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REN vs SCO Dream11 Prediction Possible 11 Pitch Report – BBL 2025/26 36th Match

Charbel Coorey
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REN vs SCO Dream11 Prediction Possible 11 Pitch Report – BBL 2025/26 36th Match

It’s now or never for Melbourne Renegades. In another season that promises to be one of underachievement, the Renegades must beat Perth Scorchers today and then Adelaide Strikers on Saturday if they are to have any chance of qualifying for the playoffs.

Three nights ago, Will Sutherland’s team missed a huge opportunity against the struggling Sydney Thunder. Poor death bowling and lack of composure proved costly as they lost a match they were in control of. Also, there is the Muhammad Rizwan strike rate issue.

For the Scorchers, this match is important to get back in the top two. They still have a shot at finishing top of the table and securing a home Qualifier. Their batting is firing for the most part, and will be seeking to extract revenge on the Renegades who sealed a last-ball victory in a low-scoring thriller on January 7.

BBL 2025/26 36th Match: REN vs SCO Possible Playing XIs

Brendon Doggett and Matthew Spoors are back in the Renegades squad. Doggett should lineup in the XI.

Melbourne Renegades: 1. Josh Brown, 2. Tim Seifert (OS), 3. Muhammad Rizwan (OS, wk), 4. Jake Fraser-McGurk, 5. Caleb Jewell/Harry Dixon, 6. Hassan Khan (OS), 7. Will Sutherland (c), 8. Gurinder Sandhu, 9. Adam Zampa, 10. Jason Behrendhorff, 11. Brendan Doggett

Josh Inglis is not available for this match as he is being managed. Sam Fanning and Finn Allen are two wicketkeeping options in the squad.

Perth Scorchers: 1. Mitchell Marsh, 2. Finn Allen (OS, wk), 3. Cooper Connolly, 4. Aaron Hardie, 5. Ashton Turner (c), 6. Laurie Evans (OS), 7. Nick Hobson, 8. Jhye Richardson, 9. Luke Holt, 10. David Payne (OS), 11. Mahli Beardman

Marvel Stadium Docklands Melbourne Pitch Report and Weather

The average first innings score is 165 this season. Chasing teams won comfortably both times.

In the two matches at Docklands in BBL 2025/26, pace bowlers have taken 19 wickets at an average of 25.79 and economy of 9.06. Spinners taken just the one wicket in 15 overs so far at an average of 121 and economy of 8.07.

There is a chance of a thunderstorm in the afternoon and early evening in Melbourne today, but that isn’t an issue as this ground has a roof.

Fantasy Cricket Tips for REN vs SCO 2025/26: Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

Top wicketkeeper picks:

  • Finn Allen has shown glimpses of his best form in recent weeks. He is striking at 193.57 in seven matches in BBL 2025/26.

Key batter picks:

  • Josh Brown is in superb form. The Renegades opener has struck 290 runs in his last six innings at an average of 48.3 and strike rate of 171.6.
  • Mitch Marsh in T20s at Docklands Stadium: 9 inns, 282 runs, avg. 35.25, SR 136.23, two fifties.
  • Ashton Turner has belted 160 runs in his past five knocks at an average of 80 and strike rate of 222.

Top all-rounder picks:

  • Cooper Connolly is in need of runs. He’s managed just seven runs in his past four knocks with two ducks. However, he is always relevant to fantasy cricket as he bowls and has taken nine wickets in his last six games without going wicketless.
  • Aaron Hardie has scores of 28, 94*, 9, 44 and 34* in his past five matches. He is also a key bowler for the Scorchers and has taken at least one wicket in four of his past five outings.
  • Hassan Khan took 2/26 against the Scorchers earlier this season. He also looked in excellent rhythm with the bat against the Thunder a few nights ago. A key cog in the Renegades’ middle order.

Key bowler picks:

  • Gurinder Sandhu is in outstanding wicket-taking form (18 wickets, the most in the league). He has taken a four-wicket haul on three separate occasions this season.

Other Players to Consider for your Fantasy Cricket Teams

  • Tim Seifert has struggled for form since starting the season well. He’s managed just 8, 6, 11, 3 and 29 in his past five innings. He is the type of player who can go big, though.
  • Will Sutherland offers all-round value but he has often struggled at this ground. He averages 51.8 with the ball and 11.6 with the bat in 25 innings at Docklands Stadium.
  • Jason Behrendhorff has gone wicketless five times in his last six games. But, he does enjoy bowling at Docklands with 19 wickets in 12 matches.
  • Adam Zampa has taken 23 wickets in 16 matches at Docklands (avg. 18.70, econ. 6.90).
  • Jhye Richardson dismissed Jake Fraser-McGurk earlier this season. Overall, he has taken 12 wickets against the Renegades at an average of 27.4 and strike rate of 19.8.

Other Stats and Important Matchups

  • Head-to-head: Matches 22, Renegades 6, Scorchers 16, N/R 1.
  • At Docklands: Matches 9, Renegades 2, Scorchers 7.
  • Adam Zampa has an important matchup against Cooper Connolly, who has been dismissed twice in 16 balls by legspin this season (18 runs).
  • Adam Zampa vs Mitch Marsh: 10 balls, 14 runs, two wickets.
  • Jhye Richardson vs Josh Brown: 6 balls, 16 runs, no wickets.
  • Jhye Richardson vs Will Sutherland: 15 balls, 18 runs, one wicket.
  • Will Sutherland vs Mitch Marsh: 21 balls, 37 runs, one wicket.
  • Will Sutherland vs Cooper Connolly: 20 balls, 26 runs, one wicket.

BBL 2025/26 36th Match: REN vs SCO Dream11 Prediction Today

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:

Screenshot from Dream11 app. Possible XIs, Fantasy Cricket Tips, Docklands Pitch Report & Dream11 Prediction for the 36th Match of BBL 2025/26: REN vs SCO Today.
BBL 2025/26 36th Match: REN vs SCO Dream11 Prediction Today

Option 2:

Screenshot from Dream11 app. Possible XIs, Fantasy Cricket Tips, Docklands Pitch Report & Dream11 Prediction for the 36th Match of BBL 2025/26: REN vs SCO Today.
BBL 2025/26 36th Match: REN vs SCO Dream11 Prediction Today

BBL 2025/26 36th Match: REN vs SCO Match Prediction Today – Who will win?

Scorchers to win.

Disclaimer: The fantasy cricket stats, tips and predictions provided on CricBlog are intended for informational purposes for Dream11 free contests in line with the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025. The stats and writer’s views are 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.

All statistics and matchups in this article have been verified by ESPNcricinfo, Bigbashboard and Cricmetric.

IND vs NZ 2nd ODI 2026 Dream11 Prediction Possible 11 Pitch Report

Sparsh Telang
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After battling it out for 99 overs — something an inexperienced Kiwi side would take pride in — India finally put an end to New Zealand’s nine-match ODI winning streak in Vadodara. The caravan moves 300 km east to the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot, where New Zealand will battle a strong Indian team to keep their hopes of registering a first bilateral ODI series triumph in India alive, while the hosts look to seal the series with a game to spare.

Match Details

  • New Zealand tour of India, 2026: 2nd ODI
  • Time: 1:30 PM IST
  • Venue: Niranjan Shah Stadium, Rajkot

IND vs NZ 2nd ODI 2026 Possible Playing XIs

Washington Sundar has been ruled out of the ODI series with a rib injury, with uncapped batter Ayush Badoni brought in as cover. However, it seems unlikely that he will feature immediately in the XI, with Nitish Kumar Reddy perhaps getting the first nod. That should be the only change India make, unless they decide to rotate their seamers and give Arshdeep Singh a go instead of Prasidh.

India: 1. Rohit Sharma, 2. Shubman Gill (c), 3. Virat Kohli, 4. Shreyas Iyer, 5. Nitish Kumar Reddy, 6. KL Rahul (wk), 7. Ravindra Jadeja, 8. Harshit Rana, 9. Kuldeep Yadav, 10. Mohammed Siraj, 11. Prasidh Krishna/Arshdeep Singh

New Zealand, too, should remain largely unchanged, with perhaps the only deliberation being over the young leggie. Could they bring in the more precise, albeit defensive, left-arm spinner Jayden Lennox in his place? Or will they persist with the more wicket-taking option in Ashok?

New Zealand: 1. Devon Conway, 2. Henry Nicholls, 3. Will Young, 4. Daryl Mitchell, 5. Glenn Phillips, 6. Mitch Hay (wk), 7. Michael Bracewell (c), 8. Kristian Clarke, 9. Kyle Jamieson, 10. Zak Foulkes, 11. Adithya Ashok/Jayden Lennox

Niranjan Shah Stadium Rajkot Pitch Report and Weather

One can expect another batting paradise in Rajkot. Across the four ODIs played at the venue, the average first-innings score stands at 321.75. The batting average at the venue has been a high 41.44, with runs being scored at 6.13 per over so far.

Interestingly, the team batting first has won all four matches at Rajkot, and the team winning the toss opted to bat first on three of those occasions. It remains to be seen whether that trend changes this time around due to dew, if it arrives — something that did not happen in Vadodara.

The weather is expected to be ideal for cricket, with bright sunshine throughout the day.

Fantasy Cricket Tips for IND vs NZ 2nd ODI 2026 – Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

Top wicketkeeper picks:

  • Devon Conway: With a solid knock of 56 in Vadodara, Conway will look to carry his good form through the rest of the series. He is also the only top-order option among the wicketkeepers, making him the safest choice.

Key batter picks:

  • Virat Kohli: His last seven List A innings read: 93 (91), 77 (61), 131 (101), 65* (45), 102 (93), 135 (120), and 74* (81). Not much needs to be said beyond that. He could even become the world’s No.1 ranked ODI batter by the time of the match.
  • Rohit Sharma: Although he was dismissed for just 26 in Vadodara, he looked in good touch, and a big score may be around the corner. His ODI scores in Rajkot are 65 (74), 42 (44), 81 (57), if they are indicators of anything.
  • Daryl Mitchell: He showed why he’s the No. 3 ranked ODI batter in the world by top-scoring for the Black Caps and taking them to 300. He clearly enjoys batting in India, where he now averages 55.83 after 13 innings. Arguably the world’s best No. 4 ODI batter at present.
  • Shreyas Iyer: He batted authoritatively for his 49 off 47 on his return to international cricket after injury, and with no real threats in the opposition, he could score big once again.

Top all-rounder picks:

  • Michael Bracewell: A run-out, courtesy of a phenomenal fielding effort from Iyer, meant his innings ended cheaply at 16, but Bracewell remains a dangerous lower-order hitter, and that — coupled with his off-spin — makes him a top pick for this match.

Key bowler picks:

  • Kuldeep Yadav: Just the solitary wicket in the first ODI, but Kuldeep remains one of the best — if not the best — ODI wrist-spinners in the world, and also India’s biggest wicket-taker in the middle overs.
  • Harshit Rana: He was used across all three phases and is a natural wicket-taker, reflected in his ODI bowling strike rate of 25.91. He is also steadily being groomed as a No. 8 batter, boosting his fantasy value compared to other Indian pacers.
  • Kyle Jamieson: India’s nemesis in Test cricket decided to break the game open in ODI cricket this time, picking up three wickets in a span of seven balls in Vadodara. Speaking of Jamieson in the post-match presentation, captain Bracewell said, “I wish he (Jamieson) could have bowled 15 overs. Coming off an injury, to see him bowling the way he did today was a big positive for us.”

    Other Players to Consider for your Fantasy Cricket Teams

    • Shubman Gill: A half-century and time spent in the middle would have done wonders for Shubman Gill’s confidence after a scratchy second half of 2025, during which he went a while without a fifty across formats. He isn’t quite at his best yet, but he could be very soon.
    • Glenn Phillips: His match-up against Kuldeep isn’t quite in his favour, but he can still be a dangerous lower-order batter, and as someone who can contribute in all three departments, he remains a viable selection for your team.
    • Mohammed Siraj: The leader of the pack, he has been in good form in the Vijay Hazare Trophy and even picked up two wickets in Vadodara.
    • Mitchell Hay: Although he bats lower down the order, he can be considered for selection, especially if New Zealand bats first and you expect Kuldeep Yadav to take wickets in the middle overs, which could bring Hay to the crease earlier. During his brief stay in the middle in the previous game, he looked a decent player. In July 2024, he was also selected for an intensive training camp at the Chennai Super Kings Academy — a programme specifically designed to prepare potential international players for subcontinental conditions.

    IND vs NZ 2nd ODI 2026 Dream11 Prediction Today

    Note: The below team is not based on the final playing XIs. We may not be able to update this in time. Use the stats and commentary in this article, as well as your own instincts, to create your teams. 

      Top safe C/VC options: Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Daryl Mitchell, Devon Conway

      Top risky C/VC options: Shubman Gill, Kuldeep Yadav

      I encourage you to build your own Fantasy XI using the insights provided in the article. Instead of giving you a ready-made team, I’ve offered a base team. Use it as a starting point to select the players you believe will lead you to victory!

      Screenshot from Dream11 app. Possible XIs, Fantasy Cricket Tips, Rajkot Pitch Report & Dream11 Prediction for the 2nd IND vs NZ ODI 2026.
      IND vs NZ 2nd ODI 2026 Dream11 Prediction Today

      “Was still keeping well” – Graeme Swann backs Jamie Smith after tough Ashes

      Charbel Coorey
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      “Was still keeping well” – Graeme Swann backs Jamie Smith after tough Ashes

      Graeme Swann has backed Jamie Smith to bounce back after a difficult Ashes series. The former England offspinner said the keeper-batsman looked frazzled by the end of the five-match series, but claimed he was still keeping well and there is enough to persist with.

      “I like Jamie Smith, I do, but by the end he looked a bit frazzled, didn’t he by the end of the series,” Swann said on talkSPORT Cricket.

      “He was still keeping well, but the shot he played in Sydney will go down in history. That’s an interesting spot because there’ll always be keepers coming through. I’d love to see whoever’s keeping be the energy of the team.”

      Won’t be surprised if Jamie Smith has a huge 2026 summer – Graeme Swann

      talkSPORT co-host Andy Jacobs then challenged Swann, claiming Ben Foakes did not deserve to be dropped. Foakes is considered one of the finest keepers in the world, and it is an area Smith struggled in during the Ashes.

      “Foakes is clearly the best wicket-keeper, and he never let England down with the bat,” Jacobs said.

      “I didn’t understand that decision. There have been some cliquey decisions about this group. You feel they sort of decided that he’s [Foakes] not the one and that Jamie Smith is the one, and sometimes that’s a bit odd because a bit like goalkeeping, go with the bloke who’s best at it.”

      However, Swann doubled down and backed Smith for a big summer ahead. He believes the 25-year-old will be better for the experience.

      “Well, Jamie Smith is good. He’s a brilliant cricketer and I wouldn’t be surprised if this summer he absolutely smashes it everywhere,” Swann said.

      “He just had one of those tours and you know, I’ve been there. I’ve been on the receiving end as well. In Australia, when it starts to go badly, and everything piles up against you, it can be a pretty daunting place.

      “So, he was frazzled by the end, but I think he’ll come back strong.”

      Smith’s wicketkeeping and host of poor dismissals underpinned a tough Ashes. He dropped a regulation chance off Travis Head early in Australia’s first innings in the second Test at Brisbane, before failing to even attempt a catch that went between he and Joe Root. His foot and glovework suggests he is not the finished article yet.

      Smith also came in for criticism regarding his batting. His shot off Marnus Labuschagne in the fifth and final Test at the SCG was particularly disappointing.

      However, as Swann mentioned, there is every chance England persist with England’s number seven for the 2026 summer Tests against New Zealand and Pakistan. He still averages 41.48 with the bat after 20 matches, and a big summer can help rejuvinate Smith.

      England’s first Test of their summer will begin on June 4 against New Zealand at Lord’s.

      PR vs DSG Dream11 Prediction Possible 11 Pitch Report – SA20 2025/26 23rd Match

      Robin Rounder
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      PR vs DSG Dream11 Prediction Possible 11 Pitch Report – SA20 2025/26 23rd Match

      Boland Park, Paarl, will host the 23rd match of SA20 2025/26 between the Paarl Royals (PR) and the Durban Super Giants (DSG) on 13th January 2026 at 9 PM IST. 

      The Paarl Royals are 4th in the table with 3 wins, 2 losses, and one rain-abandoned game. They lost their first game of the season and then won three on the trot before losing their last game. They have done well as a team, but there’s still room for improvement, especially in batting, as they’re very reliant on their top 4-5 to do the bulk of the scoring.

      Bowling-wise, they don’t have such big names like a few other teams, but the bowlers have performed admirably. Nqobani Mokoena and Sikandar Raza have been their best bowlers to date. They need Mujeeb ur Rahman and Bjorn Fortuin to get back in rhythm before it’s too late. The Royals will be eyeing their fourth win in this game.

      Meanwhile, the Durban Super Giants are 5th in the table with 2 wins, 3 losses, and 3 washed-out matches. They won their last game against the Sunrisers, which will boost their confidence. The current form of Aiden Markram and Heinrich Klaasen is a big concern for them. Jos Buttler too has been mainly inconsistent apart from one innings. While Liam Livingstone and Sunil Narine add more depth to their squad, they’ll need consistency from their top batters.

      Kwena Maphaka, Sunil Narine, Gerald Coetzee, and Liam Livingstone form a good bowling unit, but they need wickets. Overall, DSG have a pretty balanced squad with great batting depth, but they’ll need them to perform as a team to come out on top.

      SA20 2025/26 23rd Match: PR vs DSG Probable Playing XIs

      Paarl Royals: 1. Lhuan-Dre Pretorius, 2. Asa Tribe, 3. Rubin Hermann, 4. Dan Lawrence,  5. David Miller (c), 6. Sikandar Raza, 7. Delano Potgieter, 8. Mujeeb ur Rahman, 9. Bjorn Fortuin, 10. Hardus Viljoen, 11. Nqobani Mokoena

      Durban Super Giants: 1. Marques Ackermann, 2. Aiden Markram (c), 3. Jos Buttler (wk), 4. David Bedingham, 5. Heinrich Klaasen, 6. Liam Livingstone, 7. Sunil Narine, 8. Evan Jones, 9. Gerald Coetzee, 10. Noor Ahmad, 11. Kwena Maphaka

      Boland Park Paarl Pitch Report and Weather

      The pitch at Boland Park is known for being slow and low, but this season it hasn’t been like that. The average first innings score here in the two games played was 183 runs, but the wicket was on the slower side in the last game.

      The wicket for this game is expected to be slow in the first innings and then good for batting as the game progresses. Scores in the range of 160-180 are expected. Teams may prefer chasing.

      A sunny day is expected with no chance of rain. The temperature will be around 24 degrees Celsius when the game starts. 

      Fantasy Cricket Tips for PR vs DSG: Players to Watch/Key Stats

      Top Wicket-Keeper Picks:  

      • Jos Buttler is the best batter for the Royals this season. He has 166 runs in 5 innings at an average of 41.50 and has struck at 161.16. Buttler is a good player of spin bowling and will be a top C/VC pick.
      • Jordan Cox faced only one delivery in the last game. He’s expected to bat at 3 this time around. Cox has been in excellent form in the last 10-12 months, and he will be an excellent differential pick.

      Key batter picks: 

      • Lhuan-Dre Pretorius got out for a duck in the last game, but he’s a key batter for Paarl at the top and will be a must in your fantasy teams. He likes to bat aggressively and can take the game away from the opposition.
      • David Miller is the highest run-scorer for his side (161 runs, average 53.66, strike rate 150.46). He’s looked in good touch this season and is another player you don’t want to miss out on considering his form.

      Top all-rounder picks: 

      • Sikandar Raza is currently the highest wicket-taker of this edition with 11 wickets in 4 matches at an economy of 5 and a strike rate of 8.73. Raza hasn’t been able to get going with the bat, but he’s a match-winner and an excellent C/VC option.
      • Aiden Markram looked in good touch during his brief stay at the crease in the last game. He’s back at opening the innings, which adds up to his fantasy value. Markram can also roll his arm over if required. He’ll be another good C/VC pick.
      • Liam Livingstone bowled his full quota in the last match. We all know how valuable he is with both bat and ball. He’ll have a key role for his side on a wicket that generally aids the spinners. 
      • Dan Lawrence picked up 2 wickets in the last game. He will bowl 2-3 overs and bat at 4. Lawrence has been in good form in recent times and will be worth backing considering his dual skillset. 
      • Sunil Narine knows how to pick wickets and win games, and he’ll love doing that at Boland Park. He can trouble Paarl’s batters and can also chip in with the bat. 

      Key bowler picks: 

      • Noor Ahmad has 5 wickets in 5 innings this season. He’s a genuine wicket-taker and picks up wickets in clusters on his day. Noor will fancy his chances against Paarl’s top 7, which has four left-hand batters. He will be another top C/VC pick.

      Other Players to Consider for Your Fantasy Cricket Team 

      • Hardus Viljoen
      • Rubin Hermann
      • Asa Tribe
      • Bjorn Fortuin
      • Mujeeb ur Rahman

      Other Matchups and Facts 

      • David Miller vs Noor Ahmad (T20s): 37 deliveries, 20 runs, and 3 dismissals. 
      • Sikandar Raza vs Sunil Narine (T20s): 44 deliveries, 33 runs, and 2 dismissals.  
      • Jos Buttler vs Mujeeb ur Rahman (T20s): 47 deliveries, 66 runs, 3 dismissals.
      • The Pretoria Capitals are yet to register their first win at Paarl against the Royals.

      SA20 2025/26 23rd Match: PR vs DSG Dream11 Prediction Today

      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:

      Screenshot from Dream11 app. Possible XIs, Fantasy Cricket Tips, Paarl Pitch Report & Dream11 Prediction for the 23rd Match of SA20 2025/26: PR vs DSG Today.
      SA20 2025/26 23rd Match: PR vs DSG Dream11 Prediction Today

      Option 2:

      Screenshot from Dream11 app. Possible XIs, Fantasy Cricket Tips, Paarl Pitch Report & Dream11 Prediction for the 23rd Match of SA20 2025/26: PR vs DSG Today.
      SA20 2025/26 23rd Match: PR vs DSG Dream11 Prediction Today

      SA20 2025/26 23rd Match: PR vs DSG Match Prediction: Who will win?

      Both sides have done well, but Durban, with all their big names available, looks more balanced as a team with good depth to their squad as well. Paarl, meanwhile, will have to be at their best as a side with both bat and ball if they are to win this game.

      Durban Super Giants to win.

      Disclaimer: The fantasy cricket stats, tips and predictions provided on CricBlog are intended for informational purposes for Dream11 free contests in line with the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025. The stats and writer’s views are 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.

      All statistics and matchups in this article have been verified by ESPNcricinfo, Bigbashboard and Cricmetric.

      Melbourne Renegades force Muhammad Rizwan to retire out in the BBL

      Charbel Coorey
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      Melbourne Renegades force Muhammad Rizwan to retire out in the BBL

      Muhammad Rizwan’s difficult BBL season has sunk to a new low, forced to retire out by his teammates during the Melbourne Renegades’ match against Sydney Thunder at ENGIE Stadium.

      The Renegades were 154/4 after 18 overs with Rizwan batting on 26 off 23 balls. Hassan Khan was striking the ball nicely at the other end, notching up 36 runs off the same number of deliveries.

      The Renegades took matters into their own hands, calling Rizwan out with two overs to go in the innings. Moises Henriques, speaking on Fox Cricket, confirmed it was a Renegades management decision, rather than one from Will Sutherland who was next to bat.

      Muhammad Rizwan asked to retire out: Renegades recruit striking at 101.82

      In BBL 2025/26, Rizwan has managed 167 runs at an average of 20.87 and strike rate of 101.82. His first six in the tournament came against the Thunder, in his eighth match.

      “Will Sutherland is calling in Rizwan,” said Mark Waugh on Fox Cricket commentary. “I like this, we saw it when Nic Maddinson retired himself out not long ago… a couple of games ago and Daniel Sams came into bat because he wasn’t quite middling the ball.

      “I think this is a really good move. It maybe could have happened an over or two earlier actually.”

      Sutherland was out for one after facing just the single delivery, run out on the non-strikers’ end.

      Fans were all over the call to retire Rizwan out on social media. “Rizwan just doesn’t have the power game for modern T20s. Still a fine player in ODIs and Tests,” wrote one fan on X (formerly Twitter).

      “Rizwan has become the first batter from Pakistan to be retired out for tactical reasons in 20 overs T20 cricket,” wrote another.

      PC vs MICT Dream11 Prediction Possible 11 Pitch Report – SA20 2025/26 22nd Match

      Robin Rounder
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      0
      PC vs MICT Dream11 Prediction Possible 11 Pitch Report – SA20 2025/26 22nd Match

      Pretoria Capitals (PC) will be against the MI Cape Town (MICT) in the 22nd match of SA20 2025/26 on 12th January 2026 at 9 PM IST. SuperSport Park, Centurion, will host this game.

      Pretoria Capitals won the first game between these two sides this season by 85 runs. Sherfane Rutherford (47* runs), Dewald Brevis (36* runs), and Wihan Lubbe (60 runs) helped them reach 220 runs. 

      Pretoria are 3rd in the table with 3 wins, 3 losses, and one washed-out game. They defeated the Paarl Royals by 21 runs in their last game. Sherfane Rutherford (42* runs) helped them to a fighting total on a slow wicket, and then the bowling unit delivered with a collective effort. 

      The Capitals need some consistency from their top 4 going ahead in the tournament. The bowlers will have to continue on their performance from the last match. 

      MI Cape Town are coming off two back-to-back wins against the Joburg Super Kings, and they will be confident as a side coming to this match. They are at the bottom of the table with 4 losses, 2 wins, and one abandoned game.

      Ryan Rickelton (113* runs) scored his second century of the season. Rassie van der Dussen also scored 65 runs. The middle order is also chipping in, but they haven’t been as consistent as expected from them. 

      MI needs their bowlers to step up big time, as they have been average till now. The likes of Rashid Khan, Corbin Bosch, and Trent Boult must take responsibility in this game. Kagiso Rabada was brilliant in the last game, and George Linde also bowled well. 

      MI must win this match to strengthen their chances of qualifying for the playoffs. 

      SA20 2025/26 22nd Match: PC vs MICT Probable Playing XIs

      Pretoria Capitals: 1. Conner Esterhuizen, 2. Shai Hope (wk), 3. Jordan Cox, 4. Wihan Lubbe, 5. Dewald Brevis, 6. Sherfane Rutherford, 7. Roston Chase, 8. Keshav Maharaj (c), 9.  Lizaad Williams, 10. Lungi Ngidi, 11. Gideon Peters

      MI Cape Town: 1. Rassie van der Dussen, 2. Ryan Rickelton, 3. Nicholas Pooran (wk), 4. Jason Smith, 5. Jacques Snyman, 6. George Linde, 7. Corbin Bosch, 8. Karim Janat, 9. Rashid Khan (c), 10. Kagiso Rabada, 11. Trent Boult

      SuperSport Park Centurion Pitch Report and Weather

      A good batting track will await both sides for this game. Sunrisers chased down 176 runs without the loss of any wicket in the last game played here. There will be movement for the pacers with the new ball, and the spinners also got some purchase in the last match. Scores in the range of 170-190 are expected, with teams preferring to chase. 

      The weather is expected to be cloudy, but no rain is predicted. We should get a full game without any rain interruption.

      Fantasy Cricket Tips for PC vs MICT: Players to Watch/Key Stats

      Top Wicket-Keeper Picks:  

      • Nicholas Pooran has 116 runs in 6 innings at an average of 19.33. His highest score is 33 this season. Pooran is not at his best till now, but expect him to drop a big score, and this might be the game where he does that. He’ll be a must pick.
      • Ryan Rickelton scored his second century of this season in the last game. He’s currently the highest run-scorer of the tournament with 317 runs in 6 innings at an average of 63.40 at a strike rate of 178.28. He will be a top C/VC choice for this match.
      • Shai Hope has 228 runs in 6 innings at an average of 45.60 and has struck at a rate of 150.99 with a century to his name. He can capitalise on MI’s poor bowling form in this game. 

      Key batter picks: 

      • Dewald Brevis hasn’t really got going this season, but he scored 36* off just 14 in the last game against MI. He is one of the most explosive batters going around and will be someone you can bank on for this match.
      • Sherfane Rutherford has been the best batter for Pretoria this season. He has 161 runs in 5 innings at an average of 80.50 at a whopping strike rate of 173.11. Rutherford can contribute with the ball as well. 
      • Rassie van der Dussen has picked up pace in the last few games after a poor start. He has 203 runs in 6 innings, including two fifties. Rassie will be an important batter for his side at the top.

      Top all-rounder picks: 

      • George Linde has 6 wickets in six games at an economy of 8.68. He will fancy his chances against Pretoria’s right-hand heavy batting unit. Linde can also tonk the ball down the order. Try him as C/VC in one of your teams.
      • Corbin Bosch is MI’s highest wicket-taker this season with 7 wickets, but his economy is 10.68. He is capable with the bat as well and will be a must in your fantasy teams.

      Key bowler picks: 

      • Rashid Khan has been off colour this season (5 wickets), but he’s a quality player and can win games on his own when on song. 
      • Kagiso Rabada looked sharp in the last game, especially with the new ball. He was getting the ball to move around at a high pace. Rabada can chip in with the bat too. 

      Other Players to Consider for Your Fantasy Cricket Team

      • Roston Chase
      • Trent Boult
      • Jason Smith
      • Wihan Lubbe

      Other Matchups and Facts 

      • Sherfane Rutherford vs Trent Boult (T20s): 43 runs, 31 balls, 4 dismissals.
      • Nicholas Pooran vs Roston Chase (T20s): 71 runs, 74 deliveries, 7 dismissals.
      • Rassie van der Dussen vs Keshav Maharaj (T20s): 34 runs, 42 deliveries, 2 dismissals.

      SA 2025/26 22nd Match: PC vs MICT Dream11 Prediction Today

      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:

      Screenshot from Dream11 app. Possible XIs, Fantasy Cricket Tips, Centurion Pitch Report & Dream11 Prediction for the 22nd Match of SA20 2025/26: PC vs MICT Today.
      SA 2025/26 22nd Match: PC vs MICT Dream11 Prediction Today

      Option 2:

      Screenshot from Dream11 app. Possible XIs, Fantasy Cricket Tips, Centurion Pitch Report & Dream11 Prediction for the 22nd Match of SA20 2025/26: PC vs MICT Today.
      SA 2025/26 22nd Match: PC vs MICT Dream11 Prediction Today

      SA20 2025/26 22nd Match: PC vs MICT Match Prediction: Who will win?

      MI Cape Town have been in good form in the last two games, but that’s mainly because of their top order’s good performance. The middle order and the bowling will have to be on their toes if they are to win this match.

      Pretoria Capitals, on the other hand, have been in good form as a side with both bat and ball. They also need consistency from their big names with the bat. Their overall bowling unit doesn’t look very threatening and can go for runs on a bad day. 

      Pretoria Capitals to win.   

      Disclaimer: The fantasy cricket stats, tips and predictions provided on CricBlog are intended for informational purposes for Dream11 free contests in line with the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025. The stats and writer’s views are 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.

      All statistics and matchups in this article have been verified by ESPNcricinfo, Bigbashboard and Cricmetric.

      Ashes 2025/26 smashes attendance, TV ratings and streaming records

      Charbel Coorey
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      0
      Ashes 2025/26 smashes attendance, TV ratings and streaming records

      The 2025/26 Ashes series broke all sorts of records; a huge result given two of the five Tests ended in two days. TV ratings and streaming minutes were through the roof, while the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) had its highest-ever total attendance for a Test match.

      Just a few years ago, there were even calls that cricket was dying in Australia. The numbers below is proof cricket is still a way of life down under. Also, The Guardian’s Emma John describes Australia as a nation where “cricket thrives” as it is “readily and freely available as the dominant summer pastime.”

      Ashes 2025/26 records: Fantastic results despite two-day Tests

      Below are some of the magnificent crowd and ratings figures from the Ashes series which Australia sealed 4-1 in satisfying circumstances.

      Highest-ever total attendance at the SCG and third-highest attendance for a full series in Australia

      Cricket Australia confirmed a total attendance of 859,580 across the Test series. This is the third-highest attended series ever in Australia.

      Had the Perth and Melbourne Tests not ended so quickly, the figure could have easily crossed 1 million which would have broken the previous record of 946,750. According to cricket.com.au, the estimated attendance losses was at least 210,000.

      The SCG Test was one of two Tests – along with Adelaide – to make it to day five. For the first time ever, a cumulative crowd of over 200,000 attended a Test at the iconic venue. The final figure was 211,032.

      Highest-rated series ever

      Like the Australian team, Seven Network also enjoyed a successful Ashes. The series reached a record 14.2 million viewers, making it the highest-rated series ever, as reported by Media Week. The average total TV audience was 1.19 million across the five matches, up 12% on the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India last year.

      The Boxing Day Test, which was a dead rubber as Australia sealed the series in 11 days, had an even higher total TV audience of 1.52 million. This is 16% up on the thrilling Boxing Day Test against India in 2024.

      Also, 246,000 people streamed each session on 7Plus Sport on average, up a huge 94% on the previous year.

      “Even with Australia retaining The Ashes by the Adelaide Test, audiences continued to surge right through to the Boxing Day Test and the Pink Test, delivering record-breaking numbers across Seven and 7plus Sport,” said Chris Jones, director of sport at Seven Network

      “With new, younger audiences flocking to 7plus to stream the cricket, paired with a growing linear broadcast audience, it’s a powerful reflection of the nation’s passion for the sport and firmly solidifies cricket as Australia’s favourite summer sport.”

      FOXTEL and Kayo Sports also win

      Kayo Sports also had a successful series with a whopping 1.3 billion minutes streamed across the five Tests. Also, audiences were up 31% on the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and a huge 112% compared to the 2021/22 Ashes.

      “The success of this series on our platforms reflects the deep connection audiences have with our coverage, alongside the strength of cricket across the country,” said Steve Crawley, Fox Sports managing director, as quoted by B&T.

      “Congratulations to the Fox Sports team, Cricket Australia, the England Cricket team and, of course, the Australian cricket team on an incredible series that gave us many moments to remember.”

      THU vs REN Dream11 Prediction Possible 11 Pitch Report – BBL 2025/26 33rd Match

      Charbel Coorey
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      0
      THU vs REN Dream11 Prediction Possible 11 Pitch Report – BBL 2025/26 33rd Match

      Arguably two of the league’s most flawed teams meet in the 33rd match of BBL 2025/26.

      Sydney Thunder are out of finals contention, enduring a nightmare season with just a single win on the board. Their listless performance in Brisbane on Saturday was another episode in this horror story as their bowlers yet again failed to land a punch on the opposition batting lineup.

      With the bat, David Warner is the only player making any meaningful contribution. The captain is in doubt for this game after copping a blow to the knee against the Brisbane Heat two days ago.

      So, this represents an opportunity for the Melbourne Renegades, who must win. Will Sutherland’s team currently sit three points outside the top four, and defeat here all-but-confirms the team to yet another year without playoffs cricket.

      Like the Thunder, the Renegades are seeking a bounce back after a heavy defeat. They were blown away by eight wickets and 25 balls spare against Melbourne Renegades on Saturday.

      BBL 2025/26 33rd Match: THU vs REN Possible Playing XIs

      Despite his injury worry, David Warner is in the Thunder squad. If he doesn’t play, Sam Konstas will likely come back into the XI.

      Sydney Thunder: 1. David Warner/Sam Konstas, 2. Matthew Gilkes, 3. Cameron Bancroft, 4. Sam Billings (OS, wk), 5. Nic Maddinson, 6. Daniel Sams, 7. Chris Green, 8. David Willey (OS), 9. Tanveer Sangha, 10. Ryan Hadley/Charlie Anderson, 11. Wes Agar

      In a big boost for the Renegades, Adam Zampa is back in the squad. He missed the last few games with a neck strain.

      Melbourne Renegades: 1. Josh Brown, 2. Tim Seifert (OS), 3. Jake Fraser-McGurk, 4. Muhammad Rizwan (OS, wk), 5. Caleb Jewell, 6. Hassan Khan (OS), 7. Will Sutherland (c), 8. Gurinder Sandhu, 9. Brendan Doggett, 10. Adam Zampa, 11. Jason Behrendhorff

      ENGIE Stadium Sydney Showground Pitch Report and Weather

      Sydney Showground has been a high-scoring venue this season. Teams batting first have smashed scores of 198/5, 202/8 and 205/4. Teams batting first have won twice, with Sydney Thunder losing all three home games so far.

      Pace bowlers have taken 33 wickets in BBL 2025/26 at an average of 20.15 and economy of 9.45. Spinners have struggled, taking seven wickets at an average of 59.85 and economy of 9.63.

      There is a chance of showers tomorrow in Western Sydney, but Bureau of Meteorology says it’s most likely in the morning and afternoon. A top of 23 degrees is forecast.

      Fantasy Cricket Tips for THU vs REN 2025/26: Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

      Top wicket-keeper picks:

      • Matthew Gilkes opens the batting and inspires more confidence than Sam Billings or Muhammad Rizwan at this stage. He is the Thunder’s second-highest run-scorer this season (218) at an average of 27.25 and strike rate of 162.68.
      • Tim Seifert has scores of 8, 6, 11 and 3 in his past four knocks. A game against a struggling Thunder attack can see a return to form.

      Key batter picks:

      • David Warner is an automatic pick given his form, with scores of 130*, 67* and 82 in is past three matches. Warner has struck 112 runs in two matches against the Renegades at an average of 112 and strike rate of 140.
      • Josh Brown is also enjoying a strong run of form. In his last five matches, Brown has smashed 255 runs at an average of 51 and strike rate of 177.1. He comes up against a struggling Thunder attack today.

      Top all-rounder picks:

      • Daniel Sams has taken 16 wickets in 11 innings against the Renegades at an average of 17.50 and economy of 7.57. He has 36 wickets in 23 innings at this ground, striking every 12.6 deliveries (econ. 8.62).
      • Will Sutherland has just three wickets in seven innings against Sydney Thunder (avg. 49, econ. 8.65), but the Thunder batting is very inconsistent. He can also strike a few big blows at the death.

      Key bowler picks:

      • Gurinder Sandhu is the equal second-highest wicket-taker this season with 14. He also knows this ground well, with 11 wickets at a strike rate of 27.9. He will be looking to improve on this.
      • Spin bowlers have taken 14 wickets against Sydney Thunder this season. Adam Zampa will be looking to make an impact right away. The legspinner has 23 wickets in 16 innings against Thunder (econ. 7.53) and has a good matchup against Sam Billings (see below).

      Other Players to Consider for your Fantasy Cricket Teams

      • Hassan Khan offers all-round value from a fantasy cricket perspective. He has picked up at least one wicket in four of his past five matches and has two 20+ scores too.
      • Sam Billings has three 20+ scores in his past five innings, but no score over 34. Is this the day he makes a bigger contribution?
      • Cameron Bancroft career record against Melbourne Renegades: 9 inns, 275 runs, avg. 39.29, SR 141.03.
      • Jason Behrendhorff has just one wicket in his past five matches. But, he has promising matchups against the Thunder openers.

      Other Stats and Important Matchups

      • Head-to-head: Matches 19, Thunder 8, Renegades 10, N/R 1.
      • At Sydney Showground: Thunder 1, Renegades 2, N/R 1.
      • David Warner hasn’t been dismissed by a bowler in the last 172 deliveries he has faced.
      • Jason Behrendhorff vs Matthew Gilkes: 23 balls, 31 runs, one wicket.
      • Jason Behrendhorff vs David Warner: 31 balls, 34 runs, two wickets.
      • Daniel Sams vs Jason Brown: 12 balls, 21 runs, one wicket.
      • Daniel Sams vs Will Sutherland: 22 balls, 41 runs, two wickets.
      • Adam Zampa vs Sam Billings: 55 balls, 64 runs, four wickets.

      BBL 2025/26 33rd Match: THU vs REN Dream11 Prediction Today

      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:

      Screenshot Dream11 app. Possible XIs, Fantasy Cricket Tips, Sydney Showground Pitch Report & Dream11 Prediction for the 33rd Match of BBL 2025/26: THU vs REN Today.
      BBL 2025/26 33rd Match: THU vs REN Dream11 Prediction Today

      Option 2:

      Screenshot Dream11 app. Possible XIs, Fantasy Cricket Tips, Sydney Showground Pitch Report & Dream11 Prediction for the 33rd Match of BBL 2025/26: THU vs REN Today.
      BBL 2025/26 33rd Match: THU vs REN Dream11 Prediction Today

      BBL 2025/26 33rd Match: THU vs REN Match Prediction – Who will win?

      Renegades to win.

      Disclaimer: The fantasy cricket stats, tips and predictions provided on CricBlog are intended for informational purposes for Dream11 free contests in line with the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025. The stats and writer’s views are 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.

      All statistics and matchups in this article have been verified by ESPNcricinfo, Bigbashboard and Cricmetric.

      Before and after: Ashes predictions and statements from England pundits that did not age well

      Charbel Coorey
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      0
      Before and after: Ashes predictions and statements from England pundits that did not age well

      England came to Australia full of optimism. England had not won a Test down under since 2011, but there was growing confidence that this was their time due to a host of reasons.

      Australia were ageing and on the decline, apparently. Ben Stokes’ team, on the other hand, were at their peak and ready to pounce.

      “Jofra Archer will be licking his lips looking at this Dad’s Army Australia Ashes squad”, wrote Lawrence Booth in the Daily Mail.

      However, what the bullish predictions failed to capture was whether England were capable of outlasting Australia. Teams who have enjoyed success down under – especially in the 21st century – have been willing to put in the hard yards, absorb pressure and remain patient.

      Ashes predictions: From pre-series confidence to post-series agony for England

      England didn’t possess those qualities coming into the series and it was brutally exposed over five Tests. It came as no surprise that the only Test England won was a shootout at the MCG as they fell short of the mark in the longer Brisbane, Adelaide and Sydney Tests.

      Here are some of the biggest calls from before the series that came back to bite.

      Piers Morgan: Genuinely think England will win 4 or 5-nil

      Before

      When it comes to predictions that aged poorly, it’s hard to go past Piers Morgan. Morgan, who was particularly vocal in the 2023 Ashes, predicted an England win by a huge margin in 2025/26.

      “The Ashes is upon us… England has a better team, a better captain, and better management. The Urn is coming home, and I genuinely think we’ll beat Australia either 4-0 or 5-0. Good luck ⁦@benstokes38⁩ and your team of swashbuckling Bazballers. No mercy – destroy!” wrote Morgan on the eve of the first Test in November.

      After

      Fast forward to January and it was a different story. However, Morgan, despite being so bullish, refused to go in hard on the current England management as he does in other sports. This is despite a poor England performance that went the complete opposite to what he was expecting.

      “The @englandcricket performance has improved, and been way more entertaining, under @benstokes38 @Bazmccullum @robkey612 than their predecessors. We played badly in this series & got a deserved thumping by Australia, but they should be given the chance to win them back in 2027,” he wrote after Australia sealed the series 4-1.

      Mark Ramprakash – England will win the Ashes and win them comfortably

      Before:

      Former England batsman Mark Ramprakash claimed if Ben Stokes played all five Tests, England would win the Ashes comfortably. In his column for The Guardian, Ramprakash believed England’s batsmen would take advantage of the injuries to Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood.

      “Looking at how the two sides are shaping up before the opening game I feel punchy about England’s chances: the team are strong, settled, and I think that if Ben Stokes plays all five Tests they will win the Ashes and win them comfortably. I can’t remember ever being so confident before an away Ashes,” Ramprakash wrote.

      “That confidence is based on a strong group of seamers and a top seven that have now played a lot of Test cricket and have a lot of runs under their belt. They will look at an opposition that will be without the injured Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood in Perth and fancy their chances of racking up runs. Once you do that, you’re bossing the game.”

      After:

      Those England seamers were not match-fit, as the damning report in The Telegraph revealed. Also, England’s top seven featured Zak Crawley and Ollie Pope who average in the 30s after 60-plus Tests, as well as Ben Duckett, Harry Brook and Jamie Smith who were all unproven in Australia.

      In his column after the series, Ramprakash conceded England did not have the mix of players to beat Australia down under.

      “The refrain since he took over has been: we’re playing this brand, we’ll pick players who suit it. That was a big change for cricket: in my experience most teams, even the best ones, have a mix of players with their own approaches. So the last time England won in Australia we had Alastair Cook with his rock-solid defence, batting periods of time, but we also had Kevin Pietersen trying to take the attack to the bowlers and score more quickly,” Ramprakash wrote post-Sydney.

      “But McCullum’s rhetoric has been: play this way or you won’t play at all. Actually what has been really damning about this trip is that England’s best performances – Joe Root’s two centuries, Jacob Bethell in Sydney, even Stokes himself with his 83 in Adelaide – have not followed that method at all. Root backs his defence, shows good concentration, knocks balls into gaps. Not for him the macho, crash-bang-wallop, knock-the-bowler-off-his-length, run-towards-the-danger rubbish that led so many others to give their wickets away.”

      Jonathan Agnew – England will win in Perth and go on to win the Ashes

      Before

      Former England fast bowler and current BBC chief cricket commentator Jonathan Agnew believed Ben Stokes’ team would win in Perth and then go on to lift the Urn.

      “England haven’t won a Test in Australia for 14 years, but I do think they will win in Perth, and will therefore go on to win the series,” Agnew predicted.

      After

      Agnew was particularly scathing of the team’s lack of preparation. After the series, Agnew said he felt the Ashes were lost in July, despite predicting a series win for England.

      “Forget the batting in Perth or bowling in Adelaide, I go back to 24 July 2025 as the moment England lost this series,” Agnew wrote in his post-series column for the BBC.

      “I remember how furious I was that day – the day pre-series preparations of nets and one intra-squad warm-up were announced – because we all knew England’s plans were not sufficient to win an Ashes series here.

      ‘It beggars belief it was signed off by those at the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB). Whoever did so, whether director of cricket Rob Key, chief executive Richard Gould or someone else, should lose their job.”

      Steve Harmison – England don’t fear Australia and Joe Root will average 150

      Before:

      Former fast bowler Steve Harmison was bullish about England’s chances and backed Joe Root to go past Alastair Cook’s monster effort in 2010/11.

      “People have been telling me for two years that Joe Root is coming over to Australia to average 50. He’s not. I think he’s coming over to average 150. I really do,’’ Harmison said on TalkSPORT back in October.

      “The way he is playing. The mindset he is in. You can have your mortgage on Joe Root scoring at least one hundred. It would not surprise me if he went past what Cook did in 2010-11.’’

      Harmison then predicted England to win 3-1 with no Pat Cummins and no fear of Australia.

      “I am backing England, maybe like 3-1 to come to Australia and sledge Australia and Joe Root to have the best series he has had for a long time. I am that confident England will win,” Harmison said.

      “Where Joe is at with his mentality and the fact that Cummins is out, I mean Joe is vulnerable the first 15 to 20 balls in Australian conditions, but after that he just keeps accumulating.

      “England don’t fear Australia. I don’t think there’s a fear in the world anymore the way the young players go.’’

      After

      It took just two Tests for Harmison to admit England’s limitations; the kind of limitations many Australians warned about Bazball in recent years.

      “We have had a very insular group, a group of, whether you want to call them arrogant or not, or egotistical, whatever,” he said on TalkSPORT, as quoted by 7 News.

      “The problem we’ve got yesterday and the day before, we’ve got a top seven brainwashed by Brendon McCullum, which will never ever work consistently because these players have never learned from their mistakes.”

      Michael Atherton – England won’t fear Scott Boland because of 2023

      Before

      With Pat Cummins ruled out for at least one Test, Michael Atherton, among others, was even more optimistic of England’s chances. The former England captain said Scott Boland poses no fear to the England batters.

      “The natural replacement [to Pat Cummins], and the man who has stepped into the breach whenever one of the big three is missing, is Scott Boland, who is 36 years of age himself,” Atherton wrote in The Times.

      “Boland has a fine record, but holds no fear for a batting line-up that took him for almost five runs an over in the drawn series in 2023, when he took just two wickets in two matches.”

      After

      Boland finished the series with 20 wickets at 24.95. He was outstanding after a shaky first innings in Perth, targeting the England batsmen with relentless line and length plus movement both ways off the seam.

      After the series, another former captain, Michael Vaughan, believes England underestimated Boland.

      Stuart Broad – Worst Australian team since 2010/11

      “It’s probably the worst Australian team since 2010 when England last won, and it’s the best English team since 2010,” said Stuart Broad on his BBC Podcast For The Love of Cricket hosted with Jos Buttler.

      “It’s actually not an opinion, it’s fact. So those things match up to the fact it’s going to be a brilliant Ashes series.”

      How could we not end with this? Now, Broad’s statement isn’t all wrong given this Australian team was the first to lose a home Ashes Test since 2010/11, but the fact that they sealed the Ashes in 11 days would have been extremely satisfying.

      Which Australia Test players will play in BBL 2025/26?

      Charbel Coorey
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      0
      Which Australia Test players will play in BBL 2025/26?

      A number of Australia Test stars will feature for the remainder of the 2025/26 Big Bash League (BBL). Australia sealed the Ashes series 4-1 at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) on January 9th, and attention now quickly shifts to T20 cricket.

      List of Australia Test players who will play in the remainder of the BBL 2025/26 season

      Adelaide Strikers

      Alex Carey will play for the Adelaide Strikers in their January 11th match against Perth Scorchers at the Adelaide Oval. This comes as a big boost to the Strikers who currently sit outside the top four and need a strong finish to the season.

      Travis Head will not play in BBL 2025/26. According to cricket.com.au, the left-hander’s workload will be managed ahead of next month’s T20 World Cup, where he will be vital to Australia’s chances of a second title.

      Brisbane Heat

      Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne have already featured in BBL 2025/26. They took the field for Brisbane Heat against Sydney Thunder just two days after the completion of the Ashes series.

      After retiring from Test cricket, Khawaja was outstanding against the Thunder, smashing 78 off 48 ball in his team’s seven-wicket win with 22 balls to spare.

      Michael Neser will join the Heat squad from January 14.

      Hobart Hurricanes

      Beau Webster returns for the Hobart Hurricanes for their January 11th clash against the Sydney Sixers. Webster had already played a game for the Hurricanes during the BBL 2025/26 season, hitting 27 off 20 balls against the Melbourne Renegades on December 29.

      Jake Weatherald is also expected to feature in BBL 2025/26, but he was not named in the Hurricanes’ squad to take on the Sixers on January 11.

      Melbourne Renegades

      Brendan Doggett featured for the Melbourne Renegades in the second instalment of the Melbourne Derby on January 10.

      Perth Scorchers

      Josh Inglis returns to Perth Scorchers from January 11. Cameron Green, who has played for the Scorchers in the past, will not feature as he is uncontracted.

      Jhye Richardson is also part of the Scorchers’ squad. The pace bowler played against Melbourne Renegades on January 7, where he took figures of 1/37.

      Sydney Sixers

      Sydney Sixers arguably become the strongest team. Steve Smith, who boasts an outstanding BBL record, will return from January 11. Todd Murphy is also included.

      In another huge boost, Ashes man of the series Mitchell Starc will don the magenta from January 16.

      “I’m certainly not looking two years down the road just yet. I’ll pull on the magenta with the man (Smith) next to me,” Starc said at the post-match press conference for the fifth Ashes Test, as quoted by cricket.com.au.

      “We’ll see if we can help (the Sixers) get to another final. Other than the BBL, I haven’t got too many plans other than a bit of golf.

      “I’ll get the chance now to watch Alyssa (Healy, wife) play a bit of cricket against India as well, which is nice to have the chance to do that.”

      Note: Pat Cummins (Sydney Thunder) and Josh Hazlewood (Sydney Sixers) are not expected to feature due to workload management after their respective injury concerns.

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