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Ashes 2023 ENG vs AUS 2nd Test Dream11 Prediction Possible 11 Pitch Report

Charbel Coorey
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Ashes 2023 ENG vs AUS 2nd Test Dream11 Prediction Possible 11 Pitch Report

Ashes 2023 ENG vs AUS 2nd Test Dream11 Prediction Possible 11 Pitch Report | Ashes 2nd Test Dream11 Prediction | Lord’s Pitch Report

The only thing you could confidently predict about this Ashes series is that it would be an absolute belter. Everything else is up in the air. The thrilling Edgbaston Test was testament to that, with ebbs and flows right throughout the five days eventually ending in a memorable Australia victory.

Since the start of the 21st century, only once has a team come back from 1-0 down to win an Ashes series: England in 2005. With this series already on track to be the best England-Australia duel since that remarkable series 18 years ago, expect this England team to bounce back hard.

And, they have promised just that. Despite the debate around Ben Stokes’s declaration and England’s team selection, the hosts seem more confident now than prior to the series. Zak Crawley backs his team to win by about 150 runs. Ollie Robinson believes England can still regain the Ashes even if they go 2-0 down. There is no doubt England will go harder, and we’re here for it.

For Australia, the fact they prevailed at Edgbaston without contributions from Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne is cause for optimism. If they get going at Lord’s, Australia can take a massive step towards retaining the Ashes given they look relatively settled as a unit especially given the brilliant exploits of Usman Khawaja and Pat Cummins last week.

Ashes 2023 ENG vs AUS 2nd Test Possible Playing XIs

England have confirmed their XI. Josh Tongue will replace Moeen Ali.

England: 1. Zak Crawley, 2. Ben Duckett, 3. Ollie Pope, 4. Joe Root, 5. Harry Brook, 6. Ben Stokes (c), 7. Jonny Bairstow (wk), 8. Ollie Robinson, 9. Stuart Broad, 10. Josh Tongue, 11. James Anderson

Australia may make one change by bringing Mitchell Starc in for either Josh Hazlewood or Scott Boland. However, there may the temptation to stick with the same attack given conditions are likely to be more conducive for seam bowling.

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

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

England:

  • Joe Root was outstanding at Edgbaston. He struck 118* and was on track for more. In 19 Tests at Lord’s, Root has struck 1,680 runs at an average of 52.50 with six fifties and five hundreds.
  • Since the start of 2021, Root has struck 3,344 Test runs at an average of 58.7 with 13 tons. He is striking at 61.8 in this period.
  • Harry Brook looked in good touch in both innings of the first Test, but was dismissed without going on for the big score (32 and 46). The right-hander has 896 runs in his eight Tests so far at an average of 74.66 and strike rate of 97.92.
  • England need runs from Ben Stokes. The England captain looked produced his best form for some time in the second innings at Edgbaston, where he hit 43. Crucially in that innings, Stokes was willing to be patient early which bodes well for his team.
  • Much has been made of Jonny Bairstow’s wicket-keeping, but his batting has been excellent. Since the start of 2022, Bairstow has scored 1,159 runs at an average of 64.4 and strike rate of 76.6.
  • James Anderson is hoping for more assistance from the Lord’s pitch. The legendary seamer has the most Test wickets on this ground (117) at an average of 24.58. Stuart Broad, who took six wickets at Edgbaston, has the next-most at Lord’s with 108 at an average of 27.42.

Australia:

  • Usman Khawaja is coming off a man of the match performance at Edgbaston. The opener struck 141 and 65 in an excellent display of Test batting.
  • Since the start of 2022, Khawaja has struck 1,827 Test runs at an average of 67.7.
  • Steve Smith had a rare quiet Test. He returns to Lord’s, where he has scored 381 runs in four Tests at an average of 54.42.
  • Smith has good numbers against England’s two premier bowlers at Lord’s. He has scored 48 off 71 against Anderson (no dismissal) and 77 off 108 against Broad (no dismissal). In addition, he has scored 37 off 65 against Wood (no dismissal).
  • Marnus Labuschagne came in as Smith’s concussion substitute at Lord’s in the 2019 Ashes. He scored a gritty half-century, one of four in that series.
  • Alex Carey is enjoying an excellent tour of the UK so far. He has been magnificent behind the stumps and has contributed with the bat, with scores of 44, 66* (WTC Final) and 66, 20 (first Ashes Test).
  • Pat Cummins stood up in the second innings with both ball (4/63) and bat (44*). He took 3/61 and 3/35 at Lord’s in 2019, part of 37 wickets in seven Tests in England at an average of just 22.41.

Other Stats and Facts

  • Head-to-head in England since the start of 2015: 11 matches, England 5, Australia 5, drawn 1.
  • Stuart Broad dismissed Marnus Labuschagne twice in the channel in the previous Test match.
  • Travis Head in Tests since the start of 2021: 30 inns, 1,455 runs, avg. 53.9, SR 81.5.
  • Nathan Lyon is five away from becoming the third Australian to take 500 Test wickets.
  • Ollie Robinson has picked up 11 wickets at an average of 19.9 at Lord’s.

Lord’s Pitch Report and Weather

ALSO READ: England’s conundrum. What kind of pitches will they produce?

48 hours out from the first ball, the pitch resembles something you’d see in New Zealand. However, expect much of the grass to be shaven off the surface, with a pacier pitch expected to the one in Edgbaston.

In the past ten years, the average first innings score at Lord’s is 294.68, with the team batting first winning 47.4% of the matches. Interestingly, right-arm off-spin fares the worst in this period, with the second-highest average (37) and highest economy (3.52).

Conditions in London should allow for a result. The first day is forcast for cloud cover but minimal rain. There could be some rain on Thursday (day two) and Saturday morning (day three), but overall the forecast looks mostly fine and dry.

Ashes 2023 2nd Test ENG vs AUS Dream11 Prediction Today Match 28 June-2nd 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.

Ashes 2023 2nd Test Dream11 Prediction: Ideal team combination

  • 2 wicket-keepers
  • 4 batsmen
  • 1 all-rounder
  • 4 bowlers

Option 1:

Ashes 2023 ENG vs AUS 2nd Test Dream11 Prediction Possible 11 Pitch Report | Ashes 2nd Test Dream11 Prediction | Lord's Pitch Report
Ashes 2023 2nd Test ENG vs AUS Dream11 Prediction

Option 2:

Ashes 2023 ENG vs AUS 2nd Test Dream11 Prediction Possible 11 Pitch Report | Ashes 2nd Test Dream11 Prediction | Lord's Pitch Report
Ashes 2023 2nd Test ENG vs AUS Dream11 Prediction

Ashes 2023 2nd Test Match Prediction – who will win?

Another magnificent match is on the cards. Batting first might prove to be key. Expect another tight contest, with England possibly prevailing this time, in line with how close this series will be.

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.

How does the super sixes stage work at the ICC ODI World Cup Qualifier 2023?

Charbel Coorey
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How does the super sixes stage work at the ICC ODI World Cup Qualifier 2023?

Cricket News: How does the super sixes stage work at the ICC ODI World Cup Qualifier 2023? | ODI WC Qualifier details

On first glance, the Zimbabwe-West Indies match at Harare on June 24 may not have seemed too important given both teams had already qualified to the super sixes of the ICC ODI World Cup Qualifier tournament. Hosts Zimbabwe chased well against Nepal and Netherlands, while the Windies were too strong for USA and Nepal.

However, the match was hugely significant, emphasised by the huge and loud support at Harare Sports Club. The winner would have the luxury of taking those points into the super sixes stage, where the top two teams would then qualify to the ODI World Cup in India.

ICC ODI World Cup Qualifier 2023: How does the super sixes stage work?

As you know, there are two groups of five in the ICC ODI World Cup Qualifier in Zimbabwe. Each team plays each other once, with the top three from each group progressing to the next round.

However, every game matters. Teams can take points and net run rate from the group stage into the super sixes. How? By beating other teams who also qualified into the super sixes.

For example, because Zimbabwe beat fellow qualifier West Indies, they will take those two points into the next round. The other team to qualify out of Group A was the Netherlands, who Zimbabwe also beat. So, the hosts have secured a headstart in the super sixes stage, where they will play group B qualifiers Scotland, Oman and Sri Lanka.

Zimbabwe also beat Nepal, but because Nepal did not qualify to the next round, Zimbabwe’s points from that match do not count.

Because of their four points and solid net run rate, two wins may be enough to see the Zimbabweans return to the ODI World Cup.

For West Indies, their next match against Netherlands on Monday 26 June is vital. If the Windies lose that match, they will enter the super sixes stage with no points, which makes their qualification hopes almost obsolete.

Cricket News: How does the super sixes stage work at the ICC ODI World Cup Qualifier 2023? | ODI WC Qualifier super sixes details

The same applies for Group B. Sri Lanka and Scotland have both gained two points by beating Oman. Both will then meet on Tuesday for the chance to gain an extra two points to take into the next stage.

“Warnie” series cops scathing & negative review

Charbel Coorey
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“Warnie” series cops scathing & negative review

Cricket News: “Warnie” series cops scathing review | Channel 9’s “Warnie” documentary receives largely negative reviews

A little over a year since the great Shane Warne’s passing, Channel 9 Australia launched a two-night drama series “Warnie” with the intention of “celebrating the life of an Aussie icon.” However, it has been widely described as “rushed”, “cringey” and “putrid”.

Part one aired on the evening of 25th June, and was met by widespread negative reviews. The documentary, condemned as disrespectful to Warne and his family, focuses on both the highs and lows of Warne’s life; from the Gatting delivery to failed drug tests and the match fixing controversy. In addition, the casting choices, acting and overall production were widely criticised, with viewers claiming the documentary does no justice to one of cricket’s greatest ever.

Previously, Brooke Warne, Shane’s eldest daughter, accused Nine of being “beyond disrespectful” and “insensitive” to go ahead with the series just a few months after the legendary legspinner’s death. Also, she claimed it a “a ratings ploy”; a view shared by the majority of viewers online.

Warne’s ex-wife and mother of his three children, Simone Callahan, also took aim at Nine. “I haven’t wanted to read into too much about it, but I think it’s a bit unkind and mean spirited to be honest,’’ she said to Herald Sun.

“It’s my opinion. He’s just passed, let him rest in peace. And for the kids, I just believe that they’re not showing any compassion at all by putting this out there in such a short amount of time after this has happened.”

To watch the documentary visit 9now.com.au: https://www.9now.com.au/warnie/season-1

Reactions to “Warnie” documentary: Fans leave scathing review

“Channel 9’s Warnie, is the worst thing I have ever seen and an embarrassment to his legacy. A genuine car crash you can’t stop watching. Channel 9 I am boycotting you (ashes aside) for the next 3 years,” one tweet read.

“As expected, #Warnie is absolute bin juice, almost insulting. I understand the need to take creative licence, but this is outrageous. SKW’s life deserves a $50 million Hollywood feature, not this cheap as chips, TV movie from Wish which might as well be called Underbelly: Warnie,” read another.

Below are some of the reactions to the documentary.

Zak Crawley predicts an England win by 150 runs at Lord’s

Charbel Coorey
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Zak Crawley predicts an England win by 150 runs at Lord’s

Cricket News: Zak Crawley predicts an England win by 150 runs at Lord’s | Ashes 2023 Lord’s Test prediction: Crawley has his say

England opener Zak Crawley believes his team will comfortably win the second Ashes Test at Lord’s. Speaking to Times Radio, Crawley said the surface will suit England more compared to the docile surface of Edgbaston, with Ollie Robinson and James Anderson asking for more assistance following Australia’s thrilling two-run win.

“I think we will win,” he said. “I think it will suit us a bit more, that pitch. So I think we’ll win by, I don’t know, 150 runs?”

We’re about entertainment – Zak Crawley

Crawley echoed Ollie Robinson’s statement for wisden.com where Brendon McCullum praised the team for their performance in a game they felt like they had won. The opener said that despite the defeat at Edgbaston, the effect it has had on Test cricket is the team’s ultimate goal.

“That’s why we took [this loss] better than other losses perhaps, because it was great for the game,” Crawley said. “I think Sky had record viewing figures, Test Match Special had record listening figures, so this week was a great week for cricket and that’s what we’re all about.

“We’re not about results. We always talk about that. We’re not about winning or losing: we’re about entertainment. Of course, we’re there to win and it helps our brand and what we’re trying to do. If we win, we get more traction.”

Crawley will be aiming to improve on his Test average, with his 61 in the first innings of the first Test the kind of innings the team wants from him.

“You don’t feel that pressure when you’re out there. The pressure is more when you’re playing for your team-mates and our jobs as openers and top-order batsmen is to set the tone. And so the pressure I feel is I’ve got to get off to a good start and a quick start for my team,” he said.

The second Test begins on Wednesday June 28. It is crucial England avoid defeat at the very least to ensure they have the best possible shot at regaining the coveted Ashes urn which they have not held since 2017.

List of the richest T20 leagues in the world

Charbel Coorey
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List of the richest T20 leagues in the world

Cricket News: List of the richest T20 leagues in the world 2023 | Which is the richest T20 league after the IPL?

T20 leagues have taken the cricket world by storm. Not many would have thought that the first T20, played between Durham and Nottinghamshire in 2003, would be the start of a revolution that would transform the cricketing calendar and how the sport would be played.

Fast forward to 2023, and even Test cricket is played in ultra-attacking style. Many cricketers play various T20 leagues around the world, with huge paypackets that international boards often can’t match. The numbers below are astounding in the top six richest T20 leagues in the world.

Top 6 richest T20 leagues in the world

6. Vitality Blast

The winner of the Vitality Blast receives approx. US$222,495 in prize money. The tournament is part of the big broadcast deal the England and Wales Cricket Board landed for 2020-2024 worth approximately US$1.39 billion. This deal includes internationals.

5. Big Bash League (BBL)

Foxtel and Channel 7 confirmed a seven-year, AU$1.5 billion extension deal in early 2023, even with the BBL set to have a fewer number of matches. This means the BBL’s broadcast value per match increases, but the overall deal includes the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) and internationals as well.

The tournament winner receives AU$500,000 (approx. US$334,000).

4. Pakistan Super League (PSL)

The media rights value per PSL match is approximately US$297,000 per match. In December 2021, the PSL signed a two-year deal worth US$24 million, a 50% increase on the previous cycle. With the new media rights cycle approaching, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) will be looking to continuously increase the tournament’s brand value, which stood at US$240 million at the time of the previous cycle.

Also, premier sponsor HBL paid US$14.3 million to renew their contract back in 2021. The PCB retains 5%, with the rest going to the franchises.

In terms of prize money, the winner receives approx. US$450,000.

3. Caribbean Premier League (CPL)

Every game of the CPL is an unforgettable party. Fans dance and cheer in the stands as some of the world’s best T20 cricketers do their thing. Viewers also enjoy the league, with a combined digital and broadcast viewership of 721.8 million in 2022, soon after the league delivered US$250 million in media exposure.

Sponsorship value in the 2022 season was US$66,250,232, with the league delivering US$134,686,551 in direct economic impact on the Caribbean, i.e. jobs, hotel rooms, tourism and more.

The winner receives US$1 million in prize money, with the runner up receiving a solid $600,000. Overall prize money totals US$2.16 million.

2. SA20

South Africa’s SA20 enjoyed a magnificent first season in 2023. Media giant Viacom18 bought the media rights for an undisclosed fee, but reportedly just below Cricket South Africa’s asking price of US$100 million for ten years. Also, Supersport own a 30% share in the tournament.

The total prize money totalled over $US4 million. The winner, Sunrisers Eastern Cape, received $2 million in prize money with runners up Pretoria Capitals receiving $1 million.

1. Indian Premier League (IPL)

It comes as no surprise that the IPL comes in at number one. According to Statista, the value of the league skyrocketed to US$8.4 billion in 2022, with the mammoth media rights and two new teams contributing significantly to an increase in value post the pandemic.

Also, after the 2022 mega auction, the 234 participating players were to be paid a whopping $116,339,000 combined. With fans rating the 2023 season the best ever in IPL history, the quality and viewership is only improving, increasing the potential for higher player earnings.

The winning team receives US$2.41 million in prize money. The runner up receives US$1.57 million, followed by US$846,000 for third and fourth.

Ashes 2023 – What kind of pitches will England produce?

Charbel Coorey
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0
Ashes 2023 – What kind of pitches will England produce?

Cricket News: Ashes 2023 – What kind of pitches will England produce? | England bowlers call for more seam-friendly pitches

England’s style of cricket under Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum, which has served the team so well over the past year, was seen as their biggest strength heading into the highly anticipated 2023 Ashes series.

The hosts displayed more of the same positivity at Edgbaston, scoring at 4.62 per over against Australia’s capable attack. The relatively flat surface – the kind Ben Stokes called for earlier in the year – enabled England to play freely, but they ultimately fell short in a classic Test match.

England seamers Anderson and Robinson call for more seamer-friendly pitches in the Ashes

In the fallout, two of England’s seamers have called for more assistance from the surfaces. Legend James Anderson, who made his Test debut way back in 2003, has enjoyed a remarkable run of form since turning 35. However, the seamer was unable to make a big impact in the Edgbaston Test, telling The Telegraph of his discontent at the slow, docile pitch.

“It’s a long series and hopefully I can contribute at some point,” he said. “But if all the pitches are like that, I’m done in the Ashes series.”

“That pitch was like kryptonite for me. There was not much swing, no seam movement, no bounce and no pace. I’ve tried over the years to hone my skills so I can bowl in any conditions but everything I tried made no difference. I felt like I was fighting an uphill battle.”

Fellow seamer Ollie Robinson also called for pitches with more movement. In his column for wisden.com, Robinson said a seaming pitch would suit England more.

“We were surprised by how defensive Australia were and how unwilling they were to go toe-to-toe with us. Obviously it’s worked for them this Test match,” he said.

“But, we feel that with the way they’re playing at the moment, a pitch with a bit more movement would benefit us hugely.”

England’s conundrum

There is no doubt Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes have sparked a sharp turnaround. England won just one of their previous 17 Tests before they took over, with the series defeat in West Indies the final straw.

However, their positive style of play has been aided by excellent batting surfaces both home and abroad. The pitches held true right throughout their home season in 2022, where they knocked off New Zealand thrice and India once. They were also able to score rapidly on Pakistani highways in an impressive 3-0 series win.

Should England now turn towards seam-friendly pitches, it will go against Stokes’s original wishes and could put their batting under the microscope. The lineup prides itself on driving on the up, reverse scoops and further audacious strokeplay, so it will be interesting to see how they cope on pitches with more assistance for Australia’s bowlers.

However, Australia’s batsmen will surely be tested by England’s skillful seam attack. It is another element of what is shaping up to be a riveting Ashes series.

The second Test begins at Lord’s on Wednesday 28 June.

Ashes rivalry alive as ever, but India is in the box seat when it comes to economics of cricket

Tim Harcourt
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Ashes rivalry alive as ever, but India is in the box seat when it comes to economics of cricket

Ashes rivalry is as alive as ever after an all-time classic Test at Edgbaston, but when it comes to cricket’s economics, India hold the aces

Article credit: The Conversation

What an exciting end to the first Test of the 2023 Ashes with the Aussie grit of Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon just defeating England’s Bazball style of play. It sets the scene for an exciting Ashes series overall with Lord’s hosting the next test.

It comes just a week after Australia won the World Test Cricket championship, defeating India in comprehensive style at The Oval in south London.

The Ashes always excites the traditionalists, as the Australia-England rivalry is the oldest in cricket.

But while playing the old enemy for the Ashes is for many the pinnacle of Australian cricket, Australia-India is developing as a modern rivalry.

This is significant because when it comes to the economics or business of cricket, it’s India that’s in the box seat, not England.

Indian Premier League (IPL) as a cricketing powerhouse

The 2023 season of the Indian Premier League drew more than 500 million viewers, a 32% growth in television ratings on last season. The very first IPL game of the 2023 season in fact attracted more viewers than the Super Bowl the climax of the NFL’s American football season and one of the biggest dates on the world sporting calendar.  The first IPL match attracted 130 million viewers compared to 113 million for the Superbowl.

What’s more, 2023 IPL champions the Chennai Super Kings are valued at about US$900 million (A$1.3 billion), and have been touted as the “Manchester United of the IPL”.

Cricket News: 3 reasons why CSK won the IPL 2023 Final | Key reasons why CSK won the IPL for a fifth time
Ashes rivalry alive as ever, but India is in the box seat when it comes to economics of cricket

It just shows the power of sport in today’s global economy, and the power of India in global cricket. Indeed, sport is no longer about small talk, but an intrinsic part of the global economy and geopolitics.

When T20 took off in England and spread to the cricket playing nations, everyone thought Test Cricket would die. But it didn’t. In fact, it is stronger than ever as we can see from the popularity of the Ashes and the India-Australia series. If anything, it’s the game in between T20 and Test cricket, the 50-over game that is likely to become obsolete. The ODI World Cup is played every four years as the showpiece event, but is now arguably overshadowed by the regularity of the T20 World Cup.

So how exactly did India and the IPL become the cricket powerhouse?

The IPL was formed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) after India’s victory in the 2007 World Cup, after a breakaway league had been mooted to break the BCCI’s grip on the game. The BCCI acted fast to surf the T20 wave and according to the BCCI Vice President Lalit Modi at the time, it was “designed to entice an entirely new generation of sports fans into the grounds throughout the country. The dynamic Twenty20 format has been designed to attract a young fan base, including women and children.”

Cricket News: List of the most valuable IPL franchises 2023 | Which team is the most valuable IPL franchise in 2023?
Ashes rivalry alive as ever, but India is in the box seat when it comes to economics of cricket

So why did this happen in India?

It’s partly size, with India now the largest country in the world with 1.4 billion people, and India’s economic success in recent decades with a growing middle class. By 2025 the Indian middle class will number 583 million people, or 41 percent of India’s projected population.

This has been super-charged by the digitisation of the Indian economy with TVs and smart phones giving the average Indian cricket lover access to their favourite teams. The IPL has attracted the top cricketers from around the world and also boosted women’s cricket (especially their pay packets) with the Women’s Premier League in India too.

“designed to entice an entirely new generation of sports fans into the grounds throughout the country. The dynamic Twenty20 format has been designed to attract a young fan base, including women and children.”

Lalit Modi

The rise of the IPL has been endorsed by surveys on the fans themselves on the future of cricket

For example, a survey by Cricblog of 1,000+ fans showed that 68% of respondents believe IPL franchises will soon hold more power over national boards. Also, 52.4% of respondents said they would drop One Day Internationals (ODIs) to reduce scheduling pressures that have come about from the rise of T20 cricket.

However, despite the shift to T20s, like the successful IPL, over 90% believe Tests will still be around in the next 10-15 years, with the success of the Ashes crucial to Test cricket’s survival.

The role of IPL and Tests came up for discussion when I was in India last month hosting the “Cricket, Collaboration and Commonwealth” conference for the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) in New Delhi. There was a robust discussion on the economics of the India Premier League (IPL) and the role of “cricket diplomacy” in Australia-India relations.

While I was in New Delhi, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was in Australia speaking to packed houses of India diaspora in Sydney. Modi was supposed to be coming for the Quad meeting in Sydney, but after US President Joe Biden cancelled due to the debt ceiling crisis in Washington, he decided to come anyway.

Modi wanted to build on the momentum of the blossoming India-Australia partnership, after Prime Minister Anthony Albanese visited India in March. Cricket diplomacy was on display then too, spawning now famous images of Prime Ministers Modi and Albanese on a chariot before the fourth Test match in Ahmedabad.

Around 50% of Indians are under the age of 25 so there are immense opportunities for Australian education. Only 21% of Indians have higher education and India wants to double the number of university places to 35 million by 2035 providing a great opportunity for Australian universities and TAFEs.

This is important because India is aspirational – young middle-class Indians have seen the world progress with globalisation, and they want to be part of the action and lead the way.

However, in cricket terms, the excitement of the IPL was there to see, but the large attendances at The Oval for the ICC World Championship Test (with Indian fans outnumbering Australians by almost the size of our relative populations!) and now the exciting Ashes series shows that the death of Test cricket had been greatly exaggerated.

*Tim Harcourt is Industry Professor and Chief Economist at IPPG at University of Technology Sydney (UTS) and host of The Airport Economist www.theairporteconomist.com and Footynomics – The Economics of Sport www.footynomics.com.au

Thinking of a career in Sports Management? Check out the UTS course here: https://www.uts.edu.au/study/find-a-course/master-sport-management#course-overview

For the results of the survey of the future of cricket by the fans themselves see: What does the future of cricket look like according to fans? – CricBlog

Australia unwilling to go toe-to-toe with us – Ollie Robinson

Charbel Coorey
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0
Australia unwilling to go toe-to-toe with us – Ollie Robinson

Cricket News: Australia unwilling to go toe-to-toe with us – Ollie Robinson | Ollie Robinson believes England had the better of the first Test

The war of words in the ongoing 2023 Ashes series has continued, with seam bowler Ollie Robinson claiming Australia were not willing to go toe-to-toe with England in the first Test at Edgbaston.

In his column for Wisden.com, Robinson touched on Brendon McCullum’s words after the two-wicket defeat. The coach was full of praise for his players, saying that Australia would not have won had it not been for England’s positive approach.

“Lads, I’m immensely proud of the efforts that you’ve put in, we’ve made the game what it was,” Robinson quoted McCullum as saying. “We were so close to pulling off an unbelievable victory. We played all the cricket in the game. If it wasn’t for us, the Australians wouldn’t have even had a chance to win.”

‘”We’re trying to create memories and be that team that everyone still speaks about in 20-30 years’ time. We’ve entertained the world, and we’ve put the Aussies on the back foot.”‘ For him to say that after a loss is quite significant for us,” said Robinson.

ALSO READ: 6 reasons why Australia won the first Test at Edgbaston

Seaming pitch will suit England over Australia – Robinson

Robinson himself echoed McCullum’s thoughts. The bowler wrote about how surprised he and his teammates were at Australia’s defensive approach, amplifying their belief that they can come back in this series.

“We were surprised by how defensive Australia were and how unwilling they were to go toe-to-toe with us. Obviously it’s worked for them this Test match,” he said.

“But, we feel that with the way they’re playing at the moment, a pitch with a bit more movement would benefit us hugely.”

Such a statement can come as a surprise. England’s attacking style of play under Stokes and McCullum has been successful on good batting pitches, so a surface with movement will put their approach of driving on the up and reverse scoops under the microscope.

Robinson’s words come after Fox Cricket described him as Australia’s new number one villain. His expletive-laden send off of Usman Khawaja was not received well, doubling down in the press conference following day three.

Former Australia opener Matthew Hayden went in particularly hard. Speaking to SEN radio, Hayden didn’t miss, claiming that Robinson’s talent does not match his words.

“He’a forgettable cricketer. A fast bowler that is bowling 124kph nude nuts and he’s got a mouth from the south,” Hayden said. “Someone like him, you can just go, ‘Brother, I’m coming at ya’. Davey Warner can do that, right. He can just say, ‘You’re bowling 120′.”

“But, we feel that with the way they’re playing at the moment, a pitch with a bit more movement would benefit us hugely.”

Ollie Robinson

However, Robinson does have 71 Test wickets at 21.15. His ability to move the ball on a good length will make him a factor for the rest of the series, and he promised England fans the team will “come harder and harder” at Australia.

“It’s not just the game and the result on the line, but also the faith that we’re asking the English public to have in us for playing in this new way,” Robinson added. “I have faith in this team that, even if we went 2-0 down, we could still win 3-2, because of the style of cricket that we’re playing.”

The second Test begins at Lord’s on Wednesday June 28.

Australia’s possible playing XI for Lord’s Test

Charbel Coorey
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Australia’s possible playing XI for Lord’s Test

Cricket News: Australia’s possible playing XI for Lord’s Test | Will Mitchell Starc play in the 2nd Ashes Test?

Australia prevailed in one of the great Ashes Test matches at Edgbaston. Now, attention turns to Lord’s, where Australia, with a victory, will take a huge step towards retaining the coveted Ashes urn.

However, there is a key question to answer from an Australian perspective: Will Mitchell Starc be brought back into the playing XI? The left-arm quick was left out in favour of both Josh Hazlewood and Scott Boland, with the latter struggling for impact on a slow Edgbaston surface.

Ashes 2023 2nd Test: Australia’s possible playing XI for Lord’s Test

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

Australia’s top seven looks settled. David Warner, whose place was under the brightest spotlight, contributed to the cause at Edgbaston in a 61-run stand for the opening wicket in the chase of 281. The opener looked as good as he has in England in recent trips, so the visitors will be hoping he can build on it.

The big question for Australia is the make up of the bowling attack. Ultimately, it could depend on the conditions. The think tank preferred the consistency of Hazlewood and Boland at Edgbaston, but one feels Starc could return after the latter went for nearly six an over. Also, Starc provides important batting depth and the Lord’s slope could assist his left-arm angle.

However, if the Lord’s pitch assists seam bowling, it will be interesting to see which way Australia go.

“We’d seen the way they go about it, they are ultra-aggressive,” Australia coach Andrew McDonald said. “But I think Scott Boland, that match-up probably surprised us how aggressive they were against Scott. So that’s something we can look at and find better ways through.”

Also, one thing to keep an eye on is Josh Hazlewood’s fitness. He bowled just ten overs in England’s second innings. If he does have a niggle, expect Australia to go with Starc and Boland along with Pat Cummins and Cameron Green to form the pace attack.

ALSO READ: Check out CricBlog’s Ashes 2023 coverage:

6 reasons why Australia won the 1st Ashes Test

Charbel Coorey
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6 reasons why Australia won the 1st Ashes Test

Cricket News: 6 reasons why Australia won the 1st Ashes Test | A look at 5 key reasons why Australia beat England at Edgbaston

When this was touted as an Ashes series that could be the best since 2005, we meant it. In a contest that ebbed, flowed, and lived up to its billing, Australia prevailed at Edgbaston to take an all-important 1-0 series lead heading into the second Test at Lord’s. Pat Cummins took 4/63 and scored 44* to own the latter part of the game, contrary to Kevin Pietersen’s words.

In the 21st century, only once has a team came back from 1-0 down to win an Ashes series. Interestingly, it was the England side of 2005. Given how closely fought the first Test of this series was, no one can confidently rule out an English fightback in what shapes to be an all-time classic.

Why Australia won the 1st Ashes Test

However, Ben Stokes and England will need to take some key learnings from the Edgbaston Test as a 2-0 series deficit at Lord’s is pretty much lights out. Here are six reasons why Australia won the first match.

1. England’s declaration let Australia off the hook

No one can deny this England team delivers great talking points for Test cricket. Their approach in Pakistan last year, where they won 3-0 on three highways, is testament to their mindset. Also, their ability to score so quickly will almost always give them enough time to win matches.

However, their declaration at 393/8 on the first evening let Australia off the hook. They had the foot on the throat, and lifted it slightly. It is a decision that would have had Pat Cummins and his team relieved as a bigger score beckoned, with the visitors looking bereft of ideas after an intense day in the field.

Had England won, the decision would have been vindicated as brave and bold. But, Joe Root, England’s best player, was on a rampage and Australia didn’t have many answers. His masterclass was cut short on 118, while Ollie Robinson looked untroubled in his 31-ball stay. The pair had added 43 in 7.2 overs before Stokes called them in, leaving all to wonder what England may have finished up with.

Sure, both David Warner and Usman Khawaja had poor records in England leading up to the Test, so a crack at them does make sense. However, it was a flat surface and only four overs were possible.

Also, there was rain forecast throughout the Test, so the declaration did give England more time to push for a win. However, a total of 450 was not out of the equation given how well Root and Robinson were playing. Plus, the scoring rate meant England would not have needed to bat much longer to get those extra crucial runs on the board.

2. Usman Khawaja

Usman Khawaja won man of the match and deservedly so. Without Khawaja’s fighting ton in the first innings, there would not have been a match to win for Australia. The visitors were reduced to 67/3 with Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne both dismissed, and fell into further trouble at 148/4 after Travis Head miscued one to midwicket.

Khawaja stood tall. His 321-ball 141 helped put Australia on par with England in the first innings. It certainly didn’t deserve the send off he received from Ollie Robinson, but Khawaja finished the happier on the winning side in the end.

His second innings vigil of 65 at a strike rate of 32.99 came in for some criticism. However, he held an end and allowed Australia to accumulate towards the target as wickets fell. In the end, he was dismissed 72 runs short of the target, but his efforts gave his team a genuine shot at victory.

Cricket News: 6 reasons why Australia won the 1st Ashes Test | A look at 5 key reasons why Australia beat England at Edgbaston
6 reasons why Australia won the 1st Ashes Test: Usman Khawaja was outstanding.

3. Pat Cummins standing up

Pat Cummins’s tactics as captain are cause for debate. His approach to sit back and wait for England to make the mistakes is frought with risk. However, there is no debate around Cummins the player. He stood tall in the second innings, picking up crucial second innings wickets – including the dangerous Ben Stokes – before showing ice in his veins for his unbeaten 44* to seal victory.

4. England’s selections

England announced their playing XI 48 hours before the match. Ben Foakes, arguably the best wicket-keeper in the world, was controversially left out of the squad altogether. Jonny Bairstow, short on cricket, was asked to don the gloves.

The decision backfired as Bairstow missed crucial chances throughout the Test that cost England dearly.

Also, England’s bowling attack looked a tad light with Moeen Ali selected as the specialist spinner. Moeen had not bowled in Test cricket since 2021, and it showed, suffering a nasty blister to his finger after an extended spell of bowling on day two. As a result, England had to rely on Joe Root’s offspin for impact on the final day with the three seam bowlers working hard to extract movement on a docile pitch.

Cricket News: 6 reasons why Australia won the 1st Ashes Test | A look at 5 key reasons why Australia beat England at Edgbaston
6 reasons why Australia won the 1st Ashes Test: Ben Stokes tried hard as captain, but England ran out of steam.

5. Decision to keep Joe Root bowling on the fifth evening

Cummins, during his innings of 44, took advantage of England’s decision to delay taking the new ball. Yes, Joe Root had just dismissed Alex Carey, but Australia’s best hope of scoring runs was against the offspinner rather than Broad and Anderson with the new ball under fading light.

In the end, Australia prevailed against the new ball, but not before Cummins swung the momentum rapidly in the 83rd over. The Australian captain hit a crucial 14 runs, including two sixes, to bring the target below 50.

England allowed Cummins and Lyon to score 25 off 25 balls before taking the new ball, with a mad rush to try and take the final two wickets. After a few close misses, Cummins eventually sealed the winning runs down at third man.

6. Crucial contributions from Scott Boland and Nathan Lyon

After the first innings, Ollie Robinson said Australia have three number 11’s after Pat Cummins. Scott Boland and Nathan Lyon took that personally. They combined for 36 crucial runs in Australia’s second innings, with both looking assured in difficult circumstances.

Boland came in as the nightwatchman after the great Steve Smith was dismissed late on the fourth evening. He held his own, combining for 32 runs with Khawaja. Lyon walked to the crease with 55 still needed, but he had nerves of steel with his shot over mid on the highlight.

Attention now moves to the Lord’s Test, which begins on June 28. How each team responds after an all-time classic Ashes match will be interesting to see, with England needing to bounce back at the home of cricket.

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