RCB vs RR Preview Dream11. Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Rajasthan Royals Preview Dream11 Prediction
Two teams who have been in do-or-die mode for a couple of weeks now. One side is about to take its last breath, and the other is doing enough to keep hopes alive of a miraculous playoffs appearance.
Not even the philosophical, faithful Royal Challengers Bangalore fans can realistically believe they can make the playoffs. Despite four wins out of five before their defeat to DC, it has been another underwhelming canpaign for Virat Kohli’s men. It was another season of hope for RCB, but it hasn’t materialised. However, they can now be of nuisance value to their opponents. Will they end RR’s season?
Rajasthan Royals made a late run to the playoffs last season. They are attempting to do it again, and even though SRH’s net run rate boosting win over KXIP yesterday is a blow, Steve Smith’s men are still in with a chance. Their first win this season was over RCB, and they will be out to ensure their win over SRH last game isn’t their last.
Key to an RCB win
RCB’s death bowling made for grim viewing once again. Their poor last four overs vs DC was ultimately the difference between winning and losing. Here, they need a polished performance at all stages of the innings, with RR’s top order in good form – Ajinkya Rahane, Liam Livingstone, Sanju Samson and Steve Smith are all playing well. So, Umesh Yadav will be key in the powerplay, Washington Sundar and Yuzvendra Chahal up until the middle overs, and Navdeep Saini and even Marcus Stoinis at the death.
Also, can Virat Kohli play a big innings? He has had three low scores in a row – something so rare for the India and RCB captain. He and in-form Parthiv Patel can provide a quick start that pushes RR back, and remind them of their pace bowling worries from earlier in the season. If RCB do the right thing and bat Marcus Stoinis at four, RCB have a top four – including AB de Villiers – that can set up a huge total.
RCB vs RR Preview Dream11 – It wasn’t a good death period for RCB vs DC.
Key to a RR win
RR bowled nicely as a unit in their last-start win over SRH. The much-maligned Jaydev Unadkat picked up man-of-the-match, but the challenge for he and RR is to back up their effort well. Conditions at the Chinnaswamy are different to Jaipur, which puts onus on Varun Aaron and Oshane Thomas in particular to be as accurate as possible with their pace. Shreyas Gopal has a superb record vs RCB, so he can keep things tight in the middle overs, especially if RR make a strong start. Can RR get the better of Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers?
Also, there was much to like about RR’s top four against SRH. Ajinkya Rahane and Liam Livingstone began with a strong opening partnership, and if they can replicate what DC did a couple of days ago vs RCB, it sets things up nicely for Sanju Samson, Steve Smith, Ashton Turner and Riyan Parag to play off the back of. Samson in particular has fond memories of the Chinnaswamy, belting 92* off 45 balls there last year. Against an RCB attack that continues to have its struggles, a big opportunity awaits RR.
RCB vs RR Preview Dream11 – Will Steve Smith lead his team to victory?
Possible Playing 11
RCB: 1. Virat Kohli (c), 2. Parthiv Patel (wk), 3. AB de Villiers, 4. Heinrich Klaasen/Shimron Hetmyer, 5. Shivam Dube, 6. Marcus Stoinis, 7. Gurkeerat Singh, 8. Washington Sundar, .9 Umesh Yadav, 10. Yuzvendra Chahal, 11. Navdeep Saini
RR: 1. Ajinkya Rahane, 2. Liam Livingstone, 3. Sanju Samson (wk), 4. Steve Smith (c), 5. Ashton Turner, 6. Riyan Parag, 7. Stuart Binny, 8. Shreyas Gopal, 9. Jaydev Unadkat, 10. Varun Aaron, 11. Oshane Thomas
This will be Steve Smith’s last match for RR this season. It will be his 50th match as captain in T20s.
Yuzvendra Chahal is two wickets away from 100 in IPL.
Virat Kohli currently has 49 wins as an IPL captain.
Match Prediction
Huge game for RR as they look to keep their season alive.
It is hard to predict which RCB side will turn up in this game. Will they perform really well now that the pressure is gone? Or will RR continue their good run?
Cricket News: Lord’s London weather forecast for 2nd Ashes Test | What is the weather forecast for the 2nd Ashes Test?
After a magnificent first Test at Edgbaston, anticipation is high for the second Test at Lord’s. England need to bounce back quickly to keep their hopes of regaining the Ashes urn intact, while Australia can take a huge step towards Ashes retention with victory at the home of cricket.
Conditions have been warm and mostly dry in London so far this summer. However, will it be the case for the Test match? Below is a look at the Lord’s weather forecast for the five days starting Wednesday June 28.
2023 Ashes: Lord’s weather forecast for the 2nd Test
In the last decade, the team batting first has won 47.4% of Tests at Lord’s. However, overcast conditions on day one and a greenish pitch can influence each team’s final playing XI as well as the decision at the toss. Cloud cover is forecast for day one of the Test, but the chances of precipitation are low right throughout.
Day two, though, could see rain. According to BBC.com, there is higher than 50% chance of precipitation from 7am right through to 4pm. Also, World Weather Online predicts up to 6.3mm to fall in the afternoon.
Lord’s London weather forecast for 2nd Ashes Test
From thereon, conditions look promising despite the chance of afternoon showers on day three and morning showers on day four. Day five, Sunday 2nd July, is mostly sunny with no chance of rain.
With these conditions come interesting talking points around the make up of both XIs. Australia have a choice to make between two of Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Scott Boland, with the latter a good selection given his ability on pitches offering movement. However, Starc’s left-arm angle on the Lord’s slope, plus his batting capability, makes him a strong selection too.
For England, Moeen Ali’s fitness will decide the XI. Given Ben Stokes likes to back his players, Moeen will likely play if his finger is in good shape, but what will that mean for the rest of the attack? Chris Woakes has a great record at Lord’s, but is there room for him? Mark Wood offers a point of difference with his pace, but who out of Broad, Robinson and Anderson misses out?
These questions and more set the scene. Given England’s style of batting and the quality in both bowling attacks, there should be enough time to secure a result in what shapes up to be a cracking Test.
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.
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: 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).
PatCummins 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.
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.
You’re probably closer to the Lord’s pitch than me but, fwiw, 48 hours from the toss, here it is: pic.twitter.com/b97BNuG08m
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 2nd Test ENG vs AUS Dream11 Prediction
Option 2:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
I can't take it anymore. I'm done watching this. What a disgrace, nothing against the actors and that. Zero. But Shane Warne is a legend of the game. This is tarnishing him even more. Would we do this to bradman? Absolutely not. #warnie
I think it was just done in poor taste, and just seen as a cheap cash & ratings grab.
The daughter labelled it disrespectful. Which is fair enough, an unauthorised dramatized two part doco so soon after he passed, for all he did for channel 9 is a poor effort on their behalf
Channel nine and whoever thought this was a good idea should be ashamed of themselves. What an absolute load of shit, desecrating the life of one of the greatest. Gutter television. #warnie
I am shocked I made it through the first 45 minutes quite possibly the worst tv show produced by @Channel9 have ever produced worst casting, acting and make up of any show ever #Warnie
I’ve seen some shit, but 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. @Channel9 I am boycotting you (ashes aside) for the next 3 years.
#Warnie was predictably terrible, and not just because it was hopelessly cheesy. You need distance in the rear view mirror before a thing like this can work. We all know the stories, the moments, the guy's character. 20 years on, it would've been a fantastic trip down memory lane
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.
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.
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.”
“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.
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.
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.”
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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