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I would never say that ODIs is getting finished – Rohit

Tarkesh Jha
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I would never say that ODIs is getting finished – Rohit

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.

Stadiums are full even for ODIs – Rohit Sharma

“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

Charbel Coorey
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NED vs PAK 2nd ODI Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report

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.

NED vs PAK 2nd ODI Possible Playing XI

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 & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report | NED vs PAK 2nd ODI Dream11 Prediction Today | Rotterdam Pitch Report | Netherlands vs Pakistan 2nd ODI Dream11 & stats
NED vs PAK 2nd ODI Dream11 Prediction

Option 2:

NED vs PAK 2nd ODI Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report | NED vs PAK 2nd ODI Dream11 Prediction Today | Rotterdam Pitch Report | Netherlands vs Pakistan 2nd ODI Dream11 & stats
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

Charbel Coorey
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0
IND vs ZIM 1st ODI Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report

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.

IND vs ZIM 1st ODI Possible Playing XI

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.

India: 1. Shikhar Dhawan, 2. Shubman Gill, 3. Ruturaj Gaikwad, 4. KL Rahul (c), 5. Sanju Samson/Ishan Kishan (wk), 6. Deepak Hooda, 7. Axar Patel, 8. Shardul Thakur/Deepak Chahar, 9. Kuldeep Yadav, 10. Mohammed Siraj, 11. Prasidh Krishna

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

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.
  • Prasidh Krishna in ODIs 2022: 9 matches, 15 wickets, avg. 23.06, econ. 4.73.

Zimbabwe:

  • 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 & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report | ZIM vs IND 1st ODI Dream11 Prediction Today | Harare Pitch Report | ZIM vs IND 1st ODI Dream11 picks
IND vs ZIM 1st ODI Dream11 Prediction

Option 2:

IND vs ZIM 1st ODI Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report | ZIM vs IND 1st ODI Dream11 Prediction Today | Harare Pitch Report | ZIM vs IND 1st ODI Dream11 picks
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?

India should be too strong.

List of players in the UAE ILT20 League

Tarkesh Jha
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List of players in the UAE ILT20 League

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

Charbel Coorey
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ENG vs SA 1st Test Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report

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.

ENG vs SA 1st Test Possible Playing XI

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

Also read: What has sparked Jonny Bairstow’s turnaround in Tests?

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.
  • Root has an excellent record at Lord’s (1,610 runs, avg. 55.51), with his last innings that glorious unbeaten century to seal a successful chase against New Zealand. Also, Root averages 52.90 in 12 Tests against the Proteas, of which the average bumps up to 57.62 in four Tests at home.
  • 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

Tarkesh Jha
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Faf du Plessis to lead CSK-owned Johannesburg franchise in CSA T20 League

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.

Ricky Ponting’s huge praise for Suryakumar Yadav

Tarkesh Jha
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Ricky Ponting’s huge praise for Suryakumar Yadav

Cricket News: Ricky Ponting’s huge praise for Suryakumar Yadav | Ricky Ponting compares Suryakumar Yadav to ABD

Speaking to the ICC Review, former Australian skipper Ricky Ponting has equated Suryakumar Yadav’s playing style with that of AB de Villiers. Ponting backed Yadav to take over the number four spot in the Indian batting line-up. He even appreciated the Mumbai Indians (MI) batsman’s ability to pull off a wide repertoire of shots.

“Surya (Yadav) scores 360 degrees around the ground, a bit like an AB de Villiers did when he was in his actual prime. The lap shots, the late cuts, you know, the ramps over the keeper’s head. He can hit down the ground,” Ponting’s comments in the aforementioned show was quoted in a report by ESPNCricinfo.

He added, “He hits really well over the leg side, flicks to deep backward square particularly well, and he’s a good player of fast bowling and is a good player of spin bowling.”

Suryakumar Yadav can open or bat four for India – Ponting

Ponting had spent some time with Yadav during the latter’s earlier stint with MI in the Indian Premier League (IPL). He lauded the batsman’s match-winning ability and his tendency to back himself to get the job done in all situations.

The 31-year-old has been a revelation in T20Is ever since debuting in the format back in February 2021. He has scored 672 runs at an average of 37.33 in merely 23 T20Is so far. During this while, the dynamic batsman has maintained a majestic strike rate of 175.45 whilst having scored five half-centuries and a century already. He has climbed to the number two spot in the ICC Men’s T20I Batting Rankings and is likely to displace the top-placed Babar Azam very soon.

“He’s quite a confident person. He backs himself and he’s never going to step down from a challenge or any situation that arises in a game. I feel he thinks he can win that situation and therefore go on and win the game for his team,” Ponting further spoke about Surya.

“Surya (Yadav) scores 360 degrees around the ground, a bit like an AB de Villiers did when he was in his actual prime. The lap shots, the late cuts, you know, the ramps over the keeper’s head. He can hit down the ground,”

Ricky Ponting on Suryakumar Yadav.

He explained that the batsman has fared better than any other Indian batsman in the previous few series at least. Ponting lauded Yadav’s adaptability across different positions but backed him to bat at number four to control the game better in the Indian T20I setup. Furthermore, the veteran Australian ex-skipper also opined that Virat Kohli should hold on to his usual number three slot in the XI.

“It’s got to be in the top four, I think. I said stick with him (Virat Kohli) in his traditional spot, which has been No. 3. For Surya, it’s one, two or four. I think he can open, but I think he’s probably, you know, if you could probably just keep him away from the new ball, let him control the middle part of the game outside the Powerplay, through in the middle, and if he’s in at the end, you know what can happen,” Ponting outlined his ideal batting combination for the Indian team.

India will be playing the Asia Cup prior to the T20I series against Australia and South Africa in the build-up to the T20 World Cup that will begin in October in Australia. The team management might be looking at these contests as an ideal preparation stage to fine-tune their plans for the World T20.

Herschelle Gibbs not a fan of The Hundred

Tarkesh Jha
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Herschelle Gibbs not a fan of The Hundred

Cricket News: Herschelle Gibbs not a fan of The Hundred | Former Protea Herschelle Gibbs provides thoughts on The Hundred

The Hundred has entered its second season with some incredible excitement over the tournament. Each team has played at least three games so far in this campaign whilst the majority of them are done with at least four matches.

The format wherein teams compete against each other in 100-delivery games has gained popularity and acceptance amongst the masses in recent times.

Herschelle Gibbs struggling to see value in The Hundred

However, former South African star Herschelle Gibbs has taken a distinct view of the competition. He believes that The Hundred has very little differentiating value as compared to the traditional T20 format.

A veteran of 90 Tests and 248 ODIs, Gibbs argued that it isn’t a version of the game that will hold its ground once the other forms of the sport are going on simultaneously.

“Quick observation, 2nd season of this 100 league and still can’t see any value in it. Still the same dynamics of a t20 just a few balls less. Wouldn’t be missed with all the other cricket on the go.#sscricket,” Gibbs put down his observations on the format on Twitter.

Southern Brave had won the inaugural edition of the tournament in 2021. Moreover, a ‘Player of the Series’ performance by Liam Livingstone had helped the middle-order swashbuckler cement his spot in the English batting line-up.

There have been several debates on the sustainability of the format and whether it could be expanded to wider avenues and countries.

The Hundred was designed and conceptualized with a view of bringing the kids and mothers to the stadiums during their summer holidays. The format has a host of different rules. For instance, there are overs of five deliveries each and a captain can take a call on letting a bowler bowl two consecutive fives (two overs of five deliveries each).

Any team that fails to complete its quota of overs in the stipulated time will have to bring an extra fielder inside the inner ring until the end of that innings. This slight penalty is imposed in order to ensure that the pace of the games is expedited. Each match of the Hundred is supposed to conclude in two-and-a-half-hours.

It can be argued that some quirky rules were introduced in order to present The Hundred differently vis-à-vis T20s. In the larger scheme of things, there’s possibly very little to separate both the formats.

Does Herschelle Gibbs have a valid perspective with regards to this issue? Let us know on Twitter by tagging us @cric_blog.

ENG vs SA: Head-to-head record in Tests & who will win?

Charbel Coorey
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ENG vs SA: Head-to-head record in Tests & who will win?

The cricket summer season is well underway…

Summer is a key time in the sporting calendar and for sports like cricket, it is the season where most of the best action takes place. The South Africa tour of England is underway and there are a series of matches planned between the South African and England teams later this month.

Following on from the tour match that took place on 9 August in Canterbury, the 1st Test at Lord’s will take place from 17 – 21 August. The 2nd Test at Manchester will commence on 25 August until 29 August before the 3rd Test at The Oval between 8 to 12 September.

Naturally summer is a very busy time for cricket both at home and internationally with cricket teams playing Test matches over the summer months. Between May 2022 and September 2022, 15 Tests, 54 Twenty20 Internationals matches, which includes the 2022 Asia Cup, and 68 One Day Internationals, have been played or scheduled for play this season.

What is the performance history for ENG vs SA Test Matches?

South Africa is one of the few countries that began professional cricket in the 19th century and so they are one of England’s oldest opponents having played their first game together in March 1889.

Answering the question of who is the better team between England and South Africa is no easy feat. Both teams have their strengths and weaknesses and the results do vary somewhat between the different competitions.

It appears that historically, England have been more successful in test matches against South Africa. However, when comparing limited overs, the opposite can be said with South Africa clearly coming out on top.

Overall, (before the 2022 summer season) the two teams have gone head to head a total of  238 times and England has won 103 matches and South Africa have won 74 matches.

These teams have played one another many times and so generally they know what to expect from their opponents and the skill level they are set to encounter during games, helping both teams to be prepared.

For test matches, England have won 64 times and South Africa have won 34 out of 153 matches played. In ODIs, SA came out on top having won 31 compared to England’s 29 wins.

Finally, for T20Is, England has won 11 and South Africa has won 10 out of the 22 T20I matches played over the years.

What can we expect from England and South Africa this season?

There are three upcoming matches to look forward to, including those on 17 August, 25 August and 8 September. But how are the current favourites to win the Test matches between these two countries?

England are currently the favourites to win but at this point it is all still to play for.

England being the favourites for the Test matches has a lot to do with their previous successes against South Africa and the incredible team line up they are currently working with.

Why has Jonny Bairstow been so good in Tests in 2022?

Vaibhav Tripathi
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Why has Jonny Bairstow been so good in Tests in 2022?

Cricket News: Why has Jonny Bairstow been so good in Tests in 2022? | A look at why Jonny Bairstow has been great in Tests in 2022

2022 has been a superb year for Jonny Bairstow, culminating in a euphoric rise in Test cricket. Since England’s white-ball transformation in 2015, Bairstow’s Test game suffered at times as he became one of the centrepoints of England’s brilliant ODI and T20I game.

Although he showed glimpses of what he is capable of in Test cricket, he failed to cement himself as a regular member, due to a struggle to adjust across formats. In particular, Bairstow would find himself in big trouble against deliveries coming back into him, failing to cover the line effectively enough to counter for movement.

However, this year, no one can dare question Bairstow’s ability as a Test cricketer. Watching the Yorkshireman in whites in 2022, it seems like he is batting in autopilot mode, with no mood to stop. Be it any opposition, any ground, or any given condition, Bairstow has bailed England out of challenging situations on more than one occasion.

Cricket News: Why has Jonny Bairstow been so good in Tests in 2022? | A look at why Jonny Bairstow has been great in Tests in 2022
Jonny Bairstow is at his best when he is dealing with the incoming delivery. Source: Flickr

Jonny Bairstow’s struggle before 2022:

Jonny Bairstow’s Test career has been topsy-turvy. It was long back in 2016 when the Yorkshire-based cricketer enjoyed a stellar run with the bat in Test cricket.

After it took him 22 Tests and three-and-a-half years to register his first century, he went on to establish himself as a leading red-ball keeper-batter in 2016. In 17 Tests that year, he scored over 1400 runs, averaging an astonishing 58.80 with three centuries.

In June 2017, he took on the role of an ODI opener, and then Bairstow’s rise as one of the best white-ball batters coincided with a downturn in his returns in the red-ball format. From 2017 to 2019, Bairstow averaged 27.98 in Test cricket from 32 games and lost his place in the side.

He didn’t play a single Test in 2020 but earned a shock recall for the Test tour of Sri Lanka in 2021. In that year, England played a lot of cricket in the subcontinent; first against Sri Lanka and then against India. Bairstow couldn’t make most of his Test recall as he ended another disappointing year with an average of 24.44.

Cricket News: Why has Jonny Bairstow been so good in Tests in 2022? | A look at why Jonny Bairstow has been great in Tests in 2022
Jonny Bairstow had a nightmare series in India in 2021.

The rise of Jonny Bairstow in 2022

However, the new year saw the rebirth of Bairstow, the Test batter. In the first Test of the year, he scored a fighting hundred (113) against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) which was his first hundred since 2018. What was most impressive is that he came in at 36/4 with England having not scored a single run in over ten overs against a rampant Aussie attack.

That innings ignited some belief. In the next away tour to West Indies, he scored another century at Antigua and averaged 45.20 in six innings, further solidifying his place for the English summer.

However, the disappointing 1-0 series defeat to struggling West Indies saw the ECB overhaul the Test team and management. Former swashbuckling New Zealand keeper-batsmen Brendon McCullum was appointed as the new head coach of the side while Ben Stokes took over as captain.

This new leadership and management group seems to have awakened the beast mode of Jonny Bairstow. The 32-year-old dominated the current World Test Champions – New Zealand in the three-match Test series.

In that series, Bairstow went on to score 394 in six innings; he batted at an average of 78.80 and an unbelievable strike rate of 120.12.  He produced two of the all-time classic counter-attacking Test innings to help his team chase totals in the last two Tests of the series in Trent Bridge and Headingley.

Bairstow continued to excel in the longest version of the game as he scored twin tons to help his team beat India at Birmingham in the all-important rescheduled fifth Test match. In Test cricket so far this year, Bairstow has managed to score 994 runs at an average of 76.46 and a healthy strike rate of 76.24 including six hundreds and one fifty which makes him the highest run-getter to date.

What has changed for Jonny Bairstow? Is it the technique or Bazball effect?

Well, nothing has really changed for Bairstow as far as technique is concerned. He’s always been a solid batter who has the ability to score equally well square on both sides and straight down the ground.

The main weakness, exposed by Jasprit Bumrah in 2021, was his struggle against the incoming delivery. Earlier, he was tentative to play the ball off his stumps and often left huge a gap between bat and pad.

Now, Bairstow is far more proactive when the bowlers are trying to attack his stumps. His application and focus on putting the pressure back on the bowler with good cricketing shots has reaped significant rewards thus far, with New Zealand and India, both excellent bowling attacks, copping the full extent of Bairstow’s strokeplay.

Next up is South Africa, and that promises to be a superb battle against the Proteas’ potent pace attack. One thing is for sure – Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes will encourage Bairstow to go about his game the way he has this year. Should it come off, England will be in a strong position to win their third consecutive Test series, a huge turnaround from the previous period where they won just one of 17 Tests pre-Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes.

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