Cricket News: England tour of Pakistan 2022 schedule | Pakistan vs England 2022 series schedule and dates
England will tour Pakistan for the first time since 2005 for seven T20Is and three Tests. The T20Is will be played as preparation for the T20 World Cup, before the tourists will return to Pakistan for the three Tests following the showpiece tournament in Australia.
First four T20Is: September 20, 22, 23 and 25 at Karachi
Next three T20Is: September 28, 30 and October 2 at Lahore
First Test: December 1-5 at Rawalpindi
Second Test: December 9-13 at Multan
Third Test: December 17-21 at Karachi
The first four T20Is will be played at the National Stadium in Karachi from September 20. The final three T20Is will then be played in Lahore from September 28.
Multan will host its first Test since 2006 where Pakistan played West Indies. The great Brian Lara scored 216, followed by 191 by the classy Mohammad Yousuf. Earlier this year, Pakistan hosted West Indies in three ODIs, all won by the home side.
England tour music to Pakistani fans’ ears
A year ago, England cancelled their tour of Pakistan after New Zealand cancelled theirs on the same day as the first ODI. It left Pakistani officials and fans heartbroken and disappointed, but cricket has since thrived in Pakistan, and England’s visit is sure to be met with plenty of excitement.
Cricket News: Will David Warner play in the BBL? | Update on whether David Warner will play in the BBL
Australian opener David Warner has signed a two-year deal with Sydney Thunder as he will return to the Big Bash League (BBL) for the first time since 2013. Warner’s contract will be worth as much as that of platinum players in the upcoming draft of the league, i.e., AU $340,000. A part of that amount will be covered under the salary cap of the Thunder whereas Cricket Australia (CA) will take care of the remaining amount.
Back in July, The Australian had reported that Warner had requested the CA to grant him approval to play in the UAE ILT20 league in January. However, the CA has been eager to revitalise the BBL from the coming campaign onwards. The board is also simultaneously engaged in a legal tussle with host broadcasters Channel Seven with the two sides grappling over the quality of the tournament.
The BBL salary cap issue will form a vital part of the negotiations over a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between CA and the Australian Cricketers’ Association. Reportedly, the Australian domestic cricketers have been cognisant of the money being paid to overseas cricketers specifically belonging to the platinum category. There are chances that Warner’s lucrative deal will pave the way for substantial salary hikes for other cricketers as well.
David Warner to play in the next two seasons of BBL
“I care deeply about the game, and I am conscious that the conditions that I enjoy as a professional cricketer have largely come from other senior players who have come before me,” the southpaw was quoted in a report by the ESPNcricinfo. He added, “That is how the game is structured and I understand that my contribution to the future of the BBL will hopefully benefit the next generation of players long after I am retired.”
Warner will be available for five regular-season matches from January onwards and then possibly the finals this year. Incidentally, he has featured for the Thunder twice out of the mere three games that he has played in the BBL.
There still exists a cloud of doubt over the availability of top Australian players in the country’s premier T20 franchise tournament.
Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood are more than likely to rest during the BBL window. Steven Smith has refused an initial offer from the Sydney Sixers. The former Test skipper will take a decisive call on this issue considering whether he needs some time off prior to the Test tour to India. Meanwhile, the duo of Marnus Labuschagne and Travis Head have signed extensions with Brisbane Heat and Adelaide Strikers respectively.
ZIM vs IND 2nd ODI Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report | IND vs ZIM 2nd ODI Dream11 Prediction Today | Harare Pitch Report
Apart from some resistance from their tailenders, it was a nightmare outing for Zimbabwe in the first ODI on Thursday. In what was supposed to be an opportunity to put in a big performance, the home side were blown away first by the returning Deepak Chahar, followed by an unbroken 192-run stand between Shubman Gill and Shikhar Dhawan.
Now, India’s biggest priority looks to be time at the crease for KL Rahul ahead of next week’s Asia Cup. Such a need may prompt him to bat first should he win the toss, given the ease in which India took a 1-0 series lead. However, Rahul and India need to combine this need with focusing on the task at hand in this second ODI.
As the tourists eye another series win, Zimbabwe are seeking an improved batting display against a step up in class. Last game against India, they crumbled to 110/8 before recovering somewhat to 189. In their last ODI against Bangladesh, they were reduced to 83/9 before reaching 151. If there is any similar batting collapse here, they can kiss any hopes of an upset win goodbye.
Sikandar Raza and Sean Williams have crucial roles to play as Zimbabwe’s most experienced players. Raza came into this series in great touch (scores of 117* and 135*) vs Bangladesh, and he averages 40.87 in 38 ODI innings at Harare.
Williams has a poor record against India in ODIs: 10 inns, 195 runs, avg. 19.50. Can he contribute with an innings of note in the second match?
Regis Chakabva top scored for Zimbabwe in the opening ODI (35). The Zimbabwe skipper has scored 496 runs in 16 ODI innings at an average of 33.06 and strike rate of 81.04 at Harare.
Richard Ngarava has hit scores of 34* and 34 in his last two ODIs. However, Zimbabwe need wickets and Ngarava’s battle with Shubman Gill is one to watch. Gill has been dismissed once by left-arm seam for 18 runs in 28 balls so far in ODIs.
India:
Speaking of Shubman Gill, he is in fine form. His 82* in the first ODI follows scores of 64, 43 and 98* against West Indies.
In 343 balls faced in ODIs to date, Gill has hit 39 boundaries at an overall average of 67.2 and strike rate of 98.00.
Shikhar Dhawan also followed up his good form in West Indies (168 runs, avg. 53.66) with a cruisy 81* on Thursday. Overall against Zimbabwe, Dhawan has scored 294 runs in six matches at 58.80, which includes one fifty and one century.
Time at the crease will be key for KL Rahul. The India captain hit 196 runs in three ODIs in Zimbabwe in 2016 at an average of 196.00, including one half-century and one hundred.
Deepak Chahar made a successful return (3/27). He will be key upfront again, especially if India bowl first in early morning conditions.
Axar Patel has taken 11 wickets in seven ODIs against Zimbabwe, including 3/24 in the first match. He averages 18.90 with an economy rate of just 3.37 against the Zimbabweans. Expect him to have a say again in dry conditions.
Prasidh Krishna in ODIs 2022: 10 matches, 18 wickets, avg. 22.00, econ. 4.88. Also, in the seven ODIs Krishna has played where India have batted first, he has taken 14 wickets at an average of 21.78.
Other Stats and Facts
Head-to-head: Matches 64, India 52, Zimbabwe 10.
India have won their past 13 ODIs vs Zimbabwe.
Each of Zimbabwe’s batsmen from 5-10 crossed double figures in the opening ODI.
Harare Sports Club Pitch Report and Weather
Another warm and clear day is forecast in Harare. A top of about 29 degrees will greet the players as winter nears its end in Zimbabwe.
With such dry conditions and a number of matches played at Harare recently, there may be some spin on offer and the surface could be on the slower side.
Nonetheless, expect Zimbabwe to choose to bowl if they win the toss as they did in all three recent ODIs against Bangladesh. For India, they may look to bat to give their batsmen time at the crease.
ZIM vs IND 2nd ODI Dream11 Prediction 20 August 2022
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:
ZIM vs IND 2nd ODI Dream11 Prediction
Option 2:
ZIM vs IND 2nd ODI Dream11 Prediction
Fan2Play Prediction
Base Team:
Wicket-Keepers: Regis Chakabva
Batsmen: Shikhar Dhawan, Shubman Gill
All-Rounders: Sikandar Raza, Axar Patel
Bowlers: Deepak Chahar, Prasidh Krishna
ZIM vs IND 2nd ODI Match Prediction: Who will win?
Cricket News: Bangladesh could open with Mushfiqur Rahim in Asia Cup | Mushfiqur Rahim may open in the 2022 Asia Cup
Bangladesh might shake-up their batting lineup by opening with Mushfiqur Rahim in the upcoming Asia Cup. The team management is reportedly unwilling to shift Afif Hossain away from the number four slot. Accordingly, they will try and accommodate Mushfiqur at the top in the absence of the injured Liton Das.
Anamul Haque and Parvez Hossain are the other couple of opening options picked in the team’s 17-member squad for the tournament. Apparently, Nayeem Sheikh and Soumya Sarkar were not considered for the opener’s slot due to their drawbacks against spin bowling. Meanwhile, Mushfiqur’s proficiency against both pacers and spinners make him the ideal fit for the position in the eyes of the think-tank.
Thinking of promoting Mushfiqur in the Asia Cup due to experience – Bangladesh team director
“We are thinking of promoting Mushfiqur at the top in the Asia Cup because he is vastly experienced in handling spin and pace and we feel he can be a very good option,” Bangladesh team director Khaled Mahmud was quoted in a report by Cricbuzz.
He added, “We had the option of picking Nayeem and Soumya but didn’t go for them as their ability to handle spin is not that great. Parvez is there but we need to see whether he can handle spinners like Mujeeb or Rashid or not.”
Mushfiqur has a partly average of 19.93 at a strike rate of 115.53 across 91 T20I innings. He has opened the batting only once and scored merely five runs in that particular match against Afghanistan. However, he boasts of a comparatively better scoring rate, i.e., 146.15, in the four matches that he has batted at number three. There is a general consensus that his abilities will be best optimised at the opening slot and the management might explore that option in order to reinvigorate their fortunes in the T20 format.
“If we feel that Mushfiqur looks to be the best option we might go with him and I think it can be a good move for him as well considering he will be getting 120 balls and if he gets going from the start, we are likely to post a big total on the board,” Mahmud further told the aforementioned publication.
Afif Hossain expected to bat at number four
Further, the management is insistent on sticking with Afif Hossain at the two-down position. The 22-year-old averages 31.20 at a strike rate of 108.33 in the six innings that he has batted at number four in T20Is. The team is harbouring the hope that Afif can replicate his recent form coupled with his exploits in the ODI format to make the spot his own in the coming T20Is.
“We are thinking Afif in a specific role and he is a dynamo. I think he is very confident and really played well in the last two series and even batted well in the ODIs. We want to give Afif his place because he is our future,” Mahmud explained the rationale behind the thought process.
Cricket News: I would never say that ODIs is getting finished – Rohit | Rohit Sharma speaks highly of the ODI format
One Day Internationals (ODIs) have found a solid supporter in Rohit Sharma as the format grapples criticism from several stars like Ben Stokes, Moeen Ali and Ravichandran Ashwin.
Speaking to the Indian Express, the Indian skipper explained the stadiums are jam-packed and the excitement levels are beaming even when teams play ODIs these days. He outlined that picking and choosing formats to turn up in is an individual choice for players. But he outrightly rejected the idea that any form of the game is nearing its end.
“For me, cricket is important – whatever be the format. I would never say that ODI is getting finished or T20 is getting finished or Tests are nearing an end. I wish there is another format as well, because for me, playing the game is most important,” Rohit told the aforementioned publication.
He added, “Since childhood, we dreamt of playing the game for India. Whenever we play ODIs, stadiums are full, the excitement remains high. It’s an individual choice as to which format to play or not, but for me, all three formats are important.”
Other stars have different view of ODI format
English Test skipper Stokes’ retirement from the ODI game had sparked a debate over the purported slow demise of the 50-over game. Later on, talking on the Vaughany and Tuffers Cricket Club podcast, Ashwin explained that that ODIs have now just become an extended version of the T20 game. He opined that the ebbs and flows have gone missing from ODIs and that poses a major threat to the format in general.
“I’m an absolute cricket badger, a nut, and I switch off the telly after a point of time, watching the one-day game. That’s frankly very scary for that format of the game, I think. Those ebbs and flows, when they go missing, it’s not cricket anymore, it’s just an extended format of T20,” Ashwin had said in the aforementioned podcast.
Earlier this month, Moeen Ali had lamented the lack of importance given to ODIs amidst the emergence of new T20 franchise leagues across the world. The all-rounder had opined that ODIs are stuck somewhere in the middle of the shortest and the longest versions of the international game.
“At the moment it’s not sustainable in my opinion. Something has to be done because I fear losing the 50-over format in a couple of years because it’s almost like the long, boring one, if that makes sense. It’s almost like you’ve got T20s, you’ve got the Test matches which are great and then the 50 overs is just in the middle – there’s no importance given to it at the moment,” the 35-year-old was quoted in a report by ESPNCricinfo.
The next ODI World Cup is due in merely 14 months but the current cricketing calendar has been largely stuffed with T20I engagements owing to the two World T20s in 2020 and 2021.
However, Rohit’s encouraging comments come on the back of his opening partner Shikhar Dhawan saying that he loves the ODI format. Dhawan is currently in Zimbabwe where India will engage in a three-match ODI series starting from 18th August. The southpaw had a good outing in West Indies when he scored 168 runs across three games and led the side to a 3-0 victory as well. However, Dhawan has had to shelve captaincy responsibilities due to KL Rahul’s return from his long injury-ridden layoff.
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NED vs PAK 2nd ODI Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report | NED vs PAK 2nd ODI Dream11 Prediction Today | Rotterdam Pitch Report
It was a great effort by Netherlands in the first ODI, but they ultimately just fell short of a famous victory against a near full-strength Pakistan.
Heading into the series, Pakistan had some gaps to fill in their ODI game. The consistency of their middle order was a big talking point, and that remains the case after an underwhelming display at times following a strong platform set by centurion Fakhar Zaman and skipper Babar Azam. In the end, Shadab Khan’s brilliant cameo took Pakistan above 300.
Since the 2019 World Cup, Pakistan have scored at less than five per over in the first ten overs. Such an approach perhaps indicates a lack of trust in the middle order, with each of the top three believing they need to bat as deep as possible. The job of the Netherlands’ bowlers is to get into Pakistan’s middle order as soon as possible.
Also, there is more to be positive about for the home side. Scott Edwards’ form is something they can take heart from, and who knows what can happen if Tom Cooper can continue his good touch and Vikramjit Singh finds greater fluency.
Netherlands could stick with the same team that pushed Pakistan close.
Netherlands: 1. Vikramjit Singh, 2. Max O’Dowd, 3. Wesley Barresi, 4. Bas de Leede, 5. Tom Cooper, 6. Scott Edwards (c & wk), 7. Teja Nidamanuru, 8. Logan van Beek, 9. Tim Pringle, 10. Aryan Dutt, 11. Vivan Kingma
It was expected that Shaheen Shah Afridi would be rested from at least two ODIs in this series.
Pakistan: 1. Fakhar Zaman, 2. Imam-ul-Haq, 3. Babar Azam (c), 4. Mohammad Rizwan (wk), 5. Khushdil Shah, 6. Shadab Khan, 7. Mohammad Nawaz, 8. Agha Salman, 9. Mohammad Wasim, 10. Haris Rauf, 11. Naseem Shah
Key Players to Watch/Key Stats
Netherlands:
Scott Edwards is having a brilliant year in ODIs. The Netherlands’ skipper has struck 608 runs in 13 matches at an average of 55.27 and strike rate of 88.37.
Edwards has struck four half-centuries in a row dating back to the start of the England series.
Vikramjit Singh struggled for fluency at times in the first ODI, which ultimately hurt Netherlands. But, the youngster’s start to his ODI career has been very promising against established opposition (NZ, WI, ENG, PAK) with scores of: 19, 31, 25, 47, 46, 54, 13, 10, 6, and 65.
Max O’Dowd missed out in the first ODI (1), falling LBW to Naseem Shah. But, he still has a fine record in home ODIs: 14 inns, 622 runs, avg. 47.84, 7 50s.
Tom Cooper has struck three fifties in four ODIs on this ground, including a fine 54-ball 65 in the first match of this series. Overall, Cooper averages 46.41 in 27 ODIs (1,114 runs).
Logan van Beek could be key down the order with the bat. With the ball, he will be looking to bounce back from a very expensive outing (2/89).
van Beek is Netherlands’ top wicket-taker this year with 14 at an average of 38.50 and economy of 6.34.
Pakistan:
Fakhar Zaman was averaging just 27.50 in six ODIs in 2022 before the first match of this series. He stepped up with a solid hundred, which further boosted his brilliant away record in ODIs: 28 matches, 1,599 runs, avg. 66.62, SR 98.76, 7 50s, 6 100s.
Babar Azam has struck three fifties and three hundreds in seven ODIs this year (531 runs) at an average of 88.50.
Imam-ul-Haq’s 2 in the first ODI was the first time he failed to cross 50 this year. Overall, he has struck 499 runs in seven matches in 2022 at an average of 83.16.
Shadab Khan’s 28-ball 48* highlights his importance to the Pakistan team. Also, expect him to come back with the ball after going wicketless in the opening ODI (0/47).
Naseem Shah was terrific on ODI debut (3/51). The pacer dismissed O’Dowd early and then came back late to dismiss Teja Nidamanuru and Tim Pringle.
Haris Rauf was a touch expensive (3/67) but his wicket-taking ability is clear to see. He picked up the crucial scalps of Tom Cooper and Logan van Beek in the middle and death overs respectively.
Haris has taken 17 wickets in eight ODIs where Pakistan have bowled first (avg. 25.17, econ. 5.87). When bowling second, Rauf has taken nine in six matches at a higher average and economy rate (avg. 32.44, econ. 6.21).
Other Stats and Facts
The first ODI was the first time Pakistan and Netherlands met in an ODI since the 2003 World Cup.
In that tournament, Bas de Leede’s father, Tim, played against Pakistan. de Leede bowled beautifully in the first ODI (2/42), finishing with the best economy rate of any bowler who bowled at least three overs. This included 30 dots and just two boundaries struck off his bowling in ten overs.
Mohammad Rizwan is yet to nail the ODI format. He averaged 8.33 in three ODIs in 2020, 22.33 in six ODIs in 2021 and 22.00 in seven ODis in 2022.
Hazelaarweg Rotterdam Pitch Report and Weather
It was good conditions for batting in the opening ODI. Expect similar conditions in this clash, with a forecast for partly sunny weather and top of about 24 degrees.
NED vs PAK 2nd ODI Dream11 Prediction 18 August 2022
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:
NED vs PAK 2nd ODI Dream11 Prediction
Option 2:
NED vs PAK 2nd ODI Dream11 Prediction
Fan2Play Prediction
Base Team:
Wicket-Keepers: Scott Edwards
Batsmen: Babar Azam, Imam-ul-Haq, Fakhar Zaman
All-Rounders: Shadab Khan, Bas de Leede
Bowlers: Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah
NED vs PAK 2nd ODI Match Prediction: Who will win?
Time will tell if Netherlands can compete again. However, Pakistan should have enough experience and depth to win.
IND vs ZIM 1st ODI Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report | ZIM vs IND 1st ODI Dream11 Prediction Today | Harare Pitch Report
Zimbabwe’s excellent last month of cricket at home, which included T20 World Cup Qualification and series wins against Bangladesh, will conclude with a showpiece series against India. It is a huge opportunity for the home side to make an impression, with Sikandar Raza in particular looking to continue his magnificent recent form.
For India, the objectives are slightly different. Game time for KL Rahul ahead of the Asia Cup and T20 World Cup is a hugely important aspect of this series for the tourists, as is the return of Deepak Chahar after injury. Plus, a number of players will be seeking to stay at the forefront of selectors’ minds going forward.
India have a few options. They may look to play KL Rahul in the number four position. Also, there is the possibility of both Ishan Kishan and Sanju Samson playing, or Ruturaj Gaikwad making his ODI debut. Kishan may be preferred as a left-hand option in the middle order.
Zimbabwe will be without key players. Craig Ervine (hamstring), Wellington Masakadza (shoulder), Blessing Muzarabani (quadricep), Tendai Chatara (collarbone) are out injured.
Sean Williams, who missed the Bangladesh ODI series for personal reasons, was not included in Zimbabwe’s official squad for this three-match campaign. However, he is reportedly set to feature.
Zimbabwe: 1. Innocent Kaia, 2. Tadiwanashe Marumani, 3. Wessly Madhevere, 4. Sean Williams, 5. Sikandar Raza, 6. Regis Chakabva (c & wk), 7. Ryan Burl, 8. Luke Jongwe, 9. Brad Evans, 10. Victor Nyauchi, 11. Tanaka Chivanga
Breaking news: Sean Williams is up for selection again and is now set to play against India tomorrow.
— Adam Theo??? #RegisterToVote (@AdamTheofilatos) August 17, 2022
Key Players to Watch/Key Stats
India:
It’s a big series for KL Rahul. He dominated Zimbabwe in 2016, where he scored 196 runs in three ODIs at an average of 196.00.
Shubman Gill was impressive in the recent ODI series in West Indies. The opener struck scores of 64, 43 and 98*. He will be keen to continue on that form.
Shikhar Dhawan has scored 213 runs in five ODIs vs Zimbabwe, which includes a century. Like Gill, Dhawan had a good series in Windies: 3 inns, 168 runs, avg. 53.66.
Deepak Hooda is one to watch. He will be aiming to transfer his excellent T20I form (SR 161.17 in 2022) to the ODI arena.
Axar Patel has taken eight wickets in six ODIs vs Zimbabwe at an average of 23.00 and economy rate of 3.39. In what is expected to be dry, warm conditions on a ground where there has been quite a bit of cricket lately, Patel might find some purchase.
Shardul Thakur took the most wickets in the recent WI-IND ODI series (7). The seamer took a wicket every 17.1 deliveries.
Sikandar Raza is in the form of his life. He hit scores of 135* and 117* in the recent ODI series vs Bangladesh, along with five wickets.
In ten ODIs against India, Raza has scored 245 runs at an average of 24.50. In 39 ODIs at Harare, Raza has scored 1,296 runs at an average of 41.80.
Innocent Kaia also scored a century in the recent series against Bangladesh. As did Regis Chakabva. Can they make an impression against India?
Luke Jongwe is the leader of an inexperienced bowling attack. He will be aiming to improve on his ODI record on this ground: 12 ODIs, 13 wickets, avg. 40.23, econ. 5.50.
Other Stats and Facts
Head-to-head: Matches 63, India 51, Zimbabwe 10.
India have won the past 12 ODIs against Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe have won just two of 16 ODIs against India at Harare.
Zimbabwe openers Takudzwanashe Kaitano and Tadiwanashe Marumani scored just 26 runs between them in the recent series against Bangladesh. Expect the India opening bowlers to challenge them right away.
Harare Sports Club Pitch Report and Weather
A warm and clear day is forecast for Harare as winter nears its end in Zimbabwe. Typically, conditions are best for bowling in the morning, so expect the captain who wins the toss to bowl first as conditions should be pleasant for batting in the afternoon.
However, there may be some purchase for the spinners. There has been a decent amount of cricket played at Harare, so there is a chance of a slower, dryish surface.
IND vs ZIM 1st ODI Dream11 Prediction 18 August 2022
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:
IND vs ZIM 1st ODI Dream11 Prediction
Option 2:
IND vs ZIM 1st ODI Dream11 Prediction
Fan2Play Prediction
Base Team:
Wicket-Keepers: Regis Chakabva
Batsmen: Shikhar Dhawan, KL Rahul, Shubman Gill
All-Rounders: Sikandar Raza, Axar Patel
Bowlers: Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav
IND vs ZIM 1st ODI Match Prediction: Who will win?
Cricket News: List of players in the UAE ILT20 League | Which players are participating in the UAE ILT20 League?
The United Arab Emirates (UAE)-based International League T20 (ILT20) is set to take place from 6th January-12th February, 2023. The brand-new franchise cricket competition will clash with the Big Bash League (BBL), Cricket South Africa’s new T20 league and also the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL).
Who are the big names signed up for the competition?
Some of the senior T20 stars all set to feature in the opening edition of the tournament include Moeen Ali, Alex Hales, Wanindu Hasaranga, Andre Russell, Shimron Hetmyer, Chris Jordan and Mujeeb-ur-Rahman.
There were talks of Australian openers David Warner and Chris Lynn featuring in the tournament but they might have to give it a miss due to separate reasons. The simultaneous BBL fixtures coupled with Cricket Australia’s (CA) vision to transform the tournament from the upcoming season onward can be a roadblock in Lynn and Warner’s participation in the UAE-based competition.
Sri Lankan skipper Dasun Shanaka and Afghan pacer Fazalhaq Farooqui are some of the Asian names who will feature in ILT20. England’s dynamic batsman Ollie Pope is one of the key overseas stars signed up by the league as well. The league will be getting its fair share of Caribbean charisma as the high-profile trio of Kieron Pollard, Nicholas Pooran and Dwayne Bravo will turn up for MI Emirates.
Russell and Sunil Narine will be continuing their association with the Knight Riders by playing for the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders (ADKR) in ILT20. Jonny Bairstow, Paul Stirling and Colin Ingram are some of the other notable names roped in by ADKR. So far, only the MI Emirates and ADKR have come up with a list of their confirmed signings. They are:
MI Emirates: Kieron Pollard, Dwayne Bravo, Nicholas Pooran, Andre Fletcher, Trent Boult, Imran Tahir, Najibullah Zadran, Zahir Khan, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Samit Patel, Will Smeed, Jordan Thompson, Brad Wheal, Bas de Leede.
ADKR: Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, Jonny Bairstow, Paul Stirling, Lahiru Kumara, Charith Asalanka, Colin Ingram, Akeal Hosein, Seekkuge Prasanna, Ravi Rampaul, Raymon Reifer, Kennar Lewis, Ali Khan, Brandon Glover.
It is probable that the rest of the teams will be rolling out their squads in the coming months.
Which teams are participating in ILT20?
Six teams will face off against each other in the inaugural season of the tournament. They are: Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, Dubai Capitals, Gulf Giants, MI Emirates and two other sides whose names are yet to be ascertained.
Who owns these teams?
The Knight Riders Group and the GMR Group own the Abu Dhabi and Dubai-based teams respectively. Adani Sportsline holds the Gulf Giants whereas the Reliance Strategic Business Ventures Limited have expanded their global presence through MI Emirates.
How much salaries will the top players get?
Capri Global Capital Limited and Lancer Capital LLC are the owners of the other two franchises. The ILT20 is likely to become the second-most lucrative T20 competition in the world behind the Indian Premier League (IPL). The top players in the ILT20 will be bagging a salary of US $450,000.
However, concerns over player availability have risen as the ILT20 dates collide with numerous international matches and the aforementioned T20 tournaments. Yet, the league has managed to sign up a host of top stars so far and the roster is only set to get bigger as the competition and the preparations for the same nears in the coming months.
ENG vs SA 1st Test Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report | ENG vs SA 1st Test Dream11 Prediction Today | Lord’s Pitch Report
Looking at England’s home season before it began, you would have been forgiven for thinking that they would be coming into this Test series off the back of defeats to World Test Championship finalists New Zealand and India, before dominating all their white-ball matches. Instead, England, under the guidance of Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes, have been irresistible in the Tests and failed to win a single ODI or T20I series against India and South Africa respectively.
It is quite the change for a team that has typically been so strong in white-ball cricket in recent years. However, the key to the change in red-ball fortunes, i.e. BazBall, is underpinned by an attacking mindset focused on putting the pressure on the opposition and seeking victory at all times. Three 250+ chases against New Zealand? No problem. 378 against India? Too easy.
So, what does this series have in store? South Africa have shown this year that they cannot be counted out, coming from behind to beat India 2-1 in January and also recovering from a first up defeat to draw a series in New Zealand. The seam attack, spearheaded by the great Kagiso Rabada (if fit), will be itching at the bit to have a go at an England lineup that has taken on all before them in Tests this summer and won. Skipper Dean Elgar said that his team is not there to simply make up the numbers, but triumph in England for the first time since 2007.
Should the weather allow, it promises to be a riveting five days of Test cricket between two sides who are flawed but exciting. The Proteas have shown excellent bounceback ability so far in 2022, but if they let England get off to a flyer, it may be too difficult to come back from.
England have confirmed their XI for the Test. Ben Foakes, who missed the India Test due to COVID-19, will replace Sam Billings.
England: 1. Zak Crawley, 2. Alex Lees, 3. Ollie Pope, 4. Joe Root, 5. Jonny Bairstow, 6. Ben Stokes (c), 7. Ben Foakes (wk), 8. Stuart Broad, 9. Jack Leach, 10. Matthew Potts, 11. James Anderson
South Africa will confirm their XI at the toss. Kagiso Rabada, who missed the T20Is against Ireland recently due to an ankle injury, will be assessed before play. Duanne Olivier is out of the series due to a torn hip flexor injury.
South Africa: 1. Dean Elgar (c), 2. Sarel Erwee, 3. Keegan Petersen, 4. Aiden Markram, 5. Rassie van der Dussen, 6. Kyle Verreynne (wk), 7. Keshav Maharaj, 8. Marco Jansen, 9. Kagiso Rabada, 10. Lungi Ngidi, 11. Anrich Nortje
Head-to-head matchups & key players to watch/stats
England:
After a brilliant 2021, Joe Root is also having a superb 2022. The world’s number one Test batsman has scored 927 runs in nine Tests this year at an average of 61.80, with five centuries.
Against South Africa’s spearhead Rabada in Tests, Root has scored 187 runs in just 285 balls at an average of 62.30.
Jonny Bairstow is also having a year to remember. He is the leading runscorer in Tests this year, with 994 runs in eight games at an average of 76.46 and strike rate of 76.22. This includes four tons in his last three Tests.
Like Root, Bairstow has a good strike rate against Rabada in Tests. The Yorkshireman has scored 156 runs in 207 deliveries against the pacer, but he has been dismissed five times.
Expect Ben Stokes to go hard right away. The England captain has scored 627 runs in eight Tests at Lord’s at an average of 44.78. Against South Africa, Stokes has slammed 1,028 runs at 46.72, including that memorable 258 back in 2016.
Stokes strikes at 77.7 against Rabada (209 runs in 269 balls) with four dismissals. It’s another great battle in the offing.
The ageless James Anderson has the most wickets at Lord’s (116, avg. 24.36) and most wickets in ENG-SA Tests (93 wickets, avg. 31.52). With conditions expected to be cloudy right throughout the Test, expect Anderson to play a key role.
Anderson has dismissed Dean Elgar four times in 248 balls in Tests, conceding just 120 runs. He has also bowled 10 deliveries to Aiden Markram, and has picked up his wicket once.
Stuart Broad sits on 99 Test wickets at Lord’s (avg. 28.06), the second-most of any bowler. Surprisingly, Broad has found the going tough against South Africa at home, taking 30 wickets in ten Tests at a high average of 39.36.
Expect Broad to have a red-hot go against South Africa’s left-handed opening pair. Since the start of 2019, Broad is averaging 23.7 against left-handers.
South Africa:
Dean Elgar has what it takes to thwart Broad’s threat. The captain has a superb record against Broad in Tests, with 182 runs in 367 deliveries at an average of 91.00.
Against England, Elgar has scored 819 runs at an average of 37.22 in 12 Tests. In England, he averages 36.37 with two fifties and a century in four matches.
Keegan Petersen impressed against India earlier this year. In four Tests this year vs Bangladesh and India, Petersen struck 377 runs at an average of 47.12 in some challenging batting conditions.
Rassie van der Dussen has scored three fifties in eight Test innings against England. He has been dismissed just once in 123 deliveries against Broad (43 runs) and has not been dismissed by Anderson in 87 balls (18 runs).
Kagiso Rabada has the equal-most wickets for South Africa this year (23) at an average of 21.13. This includes a brilliant eight-wicket haul in New Zealand to help the Proteas to a series-levelling win.
Against England, Rabada has taken 52 wickets in just nine Tests at an average of 25.80 and strike rate of 40.5. This includes a remarkable 13-wicket haul in one Test.
Marco Jansen is also having a brilliant year in Tests: 4 matches, 23 wickets, avg. 19.39. Expect the tall left-arm seamer to find some movement and additional bounce.
Other Stats and Facts
Head-to-head in Tests: Matches 153, England 64, South Africa 34, 55 draws.
England lead South Africa 30-14 (with 24 draws) in Tests in England.
England have won their last four Tests. South Africa have won five of their past six.
The last Test series between the teams was in 2017. England won that four-match series 3-1 at home, including a 211-run win at Lord’s. Joe Root scored 190 and Kagiso Rabada took six wickets in that game.
Since 1994, South Africa have won four and lost one of their five Tests at Lords.
Dean Elgar is 136 away from 5,000 runs in Tests.
Matthew Potts took 4/13 and 3/55 in the Lord’s Test against New Zealand in June.
Lord’s Pitch Report and Weather
The weather does not look too promising, particularly on the opening two days. Lord’s is typically a venue where the overhead conditions play a key role, so expect the captain who wins the toss to choose to bowl first with a greenish tinge on the pitch.
The average first innings score in the last five Tests on this ground is 243.4. New Zealand were bowled out for 132 in the Test earlier this year, followed by just 141 by England in their first innings of that match.
ENG vs SA 1st Test Dream11 Prediction 17-21 August 2022
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:
ENG vs SA 1st Test Dream11 Prediction
Option 2:
ENG vs SA 1st Test Dream11 Prediction
Fan2Play Prediction
Base Team:
Wicket-Keepers: Jonny Bairstow
Batsmen: Joe Root, Dean Elgar
All-Rounders: Ben Stokes, Aiden Markram
Bowlers: James Anderson, Kagiso Rabada
ENG vs SA 1st Test Match Prediction: Who will win?
Given the weather conditions, a draw seems like the most likely result. If there is a result, England’s confident style of play and familiarity with the conditions puts them in a good place to win.
Faf du Plessis to lead CSK-owned Johannesburg franchise in CSA T20 League | Faf du Plessis to skipper Johannesburg
Faf du Plessis will be the captain of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) Sports Limited-owned Johannesburg Super Kings in Cricket South Africa’s (CSA) T20 League. The owners of the four-time Indian Premier League (IPL) champions have picked du Plessis as one of their five direct signings for a cost of US$375,000.
The former South African skipper is CSK veteran, having played 100 matches for them across two stints from 2011-15 and 2018-21 respectively. He was a part of three IPL winning squads in MS Dhoni’s team and became a fan-favourite due to his incredible performances and loyalty towards the franchise.
CSK fans thrilled to see Faf du Plessis captain the Johannesburg franchise
There was an emotional upheaval amongst the CSK fans as du Plessis had to shift to the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) after the mega-auction this year. However, his return to the franchise’s umbrella in the South African league will mark a sweet homecoming for the 37-year-old.
In addition to du Plessis, the team has also acquired the services of Moeen Ali and Maheesh Theekshana. Moeen was instrumental in CSK’s title-winning campaign in 2021 and was one of their four retentions prior to the 2022 season. Theekshana, on the other hand, was picked by CSK for Rs 70 lakh in the mega-auction in 2022.
Theekshana delivered some promising performances in an otherwise underwhelming year for the team. Moeen was roped in for a sum of US$400,000 whereas Theekshana will bag $200,000 to turn up for the Johannesburg-based franchise. West Indian all-rounder Romario Shepherd and Gerald Coetzee are the other two direct signings made by the franchise, ESPNCricinfo reports.
Shepherd was picked by the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) for a whopping Rs 7.75 crore ahead of IPL 2022. CSK’s interest in the 27-year-old is evident from the fact that they chased him till the Rs 5 crore mark in the mega-auction. However, they relented post that and SRH eventually outbid Rajasthan Royals (RR) to get Shepherd. Now, the swashbuckler will be appearing for the Johannesburg Super Kings for US$175,000.
Coetzee, a 20-year-old fast-bowler, has been signed as a development player for US $50,000. He has represented South Africa in two editions of the ICC U-19 Cricket World Cup.
Furthermore, CSK stalwart Stephen Fleming will assume similar head coach duties for their Johannesburg franchise. Bowling coach Eric Simmons will be joining the coaching staff whereas there are talks to bring in former CSK star Albie Morkel to the setup as well. Morkel represented Chennai from 2018-13 and was a key part of their two title-winning squads in 2010 and 2011 respectively.
The six franchises in the CSA T20 league were allowed to make five direct signings each from a pool of 30 marquee players.
