

1. 294/4 by England vs New Zealand, 2008

In May, 2008, Andrew Strauss scored an exceptional 106 in the fourth innings of the game to guide England to a victory against New Zealand in the second of three Tests.

The visitors had started their second innings with a huge lead of 179. However, Monty Panesar spun a web around the Kiwi batters as they were all out for just 114.

England had to chase 294, and their opener rose up to the occasion. Strauss scored a ton while the likes of Alastair Cook, Michael Vaughan, Kevin Pietersen, Ian Bell and Paul Collingwood chipped in with vital 20s and 40s.

After the first game was drawn, this historic chase gave England a 1-0 lead in the series.

2. 277/7 by England vs Pakistan, 2020

Not too long ago, England pulled off a spectacular 277-run chase against Pakistan at Old Trafford in 2020, thanks to Jos Buttler and Chris Woakes’ heroics in the fourth innings of the game.

Pakistan had a lead of 107 runs before they failed to capitalise on the advantage and managed to score just 169 runs in their second innings. Yasir Shah, batting at number 8, was their highest run getter with 33 runs.

Chasing 277, England were in massive trouble with half of the side back in the pavilion for just 117. It was then that Buttler and Woakes put up a tremendous 139-run stand to put England in the driver’s seat. Woakes scored an unbeaten 84, while the English wicketkeeper-batter scored 75 off just 101 deliveries.

3. 231/3 by England vs West Indies, 2004

England chased down 231 against West Indies in the third game of the four-match Test series in 2004. The home side whitewashed West Indies as they won all four games in a convincing manner.

In the third Test, England’s target was contained to 231 after the visiting side crumbled in the third innings. Apart from their top three batters, nobody else scored more than nine.

Chasing the total, England lost both openers at just 27 runs. Walking in at number three, Robert Key stabilised things for the home side as he put up an 84-run stand with Michael Vaughan before being involved in the match-winning 120-run partnership with Andrew Flintoff.

Graham Thorpe bagged the Player of the Match award for his 114 runs in the first innings.

4. 205/5 by England vs Sri Lanka, 2024

England achieved a hard-fought victory against a spirited Sri Lanka team in the first of three Tests in 2024. After taking a lead of 122 courtesy of Jamie Smith’s superb 111, England were made to work in the second innings, with Kamindu Mendis (113) and Dinesh Chandimal (79) backing up Angelo Mathews’ 65 to give Sri Lanka hope.

Needing 205 to win, England found themselves in some trouble at 70/3 and 119/4. However, as long as Joe Root was at the crease, the hosts were favourites. England’s star batter notched up yet another Test half-century, finishing with a classy 62* to guide England home with five wickets to spare.

5. 145/7 by South Africa vs England, 1955

In 1955, South Africa chased down 145 in the third Test of the series against England. However, the hosts went on to win the fifth and deciding Test to seal the series.

South Africa scored a whopping 521/8 (declared) in the first innings in response to England’s 284. The gigantic lead of 237 meant that England could post a target of only 145 runs even after scoring 381 in the second innings.

Roy McLean scored exactly 50 while opener Derrick McGlew was dismissed two short of his half century. South Africa needed 16 more to win with six wickets in hand, but lost three more wickets before they chased the total down.

Will RCB part ways with Mike Hesson and Sanjay Bangar?

Tarkesh Jha
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Will RCB part ways with Mike Hesson and Sanjay Bangar?

Cricket News: Will RCB part ways with Mike Hesson and Sanjay Bangar? | Who will be the next coach of RCB?

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) are likely to part ways with Mike Hesson and Sanjay Bangar as their Director of Cricket Operations (DOC) and the Head Coach respectively as the franchise has not extended their contracts yet. They are reviewing the performance of the coaching staff and it is possible that RCB might undergo a major revamp ahead of the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

“Their contract with RCB is still intact. The team is still under the process of review. We will come back if any announcement on the changes in the team,” RCB revealed in their official statement, as reported by ESPNcricinfo. The portal also mentioned that agreements are often due for renewal by September.

Will it too harsh for RCB to sack Mike Hesson?

Hesson joined the RCB ranks after IPL 2019 and they qualified to the playoffs for three consecutive seasons thereafter. However, they could not make it to the top-four last year and that finish must have spurred the murmurs of these changes in the coaching roster. They finished at the sixth place in the points table in IPL 2023 with seven victories and an equal number of losses to their name in 14 games.

There is a flurry of changes taking place in the IPL coaching setups lately. The possible departure of Hesson and Bangar might attract the attention of some other teams who might be looking to rope in some new tacticians at the helm.

Hesson has not tasted success in the IPL yet but he had a pretty fruitful stint with the New Zealand national team in the past. The Kiwi had joined the erstwhile Kings XI Punjab before joining RCB as well.

In other news, the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) replaced Andy Flower with Justin Langer as the head coach ahead of the upcoming season of the IPL.

Ashes 2023 ENG vs AUS 4th Test Dream11 Prediction Possible 11 Pitch Report

Charbel Coorey
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Ashes 2023 ENG vs AUS 4th Test Dream11 Prediction Possible 11 Pitch Report

Ashes 2023 ENG vs AUS 4th Test Dream11 Prediction Possible 11 Pitch Report | ENG vs AUS 4th Test Dream11 Prediction Today | Old Trafford Pitch Report

Here we are. The fourth chapter of the wonderful story that is the 2023 Ashes. A series with so many twists and turns now moves to Old Trafford, where England’s belief remains – and is amplified further – after a hard-fought victory at Headingley.

Australia, after taking a 2-0 lead in never-seen-before circumstances at Lord’s, will view this as their finale. The game they must win, or at the very least, avoid defeat. Should the series move to The Oval at 2-2, the noise and pressure may very be too much to handle.

Australia’s approach in the field will be in the spotlight. Will they continue with their defensive approach or will there be greater belief in their bowlers to keep England’s free-flowing batsmen in check? Will they go for the short stuff to England’s tail again, or top of off?

For England, can Jonny Bairstow discover his form with bat and gloves, or will further missed opportunities mean that Ben Stokes’ team have catching up to do?

These questions are among many. If the Manchester weather allows, it promises to be another cracking Test match with a number of battles to keep an eye on. Broad vs Warner. Mark Wood vs the Australia lineup. Pat Cummins and the bowling lineup seeking to get the better of Stokes and his men.

Ashes 2023 ENG vs AUS 4th Test: Possible Playing XIs

England have confirmed their XI. James Anderson is back, replacing Ollie Robinson. Moeen Ali is listed at three.

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

Todd Murphy has missed out on selection after bowling just two overs in the fourth innings at Headingley. Cameron Green comes into the XI. Also, David Warner keeps his spot.

Australia: 1. David Warner, 2. Usman Khawaja, 3. Marnus Labuschagne, 4. Steve Smith, 5. Travis Head, 6. Mitchell Marsh, 7. Alex Carey (wk), 8. Cameron Green/Todd Murphy, 9. Pat Cummins (c), 10. Mitchell Starc, 11. Josh Hazlewood

ENG vs AUS Ashes 2023 4th Test Dream11 Prediction: Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

England:

  • England need more from Joe Root. He has an excellent record at Old Trafford, with the second-most runs of any player in history at the ground (790). He averages 60.76.
  • Ben Stokes is in terrific form. The captain has struck 155 and 80 in his last two Tests. Also, like Root, Stokes has strong numbers at Old Trafford: 11 inns, 528 runs, avg. 52.80.
  • Harry Brook is coming off his best innings of this series. His 75 helped lead England to victory at Headingley. The question is whether he can build on starts as he has now made four 30+ scores in six innings: 32, 46, 50, 4, 3, 75.
  • Mark Wood had a game to remember in the third Test. He won man of the match with 5/34, 2/66, and crucial runs with the bat. Expect him to play a key role once again with his pace.
  • Stuart Broad, who has dismissed David Warner 17 times in Tests, loves bowling at Old Trafford. He has taken 44 wickets at an average of 19.25 on this ground.

Australia:

  • Will Steve Smith make his big mark on the series? He has scored a century, but is averaging just 31.66. In two Tests at Old Trafford, Smith has struck 401 runs at an average of 101.25.
  • Usman Khawaja has scored the most runs (356) and faced the most balls (908) this series. Ben Stokes has faced the next most deliveries with 469.
  • Travis Head continues to produce the goods. His 266 runs this series have come at a strike rate of 73.48. Since the start of 2022, Head has scored 1,407 runs at an average of 52.1 and strike rate of 79.3 in all Tests.
  • Can Mitchell Marsh repeat his Headingley heroics? The all-rounder struck a memorable century and took two wickets.
  • Pat Cummins has Joe Root’s number. The Australia captain has dismissed him three times in 66 balls this series, part of 11 dismissals overall in Test cricket at an average of 21.00.
  • Mitchell Starc can be Australia’s go-to option against Stokes. The left-armer has dismissed the England captain eight times for 165 runs in Tests.

Other Stats and Facts

  • Steve Smith has struck two fifties and a century in two matches on this ground. He scored 211 in the 2019 series.
  • Stuart Broad is the leading wicket-taker in this Ashes series with 16 at an average of 24.93. Pat Cummins is next with 15 at 27.00.
  • Mark Wood vs Usman Khawaja in Tests: 113 balls, 44 runs, two dismissals.
  • Marnus Labuschagne has scored 66.50% of his Test runs at home. He averages 36.61 away. He has made four 20+ scores in a row, without reaching fifty: 47, 30, 21, 33.
  • James Anderson at Old Trafford: 10 Tests, 37 wickets, avg. 22.02.

Old Trafford Manchester Pitch Report and Weather

The Old Trafford weather forecast looks far more promising on the first three days than it does on the last two. So, expect England in particular to push hard on days one, two and three.

The Cricketer’s George Dobell tweeted a photo of the pitch. It looks to be a good one for batting. In the past ten years, teams batting first have won 50% of the Tests, with an overall average first innings score of 375.43.

Ashes 2023 ENG vs AUS 4th Test Dream11 Prediction Today Match 19-23 July

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:

Ashes 2023 ENG vs AUS 4th Test Dream11 Prediction Possible 11 | ENG vs AUS 4th Test Dream11 Prediction Today | Old Trafford Pitch Report
Ashes 2023 ENG vs AUS 4th Test Dream11 Prediction

Option 2:

Ashes 2023 ENG vs AUS 4th Test Dream11 Prediction Possible 11 | ENG vs AUS 4th Test Dream11 Prediction Today | Old Trafford Pitch Report
Ashes 2023 ENG vs AUS 4th Test Dream11 Prediction

Ashes 2023 4th Test ENG vs AUS Match Prediction – Who will win?

Runs on the board in the first innings can prove crucial. This match can easily go either way, but England’s reliance on the middle-lower order can give Australia an edge, particularly if they stick to bowling basics to the lower 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.

Will Andy Flower become India head coach?

Tarkesh Jha
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Will Andy Flower become India head coach?

Cricket News: Will Andy Flower become India coach after 2023 WC? | Who will coach India after the 2023 ODI World Cup?

Former Zimbabwean skipper Andy Flower has emerged as a hot favourite to take over as the Indian head coach after this year’s ICC Men’s ODI World Cup. Prasanna Agoram, a Level 3 Certified Coach, Qualified Umpire and renowned Performance Analyst who has worked with the South African International Team for 11 years and in other major T20 leagues across the world, made this revelation on Twitter.

“Heard from few close sources from my cricketing circles – Andy Flower is one of the favourites to take over as head coach for team India post World Cup 2023,” Prasanna tweeted, sparking rumours of a possible change in guard after the mega tournament in the country this year.

Andy Flower to take over? A look at Rahul Dravid’s Track Record as Team India head coach

Dravid’s contract with the national team ends after the 2023 ODI World Cup. He assumed responsibilities as the head coach after India’s crushing defeat in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in 2021.

However, the ex-Indian skipper’s tenure as a tactician has not unfolded in the manner he would have hoped it to. Success in multi-nation tournaments continues to elude India even until now.

The Men in Blue first lost the decisive fifth Test at Edgbaston in 2022 against England, which put water over their chances of securing a historic series win on English soil. They then failed to even make it to the finals of the Asia Cup last year, which was followed by a semi-final exit to England in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in Australia later that year.

2023 has not been without any heartbreaks either as the Baggy Greens rolled over Team India in the World Test Championship (WTC) final at The Oval last month. Amidst these circumstances, there must be high pressure on Dravid & Co. to lift the trophy in the World Cup this year considering that they have no ground to seek an extension otherwise.

Meanwhile, Flower has previously coached the England national team, taking them to number one in the world. Also, Flower took on the consultant position for Australia for the WTC Final, and has had stints at multiple franchises in T20 leagues across the world, making him an experienced and qualified candidate for such a big role.

The former Zimbabwean captain recently left his post as coach of Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) after steering them to two playoffs’ appearances in their first two seasons. Former Australia opener Justin Langer has taken over as coach of the franchise.

TSK vs MINY Dream11 Prediction Possible 11 Pitch Report MLC 2023 Match 7

Charbel Coorey
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TSK vs MINY Dream11 Prediction Possible 11 Pitch Report MLC 2023 Match 7

TSK vs MINY Dream11 Prediction Possible 11 Pitch Report MLC 2023 Match 7 | TSK vs MINY Dream11 Prediction Today | Grand Prairie Pitch Report

It’s the Super Kings against MI. The yellow vs blue that has thrilled us in the Indian Premier League over the years now makes it way to America in a tournament that has already showcased how quickly a T20 match can turn.

MI New York, four-fifths of the way through their innings, looked in terrible trouble against Los Angeles on Sunday night. Sitting precariously at 97/7 after 16.2 overs following a defeat in their first game, Tim David once again highlighted his quality by lifting New York to 155.

David forms part of MI New York’s key strength: the lower-middle order. But, as skipper Kieron Pollard said in the post-match interview, more is needed from the top order. If they get the necessary returns, MI NY will be mighty hard to beat given the proficiency of their bowling attack, which was on display yesterday as they routed LA for just 50.

Texas Super Kings are in a similar boat. Both Faf du Plessis and Decon Conway have been dismissed for golden ducks already in MLC 2023. Their battle with the Rabada-Boult opening combination promises to be a mouthwatering encounter. Should TSK get away early, they have the finishing power – as Dwayne Bravo showed last game – to cause problems.

TSK vs MINY Match Details

  • Date: 17 July, 2023.
  • Location: Grand Prairie Stadium, Texas.
  • Time: 7:30pm (local), 6:00am (IST, 18th July).

MLC 2023 Match 7: TSK vs MINY Possible Playing XIs

Texas Super Kings: 1. Faf du Plessis (c), 2. Devon Conway, 3. Lahiru Milantha, 4. David Miller, 5. Milind Kumar, 6. Mitchell Santner, 7. Dwayne Bravo, 8. Calvin Savage, 9. Gerald Coetzee/Sisanda Magala, 10. Mohammad Mohsin, 11. Rusty Theron

MI New York: 1. Dewald Brevis, 2. Shayan Jahangir, 3. Monank Patel, 4. Hammad Azam, 5. Nicholas Pooran (wk), 6. Kieron Pollard (c), 7. Tim David, 8. Kagiso Rabada, 9. Nosthush Kenjige, 10. Trent Boult, 11. Ehsan Adil

TSK vs MINY Dream11 Prediction: Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

Texas Super Kings:

  • Faf du Plessis has made a slow start to MLC 2023. But, he can fire at any moment. If he can get past the Boult-Rabada opening burst, watch out.
  • du Plessis has struck 1,153 runs at an average of 44.3 and strike rate of 148.4 in T20s this year.
  • Devon Conway made a strong start to the tournament (55) before his golden duck last game. He has never been dismissed by Rabada (13 balls, 21 runs) and Boult (6 balls, 12 runs) in T20s.
  • David Miller was man of the match in TSK’s win earlier in MLC 2023. He struck 61 off 42 balls. Since the start of 2022, Miller has struck 1,802 runs in all T20s at an average of 38.34 and strike rate of 143.47.
  • Dwayne Bravo is winding back the clock. The all-rounder hammered 76* off 39 balls last game and has taken a wicket in each of the two matches so far.
  • Bravo has dismissed Nicholas Pooran three times in 44 balls in T20s (68 runs). He has also dismissed Pollard 11 times in 176 balls in T20s (275 runs), so that battle promises to be a fascinating one.
  • Gerald Coetzee, if fit, is one to watch. The pacer has picked up four wickets in two games, with three coming in the powerplay. Interestingly, Coetzee has dismissed Dewald Brevis twice in 15 balls in T20s (17 runs).

MI New York:

  • It’s a big game for Dewald Brevis. The talented batter is striking at just 100 in the powerplay and 121.6 overall in T20s this year
  • Tim David is on fire. The middle order batsman has smashed 101 runs without dismissal at a strike rate of 206.2 in MLC 2023.
  • Nicholas Pooran has struck 826 runs in franchise T20s this year at an average of 35.9 and strike rate of 152.1. The left-hander has looked decent this MLC season (78 runs) without finding his fluency as yet (SR 120).
  • Kagiso Rabada has had the better of Faf du Plessis in T20s. He has dismissed him three times in 33 balls, conceding just 34 in the process. Also, Rabada has total figures of 1/23 off 19 balls against Miller.
  • Trent Boult is looking in prime touch. He has picked up four wickets in two matches at an economy of 7.02. The left-armer will be key against the TSK openers, especially Conway who was dismissed by Marco Jansen earlier in the tournament.

Other Stats and Facts

  • Tim David has hit 458 runs at an average of 41.6 and strike rate of 194.9 between overs 16 and 20 in all T20s this year.
  • Mohammad Mohsin is MLC 2023’s leading wicket-taker so far (5).
  • Mitchell Santner has dismissed Nicholas Pooran twice in 16 balls in all T20s (14 runs).
  • Kieron Pollard has struck 43 off 24 against Rusty Theron in T20s. Theron has dismissed him twice. Also, Pollard has notched 39 off 21 balls against Santner in all T20 cricket (one dismissal).

Grand Prairie Stadium Texas Pitch Report and Weather

Another very hot evening is forecast, with temperatures touching 40 degrees. The surfaces have begun to show signs of slowing down, with teams struggling to get going in the powerplay and middle overs.

The average first innings score is 172.5. Teams batting first have won five of the six matches to date. So, there may be the temptation to bat first and aim to get 170+ on the board.

MLC 2023 Match 7: TSK vs MINY Dream11 Prediction Today Match 17 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.

TSK vs MINY Dream11 Prediction: Ideal team combination

  • 2 wicket-keepers
  • 3+ batsmen or 3+ bowlers
  • 2 all-rounders

Option 1:

TSK vs MINY Dream11 Prediction Possible 11 Pitch Report MLC 2023 Match 7 | TSK vs MINY Dream11 Prediction Today | Grand Prairie Pitch Report
MLC 2023 Match 7: TSK vs MINY Dream11 Prediction Today Match 17 July 2023

Option 2:

TSK vs MINY Dream11 Prediction Possible 11 Pitch Report MLC 2023 Match 7 | TSK vs MINY Dream11 Prediction Today | Grand Prairie Pitch Report
MLC 2023 Match 7: TSK vs MINY Dream11 Prediction Today Match 17 July 2023

MLC 2023 Match 7: TSK vs MINY Match Prediction – Who will win?

A match that can go either way. MI New York look strong with their middle order and bowling attack, but a score of 170+ by either team is likely to be a winning one.

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.

Old Trafford Manchester weather forecast for 4th Ashes Test

Charbel Coorey
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0
Old Trafford Manchester weather forecast for 4th Ashes Test

Cricket News: Old Trafford Manchester weather forecast for 4th Ashes Test | Will rain spoil the 4th Ashes Test at Manchester?

The 2023 Ashes, as predicted by many, is beautifully poised heading into the final two Tests. Australia took a 2-0 series lead thanks to two closely-fought victories, followed by England landing their first punch at Headingley.

Team combinations and battles between players – namely Stuart Broad and David Warner – dominates the talk ahead of the fourth Ashes Test at Old Trafford. However, there is the worry of rain, with inclement weather forecast throughout the Test match.

Below is a look on whether there could be enough play to allow for a result.

4th Ashes Test 2023: Will the weather play spoilsport at Old Trafford?

According to BBC.com, there is up to a 41% chance of precipitation at 11am on Wednesday; day one of the Test. The good news is that the probability of rain decreases throughout the afternoon. So, there should be close to a full day’s play at least.

Day two (Thursday) looks the most promising of all the days. Sunny intervals and minimal rain is forecast. Day three (Friday) looks a little more worrying with the possibility of light rain showers in the morning, before lower chances of precipitation in the afternoon.

Cricket News: Old Trafford Manchester weather forecast for 4th Ashes Test | Will rain spoil the 4th Ashes Test at Old Trafford Manchester?
Old Trafford Manchester weather forecast for 4th Ashes Test: Day 3

However, days four and five look most worrying. The chance of precipitation stands at 70% right throughout Saturday, with similar conditions forecast for Sunday afternoon. The hope is that the conditions improve by the time the weekend comes around, but one can expect England to go even harder to try set the game up on the opening three days.

AccuWeather predicts similar weather patterns. The first three days should see a good amount of cricket played, but the chances of interruptions on days four and five are high.

Cricket News: Old Trafford Manchester weather forecast for 4th Ashes Test | Will rain spoil the 4th Ashes Test at Old Trafford Manchester?
Old Trafford Manchester weather forecast for 4th Ashes Test: Day 3

What will the pitch be like at Old Trafford?

Also, there is the question of pitch preparation. There has been quite a bit of rain in Manchester in the lead up to the match, which my prompt the captain who wins the toss to bowl first.

However, the team batting first has won 50% of Tests at Old Trafford since the start of 2013. Spin could also play a key factor later in the game, but overcast conditions and the lack of heat should make the pace bowlers the priority.

England will be desperate for the weather to hold up. Should the match end in a draw, Australia will retain the Ashes as the hosts have to win the series to regain the coveted urn.

Reactions to Shaheen Shah Afridi reaching 100 Test wickets

Shahryaar Mirza
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0
Reactions to Shaheen Shah Afridi reaching 100 Test wickets

Cricket News: Reactions to Shaheen Shah Afridi reaching 100 Test wickets | Shaheen reaches 100 Test wickets after return from injury

The first Test between Sri Lanka and Pakistan has already confirmed that we may have a close series on our hands.

Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah bowled in tandem to kick off proceedings after Sri Lanka won the toss and chose to bat at Galle. Less than 15 minutes into the game, Shaheen got his 100th Test wicket as he got the better of Nishan Madushka. Soon after that, he also got Kusal Mendis with a delivery angling away from the batter.

It was a sweet moment for Shaheen as he had to wait an entire year to go from 99 to 100 Test wickets. Also, it was at this very venue where he picked up an injury last time around.

The pace bowling duo bowled excellent lengths in their first spells. They consistently tempted the batters and got the ball to move. Shaheen looked in much better rhythm, while Naseem was a bit unlucky as a few edges and chances went begging.

However, the one man they did not seem to have answers for was Dhananjaya de Silva. At the end of the day’s play, the batter remained unbeaten needing six more runs to get to his 10th Test century. At 242-6, Sri Lanka would go into the dressing room as the happier side, especially after the start Pakistan got.

On a Galle pitch that will only deteriorate, Sri Lanka would be more than happy to get to 280 or even 300.

SL vs PAK 1st Test day 1 reactions – Shaheen 100 wickets, Dhanajaya nears ton

Pakistan’s great left-armer, Wasim Akram, tweeted “Congratulations Shaheen Afridi on your 100 Test wickets, just one of the many milestones to come… Keep going strong!”

Here is how Twitter reacted to Shaheen reaching 100 Test wickets and Dhananjaya closing in on a ton.


IND vs WI 1st Test Twitter Reactions – Jaiswal & Ashwin destroy hosts

Shahryaar Mirza
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0
IND vs WI 1st Test Twitter Reactions – Jaiswal & Ashwin destroy hosts

Cricket News: IND vs WI 1st Test Twitter Reactions – Jaiswal & Ashwin destroy hosts | Reactions to Ashwin 12 wickets & Jaiswal 171

India completed a convincing victory over the West Indies as the hosts lost by an innings and 141 runs. A dominant performance from the visitors represents the perfect start to their ICC World Test Championship 2023-25 campaign as they aim to reach the final for the third-straight time.

Ravichandran Ashwin, on a track with assistance for spinners, asked questions throughout the game. The West Indies batters had no answers to the legendary offspinner. The 36-year old bagged 12 wickets in the game, making it the eighth time he has taken ten wickets in a Test. He now has the joint-most 10-wicket hauls for India in Tests, alongside Anil Kumble.

Yashasvi Jaiswal, on Test debut, won the Player Of The Match award for his stunning 171. From humble beginnings to making history in his first Test knock ever is what dreams are made of. His patience and ability to adjust to a different format is what stood out as India declared on 421/5.

IND vs WI 1st Test Twitter reactions – West Indies crumble for 130 in just 50.3 overs

Here is how Twitter reacted to Ashwin’s 12 wickets and India’s emphatic win.

The second Test begins on Thursday 20th July at Port of Spain. Going by the evidence of the first Test, it is difficult to see anything other than a comfortable India victory given the gap between the teams.

Dropping David Warner a huge gamble – Ponting

Shahryaar Mirza
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0
Dropping David Warner a huge gamble – Ponting

Cricket News: Dropping David Warner a huge gamble – Ponting | Ricky Ponting backs David Warner for Old Trafford Test

On The ICC Review Podcast’s latest episode, former Australian skipper, Ricky Ponting, put forward his predicted Australia XI for the fourth Test. In the process, he backed David Warner for the Manchester showdown.

Ponting is of the opinion that the opener could score big anytime soon. Even with his matchup against Stuart Broad, leaving a player of his experience out with the Ashes on line could be a massive gamble.

Warner was dismissed by Broad twice in the previous Test. Broad has got the better of the left-handed batsman a stunning 17 times now in Test cricket. This, Ponting believes, is the major reason behind all the debate regarding Warner’s spot for the upcoming game.

“I know there’s been a lot of chat the last couple of days since the end of Headingley and it’s more the fact that it’s Broad that’s getting him out, I think. I think if it was anybody else, the noise probably wouldn’t be quite as loud, but the fact that he struggled to get through the opening spells of Broad a few times in this series again, makes it a little bit more of a worry.”

“And the reason I say that is because I’ve played against teams in the past and bowlers in the past where you just know that they’ve got the wood on you and they’re on top of you and you just can’t get away from it because if I’m Ben Stokes, even if David Warner gets through the first spell of Stuart Broad, then I’ll give him a short break and I’ll bring him back again,” said Ponting.

Bringing in new player over Warner can be a massive gamble, says Ricky Ponting

Keeping all that in mind, Ponting still wants Warner to be given another chance. According to him, it could probably be a mental block that is holding Warner back at this point, and not so much to do with his technique.

“When someone’s got you out 17 times, it does become as much a mental or probably more of a mental battle than it does a technical battle. But just thinking about the series, I’d be inclined to stick with David Warner,” he added.

Moreover, he was not happy with the lack of warm-up games for Australia. He made it clear that he has nothing against the inclusion of batters like Marcus Harris or Matt Renshaw. But, such players have barely played any first-class cricket in quite some time. Dropping an experienced campaigner like Warner for such players could backfire massively.

“With the lack of tour games for Australia, it doesn’t just hinder the guys that are out of form, but it actually hinders the other guys that are trying to push for a place into the side because they’re just batting in the nets every day and they’re not getting any match practice either.”

“If you’re going into the fourth Test match of an Ashes, with the Ashes on the line, do you bring a Marcus Harris or a Matt Renshaw in that simply haven’t played a game of cricket for, I don’t know how long since they’ve played a first-class game? Even if you did make the change, you’d be making a pretty courageous call to bring someone in that hasn’t been in the line-up,” added Ponting.

Can David Warner overcome the Stuart Broad threat?

Although Warner has scored just 141 runs in six innings so far this Ashes, the former Australian captain would want his side to stick with him. He thinks Warner could go on to score a big score if he sees out the new ball spell of Stuart Broad.

“Right now I’m probably more inclined to give David another opportunity and hope that he can get through Stuart Broad and go on and make a big score,” he said.

The legendary batter did not conclude without offering some advice to the struggling Warner. He talked about something he noticed about Warner and his reactions to getting dismissed by Broad.

Ponting, who himself was a master at mind games, knows that those wry on-field smiles from players are often an indication of them giving in to the pressure of the situation. He claimed that Warner seemed to have succumbed to the intensity and all the noise surrounding his matchup against Broad.  

“I always talk about when you see guys smiling on the field, smiling for me, it’s almost a nervous reaction. You’re never happy to play and miss at one or you’re never happy to nick one to slip, but for some reason when guys are under pressure, it’s nerves that makes you smile.”

“I know when I was playing against players, as soon as they started smiling at me, I knew that I had them. You’ve just got to look at Warner’s dismissals in the last game and this sort of wry smile came on his face almost to say, you’ve done it again, you’ve got me again,” Ponting claimed.

He ended the chat on the batter saying that he would wish to see the version of Warner that he always knew, the incredibly competitive sportsman who kept fighting until the very end. With some of the starts Warner has gotten off to in the last few weeks, Ponting thinks a knock justifying Warner’s caliber is right on the cards.

“I’d like to see him go the other way. I’d like to see him show that real bulldog fighting spirit that he’s got. I think like he showed in the first innings of the World Test Championship, like he showed in the first innings at Lord’s where he made runs there.”

“I’d like to see him get back to that and if he gets back to that, I think with the way that I’ve seen him start in a couple of his innings, I honestly do feel a big score is just around the corner,” Ponting concluded.

In the same Podcast, he also mentioned that he would bring back Josh Hazlewood in place of Scott Boland, who has not tasted enough success in the Ashes so far.

Ricky Ponting’s predicted Australia XI for fourth Ashes Test at Manchester

1. David Warner, 2. Usman Khawaja, 3. Marnus Labuschagne, 4. Steve Smith, 5. Travis Head, 6. Mitch Marsh, 7. Alex Carey, 8. Mitchell Starc, 9. Pat Cummins, 10. Todd Murphy, 11. Josh Hazlewood

Fans critical of the India Test jersey

Charbel Coorey
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Fans critical of the India Test jersey

Cricket News: Fans critical of the India Test jersey | Fans split on India’s new Test kit during first Test against West Indies

India’s domination of West Indies so far in their tour of the Caribbean doesn’t come as much of a surprise. India have made the final in each of the first two World Test Championship cycles, while the Windies are still reeling from missing out on the ODI World Cup.

Along with Yashasvi Jaiswal’s patient and determined debut century, a lot of the talk has been around India’s new Test jersey. In particular, the Dream11 logo and stripes on the trousers have been a topic of debate. Criticism of the kit is based at the move away from the traditional whites as well as whether the colours work well together in cricket’s most traditional format.

Those in support believe it’s a look that is a sign of the times, with sponsorships a key part of cricket and sport as a whole.

Debates on the new India Test jersey – fans have their say online

Arguments against the new kit:

“I cannot believe India is allowed to wear these uniforms in Test cricket (well, I can actually!). The blue Adidas stripes on the shirts and trousers are totally unacceptable in Test cricket. You wear that shirt in a press conference or on the team bus,” one fan wrote.

“The current Indian test jersey is so terrible on the eyes…Can we have the old classic white jersey back? Couldn’t there have been a better design to maintain the sanctity of the test ethic? Big logos, glaring colors, brands everywhere…looks like total crap,” read another tweet.

Reactions in favour of the India Test jersey & kit

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