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: India possible playing XI for first Test against Australia | India possible playing XI prediction for first Test at Nagpur
India will be aiming to continue their magnificent home record when they take on arch-rivals Australia in a four-match Test series starting on February 9 at Nagpur. The Indians have lost just two out of 43 matches since their last Test series defeat on home soil – back in 2012 against Alastair Cook’s England – and start as very strong favourites to build on that record.
However, they face some questions. Rishabh Pant’s indefinite absence leaves a significant hole given how prolific the keeper-batsman has been in recent years, especially against Australia. Also, Shubman Gill’s magnificent 2022 so far, albeit in white-ball cricket, makes it difficult to ignore him.
Possible playing XI for India for Nagpur Test
Here is CricBlog’s predicted playing XI for India for the first Test.
India have a host of wicket-keeping options, namely KS Bharat, Ishan Kishan and KL Rahul. However, the home side may opt to select KS Bharat, who has been a consistent performer in First Class cricket, with 4,707 runs at an average of 37.95. Also, he is solid with the gloves, which was on show in his substitute appearance against New Zealand in 2021.
India may also play both Shubman Gill and KL Rahul. Suryakumar Yadav is also an option for the middle order, but Rahul’s experience may win him a spot. Gill may be drafted in to open, given his very promising performances in Australia in the 2020/21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy and fantastic form in 2022. Plus, his ability to provide brisk starts could prove crucial.
In terms of the spinners, expect India to go with their brilliant finger-spinning trio of Ashwin, Jadeja and Axar. Kuldeep Yadav is also a terrific option, but Axar’s record in India (39 wickets, avg. 12.43) is far too difficult to ignore.
India are certainly spoilt for choice with regards to the seamers as Shami (67 wickets, avg. 21.28), Umesh (98 wickets, avg. 25.16) and Siraj (6 wickets, avg. 16.66) all possess excellent Test records at home. However, Umesh Yadav could get the nod over one of Shami or Siraj with the Test taking place in his hometown of Nagpur.
Read more of CricBlog’s 2023 Border-Gavaskar Trophy content, including:
Cricket News: List of Indian batsmen to score a century in all three formats | Which India players have scored a century in all formats
Shubman Gill has been the talk of the town in recent months for all the right reasons. His latest century against New Zealand in the third T20I in Ahmedabad put him in a rare list of batsmen to have scored a century in all three formats of international.
Indian batsmen to score a century in all three international formats
One of India’s earliest all-format superstars, Suresh Raina, had a tremendous 2010 wherein he notched centuries in both the Test and T20I format to become the first Indian batsman to attain this incredible feat. He bagged a ton in his Test debut against Sri Lanka in Colombo in July but this was preceded by a swashbuckling century against South Africa in the 2010 ICC T20 World Cup.
His inaugural ODI ton had come two years ago – in the 2008 Asia Cup against Hong Kong. Raina never touched the three-figure mark in T20I and Tests afterwards but those knocks were enough to put him in this marquee list.
Rohit Sharma has been one of India’s most consistent all-format performers since finding his groove back in the Test side a few years ago. Though the team seems to be set to move on from him in T20Is now, Rohit has notched four centuries in the format with the first of them coming in Indore against South Africa in 2015.
He scored his first ton in ODIs in 2010 against Zimbabwe and reached the three-figure mark in his Test debut against West Indies in Kolkata in 2013.
KL Rahul
KL Rahul is another batsman who has displayed potential and even lived up to that promise in phases across the three formats. He made heads turn with a swashbuckling 110* at the Central Broward Regional Park against West Indies in 2016.
He followed that up with a century in his ODI debut against Zimbabwe at the Harare Sports Complex that very month. However, the Karnataka batsman would rather rate his first Test century as the best of the lot where he scored 100 in Sydney in his very second match on the international stage after a horrid debut in Melbourne in the preceding game. Rahul has since gone on to lead India in all formats as well.
Virat Kohli
Virat is arguably the best batsman to have mastered over all the three formats of the game in the last decade. However, he still is one of the latest entrants to this list as he scored his first-ever T20I to break his nearly three-year-long century drought against Afghanistan in the Asia Cup in September 2022. Prior to that, his inaugural ODI and Test centuries had come against Sri Lanka and Australia in Kolkata and Adelaide in 2009 and 2011 respectively.
Shubman Gill
Shubman Gill is the newest member in this pool of players, having scored centuries in all formats at merely 23 years of age. He has four centuries in 21 ODIs to his name – having scored the first of them against Zimbabwe in Harare in August 2022. Gill has even bagged a double century in ODIs already, claiming this feat in January against New Zealand in Hyderabad.
It has been a wonderful last couple of months for the prodigious talent as he scored his first Test century against Bangladesh in the second innings of the first game in Chittagong in December.
In February 2022, Gill made headlines again with his 126* in the Narendra Modi Stadium against the visiting Kiwis. With the World Test Championship (WTC) finale along with the ODI and the T20I World Cup scheduled to be held in the next year-and-a-half, it can be safely concluded that Gill could be one of India’s most prominent players across all formats.
Yashasvi Jaiswal
Jaiswal became the sixth Indian men’s player to achieve this feat, bringing up a maiden ODI century against South Africa on December 6, 2025. At that point, the 23-year-old had already notched up seven Test hundreds and a T20I hundred.
The left-hander is rightly considered one of the world’s finest talents, and he has a promising future ahead across all three formats. He has the hunger for runs in Test cricket and is very capable of switching gears quickly in white-ball cricket.
Smriti Mandhana has also achieved the feat in women’s cricket for India. The great opener has two Test hundreds in seven matches along with a T20I hundred and 14 ODI hundreds.
Cricket News: ODI World Cup 2023 qualification scenarios | Will Zimbabwe qualify for the 2023 ODI World Cup?
Zimbabwe have put themselves in a strong position to qualify for the 2023 ODI World Cup in India. In front of a full and passionate crowd in Harare, the hosts put on a magnificent display against West Indies, who themselves are in danger of missing out on the showpiece tournament.
Sri Lanka are also well placed to qualify, with the Netherlands, Scotland and Oman all still in with a shot.
ODI World Cup 2023 Qualification Scenarios
Super Sixes table:
Team
Points
NRR
1. Sri Lanka
6
1.832
2. Zimbabwe
6
0.752
3. Scotland
2
-0.060
4. Netherlands
2
-0.739
5. West Indies
0
-0.350
6. Oman
0
-2.139
Here are the scenarios for the six remaining teams in the 2023 World Cup Qualifier. The top two teams after the super six stage will qualify to the ODI World Cup.
Zimbabwe
6 points in Super Sixes
Starting NRR in super sixes: +0.752
Remaining matches: Sri Lanka, Scotland.
Maximum points they can finish on after next phase: 10
Hosts Zimbabwe are on the doorstep of the 2023 ODI World Cup. Their tight win over Oman lifts them to six points, meaning that one more win should see them qualify.
Remaining matches: Zimbabwe, West Indies, Netherlands.
Maximum points they can finish on after next phase: 10
Sri Lanka are in a strong position. They beat Scotland and Oman well, which means they take a very strong net run rate into the super sixes. Two wins against Zimbabwe, West Indies and the Netherlands should be enough to qualify to the World Cup.
Netherlands
2 points in Super Sixes
Current starting NRR in super sixes: -0.739
Remaining matches: Scotland, Oman, Sri Lanka.
Maximum points they can finish on after next phase: 8
Extraordinary. Netherlands looked gone when chasing a mammoth 375 against West Indies, especially after they were beaten soundly by Zimbabwe earlier in the tournament. The efforts of Teja Nidamanuru, Scott Edwards and Logan van Beek have given the Dutch, who are missing a number of first-team players, a shot at making the World Cup after a thrilling super over victory.
If they win all their remaining games, they will finish on eight points and should qualify.
Scotland
2 points in Super Sixes
Current starting NRR in super sixes: -0.060
Remaining matches: Zimbabwe, West Indies, Netherlands.
Maximum points they can finish on after next phase: 8
Scotland will likely need to win all three matches to stand a chance of qualification. They will move to eight points if that happens. If they win two, they will finish with six and need to hope Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka don’t finish with more than six points. However, Scotland’s net run rate, currently negative, could come into equation at that stage.
West Indies
0 points in Super Sixes
Current starting NRR in super sixes: -0.350
Remaining matches: Scotland, Oman, Sri Lanka.
Maximum points they can finish on after next phase: 6
West Indies are on the mat. Their error-ridden loss to Netherlands means they will enter the super sixes on zero points, four points behind leaders Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka.
To qualify with six points on NRR, West Indies need:
To beat Scotland (moves West Indies to two points, keeps Scotland on two points)
Sri Lanka to beat Zimbabwe (moves Sri Lanka to eight points, keeps Zimbabwe on six points with lower NRR)
To beat Oman (moves West Indies to four points)
Scotland to beat Zimbabwe (moves Scotland to four points, keeps Zimbabwe on six points)
To beat Sri Lanka (moves West Indies to six points, level with Zimbabwe)
Either Scotland or Netherlands to have a lower net run rate with six points
Oman
0 points in Super Sixes
Starting NRR in super sixes: -2.139
Remaining matches: West Indies, Netherlands.
Maximum points they can finish on after next phase: 4
Oman are all but eliminated after their promising showing against Zimbabwe, where they just fell short by 14 runs. A Sri Lanka win over Netherlands on 30 June will confirm their elimination.
Cricket News: Australia possible playing XI for 1st Test against India | Prediction for Australia’s possible XI for Nagpur Test
Australia’s quest for a first Test series win in India since 2004 gets underway on Thursday (9th February) in Nagpur. A good start is crucial for Pat Cummins’ team to be competitive in the series, as was the case in 2017 when Australia achieved a terrific win in Pune.
Ahead of the first Test, Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out with a left achilles tendon injury. So, there is speculation as to who will take his place, as well as Cameron Green’s, who is considered unlikely to play.
Australia possible XI for Nagpur Test
Here is CricBlog’s predicted Australia XI for the first Test of the 2023 Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
1. David Warner 2. Usman Khawaja 3. Marnus Labuschagne 4. Steve Smith 5. Travis Head 6. Peter Handscomb 7. Alex Carey (wk) 8. Pat Cummins (c) 9. Ashton Agar 10. Scott Boland 11. Nathan Lyon
Khawaja, Labuschagne, Head and Carey are each set to play their first Test in India. If Green is indeed out, Peter Handscomb could slot into the number six role ahead of Matt Renshaw as Australia already have four left-handers in the top seven.
Depending on the pitch, the tourists may find room for an additional specialist spinner in Todd Murphy or Mitchell Swepson. If not, Scott Boland could play his first away Test, and Australia will look forward to Boland implementing a lot of the experience he’s built up playing on flat MCG pitches over the years.
The XI on paper may seem a little short on bowling. However, Australia faces a conundrum as they require as much batting depth as possible against India’s superb seam and spin attack. This is why Ashton Agar could find his way in the XI, in addition to the left-arm bowling option that he provides.
Read more of CricBlog’s 2023 Border-Gavaskar Trophy content, including:
Cricket News: “Mumbai Indians of the BBL” – Twitter reactions as Scorchers win FIFTH Title | Twitter reactions: Perth Scorchers win BBL 12
Incredible. Absolutely incredible.
Perth Scorchers have won their fifth Big Bash League (BBL) title, overcoming a spirited Brisbane Heat side in a thrilling final played in front of over 50,000 fans at Optus Stadium.
But, they certainly didn’t have it their own way. 19-year old Cooper Connolly struck a memorable 11-ball 25 alongside Nick Hobson’s 7-ball 18 to get Perth home with four balls to spare, soon after hope looked gone when Ashton Turner (53 off 32 balls) was run out with 39 still needed.
However, Connolly immediately went on the attack, bringing the equation down to 24 off 12 balls and then ten off six. Hobson then took advantage of Neser nerves to seal the victory, sending the crowd into raptures on a memorable night for the Scorchers and BBL.
Much was made of the Heat’s absentees, but it needs reminding who the Scorchers were without. They lost Mitchell Marsh, Laurie Evans and Tymal Mills before a ball was bowled this season. Ashton Agar and Lance Morris are away on national duty. Jhye Richardson missed the rest of the campaign after seven games due to injury and Cameron Green injured his finger in the Tests.
But, in the likes of Connolly, Perth continue to prove why they are the best side in Australia thanks to their depth.
Twitter reactions: Perth Scorchers win fifth BBL title, equal now with Mumbai Indians
In the process, the Scorchers equalled Mumbai Indians’ five domestic T20 titles. Here are some of the reactions to a magnificent finale.
Perth Scorchers is the Mumbai Indians of BBL. Winning 5th title. #BBL#BBLFinals
Cooper Connolly. 19, fourth BBL game, had only faced 11 balls this tournament, and he goes out and does that in front of 50,000+ in a final. Different format, and domestic level, but his boldness & cool reminds me a bit of Pat Cummins hitting winning runs on Test debut. #BBL12
Record turnout for a final and a thriller that ebbed and flowed either way. And good quality too – this is what the BBL needed at a stage when it's been at a tipping point with the onset of leagues aplenty. This was quite a match for a final! #BBL12
19-year-old Cooper Connolly, batting for just the second time in his professional T20 career, has hit 25* off 11 to take Perth Scorchers to their fifth BBL title in front of a packed home crowd.#BBL12pic.twitter.com/E2e9G7qVv3
Cooper Connolly ❤️ What an incredible team the @ScorchersBBL are. They’re never done. An incredible final. Kudos from Hobson from bouncing back from the run out. The @OptusStadium atmosphere would’ve been amazing! #BBL12#BBLFinal
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?
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.
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:
BBL 2022/23 Final: SCO vs HEA Dream11 Prediction
Option 2:
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 | 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.
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.
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?
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).
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 | 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.
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.
Australia trained with SG balls on specially prepared spinning pitches at Sydney – scarified and scuffed up, with significant cracks – to try and replicate what is expected to be on offer in India ? #INDvAUSpic.twitter.com/dkdWqWf6MM
2. Inexperience and question marks around most of the top 7
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?
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.
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.
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.
