Cricket News: “Cumball” does the rounds in hilarious Twitter trend | Cumball trends on Twitter, sparking widespread memes and reactions
Move aside Bazball, “Cumball” is here. Well known Twitter personalities Heisenberg and Mufaddal Vohra sent fans into meltdown by summarising Australia’s excellent victory in the first Test as Cumball getting the better of Bazball.
In the process, the visitors, looking to retain the urn, took a 1-0 lead over England’s Bazball style of play. Australia’s version has previously been referred to Ronball for Andrew “Ron” McDonald, the team’s head coach. However, a new (and questionable) name has emerged in Cumball, and there were certainly mixed reactions.
— Metalcore Magpie ? (@MetalcoreMagpie) June 20, 2023
Cumball beats magic tricks. About to record. Give us your #AskTGCs and what’s giving you crows feet?
— The Grade Cricketer (@gradecricketer) June 20, 2023
The second Test at Lord’s begins on Wednesday 28th June. England may make at least one change. Moeen Ali suffered a nasty blister on his spinning finger, but only Dan Lawrence is a capable replacement from a spin perspective after Jack Leach’s injury. So, England could choose to go with Mark Wood at Lord’s and leave any spin duties to Joe Root.
For Australia, Mitchell Starc could find his way back into the XI ahead of either Scott Boland or Josh Hazlewood.
Cricket News: Australia’s poor record chasing 250+ scores since 2011 | Australia have struggled when chasing more than 250 in Tests
The 2023 Edgbaston Ashes Test has lived up to its billing, ebbing and flowing magnificently across four days to leave the match tantalisingly poised ahead of the final day. Australia, after a strong start to their 281-run chase, lost three relatively quick wickets to leave them tottering at 107/3, still 174 away from the target.
The match has eerie similarities to the classic 2005 Test. Australia needed 282 to win on that occasion after 407 runs were also scored on day one. Shane Warne, Brett Lee and Michael Kasprowicz nearly pulled off an incredible win from a losing position, but eventually fell short by two runs in a heartbreaking defeat.
What will happen this time? A late Stuart Broad burst, including the crucial wickets of Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith, arguably makes England favourites heading into the final day. Another factor that could encourage England fans further is Australia’s poor record when chasing 250+ scores since 2011.
How many 250+ scores have Australia chased down since December 2011?
None.
In 22 such chases since the start of December 2011, Australia have lost 20 and drawn twice. Five defeats and a draw have come in the UK:
347-run loss at Lord’s 2013 (target 583)
169-run loss at Cardiff 2015 (target 412)
135-run loss at The Oval 2019 (target 399)
14-run loss at Nottingham 2013 (target 311)
74-run loss at Chester-le-Street 2013 (target 299)
154/6 in a draw at Lord’s 2019 (target 267)
Conversely, Australia won 16 of 17 when required to chase less than 250 in the same period. It’s another narrative that adds to the drama in a cracking Test match.
However, one hopes the weather will be kind. Heavy rain is forecast for Tuesday morning in Birmingham, which could see a delayed start. But, the hope is the conditions will clear by the afternoon to provide enough time for Australia to chase the remaining 174 or England to take seven wickets.
NEP vs USA Dream11 Prediction Possible 11 Pitch Report – ODI WC Qualifier 2023 Match 6 | NEP vs USA Dream11 Prediction Today | Harare Pitch Report
Match six of the 2023 ODI World Cup Qualifier tournament is a crucial one. Both Nepal and USA lost their respective first games, making this a must-win clash if either side is to have a realistic shot at qualifying for the super six stage.
That being said, it is not as if both sides didn’t have their moments. Nepal started in brilliant fashion against Zimbabwe, posting 171 for the first wicket. However, they couldn’t take advantage, falling short of 300; a total that the hosts chased with ease.
For USA, they will take heart in the fact they made some inroads into the West Indies lineup, as well as Gajanand Singh’s century. But, one feels they really missed Ali Khan’s presence, so victory here can hold the USA in good stead with Khan set to return from a two-match ban in the next game.
Kushal Bhurtel fell agonisingly short of what would have been a terrific century against Zimbabwe. He was dismissed for 99.
Bhurtel has scored 149 runs in four ODIs against USA at an average of 37.25.
Aasif Sheikh was Nepal’s leading run-scorer in their successful CWC League 2 campaign. He scored 934 runs at an average of 33.35 and strike rate of 80.58. He scored a half-century last game vs. Zimbabwe.
Rohit Paudel has struck two fifties in four matches against USA (142 runs, avg. 47.33, SR 75.13).
Karan KC has taken nine wickets in six ODIs against USA at an average of 22.33 and economy of 5.26.
Sandeep Lamichhane has the most wickets in NEP-USA ODIs. The legspinner has picked up 15 scalps in just six matches at a superb average of 12.80 and economy of 3.52.
USA:
Skipper Monank Patel has the most runs in NEP-USA ODIs (235) at an average of 47.00. Steven Taylor is close in second place with 221 runs at an average of 44.20. Taylor’s strike rate is a brilliant 104.73.
Gajanand Singh is coming off a magnificent century against West Indies. Given Nepal struggled for penetration in the middle overs, another opportunity could await Singh.
Aaron Jones struck 1,184 in CWC League 2 at an average of 42.28. He will be key in helping USA get to a competitive total.
Saurabh Netravalkar will be key in making inroads in the early and late parts of the innings. The left-armer has 12 wickets in five innings against Nepal at an average of 13.58.
Kyle Phillip, who took a three-for against West Indies, took 3/43 in his only ODI against Nepal to date, back in 2021.
Other Stats and Facts
Head-to-head in ODIs: Matches 6, Nepal 3, USA 2, 1 tie.
In 2022, Nepal (274) and USA (274/6) played out a thrilling tie. Steven Taylor hit 114 after Aasif Sheikh and Rohit Paudel hit half-centuries.
USA have won two of the past three matches between the teams.
Takashinga Sports Club, Highfield, Harare Pitch Report and Weather
It was an easy-paced surface in the first ever ODI at Takashinga Sports Club in Harare. West Indies lost a couple early but settled in to make 297, before USA batted through their 50 overs. Expect a similar pitch where runs are on offer as the day goes on.
A clear day is forecast in Harare with a top of about 26 degrees.
ODI WC Qualifier Match 6: NEP vs USA Dream11 Prediction Today Match June 20
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:
Option 2:
Qualifier 2023 Match 6: NEP vs USA Match Prediction – Who will win?
A tough match to predict. USA have had the better of Nepal in recent meetings, but this one could come down to which team chases. A score of 260-270 at least will be important batting first.
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.
ZIM vs NED Dream11 Prediction Possible 11 Pitch Report – ODI WC Qualifier Match 5 | ZIM vs NED Dream11 Prediction Today | Harare Pitch Report
Zimbabwe made a dream start to their ODI World Cup Qualifier campaign, cruising past Nepal on Sunday to sit atop Group A. Next up is a Netherlands team who have what it takes to reach the Super Six stage, but will be missing key players who are on county cricket duty.
So, the hosts have an excellent chance to make it two from two. They made hay in the sun on a good batting surface at Harare, overcoming Nepal’s huge 171-run opening stand to eventually chase 292 with a huge 35 balls to spare. Skipper Craig Ervine (121*) was at the heart of it all, with Sean Williams’s magnificent 70-ball 102* giving the Zimbabweans an important net run rate boost.
For Netherlands, their experience lies in their batting. One feels their best chance is to bowl first and try take advantage of any morning movement before batting in pleasant conditions in the afternoon. Regardless, they need a complete performance to have a say against their confident hosts.
Fred Klaassen, Paul van Meekeren, Colin Ackermann, Roelof van der Merwe and Brandon Glover are all unavailable for Netherlands. Shane Snater and Timm van der Gugten are also not participating in this tournament.
Netherlands: 1. Vikramjit Singh, 2. Max O’Dowd, 3. Wesley Barresi, 4. Noah Croes, 5. Bas de Leede, 6. Scott Edwards (c & wk), 7. Teja Nidamanuru, 8. Logan van Beek, 9. Shariz Ahmad, 10. Clayton Floyd/Aryan Dutt, 11. Vivian Kingma
Key Players to Watch/Key Stats
Zimbabwe:
Craig Ervine comes into this match off the back of a century against Nepal. The Zimbabwe captain has scored 187 runs in five matches against Netherlands at an average of 37.40.
Sean Williams, who also struck a century against Nepal, won player of the series against the Dutch in March 2023. He scored 120 runs and took three wickets in the three-match ODI series.
Sikandar Raza had a quiet outing on Sunday, but he can fire at any moment. The star all-rounder has scored the third-most runs at Harare Sports Club (1,547) at an average of 40.71. He also has 28 wickets.
Blessing Muzarabani has dismissed Max O’Dowd once in 38 deliveries in ODIs, conceding just 23 in the process. Also, he has conceded just 13 off 39 balls against Vikramjit Singh, with one dismissal.
Richard Ngarava was excellent at the death against Nepal. The left-arm seamer mixed his lengths brilliantly, taking four wickets after the 42nd over.
Netherlands:
Max O’Dowd has hit three fifties in five ODIs against Zimbabwe. Overall, he has struck 284 runs against them at an average of 71.00.
Vikramjit Singh has struck 14 double-figure scores in 17 ODIs innings, including six 40+ scores. However, he has crossed 60 just once.
Bas de Leede is crucial with his all-round ability. He hit 85* in county cricket last week and took six wickets in the same game.
Scott Edwards was one of the strong performers in ODIs in 2022. The captain struck 619 runs at an average of 47.61, with eight half-centuries in 15 innings.
Edwards against Zimbabwe in ODIs: 4 inns, 121 runs, avg. 40.33, SR 95.27.
Talented spinner Shariz Ahmad took eight wickets in three matches against Zimbabwe earlier this year. This included 5/43 in the second ODI.
Other Stats and Facts
Head-to-head: Matches 6, Zimbabwe, Netherlands 3.
Sean Williams has the most wickets in ZIM-NED ODIs (9).
Vikramjit Singh scored 49 runs in three matches against Zimbabwe earlier this year.
Sikandar Raza vs Netherlands in ODIs: 5 inns, 136 runs, avg. 45.33, SR 102.25.
Teja Nidamanuru hit 110* in the first ODI against Zimbabwe earlier in 2023.
Harare Sports Club Pitch Report and Weather
Expect the captain who wins the toss to bowl. Conditions usually get better for batting as the day goes on in Harare. Another clear day is forecast with a top of about 26 degrees.
ODI WC Qualifier 2023 Match 5: ZIM vs NED Dream11 Prediction Today 20 June
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:
ODI WC Qualifier 2023 Match 5: ZIM vs NED Dream11 Prediction
Option 2:
ODI WC Qualifier 2023 Match 5: ZIM vs NED Dream11 Prediction
ODI WC Qualifier 2023 Match 5: ZIM vs NED Match Prediction – Who will win?
Zimbabwe should win given the players the Netherlands are without.
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: Edgbaston Birmingham weather forecast for days 4 and 5 | Edgbaston weather forecast for last 2 days of 1st Ashes Test 2023
The 2023 Ashes has already delivered numerous talking points. Joe Root’s sublime century and England’s bold (or ridiculous) declaration headlined day one, before Usman Khawaja’s own fine hundred has helped keep the Test beautifully balanced.
However, will weather allow for a result? Only 32.4 overs were possible on day three, but Australia made inroads in the 22 balls sandwiched between the rain delay and stumps.
In a Test that has ebbed and flowed, all eyes will be on the heavens with the match so nicely poised.
1st Ashes Test 2023: Edgbaston weather forecast for final day
Day four was a pleasant one weather wise, with another riveting day of Test cricket on display. England attacked but Australia kept plugging away, with the hosts eventually securing a lead of 280. At stumps, Australia finished at 107/3 courtesy of three relatively quick wickets – one from Ollie Robinson and two from Stuart Broad.
Day five is much more ominous. According to BBC weather, heavy rain is forecast in the morning, with 89-100% chance of precipitation between 7am and 11am. AccuWeather also predicts rain for Tuesday morning, which is likely to see a delayed start.
However, conditions look more promising for Tuesday afternoon, with chance of precipitation falling sharply to below 20%. But, the overcast conditions will likely suit England’s seamers, arguably making them the favourites.
Cricket News: Ollie Robinson slammed for send off to Usman Khawaja | Reactions to Ollie Robinson giving Usman Khawaja a send off after scoring 141
England seam bowler Ollie Robinson has copped criticism online for his fiery send off to Usman Khawaja after dismissing the Australia opener.
Khawaja had hit 141 in an excellent show of patience and determination, but was ultimately undone by terrific captaincy by Ben Stokes and Robinson’s pinpoint execution. However, Robinson’s send off overshadowed the moment, with the seamer coming in for criticism for his send off against a player who hit an excellent century.
After day three, Robinson said he didn’t care what people thought, and emphasised that the Ashes is a very competitive environment. “I don’t really care how it’s perceived to be honest. It’s the Ashes, professional sport. If you can’t handle that, what can you handle?” he said.
Criticism for Ollie Robinson after his send off to Usman Khawaja
Fans online were quite scathing of Robinson, also suggesting those defending him would react differently if an England player was on the end of it. Below are some the reactions, both in defence and condemnation of Robinson’s send off.
Ollie Robinson spraying Khawaja on 141 is interesting for a bloke who bowls 126kph pies and resorted to bowling off spin because he wasn't fit enough to maintain a fast bowlers workload in Australia 18 months ago.
Cricket Twitter makes me laugh. All of you defending Ollie Robinson's F-bomb Khawaja send-off today would have a totally different take if it was Virat Kohli telling Joe Root to f*ck off, you f*cking prick ?♂️
I don't want anyone doing it. Do you want your kids doing that?
— James Buttler | Cricket Badger Podcast ???? (@cricket_badger) June 18, 2023
ollie robinson looks like one of those blokes who does europa league away, mouths off after two pints and gets absolutely canned by an umbrella in the center of the piazza by a fiorentina ultra
Pretty sure the spray Ollie Robinson just gave Usman Khawaja wouldn't have gone unnoticed by the Aussie dressing room! Especially from a bloke bowling 125k pies who bowled off-spin in speed-dealers 18 months ago! #TheAshes#ENGvAUS
Joe Root gives Ollie Robinson an abject lesson in sportsmanship. Just after Ollie tells Usman to “f**k off”, Joe goes out of his way to congratulate Khawaja on his innings. Class act. #AUSvsENG
— ?Flashscore Cricket Commentators (@FlashCric) June 18, 2023
2 days & a session into the #Ashes23 but it will take alot for anyone to out do Ollie Robinson in the d$@+head stakes after his send off to a bloke who just scored 141. Classless.Silence in @SkyCricket Box.Could you imagine if an Aussie did that to say Joe Root ? ?? #ENGvAUS
Obv I am an England fan, but Ollie Robinson bowling at 80mph telling a lad who has just made 141 to fuck off. He’s such a prick. https://t.co/TUtvt9yjol
I don’t think Ollie Robinson is going to win any poetry awards for his volley at Khawaja but are we really going to start clutching our pearls about a couple of f bombs?
Think it might not be the first time in Ashes history, but could be wrong.
Such a shame Ollie Robinson appears to have offended Australian sensibilities… obviously none of their fast bowlers have ever offered a little bit of a send off after getting a Pom out….
I know I’m going against the grain but I didn’t mind Ollie Robinson’s fiery send-off for Khawaja. A release of emotion in an emotion-charged, highly competitive Ashes series. If Pat Cummins gave the same to Joe Root we’d love him for it. Nothing wrong with a bit of spice. #Ashes
Not a fan of Ollie Robinson’s send off, but Aussies getting seriously aerated on the subject is a bit like Jack Grealish calling someone out for drinking too much
What's so wrong about Ollie Robinson giving Khawaja a send off ??
It's The Ashes ⚱️ in England: it's meant to be feisty, aggressive and edgy. Occasionally too much. Not a "fucking tea party" as Allan Border once said.
They are all too bloody nice to each other these days.
Ollie Robinson giving Usman Khawaja a send off really isn’t that deep. The history of the series is based around these small narratives with bubbling animosity.
Cricket News: Twitter reactions – Joe Root hits masterful century vs Australia at Edgbaston | Reactions to Joe Root century in 1st Test of 2023 Ashes
Joe Root has made the perfect start to the 2023 Ashes, hitting a sublime century on the opening day of the first Test at Edgbaston. England’s great batsman batted through some tricky periods, where the hosts, looking to stay true to their Bazball style of play, risked getting bowled out for a below-par total. However, Root stood tall, looking unflustered on his way to a 30th Test ton.
His rotation of strike either side of the wicket was testament to his skill, as was his outrageous strokeplay, reverse scooping both Scott Boland and Pat Cummins over third man for six. Also, his footwork against Lyon was an exhibition in reading length quickly against spin, ensuring the offspinner couldn’t settle into a rhythm throughout the day.
Twitter reactions as Joe Root notches 30th Test ton, at Edgbaston
“This is Root’s 13th Test hundred in the last 34 Tests. He had scored another 17 hundreds in his first 97 Tests. This purple patch & his audacious strokeplay makes him almost the most influential Test batsman in the world right now,” one tweet read.
“He has turned into a mentality monster in the last couple of years. Has produced some really special knocks in this period and some pretty chanceless ones at that. Some player, Joe Root!” read another.
Below are more reactions to Joe Root’s terrific century – his 30th in Tests.
This is Root's 13th Test hundred in the last 34 Tests. He had scored another 17 hundreds in his first 97 Tests.
This purple patch & his audacious strokeplay makes him almost the most influential Test batsman in the world right now. #Ashes2023pic.twitter.com/BErMQlrx6V
He has turned into a mentality monster in the last couple of years. Has produced some really special knocks in this period and some pretty chanceless ones at that. Some player, Joe Root! #Ashes2023#ENGvAUS
I really need someone to appoint me captain of ANYTHING then let me step down and hopefully I will do a Root and find another level as a world-beater in whatever it is ??
Soon after Joe Root brought up his century, Ben Stokes made a bold declaration on a good batting pitch at Edgbaston. England finished with 393/8, choosing to send Australia in to bat in the final half an hour on day one.
ZIM vs NEP Dream11 Prediction Possible 11 Pitch Report: ODI WC 2023 Qualifier Match 1 | ZIM vs NEP Dream11 Prediction Today | Harare Pitch Report
Five years on from total heartbreak at home, Zimbabwe embark on another mission to qualify for the ODI World Cup. In 2018, on this ground, they were beaten narrowly by UAE to miss out on the showpiece tournament in what was a huge blow for the team and their fans.
Once again, ten teams battle it out for just two spots, with West Indies and Sri Lanka favoured to qualify. However, the Zimbabweans are a team that could have a say, but must ensure they have no early slip ups against a Nepal side that will give it their all.
Nepal qualified in superb fashion, winning 11 of their last 12 matches in the Cricket World Cup (CWC) League 2 tournament. Such a run can give them confidence that they can perform under pressure, and an upset win will give their passionate team and fans a huge boost indeed.
Sikandar Raza is crucial to Zimbabwe’s hopes of qualification. He belted 123 (66) and took 3/48 against Nepal in the 2018 World Cup Qualifier.
Raza has scored the most runs of any current player at Harare Sports Club (1,547) at an average of 40.71 and strike rate of 84.48. He also has 28 wickets.
Sean Williams and Craig Ervine will be key with their experience. Williams has played 52 ODIs on this ground, scoring 1,254 runs at an average of 29.85, along with 25 scalps. Ervine has struck 917 runs at an average of 32.75 in 34 ODI innings at Harare Sports Club.
If Zimbabwe bats first, Ryan Burl can certainly be a danger when finishing. He hit 68 off 52 balls in the recent warm up game against Oman when setting a total.
Blessing Muzarabani can test the Nepalese with his height. On this ground, he has taken 15 wickets in 12 ODIs at an average of 28.73.
Tendai Chatara is the highest wicket-taker among current players at Harare Sports Club (37) at an average of 33.45 and strike rate of 40.89.
Nepal:
Aasif Sheikh was Nepal’s leading run-scorer in their successful CWC League 2 campaign. He scored 934 runs at an average of 33.35 and strike rate of 80.58.
Sheikh comes into this game having struck 76 (104) and 23 (24) in the warm up games against UAE and Oman respectively.
Rohit Paudel was Nepal’s next-highest run-scorer in CWC League 2 with 909 at an average of 33.66 and strike rate of 75.56.
Opener Kushal Bhurtel struck a 94-ball 101 in Nepal’s win over Oman on June 15.
Sandeep Lamichhane is key. He is Nepal’s leading wicket-taker in the past year, with 46 scalps in just 17 innings at a superb average of 14.97.
Overall in CWC League 2, Lamichhane took 72 wickets at an average of 15.86 and economy of 4.04.
Karan KC took 50 wickets in 30 matches in the CWC League 2 tournament at an average of just 22.06.
Other Stats and Facts
Zimbabwe (380/6) beat Nepal (264/8) by 116 runs in the 2018 ODI WC Qualifier.
Sikandar Raza smashed 110 off 67 balls in the warm up match against Oman on June 13.
Wessley Madhevere averages just 16.00 in 15 ODIs on this ground (240 runs).
Harare Sports Club Pitch Report and Weather
Typically, the best time to bowl at Harare at this time of year is the early morning. Conditions usually become excellent for batting in the afternoon, so expect the captain who wins the toss to bowl first.
In three ODIs between Zimbabwe and Netherlands in March, the average first innings score was 250.33. The chasing team won twice, with the other match decided by one run.
A top of 26 degrees is forecast with completely sunny skies.
ODI WC 2023 Qualifier Match 1: ZIM vs NEP Dream11 Prediction Today Match 18 June 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:
ODI WC 2023 Qualifier Match 1: ZIM vs NEP Dream11 Prediction
Option 2:
ODI WC 2023 Qualifier Match 1: ZIM vs NEP Dream11 Prediction
ODI WC 2023 Qualifier Match 1: ZIM vs NEP Match Prediction – who will win?
Zimbabwe should win this match.
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.
Ashes 2023 AUS vs ENG 1st Test Dream11 Prediction Possible 11 Pitch Report | AUS vs ENG 1st Test 2023 Dream11 Prediction Today | Edgbaston Pitch Report
Let all the talking move to the side. It’s time for a highly anticipated Ashes series, one that could be the best of its kind since 2005. Such a call is a big one to make, but as they say, opposites attract.
It’s England’s brash, brave Bazball against the efficient machine that is Australia, the World Test Champions. Edgbaston was labelled as the ‘fortress’ pre-2019 Ashes, before Steve Smith and the Australians set down a marker at the start of that series. Indeed, the visitors will be aiming for the same in front of what will be a raucous crowd.
While both teams have their strengths, they also have key questions to answer. What England’s top three will produce is anyone’s guess, while Jack Leach’s injury creates concern as to the workload of the seam bowlers. From an Australian point of view, how proactive and brave Pat Cummins will be as captain will be key, as is Mitchell Starc’s control and effectiveness, plus the contributions of the openers.
Ashes 2023 1st Test: ENG vs AUS Possible Playing XIs
England have confirmed their XI.
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. Moeen Ali, 9. Ollie Robinson, 10. Stuart Broad, 11. James Anderson
Australia have a choice to make with two of Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland and Josh Hazlewood to make the XI. They may stick with the same team as the WTC Final.
Australia: 1. Usman Khawaja, 2. David Warner, 3. Marnus Labuschagne, 4. Steve Smith, 5. Travis Head, 6. Cameron Green, 7. Alex Carey (wk), 8. Mitchell Starc, 9. Pat Cummins (c), 10. Nathan Lyon, 11. Scott Boland
Joe Root is vital for England. He averages 60.81 in seven Tests at Edgbaston, with 669 runs including four fifties and two centuries. He smashed 142* in the run chase of 378 against India last year.
Harry Brook is confident coming up against the Australian attack. In seven Tests in his career so far, he has scored 818 runs at an average of 81.80 and incredible strike rate of 99.03.
Ben Stokes is always a factor against Australia, especially in England. He averages 40.1 against the Aussies at home. Also, the England captain is expected to bowl.
Jonny Bairstow completes a dangerous middle order for England. The keeper-batsman had a dream 2022, where he struck 1,061 runs at an average of 66.31 and strike rate of 76.00. This includes 106 and 114* last year against India on this ground.
James Anderson has taken the most wickets at Edgbaston (51) at an average of 22.62. Stuart Broad dismissed Warner seven times for 35 runs in 104 balls in the 2019 series.
Australia:
Steve Smith, who is coming off a superb century in the WTC Final, averages a remarkable 60.70 in 17 Tests in England. He struck twin centuries in a memorable comeback at Edgbaston in 2019.
In England, Smith has been dismissed just once in 282 balls by James Anderson at an average of 152. Against Broad in England, Smith averages 45.00 with 315 runs.
Marnus Labuschagne impressed in the 2019 Ashes. He has struck four half-centuries in five Tests in England at an overall average of 46.66.
Travis Head was the player of the last WTC cycle with five man of the match awards, including the final thanks to his 163. Also, he was player of the series in the 2021/22 Ashes series in Australia.
Pat Cummins was outstanding in 2019. He took 29 wickets in that series. Australia’s premier fast bowler also has a terrific record against Joe Root, having dismissed him eight times for 190 runs (avg. 23.8) in Tests.
Scott Boland could be crucial. His ability to hit the 6m length can help counter Bazball. He averages 14.57 in Tests (33 wickets), with 18 scalps coming against England at an average of 9.55.
Nathan Lyon has taken 12 wickets in two Tests at Edgbaston at an average of 20.75. On a pitch devoid of a grass, coupled with England’s attacking approach, Lyon could find himself in the wickets.
Other Stats and Facts
Head-to-head in since start of 2013: Matches 15, England 8, Australia 5, 3 drawn.
Steve Smith needs 53 runs to reach 9,000 in Tests. Only Allan Border, Steve Waugh and Ricky Ponting have crossed this mark among Australian players.
Australia have the top three ranked batsmen in Tests: Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head.
Ollie Robinson took 7/59, 7/58, 4/29 and 1/46 in his previous two County matches last month.
Edgbaston Birmingham Pitch Report and Weather
Sweltering conditions in Egbaston and a pitch devoid of much grass makes this bat first conditions. The first two days will be hot, but there is the chance of rain over the weekend. Despite the rain, the hot weather may provide turn later in the match.
The average first innings score in the past six Tests is 322.33. The team batting first has won 66.7% of these matches.
Ashes 2023 1st Test: ENG vs AUS Dream11 Prediction Today Match 16-20 June
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 1st Test: ENG vs AUS Dream11 Prediction
Option 2:
Ashes 2023 1st Test: ENG vs AUS Dream11 Prediction
Ashes 2023 1st Test: ENG vs AUS Match Prediction – Who will win?
What a match this promises to be. The team that bats first may hold the edge in this clash, given the success of setting a score at Edgbaston in recent years.
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.
Ashes 2023 predictions – top run scorer, wicket taker & who will win? | Predictions for the 2023 Ashes – who will win the series?
The 2023 Ashes has the potential to be the best since 2005. Such big statements can often be thrown around aimlessly, but the potential storylines, matchups and pitch conditions will make for riveting viewing and countless talking points.
It’s BazBall against the world Test champions. A side rejuvinated under Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum will go head-on against a consistent force in the red-ball format, especially over the past two years. This force, Australia, are aiming to achieve a first series win in England since 2001, but it won’t be easy.
Australia, on paper, look the better team. If you had to create a combined Ashes XI out of the current squads, more Australian players will appear on that team sheet. However, that’s not how the Ashes works, particularly in England, and particularly against a Stokes-led team that plays so boldly.
Such a series can defy logic. As a result, it’s a mighty difficult one to predict. In this article, we’ll attempt to land three predictions that may come true by the end of what should be a fantastic series.
Ashes 2023 predictions – Edgbaston will host the first Test.
The greatest Test cricketer of this generation comes into the series off the back of a superb century in the recent World Test Championship (WTC) Final. His numbers in England – 1,882 runs at an average of 60.70 – are astronomical, and he is well placed to have another big series.
Yes, England are playing with confidence. Yes, James Anderson is around this time. However, with England set to produce fast, flat pitches, these conditions should play right into the hands of Smith, who has an insatiable hunger for runs.
Other leading contenders: Joe Root, Marnus Labuschagne, Travis Head, Harry Brook.
Leading wicket-taker: Nathan Lyon
It’s a brave call to pick a spinner to finish as the leading wicket-taker of a series in England. However, there are a few key reasons for choosing Nathan Lyon.
Firstly, all five Test matches are packed in closely together. So, expect to see fast bowlers from both sides rested and rotated throughout the series.
Secondly, conditions throughout the UK have been quite dry in recent weeks, which may aid spin. Couple that with England’s desire to produce true batting pitches that may aid spin later in the Tests. In fact, we saw Lyon spin the ball effectively in the WTC Final.
Thirdly, England will take on Lyon to try increase the pressure on Australia’s bowlers. Given Lyon’s experience, quality and solid record in English conditions (50 wickets, avg. 29.66), expect wickets for the offspinner as the opposition looks to take more chances against him.
Other leading contenders: Stuart Broad, James Anderson, Pat Cummins, Scott Boland.
"Have you thought about how you might play against Nathan Lyon?"
"What do you think? I'm going to try and take him on!" ?
Both sides are capable of winning multiple Tests. However, both can easily lose a couple. It has the makings of a fascinating series where the result will be split, with many ebbs and flows sure to leave us on the edge of our seats.
Australia have the depth, but England are at home and are playing fearlessly. Also, James Anderson is available, and should have an impact given how brilliantly he is still bowling. However, where England may struggle is in the spin department after Jack Leach’s injury, which increases the burden on the seam attack. Also, how well will the top three of Crawley, Duckett and Pope perform?
From an Australian perspective, Pat Cummins’ captaincy will come under the microscope. Will he be proactive enough? How long until he pushes fielders back on the rope? One feels he will learn plenty on this tour.
Also, whether the attack as a whole can keep England as quiet as possible on mostly good batting surfaces is a key question, as is the opening batting combination of Warner and Khawaja in UK conditions.
While both sides have their strengths, there are some flaws. Australia are good enough to retain the urn, but this Ben Stokes’s team will prolong their 22-year wait of winning a series in England.
2-2 it is with a rain-affected match somewhere along the line.
