Home Blog Page 150

Sourav Ganguly & others share thoughts on Test cricket

Tarkesh Jha
-
0
Sourav Ganguly & others share thoughts on Test cricket

Cricket News: Sourav Ganguly & others share thoughts on Test cricket | Ganguly, Bhogle and others sing praises of Test cricket

Former Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) president Sourav Ganguly advocates for preserving Test cricket after the thrilling finish to the third Ashes Test at Headingley on Sunday. Chasing 251, the Three Lions got over the line courtesy impactful batting cameos by Chris Woakes and Mark Wood late in the game after Harry Brook’s solid effort.

This followed the fantastic final day conclusions to the opening couple of games of this series, which were won by Australia. Ganguly appreciated the ‘breath-taking’ nature of Test cricket and questioned the people who keep raising doubts over the future of the format.

Ganguly among many praising Test cricket during fascinating Test series

“People keep questioning test cricket .. the last 4 test matches ..hope have shown everyone why we need to keep playing it and preserving at its best .. it’s been just absolutely breathtaking to watch .. as good as any format any where in the world .. @ICC @bcci @MCC,” Ganguly tweeted.

Another facet that has drawn a lot of attraction during the Ashes is the incredible home support that England has managed to draw throughout the first three games. Despite the losses, the spectators have come out to in huge numbers to support Stokes’ men wherever they have played.

“We love to come here and play cricket for England. (On the Headingley crowd) Absolutely sensational. The Western Terrace is always amazing. This place has memories that people will always remember and we love playing here,” said Stokes, who had pioneered England to an emphatic victory on this ground in the Ashes 2019 in a do-or-die encounter.

“I must admit to being envious of the following Test cricket has in England,” noted cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle tweeted, echoing similar thoughts.

The fourth Test will kick off at Old Trafford from July 19 onwards.

Why did Todd Murphy bowl just two overs?

Charbel Coorey
-
0
Why did Todd Murphy bowl just two overs?

Cricket News: Why did Todd Murphy bowl just two overs at Headingley? | Pat Cummins reveals why he barely used Todd Murphy

Pat Cummins’ use of off-spinner Todd Murphy on the final day of the Headingley Test came under the spotlight as England kept the Ashes series alive with a three-wicket victory.

Murphy, who came in for the injured Nathan Lyon, bowled just two overs in the fourth innings. One was the final over before lunch, while the other was almost as a last resort with the home side needing just 30 runs to win with four wickets in hand.

On day two, England off-spinner Moeen Ali picked up the two big wickets of Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith to turn the match in his team’s favour. While Australia’s prolific duo have themselves to blame for the dismissals, Moeen found occasional turn and bounce, which meant that Murphy could be in the game in the final innings.

Former Australia captain Mark Taylor was quite ardent in his view on commentary that Cummins should have brought Murphy on earlier to get him in the game. At that point, England needed around 130 for victory, but the Australia captain stuck firm with the pace bowlers in the quest for victory.

Fans were unimpressed with Cummins’ treatment of the off-spinner who nearly had Stokes twice in the first innings after a magnificent performance in India earlier this year.

Pat Cummins reveals why Todd Murphy bowled just two overs in the 4th innings at Headingley

In an interview with Sports Entertainment Network (SEN) after the Test, Cummins revealed why he didn’t utilise Todd Murphy in the fourth innings.

When asked whether conditions were the key factor or whether Australia didn’t have enough runs to play with, Cummins said “mainly conditions. We knew that if they were going to chase down, it was going to be in 50 overs.

“The ball was still swinging and there was a little bit there for quick bowlers. I would have loved to bowl Toddy a bit more, but it’s probably not enough overs to get it to him.”

Murphy’s participation as a fielder, Scott Boland’s lack of penetration, Mitchell Marsh’s excellent performance, and David Warner’s continued struggles against Stuart Broad leaves Australia with decisions to make for Old Trafford next week.

“You keep all options open,” Cummins said in the post-match press conference. “We’ve got nine or 10 days now, so we’ll take a deep breath. We’ll go away for a few days.

“But everyone comes back into it. Greeny should be fit for Manchester. Josh [Hazlewood] will be back in there as well. So we should have a full roster and we’ll have a look at the wicket and have a chat and work out the best XI.”

Pat Cummins reaction to Australia’s defeat at Headingley

Charbel Coorey
-
0
Pat Cummins reaction to Australia’s defeat at Headingley

Cricket News: Pat Cummins reaction to Australia’s defeat at Headingley | We didn’t grab the little moments – Cummins

England have kept their hopes alive of a stunning Ashes comeback after taking out the third Test by three wickets. Their pursuit of 251 is one of the highest successful run chases at the ground, testament to the determination of Ben Stokes’ team to come back from difficult positions throughout the Test.

Australian captain Pat Cummins echoed those sentiments. Speaking to Sports Entertainment Network (SEN) after the Test, Cummins said Australia didn’t grab the big moments which ultimately saw them fall short of a series-clinching victory.

“Another wonderful Test match, I think we had our chances throughout that we didn’t quite grab,” he said. “I think England played better this week, so yeah it’s a shame, but a great Test match.

“Little moments that we didn’t quite grab, which hopefully next time they present themselves, we take them. Bit with the bat, bit with the ball. A couple of times we could have been really clinical, and just weren’t.”

Cummins reaction to Headingley loss – batting stumbles key to the result

Asked by Bharat Sundaresan as to whether the dismissals of Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith turned the game, Cummins said the team missed an opportunity to take a huge foothold in the game in both innings with the bat.

“That certainly felt like an opportunity where we could have batted big and put a 300-plus total for England to chase, which would have been pretty tough I think,” said the captain.

“In the first innings, I’m as guilty as anyone, we lost six for 30 us tailenders. So, a few areas we can tidy up.”

Cummins also praised Mitchell Marsh who enjoyed a successful return to the Test team after four years. Marsh hit a superb century on the opening day and also took two important wickets as he got the ball swinging more than anyone else on the final day.

“So good to see big Mitchy back,” Cummins said. “Four years since his last Test, he’s had surgeries to try get himself right for red-ball cricket. He’s put so much time and effort. To see him get another chance and to show what he’s made of; as a really close mate, I couldn’t be happier for him and he was awesome even with the ball today.”

There is now a nine-day gap until the Old Trafford Test. The scenario remains the same for Australia – avoid defeat at Manchester and they will retain the Ashes.

However, England will be full of confidence and another potentially thrilling Test match awaits us next week.

Headingley Leeds weather forecast for day 4

Charbel Coorey
-
0
Headingley Leeds weather forecast for day 4

Cricket News: Headingley Leeds weather forecast for days 4 and 5 | Will rain ruin the 3rd Ashes Test at Headingley?

Yet again, an Ashes Test match is evenly poised and could go right down the wire? However, will the weather be kind enough to allow for a result?

Given England need 224 runs and Australia can take wickets quite rapidly, one feels two or three sessions across the final two days is all that is needed to allow for a winner either way.

Headingley Leeds weather forecast for the last two days of the third 2023 Ashes Test

According to bbc.com, Sunday’s weather forecast looks a lot more promising than was the case a few days ago. In further good news for England, sunshine is forecast up until around 2pm, which is likely to aid the batsmen in their pursuit of the 251-run target.

However, some uneven bounce has been on display since day two, so it will be fascinating to see how the pitch behaves.

There is a 30% chance of precipitation at 3pm, increasing to 43% at 5pm and 56% at 6pm. AccuWeather reports similar figures, with higher chances of precipitation from 5pm onwards.

Cricket News: Headingley Leeds weather forecast for days 4 and 5 | Will rain ruin the 3rd Ashes Test at Headingley?
Headingley Leeds weather forecast for day four

Should the Test reach a fifth day, there once again should be enough time for a result given conditions look promising up until 2pm. From there, the chances of precipitation are 64-70% right throughout the afternoon, so day four is vital for both teams to make ground towards victory.

Cricket News: Headingley Leeds weather forecast for days 4 and 5 | Will rain ruin the 3rd Ashes Test at Headingley?
Headingley Leeds weather forecast for day four

Day three was heavily affected by rain, with just one session possible. England picked up the last six wickets relatively quickly, but not before Travis Head elevated Australia to a 250-run lead thanks to his excellent 77 off 112 balls.

The home side survived a few close calls to finish unscathed on 27/0. Ben Stokes’ team must win to keep their Ashes hopes alive. Indeed, a fascinating fourth day awaits in what has been a riveting series to date.

Will Tamim Iqbal play in the last two Afghanistan ODIs?

Shahryaar Mirza
-
0
Will Tamim Iqbal play in the last two Afghanistan ODIs?

Cricket News: Will Tamim Iqbal play in the last two Afghanistan ODIs? | Tamim Iqbal reverses decision to retire

On Friday July 7, Tamim Iqbal took back his decision to retire from international cricket, which he had announced the previous day.

Bangladesh’s ODI skipper announced a sudden retirement. Tamim called for a surprise press conference in Chattogram, where he made public his decision to hang his boots.

“This is the end for me. I have given my best. I have tried my best. I am retiring from international cricket from this moment. Yesterday against Afghanistan was my last international game. It was not a sudden decision. I was thinking about the different reasons. I don’t want to mention here. I have spoken to my family members about it. I thought this is the right time for me to retire from international cricket,” said Tamim.

In what was an emotional speech from the star batter, he thanked all those who played a part in his illustrious 16-year long international career.

“I don’t have much to say. One thing I will definitely say is, I tried my best. I did try my best. Maybe I was not good enough or good enough. I don’t know. But I tried my 100% whenever I was in the field.”

“There are a lot of other things I want to say, but as you can see I am almost unable to speak. But I hope you respect the situation. It is not an easy situation to speak. Quitting international cricket is not easy. I hope you understand. I am sorry to call you on such a short notice. I thank you all in the media,” he added.

However, the decision was not received too well by the Bangladesh Cricket Board president, Nazmul Hasan Papon. The BCB boss was of the opinion that leaving the national side at such a time, with the Asia Cup and World Cup quick approaching, would leave a massive void in their ODI setup. He was also not happy with Tamim’s decision to retire in the middle of Bangladesh’s ongoing series against Afghanistan.

“I don’t accept his retirement announcement. He is the captain, we have the Asia Cup and World Cup ahead of us. It is not a wise decision. It seems he has been thinking about it for a long time. It is not taken spontaneously. It is not a proper decision. As the World Cup is close there were no talks about change of captaincy and from a player like him when such things come, it is very unfortunate.”

“As I have sent a message I have to wait and see if he replies. I am hoping that we can sort out the matter. It does not look good if one captain retires at the midst of the tournament and it is even not right. We want to give a good farewell but even after that if they don’t want it, what can we do,” Nazmul said.

Tamim Iqbal reverses retirement, but he won’t be available for final two Afghanistan ODIs

A day after Tamim dropped the bomb, a meeting was held at the residence of Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in Dhaka. Mashrafe Mortaza, former captain of Bangladesh and a current member of the parliament, played a vital role in arranging the same. Tamim, along with his wife, visited the the Bangladesh Prime Minister.

After the meeting, Tamim announced that he was withdrawing his decision to retire from international cricket.

“The honourable Prime Minister invited me to her residence this afternoon. We had a long discussion after which she instructed me to return to cricket. I am withdrawing my retirement. I can say no to anyone but it is impossible to say no to the most important person in the country. Mashrafe bhai called me while Papon bhai was here. They were big factors,” Tamim said.

He also announced that he will not be immediately returning to the side for the last two ODIs against Afghanistan after being allowed a six-week break for rehabilitation and recovery to complete fitness.

“The Prime Minister has also given me a break of a month and a half. I will complete my treatment and return to playing cricket,” he added.

Nazmul Hasan expressed his sense of relief after Tamim’s decision, and mentioned that he understands his decision to retire was an emotional one.

“Having seen his press conference, I knew that he was being emotional about his decision. I knew that if we could sit face-to-face, I could find a solution. We sat with him through the Prime Minister, and he just told you that he is withdrawing the retirement letter. He is not retired. He has taken a break of six weeks when he will undergo rehab and get ready physically and mentally. He will return to cricket soon.”

“Of course we are relieved. How can we play without our captain?” the BCB boss concluded.

Tamim Iqbal has scored more than 8,300 ODI runs for Bangladesh and is one of the greatest players the country has ever produced. As the 28th highest run getter in the format’s history, he is, without a doubt, instrumental to Bangladesh’s success.

Until Tamim’s return to the side, Litton Das, who was the vice-captain of the side in Tamim’s tenure, will be handed over the responsibility to lead the side.

BAN vs AFG 2nd ODI Dream11 Prediction Possible 11 Pitch Report

Charbel Coorey
-
0
BAN vs AFG 2nd ODI Dream11 Prediction Possible 11 Pitch Report

BAN vs AFG 2nd ODI Dream11 Prediction Possible 11 Pitch Report | BAN vs AFG 2nd ODI Dream11 Prediction Today | Chattogram Pitch Report

Well, how about that for an eventful couple of days? After Afghanistan’s win in the rain-affected first ODI, Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal announced his retirement from international cricket. However, a day later, he reversed his decision after meeting with Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

If that doesn’t provide a picture into what Bangladesh cricket can be like, nothing will. The focus of the players will be in question here after a disappointing batting display against Afghanistan’s wily attack in these conditions. Rain is expected to be a factor once again, so efficiency will be the order of the day in what could be another rain-affected match.

BAN vs AFG 2nd ODI Possible Playing XIs

Despite reversing his decision to retire, Tamim Iqbal will not be available for the remaining two ODIs. Litton Das will lead, and Rony Talukdar is in the squad.

Bangladesh: 1. Litton Das (c), 2. Mohammad Naim/Rony Talukdar, 3. Najmul Hossain Shanto, 4. Shakib Al Hasan, 5. Towhid Hridoy, 6. Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), 7. Afif Hossain, 8. Mehidy Hasan Miraz, 9. Taskin Ahmed, 10. Hasan Mahmud, 11. Mustafizur Rahman

Afghanistan: 1. Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), 2. Ibrahim Zadran, 3. Rahmat Shah, 4. Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), 5. Mohammed Nabi, 6. Najibullah Zadran, 7. Rashid Khan, 8. Azmatullah Omarzai, 9. Fazalhaq Farooqi, 10. Mujeeb Ur Rahman, 11. Mohammad Saleem/Wafadar Momand

BAN vs AFG 2nd ODI Dream11 Prediction: Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

Bangladesh:

  • Litton Das will be key in Tamim’s absence. He has struck 366 runs in ten ODIs at Chattogram at an average of 40.66 and strike rate of 91.95.
  • Towhid Hridoy continues to impress. He looked the most assured of the Bangladeshis in the first ODI with 51.
  • Overall this year, Hridoy has scored 300 runs in six ODI innings at an average of 50.00 and strike rate of 102.38. This includes three half-centuries.
  • Mushfiqur Rahim averages 41.28 in 21 ODI innings on this ground. Also, he has the most runs in BAN-AFG ODIs (363) at an average of 33.00 and strike rate of 85.61.
  • Shakib Al Hasan enjoys bowling against Afghanistan. He has the most wickets in BAN-AFG ODIs (24) at an average of 17.50. Also, Shakib has the most wickets in ODIs at Chattogram: 22 inns, 42 wickets, avg. 17.69.
  • Interestingly, with the bat, Shakib averages 27.05 in ODIs on this ground and 27.54 against Afghanistan.

Afghanistan:

  • The solid Ibrahim Zadran will be aiming for another good outing. Since the start of 2022, Zadran has scored 645 runs in ODIs at an average of 71.7 and strike rate of 87.5.
  • Rahmanullah Gurbaz struggled for fluency a few days ago, but he does have good memories of this ground. The keeper-batsman struck a century at Chattogram in 2022.
  • Fazalhaq Farooqi, who was player of the match in the first ODI, enjoys bowling at Chattogram. He has picked up nine wickets in four ODIs on this ground.
  • Rashid Khan continued his excellent record against Bangladesh with 2/21 off nine overs in the opening ODI. Overall, the legspinner has picked up 17 wickets in ten ODIs against the Tigers at an average of 21.41 and economy of 3.71.
  • Mujeeb Ur Rahman concedes just 3.63 per over in seven ODIs against Bangladesh (nine wickets).

Other Stats and Facts

  • Head-to-head: Matches 12, Bangladesh 7, Afghanistan 5.
  • Afghanistan have won the past two matches against Bangladesh.
  • Mohammad Nabi has picked up 15 wickets in 12 ODIs against Bangladesh at an average of 28.20 and economy of just 3.89.

Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium Chattogram Pitch Report and Weather

There have been a mix of large and smaller scores at this ground in recent times. The surface for the first ODI had assistance for the spinners, and it should be the same again.

Expect the team who wins the toss to choose to chase with rain forecast.

BAN vs AFG 2nd ODI Dream11 Prediction Today Match 8 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.

BAN vs AFG 2nd ODI Dream11 Prediction: Ideal team combination

  • 2 wicket-keepers
  • 3 batsmen
  • 2 all-rounders
  • 4 bowlers

Option 1:

BAN vs AFG 2nd ODI Dream11 Prediction Possible 11 Pitch Report | BAN vs AFG 2nd ODI Dream11 Prediction Today | Chattogram Pitch Report
BAN vs AFG 2nd ODI Dream11 Prediction

Option 2:

BAN vs AFG 2nd ODI Dream11 Prediction Possible 11 Pitch Report | BAN vs AFG 2nd ODI Dream11 Prediction Today | Chattogram Pitch Report
BAN vs AFG 2nd ODI Dream11 Prediction

BAN vs AFG 2nd ODI Match Prediction – who will win?

Afghanistan look good for another win. However, the chasing team could be in the best position to win given the rain forecast.

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.

Footage of Canberra Raiders hilariously re-enacting Bairstow stumping

Charbel Coorey
-
0
Footage of Canberra Raiders hilariously re-enacting Bairstow stumping

Cricket News: Footage of Canberra Raiders hilariously re-enacting Bairstow dismissal | Canberra Raiders NRL team re-enact Bairstow dismissal

The Ashes fever has made its way to Wollongong, approximately two hours south of Sydney, in the National Rugby League (NRL) match between Canberra Raiders and St George Illawarra Dragons. After Canberra Raiders scored their first try of the match, they hilariously re-enacted the Jonny Bairstow stumping dismissal from the Lord’s Test, even making its way to the ever-grumpy Piers Morgan.

The celebration is part of Sportsbet’s “Try July” that aims to raise funds for important causes. This year, all funds raised will help the recoveries of former rugby league player Nathan Stapleton and former coach Daniel Anderson who have both suffered serious injuries.

Sportsbet will donate $5,000 for every post-try celebration, plus an extra $5,000 for extra effort. The betting agency has already confirmed the extra amount for the Raiders’ effort, with the attention to detail particularly impressive.

The batter in the scenario was Englishman Elliot Whitehead. His teammate Jordan Rapana “bowled” the football over his head, before Zac Woolford completed the stumping.

The celebration did the rounds on social media. Mike Atherton talked through it during the coverage. However, Piers Morgan, who has been strong in his view that Australia did not play in the “spirit of cricket” at Lord’s, was not amused.

Reactions to Canberra Raiders post-try celebration re-enacting Jonny Bairstow stumping

Here are some other reactions to the post-try celebration:

Are India right to push Virat Kohli out of the T20I setup?

Shahryaar Mirza
-
0
Are India right to push Virat Kohli out of the T20I setup?

Cricket Opinion: Are India right to push Virat Kohli out of the T20I setup? | Why did India drop Virat Kohli from the T20I team?

The BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) took to their website and social media accounts on Wednesday, July 5 to reveal the Indian squad for the upcoming T20I series against West Indies.

The 15-man squad is as follows:

Ishan Kishan (wk), Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Tilak Varma, Surya Kumar Yadav (VC), Sanju Samson (wk), Hardik Pandya (C), Axar Patel, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, Umran Malik, Avesh Khan, Mukesh Kumar.

One notable exclusion is Virat Kohli, the fourth consecutive time he has been left out of India’s T20I squad for a series.

Earlier, Rahul Dravid talked about managing the workload of certain players like Kohli and Rohit Sharma. However, it does not look like a workload-related exclusion anymore. By the looks of it, India may have decided to move on and push Kohli out of their T20I plans.

Pushing Virat Kohli out of T20I setup: Justified or too harsh?

But, have India been too harsh on Virat Kohli?

The 34-year old last played a T20I in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup last year. It was the semi-final against England where India were on the receiving end of a thumping 10-wicket defeat. Kohli, however, scored a half-century that game.

Prior to the semi-final, he had a magnificent run where he scored three fifties in five games. He was the leading run-scorer, scoring 296 runs in six games at an unbelievable average of 98.67.

In India’s first game of the campaign against arch-rivals Pakistan, he played arguably one of the greatest knocks ever in the history of T20I cricket. From the depths of 31-4 chasing 160, the batter scored a sensational 82 in front of a packed Melbourne crowd.

Cricket Opinion: Are India right to push Virat Kohli out of the T20I setup? | Why did India drop Virat Kohli from the T20I team?

He also had great games against Netherlands and Bangladesh, where he scored an unbeaten 62 and 64 respectively.

To think that Kohli was completely sidelined after such a campaign is astonishing. The Indian management too must have their reasons, though.

As good as Kohli was, his strike rates have always been cause for debate. There is no denying there are not many better than him at accelerating after reaching 50, but his tendency to start slow or slow down after the powerplay has often created a feeling that he lets go of the momentum in crucial phases of the game.

In the six games he played at the T20 World Cup last year, he managed to strike at 150 or more just once. He had a strike rate of less than 110 on two occasions, and struck at more than 140 just twice the entire campaign.

Is there room for anchors in the current landscape of T20 cricket?

The role of anchors in T20 cricket has long been a topic of debate. It is fine to hold one end during a collapse or play out a bowler in fine rhythm, but it is not acceptable to waste precious deliveries under normal circumstances.

Considering how deep teams bat today, Kohli’s strike rates do deserve criticism. He had a stellar tournament and he did score loads of runs, albeit at strike rates that seem ordinary for today’s power hitting standards in T20 cricket.

Thus, one can understand why India wish to give the younger batters a chance to show their explosiveness up the order. However, completely pushing an all-time great out of the picture does not seem right.

A few months later, the 2023 edition of the Indian Premier League was underway. This was going to be Kohli’s best chance to prove his mettle in this format once again, and he certainly did.

In just his first game of the season, he scored a brilliant 82 against Mumbai Indians and remained unbeaten. That was enough proof of what was about to come from the batter.

He went on to score a total of six fifties and two tons in the tournament. With back-to-back centuries against Sunrisers Hyderabad and Gujarat Titans to close his season out, he sent out a clear message to those who doubted him.

However, even after scoring 639 runs at an average of 53.25 in the IPL, he failed to earn a call-up for the upcoming series.

One notable observation is that he had a strike rate of less than 115 against spin in that campaign. This evident weakness might be one of the reasons why India is looking to move on and look for genuine power-hitters who can target both pacers and spinners in all phases of the game.

Whatever the thought process behind it is, after the kind of IPL season he had, he surely did deserve another chance in the national side. A player of his caliber and fitness can certainly change his game a bit to suit the side’s requirements. Thus, one could say that India have been a bit too harsh on Virat Kohli.

Rohit Sharma also a significant exclusion

Cricket Opinion: Are India right to push Virat Kohli out of the T20I setup? | Why did India drop Virat Kohli from the T20I team?

Another significant exclusion was Rohit Sharma’s. His last T20I, like Kohli, came in the same game against England in the T20 World Cup.

Hardik Pandya has been consistently leading India’s T20I side since that tournament. After the poor IPL season that Rohit had, where he averaged a little over 20, his comeback seems more unlikely. India have possibly found their new T20I captain in Hardik, who has had immense success in his two seasons as the skipper of Gujarat Titans.

Tilak Varma and Yashasvi Jaiswal earned their maiden call-ups after exceptional IPL performances over the last few seasons, and the 2023 one in particular.

Rinku Singh, unfairly, did not make India’s T20I squad. He pulled off the impossible by hitting five sixes in the last over to complete the chase against Gujarat Titans, and bailed his team out on a weekly basis with incredible performances. He averaged close to 60 while striking at about 150.

The T20I series between West Indies and India is set to commence on August 3, 2023. A total of five T20Is will be played; the first being played at the Queen’s Park Oval in Trinidad.

Is this the end of the road for the James Anderson? Not quite

Shahryaar Mirza
-
0
Is this the end of the road for the James Anderson? Not quite

Cricket Opinion: Is this the end of the road for the great James Anderson? | How long does England’s great bowler have left?

On Wednesday, July 5, England Cricket took to their social media accounts to announce their playing XI for the third Ashes Test in Leeds.

The hosts made three changes from the previous Test at Lord’s. Moeen Ali, Chris Woakes and Mark Wood replaced Ollie Pope, Josh Tongue and James Anderson in the must-win game for England.

Pope, a forced change, dislocated his shoulder and is out of the series. Tongue, surprisingly, was left out after enjoying a strong start to his career.

Why it’s not the end of the road yet for James Anderson

Anderson’s exclusion was less of a surprise given England often manage his workload. But, his form over the first two Tests begs the question – is this the end of the road for the great Jimmy Anderson?

Some think it is. The pacer is now 40 years old, and will turn 41 in less than a month’s time. In the Ashes so far, he has taken just three wickets over the two games having bowled close to 80 overs. But, are those of this opinion being too judgmental and reactionary?

The statistics would say yes. There is no doubt that Anderson has been disappointing over the last two weeks, where he has averaged over 75 with the ball. He has never averaged more in a series since 2008. But, one must not forget what the 40-year old did not too long ago against New Zealand.

Earlier this year, England drew 1-1 against New Zealand in an away Test series. The recency bias may make this sound like a shocker, but it was the evergreen Anderson who took the joint-most wickets (10) for his side across the two Tests. In the series, only Neil Wagner took more wickets than him, and no bowler averaged less than his 16.80.

In December, 2022, Anderson took eight wickets in two Tests against Pakistan on flat highways. Once again, his average of 18.50 was the best for any bowler in the series.

In his last 17 Tests, he has taken 68 wickets at a scintillating average of 19.85. What makes it even more incredible is the fact that he has been around the 40-year mark all this while.

Anderson expressed his disappointment at the Edgbaston pitch

After the first Ashes Test at Edgbaston where the talisman managed to notch just one wicket in 38 overs, Anderson expressed his disappointment regarding the nature of the pitch.

“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 reverse swing, no seam movement, no bounce, and no pace,” wrote Anderson in his column in The Telegraph.

But, he could not produce an impactful performance in the second Test either. He again took to his column in The Telegraph to clarify that his performance not being up to the mark is not because of his age, but due to other factors. Earlier, he admitted to feeling the rustiness while bowling and accepted that he has not been at his best. Moreover, he said that it is more of a lean patch and it is partly also due to the pitches not suiting him much.

“I will be honest. You want to contribute in the big series and I cannot remember having two such quiet games in a row for at least the past 10 years. I feel like I have always contributed at some stage. But I do not think I am bowling particularly badly; I am just going through a lean patch, which you do not want to happen in an Ashes. I am saying lean patch but it is only two games out of 181.”

“I am not going to criticize the pitch again. They have not suited me so far but I have found ways of getting wickets in the past on flat pitches. At the moment I am just not finding that knack.”

“It comes with the territory at my age for people to speculate about my future. But I understand. It is a high-profile series and you get put under the spotlight a bit more and the easy target is to say he is getting on a bit. But the reason I have not taken wickets is not because of my age,” wrote Anderson.

Anderson just 12 wickets away from 700 Test scalps

What James Anderson has done over the years in simply incredible. He is a legend of the game, and is currently 12 Test wickets away from touching the 700-mark, a feat only achieved by Muttiah Muralitharan and Shane Warne.

The 40-year old has stepped up for England for years now, and he still is doing so. Anderson has had two under-par games, which do not take away all that he has done in his other 179. He is about to turn 41, but is extremely fit and has proven his worth on numerous occasions. He is still very capable of exploiting conditions that favour him, and even perform in those that don’t.

It definitely is not the end of the road for James Anderson. With all his experience, skill and mental toughness, he will surely come back strong in the coming future.

3 ways England can make a comeback in the 2023 Ashes

Shahryaar Mirza
-
0
3 ways England can make a comeback in the 2023 Ashes

Cricket Opinion: 3 ways England can make a comeback in the 2023 Ashes | Can England pull off the incredible and win the Ashes?

England find themselves in a horrible position after the first two Ashes Tests. Australia are just a draw away from holding the Ashes for the fourth straight series, which would be a hammer blow for England given the hype around their new Bazball style.

Right from controversies to some splendid cricketing action, the Ashes have lived up to the hype and expectations so far. On that note, let us take a look at what England can do in the coming few weeks to inspire a comeback in the Ashes; the kind not seen since the 1930s.

What can England do to inspire a comeback in the 2023 Ashes?

1. Find balance between Bazball style & playing the situation

To begin with, England must find a balance between their new aggressive brand of Test cricket and the old, orthodox way of playing red-ball cricket. How much Bazball is too much Bazball is the question they should be asking themselves. An excessive amount of anything is not ideal, and the same applies in this case.

Prioritising entertainment over actually winning games is a poor mentality. Right from the first day declaration in the first Test to succumbing to Australia’s short ball tactics in the second, England have lost opportunities to gain an advantage simply in order to live up to their brand of cricket.

There will always be a difference in opinion regarding the way England is currently playing Test cricket. Many believe that it is taking out the originality from the format. The format that was supposed to be the ultimate test of a batter’s patience and resilience is now being played based on the philosophy that attack is the best form of defence.

However, if they can combine their aggressiveness in the field and their intentful batting with some situation-based play, England could potentially be developing the recipe for a revolutionary approach in the longest format of the game.

What this means is that there is nothing wrong about Bazball. What is concerning is that the team could lose grip of things from convincing positions just because the batters are looking to live up to their brand of cricket.

In the second Test, it was almost as if England was gifting wickets to Australia. It seemed as if England would throw hands at anything and everything just to maintain that run-rate.

The likes of Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook and Ben Duckett got out in ugly fashion trying to put the short balls away. There is nothing wrong in putting the bad deliveries away, but if one tries to go big on good, threatening deliveries in a five-day Test with obvious traps set, it is obvious that they have lost the ego battle.

Ben Stokes has mentioned about the freedom he gives to his batters. However, there must also be some accountability for their carelessness.

Even a boundary per over does the job for England and fulfills the goal that they aim to achieve in this Stokes-McCullum era.

Thus, in the last two Test matches, England should look to play according to the situation. With the kind of immensely talented batters that they have, some sensible cricket can do wonders.

2. Better utilise variety in their bowling attack

In the absence of Jack Leach, England must utilise the variety they do have in their bowling arsenal. Josh Tongue showed good signs at Lord’s, providing Stokes with a point of difference. The same will apply to Mark Wood, who has been picked for the third Test.

England also need to manage James Anderson well as he can still influence the series in the final two Tests. The 41-year old has been rested for Headingley considering he has not made significant impact so far, taking just three wickets across the two Tests. Chris Woakes, who offers a lot more with the bat, and Mark Wood, adds balance and variety to the lineup.

Woakes last played a Test for England in March, 2022 in the away series against West Indies. In his last 12 Tests, he has notched 35 wickets, averaging just a little under three wickets per game. With the bat, he has scored 497 runs in his last 10 Tests, at an average of almost 36.

On the other hand, there is England’s leading wicket taker from the last Ashes waiting to get a chance this time around. Wood grabbed a whopping 17 wickets in four Ashes Tests last year. He last wore the whites for England against Pakistan in December, 2022. In the two Tests he played against Pakistan, he took eight wickets on Pakistani pitches that did not have a lot on offer for the pacers.

With 27 wickets in eight Tests against Australia, Wood could prove to be a great inclusion to England’s playing XI.

3. Get the best of Harry Brook at number three

Harry Brook has made starts in this series, but the way he has been dismissed has put him under the spotlight. It was particularly the case in the first innings at Lord’s, backing away to a short delivery and slicing tamely to extra cover.

The exciting batsman has been named as Ollie Pope’s replacement at number three. So, there is an added responsibility on Brook’s shoulders. If he can find that balance, he has the game to score quicker as his innings goes on, providing England with a strong base to play off.

Conversely, if he struggles at three, England’s middle order will be feeling the pinch. Such a situation must be avoided when three straight victories are needed to regain the Ashes.

1...149150151...501Page 150 of 501