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SCO vs HEA Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report: BBL 2022/23 Final

Charbel Coorey
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SCO vs HEA Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report: BBL 2022/23 Final

SCO vs HEA Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report: BBL 2022/23 Final | PS vs BH Dream11 Prediction Today | Perth Pitch Report

On the back of Michael Neser’s magnificent 48* and Matt Kuhnemann’s terrific performance with the ball, Brisbane Heat, who were bottom of the league on January 14, have a shot at the BBL title.

Thursday night was one of the tournament’s great upsets, with the Heat toppling Sixers away from home without Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Matt Renshaw and Mitch Swepson. However, they will have to go one better here against a rampant Perth Scorchers outfit on their own patch, with Ashton Turner’s team showing no signs of letting up.

To compete, a lot rests on the Heat attack that has delivered in this wonderful run of seven wins in their last eight games. Neser and the pacers will meet a pitch that is sure to have bounce, but do Jimmy Peirson’s team have enough in them to get past a long Scorchers batting lineup?

That, along with the Heat’s batting, are the two key questions. Even after losing early wickets in the Qualifier, Perth romped home thanks to chase master Turner alongside the in-form Cameron Bancroft. This time around, a strong start from the top order will hold the Scorchers in great stead, especially given their bowling attack can cause plenty of damage at home.

In front of a cracking crowd of about 55,000, will it be the Scorchers who prevail for their fifth title? Or can the Heat get going quickly after a lengthy flight out west?

Match Details

  • Location: Optus Stadium, Perth.
  • Time: 4:30pm (local), 2:00pm (IST).
  • For more cricket fixtures around the world, visit Fixture Calendar.

BBL 2022/23 Final: SCO vs HEA Possible Playing XIs

Scorchers confirmed their squad on Twitter. Lance Morris is unavailable as he is with the Australia Test squad in India. Matt Kelly has replaced him.

David Payne has taken nine wickets in his past five matches, including four in his last two at Perth.

Perth Scorchers: 1. Stephen Eskinazi, 2. Cameron Bancroft, 3. Aaron Hardie, 4. Josh Inglis (wk), 5. Ashton Turner (c), 6. Nick Hobson, 7. Cooper Connolly, 8. Andrew Tye, 9. David Payne, 10. Jason Behrendhorff, 11. Matt Kelly

Heat have finalised their squad. They may stick with the same XI.

Brisbane Heat: 1. Sam Heazlett, 2. Josh Brown, 3. Nathan McSweeney, 4. Sam Hain, 5. Jimmy Peirson (c & wk), 6. Max Bryant, 7. Michael Neser, 8. James Bazley, 9. Xavier Bartlett, 10. Spencer Johnson, 11. Matthew Kuhnemann

Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

Perth Scorchers:

  • Aaron Hardie belted 57 (33) and 65* (45) against Heat in the BBL 12 league stage. Also, at Optus Stadium, Hardie averages 38.00 (304 runs) with a strike rate of 145.45.
  • Cameron Bancroft hit 76* (48) against Heat on this ground earlier this season. Also, the opener comes into this match off the back of scores of 95* and 53* in his last two games.
  • Against Heat, Bancroft has hit 327 runs in nine innings (avg. 54.50, SR 129.25).
  • Josh Inglis took apart the Heat attack at the Gabba on January 11. He scored 67* (35), part of 405 runs in BBL 12 (avg. 36.81, SR 148.89).
  • Ashton Turner has been the chase master of this BBL. In nine innings batting second, he has scored 262 runs at an average of 65.5 and strike rate of 154.1.
  • Andrew Tye has taken 22 wickets in 14 matches against Heat (avg. 17.91, econ. 7.85). Also, he loves bowling on this ground, with 33 wickets in 20 matches at an average of 16.91 and strike rate of 13.12.
  • Jason Behrendhorff was player of the match in the Scorchers’ last match vs Heat (3/17). In 13 outings against them, the left-armer has taken an impressive 21 scalps at an average of 15.71 and economy of just 6.62.

Brisbane Heat:

  • A lot rests on the terrific Michael Neser. He is coming off an all-round performance for the ages against Sixers (2/28 and 48*). Also, he is the second-highest wicket-taker this season (26, SR 12.6).
  • Neser went wicketless twice in the league stage against Scorchers, with total figures of 0/59 in six overs.
  • Josh Brown is a player who could put pressure on the Scorchers attack. He has looked threatening in his past two matches (39 and 20), without going on to the big score.
  • Brown hit 34 (21) and 18 (13) against Scorchers in the league stage. He looked good in both matches, but the key is making the use of the starts.
  • Sam Hain enjoyed some good form before the playoffs. He scored 33*, 73* and 26 in the leadup to the finals, and the Englishman will be vital with his experience.
  • Watch out for Spencer Johnson on a bouncy Perth pitch. The tall left-armer has impressed this season, with 3/28 in his last match vs Sixers.

ALSO READ: Will Australia win the Test series in India? 3 arguments for and against

Other Stats and Facts

  • Head-to-head: Matches 20, Scorchers 13, Heat 7.
  • Scorchers won both meetings with ease in the league stage. At Perth, they chased 172 with 21 balls to spare. At the Gabba, they chased 156 with 22 balls remaining.
  • Aaron Hardie is Perth’s highest run-scorer this season (443) and is just 15 away from the league’s highest run-scorer Matt Short (458).
  • Ashton Turner at Perth Stadium: 22 inns, 615 runs, avg. 36.18, SR 145.73.
  • Jimmy Peirson averages just 19.45 in 15 innings against Scorchers. However, he has performed well against AJ Tye (43 runs off 29 balls, one dismissal).
  • Matt Kuhnemann was outstanding in the Challenger against Sixers (3/17). But, how will he adjust to a pacier Perth pitch?

Optus Stadium Perth Pitch Report and Weather

Expect a pacy pitch as usual at Perth. In eight matches on this ground in BBL 12, the average first innings score is 155.63, with teams often losing early wickets against the new ball. Out of these eight games, the chasing team has won six.

A very hot day is forecast in Perth, with a top of 39 degrees. It will test the players and spectators as the match is scheduled to start at 4:30pm local time.

BBL 2022/23 Final: SCO vs HEA Dream11 Prediction Today Match 4 February 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:

SCO vs HEA Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report: BBL 2022/23 Final | PS vs BH Dream11 Prediction Today | Perth Pitch Report
BBL 2022/23 Final: SCO vs HEA Dream11 Prediction

Option 2:

SCO vs HEA Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report: BBL 2022/23 Final | PS vs BH Dream11 Prediction Today | Perth Pitch Report
BBL 2022/23 Final: SCO vs HEA Dream11 Prediction

Fan2Play Prediction

Base Team:

  • Wicket-Keepers: Josh Inglis
  • Batsmen: Cameron Bancroft
  • All-Rounders: Michael Neser, Aaron Hardie
  • Bowlers: Andrew Tye, Jason Behrendhorff

BBL 2022/23 Final: SCO vs HEA Match Prediction – Who will win?

If Brisbane Heat pull this off, it may well be considered the biggest upset in BBL history. Perth Scorchers, at home with such a well-rounded side, should win.

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.

2023 Border-Gavaskar Trophy: Top 3 Player Battles

Tarkesh Jha
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2023 Border-Gavaskar Trophy: Top 3 Player Battles

2023 Border-Gavaskar Trophy: Top 3 Player Battles | Head-to-head player battles & stats for 2023 Border-Gavaskar Trophy

The highly-anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy is set to commence from February 9 in Nagpur. The contest is extremely important for both sides as their prospects of featuring in the World Test Championship (WTC) final rests on this series, otherwise they will need other results to go their way.

India has emerged victorious the last three times that the teams have gone head-to-head in red-ball cricket. With multiple stars turning up for the two sides, it is possible that the outcome of the series will be largely determined by the specific player battles that will take place throughout the course of the four Tests.

3 player battles to watch out for in the 2023 Border-Gavaskar Trophy

1: Virat Kohli v Pat Cummins

Virat Kohli has certainly regained his imperious touch with the bat and that will solidify and strengthen the Indian middle-order. The Indian side will be missing the presence of Rishabh Pant and Shreyas Iyer (for first game) and that puts great onus on Kohli to take charge of the batting lineup.

Australian skipper Pat Cummins will relish the opportunity to go against Kohli in what could be the marquee contest. Cummins arguably has maintained an upper hand on Kohli so far – having dismissed him five times in the 247 deliveries that he has bowled to him in Test cricket. The ex-India skipper averages merely 16.4 and will be edging to better that record in the upcoming series.

2: Usman Khawaja v Ravichandran Ashwin

Usman Khawaja has demonstrated terrific form in the year gone by, having notched 1080 runs in 11 Tests in 2022 at an average of 67.50 including five-half centuries and four centuries. The southpaw has a knack of performing well against spinners but his ultimate test will be against Ravichandran Ashwin.

The Indian off-spinner, a veteran of 88 Tests with 449 dismissals to his name, is lethal against left-handers. Khawaja has faced Ashwin in only 49 deliveries in Test cricket. However, he has already been dismissed twice by the bowler and averages just five against him. Quick scalps early on will add further pressure on the Australian middle-order and Ashwin will be looking to do exactly that by targeting Khawaja upfront.

3: Steven Smith v Ravindra Jadeja

All said and done, Steven Smith will be the one holding the key to Australia’s chances in this series. The right-hander displayed tremendous flair against the Indian spinners the last time the Aussies toured India for a Test series in 2017.

Overall, he averages 60 across six Tests in India with a half-century and three centuries to his name. Quality left-arm spin is arguably still a chink in his armour and India will look to exploit that with the return of Ravindra Jadeja.

Smith averages 45.2 against the Indian all-rounder but has been dismissed four times by him as well. However, in India, Smith has faced a mammoth 474 deliveries for those four dismissals.

In fact, in the 2017 series, Smith notched three centuries. Irrespective of the quality that the Saurashtra star brings to the table with his bat, India will want him to be in fine bowling form particularly to tackle Smith’s prowess in subcontinental conditions.

ALSO READ: Can Australia pull off a stunning series win in India? 3 arguments for and against

Peter Handscomb could play 1st Test if Cameron Green can’t bowl

Tarkesh Jha
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Peter Handscomb could play 1st Test if Cameron Green can’t bowl

Cricket News: Peter Handscomb could play 1st Test if Cameron Green can’t bowl | Will Cameron Green bowl in the 1st Test vs India?

Australian wicketkeeper-batsman Peter Handscomb might be back in reckoning to make the playing XI for the first India-Australia Test that starts from February 9 in Nagpur if all-rounder Cameron Green is unfit to bowl. Handscomb’s proficiency against spin bowlers puts him in pole position to replace Green, who is recovering from a fractured finger, should Australia choose to make that call.

“He’s really important. It’s been well documented over a period of time that his play against spin is excellent, and we feel as though he’s returned probably to what he was producing two or three years ago,” Andrew Macdonald, head coach of the Australian cricket team, was quoted in a report by News18.

Handscomb gives us flexibility if Green can’t bowl – Andrew McDonald

Handscomb played in all four matches when Australia last toured India in early 2017. He had scored 198 runs across eight innings, averaging 28.29 with a top-score of 72*. McDonald acknowledged that Handscomb has scored good runs in the Sheffield Shield on slower surfaces. Further, his ability to double up as a wicketkeeper is a plus should anything happen to Alex Carey.

“Lots of runs in Shield cricket on those slower surfaces as well. He’s able to keep as well, so it gives us every option for Josh (Inglis) not to be there and if anything were to happen to Alex Carey, there’s flexibility there, but also in close fielder as well, bat pad, highly valued when you tour the subcontinent,” McDonald further explained.

The head coach thus played down concerns over Green’s possible unavailability. He explained that the Australian playing XI has numerous southpaws in their ranks currently and hence Handscomb will add value with his right-handed batting. However, McDonald also mentioned that they look at Green as a top-six batsman primarily, thus indicating that the 23-year-old could even make it to the team as a specialist batter.

Green, who was acquired by Mumbai Indians for Rs 17.5 crore in the recent Indian Premier League (IPL) auction, broke a finger in his right-hand whilst batting in the Boxing Day Test against South Africa in Melbourne.

SIX vs HEA Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report: BBL 2022/23 Challenger

Charbel Coorey
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SIX vs HEA Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report: BBL 2022/23 Challenger

SIX vs HEA Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report: BBL 2022/23 Challenger | SS vs BH Dream11 Prediction Today | SCG Pitch Report

A spot in the BBL 12 Final awaits. The consistent Sydney Sixers and in-form Brisbane Heat do battle to play Perth Scorchers for the chance to lift the trophy this Saturday.

However, both teams suffer a below as the Australian Test stars are unavailable, after Steve Smith and Usman Khawaja in particular lit up the tournament in recent weeks. How the Heat adjust with Labuschagne, Renshaw and Swepson also unavailable remains to be seen, with the onus on young players to deliver on this big stage.

The Heat’s best chance looks to be via their bowling attack. Sixers have been somewhat reliant on Smith in recent matches, with the likes of Josh Philippe and Kurtis Patterson not stringing together enough significant scores. So, can the Brisbane-based team make early inroads and force Henriques, Silk and co. to recover the innings?

Match Details

  • Location: Sydney Cricket Ground.
  • Time: 7:15pm (local), 1:45pm (IST).
  • For cricket fixtures around the world, visit Fixture Calendar.

ALSO READ: Will Australia win the Test series in India? 3 arguments for and against

BBL 2022/23 Challenger: SIX vs HEA Possible Playing XIs

Sixers have named their squad. Steve Smith is not available as he is now in India. Daniel Hughes may come into the XI.

Sydney Sixers: 1. Josh Philippe (wk), 2. Kurtis Patterson, 3. Daniel Hughes, 4. Moises Henriques (c), 5. Jordan Silk, 6. Dan Christian, 7. Hayden Kerr, 8. Ben Dwarshuis, 9. Sean Abbott, 10. Steve O’Keefe, 11. Izharulhaq Naveed

Heat have also named their squad. They are now without Test players Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Matt Renshaw and Mitch Swepson.

Heat may bring in Nathan McSweeney (local replacement player for Labuschagne), Max Bryant and Ross Whiteley, who is back from injury. Also, Jack Wildermuth, Mark Steketee and Will Prestwidge are included in the squad.

Brisbane Heat: 1. Max Bryant, 2. Josh Brown, 3. Nathan McSweeney/Sam Heazlett, 4. Sam Hain, 5. Ross Whiteley, 6. Jimmy Peirson (c & wk), 7. Michael Neser, 8. James Bazley, 9. Xavier Bartlett, 10. Matthew Kuhnemann, 11. Spencer Johnson/Mark Steketee

Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

Sydney Sixers:

  • It has been a poor season for Josh Philippe (avg. 17.85), who the Sixers need to step up in the absence of Smith. Philippe has scores of 1, 10, 8 and 1 in his past four knocks.
  • Philippe career record vs Heat: 9 inns, 198 runs, avg. 28.29, SR 127.74.
  • Moises Henriques has scored 45*, 23* and 58 in his past three matches. Overall against Heat, Henriques has scored 267 runs in 13 innings at an average of 24.27 and strike rate of 133.50.
  • Jordan Silk recently signed a new deal with the Sixers and is the franchise’s leading run-scorer this season (353). He is averaging 50.42 with a strike rate of 129.77.
  • Silk smashed 41 off 23 balls against Heat earlier in BBL 12.
  • Sean Abbott has taken an impressive 26 wickets in just 12 innings vs Heat (avg. 14.08, econ. 8.48). Given the seamer has taken 18 wickets in his last seven BBL matches, it promises to be a tough ask for the Heat.
  • Also, Abbott is far and away the highest wicket-taker in T20s at the SCG: 44 inns, 72 wickets, avg. 16.92, SR 12.39.
  • Steve O’Keefe concedes just 5.95 per over in ten innings vs Heat (10 wickets). Also, O’Keefe is often brilliant at the SCG: 36 inns, 38 wickets, econ. 6.54.

Brisbane Heat:

  • Nathan McSweeney scored 84 off 51 balls against Sixers earlier this season. Josh Brown smashed 62 off 23 in the same game.
  • Sam Hain will be crucial for the Heat. He comes into this match in some decent form, with scores of 33*, 73*, 26, 1* and 8* in his past five matches. Expect him to get more of an opportunity today with the Test players unavailable.
  • Michael Neser has taken the third-most wickets in this BBL (24) at a strike rate of 12.7. He has dismissed Josh Philippe four times in 30 balls in T20s (51 runs).
  • James Bazley takes one wicket per innings on average against Sixers (5 inns, 5 wickets). He is also striking every 15.1 deliveries this season (16 wickets).
  • Xavier Bartlett produced a man of the match performance in the Knockout against Renegades (3/18).

Other Stats and Facts

  • Head-to-head: Matches 18, Sixers 13, Heat 4, 1 N/R.
  • Earlier this season, Heat won a high-scorer against Sixers after a contentious catch by Michael Neser at the Gabba. The other meeting was a no result.
  • Sixers lead Heat 4-2 at the SCG.
  • Daniel Hughes has the most runs in SIX-HEA matches: 12 inns, 333 runs, avg. 27.75, SR 125.66.
  • Josh Philippe has scored 788 runs in T20s at the SCG (avg. 34.25, SR 141.22). Only Moises Henriques (972) has more.
  • Jimmy Peirson averages just 16.87 in 15 matches against Sixers. Sean Abbott has dismissed him three times in 31 deliveries (46 runs).

SCG Pitch Report and Weather

The last match was the Sydney Smash on January 21st, where only Steve Smith batted freely on a slow pitch. In that game, Sixers (187) hammered Thunder (62), with Steve O’Keefe taking 4/10.

The average first innings score at the SCG in BBL 12 is 154.8, with a run rate of 8.32. The team batting first has won four of the five matches.

A mostly clear day is forecast in Sydney with a top of about 30 degrees.

BBL 2022/23 Challenger: SIX vs HEA Dream11 Prediction Today Match 2 February 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:

BBL 2022/23 Challenger: SIX vs HEA Dream11 Prediction

Option 2:

BBL 2022/23 Challenger: SIX vs HEA Dream11 Prediction

Fan2Play Prediction

Base Team:

  • Wicket-Keepers: Josh Philippe
  • Batsmen: Sam Hain
  • All-Rounders: Michael Neser, Hayden Kerr
  • Bowlers: Sean Abbott, Ben Dwarshuis, Steve O’Keefe

BBL 2022/23 Challenger: SIX vs HEA Match Prediction – Who will win?

Sixers to win.

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.

Can this Australia team win in India? 3 arguments for & against

Charbel Coorey
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Can this Australia team win in India? 3 arguments for & against

Can this Australia team win in India? 3 arguments for & against | Opinion: A look at Australia’s best opportunities to challenge India

Since Australia’s hard fought 2-1 defeat in 2017, India have come down under and conquered Australia twice. The second, back in 2020/21, is right considered one of India’s greatest ever victories, overcoming a spate of injuries, unavailabilities and 36-all out to achieve what looked to be the impossible.

Fast forward two years later, and Australia are tasked with attempting to achieve the improbable. Not since 2004 have Australia won a Test series in India, and only one team in world cricket – England in 2012 – have won on these shores in that period. Pat Cummins’ side, however, is full of confidence, coming off dominant performances at home while showing good signs away in Pakistan and Sri Lanka in 2022.

Can Australia win the four-match Test series in India?

Of course, this is a whole different challenge. India have lost just two of 42 home Tests since losing 2-1 to Alastair Cook’s team over a decade ago. Written from an (hopeful) Australian fan’s perspective, this article will compare the three reasons why this side will and won’t win the Test series against Rohit Sharma’s team.

ALSO READ: World Test Championship Final scenarios – What India and Australia need to do to qualify

3 reasons why they can’t

1. Lack of adequate preparation

Can this Australia team win in India? 3 arguments for & against | Opinion: A look at Australia's best opportunities to challenge India
Australia’s key players have been playing in the BBL up until late January.

Australia took off for India on January 31, just ten days before the first Test in Nagpur. Also, a number of players, including Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith and David Warner are fresh off BBL action.

As a result, it leaves a race against the clock for Australia to acclimatise to the conditions and get their game ready for the toughest task in world cricket. If Pat Cummins’ team starts poorly and loses the first Test comfortably, it makes that task all the more difficult.

There will be no tour match. Steve Smith said that the team isn’t too worried, given that India produced a green track for the practice outing in 2017. “I think we have made right decision to not play the tour game,” he said. “Last time they served a green top & it was sort of irrelevant, we are better of having our own nets & getting spinners to bowl as much they can.”

This sounds good on paper, but how well Australia, soon after T20 action for a number of key stars, can sharpen their skills against spin in a little over a week remains to be seen.

2. Inexperience and question marks around most of the top 7

Cricket News: David Warner says he is exhausted ahead of India tour | David Warner says he would have liked more time at home
Can David Warner overcome his struggles in Asia?

David Warner, who has worryingly said he feels exhausted after a long home season, averages just 24.25 in eight Tests in India. R Ashwin has dismissed him ten times in Tests at an average of just 18.2 runs per wicket, and there is no doubt the class offspinner will test Warner right away.

Usman Khawaja, as much as he has improved against spin, is set to play his first Test in India. So too Marnus Labuschagne and Cameron Green, who both have question marks around their footwork against spin especially early in their innings.

However, the arguably bigger question is around Travis Head. Australia’s number five looked to be fighting a lost battle against spin in Pakistan and Sri Lanka last year, even on the benign surfaces. Can Head transfer his superb home form and attacking strokeplay to conditions that will be the complete opposite in India? Time will tell.

The only established option is the great Steve Smith at number four. The others, while very capable, need to start well to ensure they get into the series as quickly as they can. Against a possible spin trio of Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel, along with some excellent seamers, it is going to be a mighty tough ask.

3. Is too much on Nathan Lyon’s shoulders?

Cricket News: Most wickets by spinners in Test cricket | List of most wickets by spinners in Test cricket history
Nathan Lyon needs support in India.

Ashton Agar and Mitchell Swepson have a combined 19 Test wickets at an average of 48.73. Todd Murphy is yet to play a Test. If Cameron Green is unable to bowl early in the series, there may be a situation where Australia will play two specialist spinners with Lyon partnered with an inexperienced option.

The luxury of Green bowling is Australia could then play three specialist spinners, perhaps utilising the likes of Swepson or Murphy a little more sparingly for impact.

However, whatever the scenario, Australia’s spinners have a massive task ahead of them, especially if India produce the kinds of surfaces we saw for the final three Tests of the 2017 series. There is the question of Nathan Lyon’s impact, given he hasn’t quite displayed the same bite in recent years despite his terrific consistency. Since the start of 2021, Lyon is striking every 74.18 deliveries. His economy rate of 2.57 is terrific, but Australia need potent options at the other end if they are to take 20 wickets regularly against the likes of Pujara, Kohli and co.

3 reasons why they can

1. The Steve Smith factor

In 2017, Steve Smith struck 499 runs in the four Tests at an average of 71.28 with three centuries. Australia’s great batsman has constantly spoke in recent times about how he feels the best he has in years, which provides a great ray of hope for Pat Cummins’ team in this tough assignment.

Smith averages 57 against Ashwin in India. He averages less against Jadeja (37.8), but the left-arm spinner has dismissed Smith just four times in 474 deliveries in the subcontinent. If Smith can lead the way and others have the stomach for the fight, Australia can post enough competitive totals to test the home side.

ALSO READ: Usman Khawaja says Australia can achieve greatness in India & England in 2023

Cricket News: Steve Smith to play County cricket for Sussex in the buildup to Ashes & WTC final | Steve Smith county cricket news

2. Australia’s willingness to play an attacking, fearless brand of cricket

One such player who can have a good series is Alex Carey. The keeper-batsman is one of the more exciting players of spin in this Australia lineup, with his willingness to be positive a potentially vital asset down the order.

In the first Test against Sri Lanka at Galle last year, Carey, Green and Australia played an attacking brand of cricket against the home side’s spinners on a sharp turner. They scored at a fast rate, and will surely back themselves to try the same once again. To increase the chances of this, Australia will require the best possible platform they can get from the top order.

Embed from Getty Images

3. India producing sharp turners

Following on from the previous point, if India choose to produce sharp turners, it brings Australia into the game. Such surfaces can make it a shootout, and enables Australia’s spinners to threaten more than they would on a slow turner.

If Australia are greeted with the kind of surfaces England were in 2021, Pat Cummins’ team need to see it as an opportunity rather than a threat.

Pune 2017 is a great example. Steve O’Keefe took match figures of 12/70 to completely destroy India in a 333-run win for Australia. The left-arm spinner combined with Lyon to take all ten wickets in the second dig.

Onto Lyon again. His bowling strike rate since 2021 received a mention, but his performances in 2017 need reminding. He took 19 wickets in four Tests at an average of 25.26, including a magnificent 8/50 in Bengaluru. His accuracy, changes of speed and ability to generate turn and bounce will be vital.

The key for Australia will be to compete hard right from the offset. They were competitive in 2017, and if they can dig in again, anything is possible as India showed down under in 2020/21.

SA vs ENG 3rd ODI Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report

Charbel Coorey
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0
SA vs ENG 3rd ODI Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report

SA vs ENG 3rd ODI Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report | SA vs ENG 3rd ODI Dream11 Prediction Today | Kimberley Pitch Report

What a difference a few days make. After a shocking T20 World Cup exit and dismal Test series in Australia, South Africa have boosted their direct ODI World Cup qualification hopes with two excellent wins in Bloemfontein against England.

Sunday was a particularly special day. The Proteas achieved their third-highest successful chase in ODI history, with Temba Bavuma hitting a sweet and rewarding century. Then, almost inevitably, the terrific David Miller sealed another chase.

The question now is whether the hosts can pull off a clean sweep against the world champions. England have now lost their last five ODIs and eight of their past ten completed matches. Ben Stokes puts it down to the schedule, which is fair to an extent, but something is off about England’s ODI game at the moment.

The tourists have lacked regular wickets with the ball and are yet to produce a rounded performance with the bat. In the first ODI, the middle order collapsed after a superb opening partnership. In the second, the opposite held true, with Jos Buttler dominating after an underwhelming top order display.

TWITTER REACTIONS: “Apologise to Bavuma” – South Africa chase 343 against England in 2nd ODI

Match Details

  • Location: Diamond Oval, Kimberley.
  • Time: 1:00pm (local), 4:30pm (IST).
  • For cricket fixtures around the world, visit Fixture Calendar.

SA vs ENG 3rd ODI Possible Playing XIs

Kagiso Rabada and Sisanda Magala were left out of the second ODI. One or both may be back for this game, especially Magala who was man of the match for his 3/46 in Bloemfontein.

Reeza Hendricks and Janneman Malan are also in the squad and either (or both) could get a chance.

South Africa: 1. Quinton de Kock (wk), 2. Temba Bavuma (c), 3. Rassie van der Dussen, 4. Aiden Markram, 5. Heinrich Klaasen, 6. David Miller, 7. Marco Jansen, 8. Wayne Parnell/Kagiso Rabada, 9. Keshav Maharaj/Tabraiz Shamsi, 10. Lungi Ngidi, 11. Anrich Nortje/Sisanda Magala

England may look to rotate. Jofra Archer was not picked for the second match and could return. So too David Willey. Also, the tourists may give an opportunity to Phil Salt.

England: 1. Jason Roy, 2. Dawid Malan, 3. Ben Duckett/Phil Salt, 4. Harry Brook, 5. Jos Buttler (c & wk), 6. Moeen Ali, 7. Sam Curran/Chris Woakes, 8. David Willey, 9. Adil Rashid, 10. Olly Stone, 11. Reece Topley/Jofra Archer

Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

South Africa:

  • Temba Bavuma averages 46.05 after 21 ODI innings. Out of his five 50+ scores, he has converted three into centuries.
  • Quinton de Kock has made two 30+ scores without carrying on for a big knock in this series. The keeper-batsman still has a superb record at home against England: 10 inns, 581 runs, avg. 64.55, SR 99.31.
  • Rassie van der Dussen has hit two centuries in a row against England when batting first (134 and 111).
  • David Miller (53 and 58* this series) has continued his love affair with England in ODIs. In eight innings against them, Miller has smashed 354 runs at an average of 118.00 and strike rate of 124.21.
  • Kagiso Rabada has taken total figures of 6/77 in 18 overs in ODIs at Kimberley. The Proteas may bring him back for this match after impressing in the first ODI (2/46), where he dismissed Jason Roy and Sam Curran.
  • Anrich Nortje is the leading wicket-taker so far this series (6).

England:

  • It’s been a mixed bag for Jason Roy in South Africa. Apart from his brilliant 113 in the first ODI, Roy has scored just 158 runs in his other eight ODI knocks in the country.
  • Harry Brook hit 80 (75) in just his second ODI match on Sunday. He recently scored three centuries in as many Tests against Pakistan late last year.
  • Jos Buttler’s masterful 94* (81) in the second match was a thing of beauty. The England captain now averages 40.90 after 13 innings against the Proteas, with a strike rate of 115.53.
  • Olly Stone, if picked, will be key for England in the middle overs. All three of his wickets have come between overs 11 and 40 in this series.
  • Sam Curran has shown glimpses of his best form in this series. He took 3/35 in the first ODI and batted nicely in the second for his 17-ball 28.

Other Stats and Facts

  • Every player in South Africa’s top seven made a 25+ score in the second ODI. This was the first time such an instance happened in ODI history.
  • Quinton de Kock has struck four 50+ scores in ten home ODIs against England. Three have been centuries.
  • de Kock has struck scores of 168* and 25 in his two ODIs at Kimberley.
  • Rassie van der Dussen averages 69.75 after 34 ODI innings (1,674 runs).
  • David Miller has scored five half-centuries in eight ODI knocks against England.
  • When batting first in ODIs, Jos Buttler has hit 2,729 runs at an average of 43.31 and strike rate of 125.52.
  • Adil Rashid strikes every 40.1 deliveries against South Africa in ODIs (18 wickets in 15 innings).

Diamond Oval Kimberley Pitch Report and Weather

This is set to be the first ODI at Kimberley since South Africa hosted Zimbabwe in 2018. It was a tough batting pitch that day, with South Africa chasing Zimbabwe’s 117 five wickets down. Lungi Ngidi was player of the match with 3/19.

In 14 ODIs at Kimberley, the average first innings score is 229, with an overall batting average of 34.22. Chasing teams have won 11 of the matches (78.57%), which may prompt the captain who wins the toss to bowl first.

In five domestic one-day games back in 2020, the average first innings score was a similar 221.6. Right-arm medium bowlers took the most wickets (22), followed by right-arm slow bowlers (18).

There are thunderstorms forecast in the afternoon and evening in Kimberley. There may be some interruptions.

SA vs ENG 3rd ODI Dream11 Prediction Today Match 1 February 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:

SA vs ENG 3rd ODI Dream11 Prediction

Option 2:

SA vs ENG 3rd ODI Dream11 Prediction

TWITTER REACTIONS: “Apologise to Bavuma” – South Africa chase 343 against England in 2nd ODI

Fan2Play Prediction

Base Team:

  • Wicket-Keepers: Jos Buttler, Quinton de Kock
  • Batsmen: Rassie van der Dussen
  • All-Rounders: Sam Curran
  • Bowlers: Kagiso Rabada

SA vs ENG 3rd ODI Match Prediction – Who will win?

With rain around, the chasing team may prevail with a victory, especially given the team batting second have a good history on this ground.

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.

David Warner says he is exhausted ahead of India tour

Tarkesh Jha
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David Warner says he is exhausted ahead of India tour

Cricket News: David Warner says he is exhausted ahead of India tour | David Warner says he would have liked more time at home

Australian opener David Warner has acknowledged that he is tired and exhausted after a long home season following Sydney Thunder’s exit from the Big Bash League (BBL) on Friday.

The Pat Cummins-led side is set to embark on the showpiece four-match Border Gavaskar Trophy in India from February 9 onwards. Warner played multiple limited-overs series prior to the T20 World Cup in Australia in October-November last year. Warner then featured in the five Tests against West Indies and South Africa at home combined. Amidst all this, he was engaged in a constant tussle with the Cricket Australia (CA) to overturn his captaincy ban.

Following the international assignments, Warner headed off straight to the BBL to represent the Thunder. Now, he is of the opinion that he would have preferred an additional day off instead of attending the Cricket Australia awards on Monday.

Quite tired, exhausted says David Warner ahead of India tour

“It’s been challenging. I’m quite tired, exhausted. There are a few guys who have gone to the UAE League, which aren’t going to the Cricket Australia awards. From my perspective, that would’ve been nice to have had another night at home. But it is what it is,” Warner was quoted in a report by Cricbuzz.

Warner had a pretty subdued 2022 in Tests wherein he notched 571 runs at an average of 30.05 across 11 matches. He turned the tables with a double century against South Africa in the Boxing Day Test and will look to carry that confidence into the India tour next month.

Warner averages only 24.25 and has never touched the three-figure mark in the eight Tests that he has played in India. However, being one of the seasoned members of the squad, he will be expected to take up significant responsibility as the visitors look to record their first series victory on Indian soil in over 18 years.

Hardik Pandya & fans slam Lucknow pitch for 2nd IND vs NZ T20

Charbel Coorey
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0
Hardik Pandya & fans slam Lucknow pitch for 2nd IND vs NZ T20

Cricket News: Hardik Pandya & fans slam Lucknow pitch for 2nd IND vs NZ T20 | Lucknow pitch comes in for criticism by fans

“Even the spiders don’t spin the web as much (in Lucknow), that was the story,” said Aakash Chopra on his YouTube channel. That pretty much summed up a lot of the reactions to the second T20I between India and New Zealand.

India skipper Hardik Pandya, along with many pundits and fans, was also critical of the Lucknow pitch dished out for the match. The hosts got back into the series with a very hard fought six-wicket win, reaching the paltry 100-run target with just one ball to spare.

“To be honest, this was a shocker of a wicket,” Hardik said to Star Sports in the post-match conference. “Two games… the kind of wickets we played on, I don’t mind difficult wickets. I’m all up for that but these wickets are not made for T20. Somewhere down the line the curator or stadium, whichever we play T20s, they should make sure they should prepare the game previously rather than having couple of games there. Other than that, very happy [with the result].”

Spinners sent down 30 of the 40 overs. It beat the previous record of 28 bowled in a T20I comprising of Full-Member nations, which was way back in 2011 between Bangladesh and Pakistan.

Also, no sixes were struck in the match. It foreced New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner to look far and wide for another spin option, even asking pacer Lockie Ferguson if he could send down some offspin.

I was trying to find them [spinners] from everywhere, I was asking Lockie [Ferguson] if he could bowl some offspin but yeah I think you don’t often see more than 12 overs of spin out there. I think maybe we bowled 16 or 17, so it’s definitely something different,” said Santner.

ALSO READ: Will Jasprit Bumrah take part in the Test series against Australia?

Fans, pundits share views on Lucknow pitch for IND vs NZ 2nd T20I

In the end, India got home thanks to a 31-ball 26* from Suryakumar Yadav. It is quite the contrast to the kind of strike rate he showed in 2022, but he played the situation perfectly.

Here are reactions about the Lucknow surface, including some in support of the pitch.

The third and final T20I will be played at Ahmedabad on Wednesday. The winner will take out the series after New Zealand took out the first match by 21 runs. A clear evening is forecast.

SA vs ENG 2nd ODI Twitter reactions: Miller and Bavuma lead SA to emphatic series win

Tarkesh Jha
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0
SA vs ENG 2nd ODI Twitter reactions: Miller and Bavuma lead SA to emphatic series win

SA vs ENG 2nd ODI Twitter reactions: Miller and Bavuma lead SA to emphatic series win | Twitter reactions to South Africa beating England

South Africa secured a sensational series victory in the ongoing One Day International (ODI) series vs England as they chased down 343 with relative ease in the second game of the three-match series at the Mangaung Oval on Sunday.

Under-fire skipper Temba Bavuma starred with 109 off 102 deliveries and was ably supported by dynamic southpaw David Miller notched 58 off 37 deliveries to help the home side get to the total in the final over of the encounter.

The likes of Aiden Markram and Marco Jansen played a fine hand with the bat as well – scoring 49 and 32 runs respectively, with the latter remaining unbeaten until the end with Miller to safely see off the chase.

Frontline English pacers like Chris Woakes and Reece Topley were taken to the cleaners as they conceded 134 runs in their combined 15.1 overs without scalping any dismissal.

SA vs ENG 2nd ODI Twitter reactions: Proteas seal ODI series & boost ODI WC Qualification hopes

Here are some of the reactions on the Protea performance.

Earlier, England put up a scintillating batting performance – scoring 342 in 50 overs courtesy an incredible knock of 94 runs in 82 deliveries by skipper Jos Buttler. Harry Brook was quite flawless in his innings of 80 runs, which included seven boundaries and four sixes.

All-rounder Moeen Ali bagged his first ODI half-century in nearly five years as he took 45 deliveries to get to 51 with six boundaries and a six to form a fruitful 106-run partnership in 14.5 overs with Buttler.
Sam Curran pulled off the finishing act pretty well, hitting three sixes en route the 28 runs he scored in 17 deliveries.

The English top-order arguably flattered to deceive as the trio of Jason Roy, Dawid Malan and Ben Duckett were back in the pavilion by the 17th over.

South Africa have now attained an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series. The third ODI will be played at the Diamond Oval in Kimberley, Northern Cape on Wednesday.

REN vs HEA Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report: BBL 2022/23 Knockout

Charbel Coorey
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0
REN vs HEA Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report: BBL 2022/23 Knockout

REN vs HEA Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report: BBL 2022/23 Knockout | MR vs BH Dream11 Prediction Today | Docklands Pitch Report

Apart from Sydney Sixers and Perth Scorchers, Melbourne Renegades and Brisbane Heat have been the most impressive sides this season. The two in-form teams meet in what promises to be a cracking battle on this Sunday night for the chance to move within one game of next Sunday’s BBL 12 Final.

Heat come into this game having won five of their past six matches, including a number of close encounters. Usman Khawaja turned on the style two nights ago, but that was close to not being enough with Heat only winning by eight runs on Duckworth/Lewis against Thunder.

If Khawaja shows the same kind of form today, Heat will be very difficult to beat given rain will not be a factor in a roofed stadium.

So how will the Renegades get the better of the Heat captain? Kane Richardson is unavailable (more below), so the onus may be on the spinners to build some pressure. However, the Renegades have an in-form captain of their own in Aaron Finch, so the men in red, playing in their first finals match since 2019, are in with a strong chance at home.

Match Details

  • Location: Marvel Stadium, Docklands, Melbourne.
  • Time: 7:15pm (local), 1:45pm (IST).
  • For cricket fixtures around the world, visit Fixture Calendar.

BBL 2022/23 Knockout: REN vs HEA Possible Playing XIs

Kane Richardson is unavailable due to family reasons.

Melbourne Renegades: 1. Martin Guptill, 2. Shaun Marsh, 3. Sam Harper (wk), 4. Aaron Finch (c), 5. Jon Wells, 6. Matt Critchley, 7. Will Sutherland, 8. Tom Rogers, 9. Jack Prestwidge/David Moody, 10. Corey Rocchiccioli, 11. Fawad Ahmed

Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne and Matt Renshaw will all play in this match despite the India Test series starting soon.

Brisbane Heat: 1. Usman Khawaja (c), 2. Josh Brown, 3. Marnus Labuschagne, 4. Matt Renshaw, 5. Sam Hain, 6. Jimmy Peirson (wk), 7. Michael Neser, 8. James Bazley, 9. Matt Kuhnemann, 10. Mitch Swepson, 11. Spencer Johnson

Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

Melbourne Renegades:

  • Aaron Finch has a great career record against Heat: 13 inns, 505 runs, avg. 45.91, SR 131.17.
  • Finch is the third-highest run-scorer in BBL 12, with 418 runs at an average of 41.80 and strike rate of 122.58. He has struck 76* and 63* in his past two knocks.
  • Shaun Marsh has a wonderful record in BBL finals matches: 7 inns, 341 runs, avg. 68.20, SR 130.2. Marsh also has good numbers in T20s at Docklands: 13 inns, 452 runs, avg. 41.09, SR 135.74.
  • Jono Wells has struck seven 20+ scores in his past eight matches. He will be key again in the middle order.
  • Renegades have the option of using Will Sutherland as a pinch hitter. The all-rounder has slammed scores of 42* (23), 30 (18) and 31 (14) in three of his past four knocks.
  • However, Sutherland has gone wicketless in his last four matches. Overall this season, he has taken seven wickets in 13 innings at a strike rate of 34.8.
  • Tom Rogers is striking every 14.8 deliveries in BBL 12. He is the fourth-highest wicket-taker with 21 scalps, including 4/23 vs Heat back in December.

Brisbane Heat:

  • Usman Khawaja loves playing in BBL finals. In seven matches, he has scored 411 runs at an average of 58.71 and strike rate of 154.51, including a magnificent 94 (55) two nights ago.
  • Marnus Labuschagne played his most influential innings of the season. He struck 73 (48) against Thunder.
  • Sam Hain is in good touch. He didn’t get much of a chance vs Thunder (1*), but hit 33*, 73* and 26 in his previous three outings.
  • Michael Neser has taken the third-most wickets in this BBL (22) at an average of 18.00 and strike rate of 12.7. He took 4/32 vs Renegades, where he dismissed Sam Harper and Jono Wells.
  • Neser has dismissed Harper twice in six balls (one run), Finch once in 16 balls (20 runs) and Marsh once in eight balls (14 runs).
  • James Bazley is striking every 14 deliveries this season (16 wickets). He took 2/19 and 0/28 (3.2) against Renegades in the BBL 12 league stage.
  • Mitch Swepson has taken figures of 2/23 and 1/17 in his past two completed matches. He may find some turn on the Marvel Stadium track.

Other Stats and Facts

  • Head-to-head: Matches 19, Renegades 13, Heat 6.
  • Renegades lead Heat 5-3 at Marvel Stadium.
  • Aaron Finch in run chases in BBL 12: 8 inns, 295 runs, avg. 73.8, SR 122.9.
  • Fawad Ahmed took 3/17 in his last match, on this ground. Overall at Docklands, Fawad has taken 12 wickets in ten matches at an average of 19.11 and economy of just 6.11.
  • Jimmy Peirson scored 43 (30) and 45* (30) against Renegades in the league stage.
  • Spencer Johnson is yet to take a wicket in the powerplay, but he will have a key role at the death. This can bring about wicket-taking opportunities for the left-armer.

Marvel Stadium Docklands Pitch Report and Weather

The Docklands surface was a little up and down in the Renegades-Strikers match last week. Strikers fought to reach 142, before Renegades chased it with ten balls to spare after being in early trouble.

The average first innings score in five matches at Marvel Stadium this season is 159.2. Chasing teams have won four times.

There is a slight chance of a shower in Melbourne (top of 24 degrees). But, that does not matter as there is a roof.

BBL 2022/23 Knockout: REN vs HEA Dream11 Prediction Today 29 January 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:

REN vs HEA Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report: BBL 2022/23 Knockout | MR vs BH Dream11 Prediction Today | Docklands Pitch Report
BBL 2022/23 Eliminator: REN vs HEA Dream11 Prediction

Option 2:

REN vs HEA Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report: BBL 2022/23 Knockout | MR vs BH Dream11 Prediction Today | Docklands Pitch Report
BBL 2022/23 Eliminator: REN vs HEA Dream11 Prediction

Fan2Play Prediction

Base Team:

  • Wicket-Keepers: Sam Harper
  • Batsmen: Usman Khawaja
  • All-Rounders: Michael Neser, James Bazley
  • Bowlers: Tom Rogers

BBL 2022/23 Knockout: REN vs HEA Match Prediction – Who will win?

The absence of Kane Richardson could be a big blow for Renegades. Heat, who are in good form, may sneak away with a win.

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.

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