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300+ scores in the 4th innings since the start of 2021

Tarkesh Jha
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300+ scores in the 4th innings since the start of 2021

Cricket News: 300+ scores in the 4th innings since the start of 2021 | How many 300+ scores have there been in the 4th innings?

An inherent need is being felt across the cricketing community to make Test matches more proactive and result-oriented.

Teams have been gradually undertaking a more proactive approach to keep up with the changing demands of the modern times. Sides are possibly looking at Tests from the lens of the limited-overs cricket.

“Sometimes teams will be better than us, but no one will be braver than us,” England skipper Ben Stokes had said after his team chased down a mammoth 378 runs in the fourth innings vs India at Edgbaston.

List of 300+ scores in 4th innings since start of 2021

Teams are gradually looking at challenging fourth-innings totals from a more positive perspective. On that note, CricBlog takes a look at all the successful 300+ run-chases in Test cricket since the start of 2021.

443/7 by Pakistan vs Australia, Karachi, 2022

Pakistan and Australia battled hard to produce an all-time classic at the National Stadium in Karachi earlier this year. Pat Cummins’ men had dominated the first innings by putting up 556 with the bat and then folding up the home team for merely 148 runs in their first innings. Australia eventually gave Pakistan a target of 506.

However, centuries by Babar Azam (196) and Mohammed Rizwan (104*) ensured that the home side played out 171.4 overs to score 443 runs at the loss of seven wickets. Abdullah Shafique had played an immense role in tiring the Australian bowlers with his tenacious effort of 96 runs off 305 deliveries. The visitors toiled hard but Azam and Rizwan’s defiance saved the day for the home team.

395/7 by West Indies vs Bangladesh, Chattogram, 2021

Kyle Mayers had a debut for the ages as West Indies sealed an incredible victory against Bangladesh at Chattogram in February 2021. The southpaw scored 210* in the fourth innings to help the men from Caribbean chase down 395/7.

Mayers blunted the Bangladeshi bowling unit with some trademark flair and resistance. He notched 20 boundaries and seven sixes in an innings where he took the attack to the opposition whilst batting at a strike rate of 67.74. Nkrumah Bonner played a fine hand with his 86-run knock but Mayers rightly attracted all the spotlight due to his immense temperament of staying at the crease until the end to take his team past the finishing line.

378/3 by England vs India, Edgbaston, 2022

England had the herculean task of getting to their highest-ever fourth-innings total to prevent India from securing their first Test series victory in English shores in 15 years. Buoyed by the exuberance of ‘Bazball’, the duo of Joe Root (142*) and Jonny Bairstow (114*) swept away Indian hopes as they counter-attacked to perfection to win the game for Stokes’ side.

The duo partnered for 52.3 overs to put up 269 runs as they made light work of a seriously skilful Indian bowling unit. Both Root and Bairstow thus extended their run of imperious form as they look set to further the exciting outlook that head coach Brendon McCullum has brought to the English Test setup.

344/6 by Pakistan vs Sri Lanka, Galle, 2022

Cricket News: 300+ scores in the 4th innings since the start of 2021 | How many 300+ scores have there been in the 4th innings?
300+ scores in the 4th innings since the start of 2021: Abdullah Shafique was superb in Galle.

Pakistani opener Abdullah Shafique displayed tremendous character to score an unbeaten 160 runs off 408 deliveries to steer his team to a remarkable Test victory at Galle on Wednesday. The stadium has been notorious for being extremely hostile for teams batting second. A score over 200 had been chased successfully merely once before fantastic feat by the Pakistani team.

Shafique found supportive partners like Azam (55) and Rizwan (40) but it was largely the opener’s solo effort guide his side to an arguably unlikely win. The Lankan bowlers, led by Prabath Jayasuriya’s four-wicket haul, kept pushing hard but were eventually downed by this terrific effort by the 22-year-old’s marathon knock.

334/5 by India vs Australia, Sydney, 2021

In a series characterised by the flamboyance of modern-day cricket, the duo of Ravichandran Ashwin and Hanuma Vihari presented the trademark mettle and resilience that has so defined Test matches over the years. Rishabh Pant (97) and Cheteshwar Pujara (77) looked set to take India to the steep target of 397 runs on the final day.

However, India found themselves in a spot of bother after Pujara’s dismissal at 272/5. Ashwin (23*) and Vihari (39*) held the ground for 42.4 overs, dealing with several body blows in the process, to play out a draw that exuded as much excitement as that of a victory for an injury-ridden Indian team.

329/7 by India vs Australia, Gabba, 2021

Pant finished off the job in Brisbane that he couldn’t in Sydney a week before. With 329 to chase and the series on the line, Shubman Gill provided India a sublime start with his 91-run knock. However, it was Pant who scored 89 off 138 deliveries as he almost single-handedly dragged the Indian team to a historic victory at the Gabba.

The win helped India claim a series victory despite suffering with numerous injuries to frontline players. The wicketkeeper-batsman was unfazed by pressure as he took on the Australian bowlers at will throughout the innings. He formed key partnerships with Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane and Washington Sundar and helped India cruise to a defining victory against all odds Down Under.

Highest run chases by Pakistan in Tests

Charbel Coorey
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Highest run chases by Pakistan in Tests

Cricket News: Highest run chases in Test cricket by Pakistan | What is Pakistan’s highest successful run chase in Tests?

Pakistan have pulled off their second-highest run chase in history to defeat Sri Lanka in the first Test of their 2022 series in Galle.

Staring down the barrel at 85/7 in response to Sri Lanka’s first innings score of 222, captain Babar Azam led the way with a masterful century on a challenging surface. But, it was 22-year old Abdullah Shafique who took the main headlines, as the opener, playing in just his sixth Test, batted 408 balls to guide his team to a four-wicket win.

Highest run chases in Test cricket by Pakistan

Pakistan’s effort in Galle holds a special place in their history. It is just the third time they have successfully chased over 300 in a Test, and when you consider it was achieved in challenging conditions, it makes the feat all the more remarkable.

Here are the top five run chases in Pakistan in Tests:

1. 382/3 vs Sri Lanka, Pallekele, 2015

Pakistan have created wonderful memories in Sri Lanka. Their highest run chase remains their incredible effort in 2015, where Shan Masood, Younis Khan and Misbah-ul-Haq led Pakistan to a series-winning chase of 377 in Pallekele.

Reduced to 13/2 in the chase, Masood (125) and Younis (171*) put on a mammoth stand of 242 to put the visitors right in the hunt. Misbah-ul-Haq (59*) then combined with Younis to seal an incredible chase by seven wickets.

2. 344/6 vs Sri Lanka, Galle, 2022

The 2022 Galle Test has its similarities to the Pallekele Test of 2015. Sri Lanka made a 200+ score, followed by a similar score by Pakistan. Sri Lanka then made 300+ in the second innings, but it wasn’t enough to seal victory.

What makes this victory special for Pakistan is that never before had a team chased over 300 to win a Test in Galle. In fact, only twice had 100+ been successfully chased before this effort. Abdullah Shafique, take a bow.

3. 302/5 vs Sri Lanka, Sharjah, 2014

Another against Sri Lanka. This victory was simply magnificent in more ways than one.

First, Sri Lanka had ammassed 428/9 in the first innings, keeping Pakistan toiling for 172 overs. Pakistan replied with 341 in 109.1 overs, and time was running out to seal victory as it took 101.4 overs to bowl Sri Lanka out for 214 second time around.

Second, Pakistan needed over 300 in 59 overs on a wearing Sharjah surface to level the series in the third and final Test. It was a challenge they took head on. Azhar Ali, known more for his resolute defensive game, struck a superb 103 off just 137 balls to put Pakistan on the brink. Sarfaraz Ahmed (48 off 46) and Misbah-ul-Haq (68* off 72) were also brilliant as Pakistan sealed the chase with just nine deliveries left. A memorable win indeed.

4. 277/3 vs New Zealand, Wellington, 2003

Another game where Pakistan came from behind to win. After a draw in the first Test of the two-match series in New Zealand in 2003, Pakistan looked gone when they trailed New Zealand by 170 runs in the first innings after getting bowled out for 196.

However, Shoaib Akhtar blew the Black Caps away with 6/30 to roll the home side for just 103 in the second innings. Then, Pakistan were steady all along in their chase, with the classy Mohammad Yousuf (88*) and Inzamam-ul-Haq (72*) putting on an unbeaten 121-run stand to see Pakistan home by seven wickets.

5. 262/9 vs Bangladesh, Multan, 2003

One of the most incredible Tests in history, and one that still cuts deep for Bangladesh. The Tigers, in their third year of Test cricket, were on the brink of their first ever victory after reducing Pakistan to 205/8 in pursuit of 261 in Multan.

However, Inzamam-ul-Haq played one of his greatest knocks (138*) to lead Pakistan to a thrilling one-wicket win. Umar Gul (5 off 50 balls) hung in for 99 minutes as Inzamam got Pakistan to within four of victory. After Gul was dismissed, Yasir Ali got through four balls, allowing the Pakistan captain to hit the winning runs.

IRE vs NZ 2nd T20 Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report

Charbel Coorey
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IRE vs NZ 2nd T20 Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report

IRE vs NZ 2nd T20 Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report | IRE vs NZ 2nd T20 Dream11 Prediction | Ireland vs New Zealand 2nd T20I Key Players | Belfast Pitch Report

New Zealand achieved their most convincing victory of the Ireland tour. The Black Caps, in their first T20I of 2022, put together an efficient display against an Ireland side that was looking to build on their promising showing in the ODIs.

Glenn Phillips led the way in another promising performance in T20 cricket, as New Zealand kept things ticking in their batting effort. Their powerplay batting – streaky at best – is cause for improvement today, but the fact they reached 173/8 is reason for encouragement after 19 off the final over.

For Ireland, the first match felt like a missed opportunity. They had the visitors in trouble at 54/4 only to lose by a convincing 31 runs, so building on the good moments will be key today. In particular, the onus will be on the top four after all were dismissed inside the powerplay.

IRE vs NZ 2nd T20 Possible Playing 11

Ireland: 1. Paul Stirling, 2. Andy Balbirnie (c), 3. Gareth Delaney, 4. Harry Tector, 5. Curtis Campher, 6. Lorcan Tucker (wk), 7. George Dockrell, 8. Mark Adair, 9. Barry McCarthy, 10. Craig Young, 11. Josh Little

New Zealand: 1. Martin Guptill, 2. Finn Allen, 3. Dane Cleaver (wk), 4. Glenn Phillips, 5. Daryl Mitchell, 6. James Neesham, 7. Michael Bracewell, 8. Mitchell Santner (c), 9. Ish Sodhi, 10. Lockie Ferguson, 11. Jacob Duffy

Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

Ireland:

  • Paul Stirling averages just 15.87 in eight T20Is on this ground. The experienced opener will be key in giving Ireland a good start.
  • Harry Tector is establishing himself as a crucial player in Ireland’s setup. The youngster is coming off two centuries in the ODIs against New Zealand, and will be aiming to rediscover the form he showed against India in the T20Is last month: 64* and 39.
  • Curtis Campher was Ireland’s top scorer in the opening T20I (29). He looked most assured out of the specialist batsmen. Also, he took a wicket, soon after he took five scalps in the three ODIs against NZ.
  • Josh Little was excellent at the death. He finished with 4/35 in the opening T20I, where he took two wickets in the powerplay and two at the death.
  • Mark Adair kept Ireland in the game with good hitting with the bat, but his bowling will be crucial at the death after he conceded a vital 19 off the final over. He has taken nine wickets in his past five T20s.
  • Craig Young went wicketless two days ago, but he conceded just six per over in his three overs. He has taken an impressive 18 wickets in nine T20Is in 2022.

New Zealand:

  • Glenn Phillips got New Zealand out of trouble and then into a position of strength. His 69* in the first T20I was his second consecutive half century in T20s after a 52 for Gloucs in the Vitality Blast.
  • Martin Guptill looked shaky in the first T20I, with a number of edges in his 24 off 12 balls. He could be better for the run here after notching a century in the recent third ODI.
  • James Neesham is an important cog in this New Zealand team. He put on an important 46-run stand with Phillips, where he scored 29 of them (off 16 balls). The all-rounder than took two wickets.
  • Michael Bracewell was one of the four Black Caps’ batsmen to cross 20 two days ago. He is coming off the series of a lifetime in the ODIs: 127* (82), 40* (47) and 21* (16).
  • Lockie Ferguson is such a threat in this format. His changes of pace were outstanding in the opening T20I, where he finished with 4/14.
  • Mitchell Santner will be key in the middle overs on a surface that may aid spin as it has been warm of late. The NZ skipper took 2/36 two days ago.

Other Stats and Facts

  • Head-to-head: Matches 2, Ireland 0, New Zealand 2.
  • Ireland have lost their past four T20Is (one vs UAE, two vs India, one vs New Zealand).

Civil Service Cricket Club Stormont Belfast Pitch Report and Weather

After a string of warm days, a cool and overcast day is forecast in Belfast. The pitch in the first T20I was a little two-paced, so it will be interesting to see how the surface plays today after warm conditions in recent times.

Rain is not expected to play a role in this match.

IRE vs NZ 2nd T20 Dream11 Prediction 20 July 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:

IRE vs NZ 2nd T20 Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report | IRE vs NZ 2nd T20 Dream11 Prediction | Ireland vs New Zealand 2nd T20I Key Players | Belfast Pitch Report
IRE vs NZ 2nd T20 Dream11 Prediction

Option 2:

IRE vs NZ 2nd T20 Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report | IRE vs NZ 2nd T20 Dream11 Prediction | Ireland vs New Zealand 2nd T20I Key Players | Belfast Pitch Report
IRE vs NZ 2nd T20 Dream11 Prediction

Fan2Play Prediction

Base Team:

  • Wicket-Keepers: Lorcan Tucker
  • Batsmen: Martin Guptill, Paul Stirling, Glenn Phillips
  • All-rounders: Michael Bracewell, James Neesham
  • Bowlers: Mark Adair, Lockie Ferguson

IRE vs NZ 2nd T20 Match Prediction: Who will win?

New Zealand look good for another win here.

Will Virat Kohli tour Zimbabwe for the ODI series?

Tarkesh Jha
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Will Virat Kohli tour Zimbabwe for the ODI series?

Cricket News: Will Virat Kohli tour Zimbabwe for the ODI series? | Virat Kohli a chance of touring Zimbabwe in August

Indian selectors want Virat Kohli to play the three-match One Day International (ODI) series in Zimbabwe next month in order to regain form prior to the Asia Cup and T20 World Cup later this year.

Kohli will not be touring the Caribbean for the upcoming T20I and ODI series but his break might be cut short with the ODIs vs Zimbabwe beginning from 18th August.

“Hopefully, the break allows him to rejuvenate mentally and get his form back. But without any competitive cricket, it will be difficult and that is why we want him to play against Zimbabwe,” a member from the selection committee was quoted in a report by Inside Sport.

He added, “It’s his preferred format and will help him regain his form before the Asia Cup. We will take a final decision close to the selection.”

Kohli could play in Zimbabwe before Asia Cup

As per the aforementioned report, Kohli will be on a break with his family in London. He will be resuming practice from 1st August to prepare for the Asia Cup that is scheduled to be held from 27th August-11th September possibly in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

However, the selectors want him to feature in the Zimbabwe series in order to ensure that he rediscovers his mojo in the run-up to the World T20 Down Under.

There is merely a five-day gap between the conclusion of the Zimbabwe tour and the commencement of the Asia Cup. Accordingly, several senior players are expected to be rested for the former with Shikhar Dhawan likely to lead the team. 

Kohli averages 21.88 with a strike rate of 74.47 in eight ODIs in 2022. He had a rather indifferent Indian Premier League (IPL) campaign as well as the 33-year-old averaged merely 22.73 at a strike rate of 115.99 across 16 games in 2022.

The Indian team is likely to step up the gear with respect to its preparations for the World T20 at around the time of the Asia Cup. Hence, it appears that the selectors are determined for Kohli to get back to his original touch with the bat before the tournament. An arguably low-profile series vs Zimbabwe might offer him the perfect platform to do so as well.

India’s tour of Zimbabwe (Schedule)

1st ODI: 18th August, Harare Sports Club

2nd ODI: 20th August, Harare Sports Club

3rd ODI: 22nd August, Harare Sports Club

Which IPL franchises bought teams in South Africa’s T20 league?

Tarkesh Jha
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Which IPL franchises bought teams in South Africa’s T20 league?

Cricket News: Which IPL franchises bought teams in South Africa’s T20 league? | IPL franchises buy all six teams in SA’s new T20 league

Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise owners are set to purchase all six teams in South Africa’s upcoming T20 league, ESPNCricinfo reports. Slated to commence from January 2023, Cricket South Africa (CSA) and their official television broadcaster SuperSport will be running the competition.

Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Mumbai Indians (MI), Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), Rajasthan Royals (RR), Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and one of the owners of Delhi Capitals (DC) have reportedly made successful bids for the franchises.

IPL TeamOwnerCSA Franchise
CSKCSK Sports LimitedJohannesburg
MIReliance IndustriesCape Town
SRHSun TV GroupPort Elizabeth
LSGRP Sanjeev Goenka GroupDurban
RREmerging Media IPL Ltd*Paarl
DCJindal South West Sports (co-owner)Pretoria

*To be confirmed.

CSA will be making the formal announcement of the teams and its owners upon the finalization of the required paperwork. Former skipper Graeme Smith has been tasked with heading the T20 league and his foremost responsibility currently is to bring about watertight deals with the franchise owners.

“I’m extremely honoured to be entrusted with leading this exciting new venture. I’m deeply committed to South African cricket and happy to serve the game as best I can,” Smith was quoted in a report by the aforementioned website.

He added, “I’m excited by the opportunity to deliver the new league, which I believe will be an extremely competitive product, one that can bring the much-needed investment into the game and provide new opportunities for players around the world and more importantly to our SA home grown talent.”

Smith assured that the stakeholders have given a positive response and that great progress has been made in the initial stages so far. He asserted upon their determination to give a valuable, appealing, and sustainable tournament for South African cricket.

IPL franchises continue to expand global footprint, but will the BCCI allow its players to play overseas?

IPL franchise owners have been gradually expanding their global footprint in recent times. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) owners Red Chillies Entertainment already owns the Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL).

They have acquired a team in the International League T20 (ILT20) of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) too. In addition to that, the Knight Riders brand is amongst the founding members of the United States of America’s soon-to-be-launched franchise-based T20 league Major League Cricket.

The Reliance Strategic Business Ventures Ltd along with the GMR Group (co-owner of DC) have also purchased franchises in the ILT20 that will kick off from January 2023 onwards.  St Lucia Kings and the Barbados Royals in the CPL were acquired by the owners of Punjab Kings (PBKS) and RR respectively as well.

However, apprehensions exist over the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) giving the green light to Indian players to participate in South Africa’s upcoming T20 league. So far, the BCCI has prohibited active India internationals from participating in such competitions in order to safeguard the brand of the IPL. Whether or not that policy alters with the growing presence of IPL franchises in other leagues remains to be seen.

Highest successful run chases in Tests at Galle

Tarkesh Jha
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Highest successful run chases in Tests at Galle

Cricket News: Highest successful run chases in Tests at Galle | What is the highest run chase in Tests at Galle?

Pakistan became the latest team to chase over 300 in Tests. Led by Abdullah Shafique’s magnificent unbeaten century, Pakistan became the first team in history to successfully chase over 300 at Galle.

Dinesh Chandimal’s masterful 94* powered Sri Lanka to 337 in the third innings of the ongoing Test between the home side and Pakistan. Accordingly, the Dimuth Karunaratne-led side set a steep target of 342 for Babar Azam’s men, but it wasn’t enough.

Highest run chases at Galle

CricBlog takes a look at the five-most successful fourth-innings chases at the venue.

344/6 by Pakistan vs Sri Lanka, 2022

Galle International Stadium has historically been unfriendly to the chasing teams as a total over 200 had only been scaled once at the venue. It didn’t matter to Pakistan, who, led by wonderful centuries by Babar Azam and Abdullah Shafique in the Test, won after being reduced to 85/7 in the first innings.

Babar played a masterful knock in the first innings to put Pakistan on par with Sri Lanka’s score of 222. But, it was Shafique, playing in just his sixth Test, that stole the show. The 22-year old batted 408 deliveries and carried his bat in a magnificent effort.

268/4 by Sri Lanka vs New Zealand, 2019

Karunaratne has scored 122 runs in the fourth innings of Sri Lanka’s encounter vs Pakistan at Galle in 2019 to help his team chase down 268 runs. He was ably supported by Lahiru Thirimanne, who notched 64 runs as the pair put up 161 runs in 60 overs for the first wicket.

Thirimanne’s dismissal triggered a mini-collapse of sorts but the middle-order comprising of Angelo Matthews (28), Kusal Perera (23) and Dhananjaya de Silva (14*) chipped in with some key runs to ensure that the Lankans achieved a rare successful run-chase at Galle.

164/4 by England vs Sri Lanka, 2021

For an English side to round up a successful chase in Asian conditions is an unusual occurrence. England, powered by the duo of Dominic Sibley and Jos Buttler, ensured that the visitors completed a tricky fourth innings chase last year.

The fourth innings was slightly more complicated given that the likes of Zak Crawley, Jonny Bairstow and Dan Lawrence departed cheaply. Sibley and Buttler put up an unbeaten 75-run partnership for the 5th wicket to bring about the second-most successful fourth-innings chase in the stadium.

99/3 by Sri Lanka vs Pakistan, 2014

It is rather telling that the third-highest successful chase in Galle is of merely 99 runs. Pakistan and Sri Lanka had put up 451 runs and 533 runs in the first couple of innings of the Test respectively. However, the gradual deterioration of the track in Galle over the course of a game is evident from the fact that Pakistan could score only 180 runs in the third innings.

Sri Lanka was set a target of only 99 runs. They employed a proactive approach despite losing three wickets in the chase as the home side cruised towards victory with a scoring rate of 6.07.

95 by Sri Lanka vs India, 2010

To pile up runs aplenty in the first innings seems to be a well-thought-out strategy to emerge victorious in this ground. Centuries by Tharanga Paranavitana and Kumar Sangakkara along with half-centuries by Rangana Herath and Lasith Malinga took Sri Lanka to 520 runs in the first innings.

The Lankans imposed a follow-on as India replied with only 276 runs initially. MS Dhoni’s men bettered their effort with 338 runs in their second innings. However, the target of 95 proved to be too paltry for Sri Lanka as Tillakaratne Dilshan’s quickfire 68* helped them get to the target in only 14.1 overs.

93 by Sri Lanka vs New Zealand, 2010

In what was a largely low-scoring encounter, Sri Lanka steered their way to a 10-wicket victory with ease in the opening game of the series. The Lankans out-batted the Kiwis out of the game courtesy impressive batting outings by Mahela Jayawardene (91) and Angelo Matthews (79) in their first innings. Rangana Herath’s six-wicket haul reduced New Zealand to only 118 in their second dig. Karunaratne (60*) and Paranavitana (31*) made light work of the fourth-inning chase as Sri Lanka made their way to the target in 18.3 overs.

Ben Stokes retires from ODIs: A look at England’s insane schedule since late 2020

Tarkesh Jha
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Ben Stokes retires from ODIs: A look at England’s insane schedule since late 2020

Cricket News: Ben Stokes retires from ODIs: A look at England’s insane schedule since late 2020 | England’s unforgiving schedule since the backend of 2020

England Test skipper Ben Stokes’ retirement from One Day Internationals (ODI) has opened up debate on the tightly-packed scheduling of international cricket. Stokes, England’s World Cup-winning star from 2019, will play his last ODI at Chester-le-Street against South Africa on Tuesday.

“With the intensity of the international schedule and the increasing demands on my body, approaching 32, I think it is the right time to step aside and let the next generation of players come through,” the all-rounder explained the rationale behind his sudden announcement.

“Three formats are just unsustainable for me now. I feel that my body is letting me down because of the schedule and what is expected of us,” Stokes further added, as reported by ESPNCricinfo.

The all-rounder’s statement has turned the attention towards the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and the arguably hectic line of fixtures that they have drawn out for the senior team.

What do you think the future of cricket looks like? Have your say in CricBlog’s short survey, which should take just a minute of your time: https://forms.gle/uqWXioZTA1v6LJZX9

Ben Stokes retires from ODI: Number of matches in England’s schedule since COVID break in 2020

The English men’s team has played 21 ODIs, 30 Tests and 34 T20Is since the brief Covid-induced break in the middle of 2020. India and Australia have featured in 21 and 14 Test matches respectively in the same time period.

 TestsODIsT20Is
England302134
India211835
Australia141737

Recently, a trend has developed of international teams playing simultaneous series against different teams. A second-string Indian side played a couple of T20Is in Ireland recently at a time when the Test team was battling it out in the series decider at Edgbaston. England played an ODI series in Netherlands when their Test side was competing against New Zealand at home last month.

This arguably frenetic scheduling is unlikely to ease down anytime soon. The International Cricket Council (ICC) will be holding its Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Birmingham next week. The council will be giving its nod to the Future Tours Program (FTP) for the 2023-27 duration.

Cricket News: Why has Ben Stokes chosen to retire from ODI cricket? | Ben Stokes retires from ODI cricket
Ben Stokes retires from ODI cricket owing to heavy schedule

ESPNCricinfo says to have obtained a near-final draft of the document and it highlights that England will feature in 42 Tests, 44 ODIs and 52 T20Is over the coming four-year-period. These numbers do not include the various ICC tournaments that will take place at that time.

In these circumstances, Stokes’ retirement seems to be a viable decision aimed at prolonging his Test career.

The 32-year-old has prioritised red-ball cricket multiple times in recent years. He even pulled out of the much-anticipated mega-auction of the Indian Premier League (IPL) this year in a bid to keep himself fresh for the demands of Test cricket. That resolve must have strengthened after assuming captaincy in the longest-format of the game this year.

Stokes had a pretty decorated ODI career as he notched 2919 runs and picked 74 wickets for England in 104 games. He was named the ‘Man of the Match’ in the final of the 2019 Cricket World Cup for his unbeaten 84* in the chase in addition to his heroics in the subsequent Super Over.

England will be facing South Africa in a three-game ODI series at home starting from Tuesday onwards.

What do you think the future of cricket looks like? Have your say in CricBlog’s short survey, which should take just a minute of your time: https://forms.gle/uqWXioZTA1v6LJZX9

ENG vs SA 1st ODI Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report

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

ENG vs SA 1st ODI Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report | ENG vs SA 1st ODI Dream11 Prediction Today | England vs South Africa 1st ODI Key Players | Durham Pitch Report

The cricket schedule is pretty crazy, right? Just a couple of days after England completed their series against India, they are onto another campaign: South Africa. Surely such a crammed schedule might be too much for all-format players, so much so that they may give up one of them? How much can you extract out of these players before it gets too much?

Well, we have an answer. Ben Stokes, one of the household names in English cricket over the past decade, announced his shock retirement from ODI cricket, citing the difficulty in maintaining performance across all three formats. Today will be his final ODI, fittingly played at his home ground in Durham, as England’s unforgiving schedule continues to roll on.

Onto the cricket itself. Jos Buttler’s team are coming off a disappointing white-ball campaign against India, where they underperformed with the bat in five of six matches across the T20Is and ODIs. There is no doubt that their all guns blazing approach will continue, but they need to string together more significant partnerships after a number of starts across the ODIs in particular.

For the Proteas, this is a critical series in their World Cup qualification journey. They are stuck down in 11th spot in the Super League table, and given they will forfeit points in January 2023 against Australia, they must make up ground in this series if they wish to qualify directly for the World Cup.

ENG vs SA 1st ODI Possible Playing 11

Reece Topley, England’s bowling star from the India series, will miss this game owing to workload management. Matthew Potts is set to take his place. Also, Adil Rashid is set to return.

England: 1. Jason Roy, 2. Jonny Bairstow, 3. Joe Root, 4. Ben Stokes, 5. Jos Buttler (c & wk), 6. Liam Livingstone, 7. Moeen Ali, 8. David Willey, 9. Craig Overton/Sam Curran, 10. Adil Rashid, 11. Matthew Potts

Kagiso Rabada has been rested for this series. South Africa could play Marco Jansen as a seam option, but Tabraiz Shamsi could also get the nod.

South Africa: 1. Quinton de Kock (wk), 2. Janneman Malan, 3. Rassie van der Dussen, 4. Aiden Markram, 5. Heinrich Klaasen, 6. David Miller, 7. Andile Phehlukwayo/Dwaine Pretorius, 8. Keshav Maharaj (c), 9. Anrich Nortje, 10. Lungi Ngidi, 11. Tabraiz Shamsi/Marco Jansen

Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

England:

  • Jonny Bairstow had a poor ODI series against India, but this could be where he bounces back. He has scored two fifties and a century in four ODIs at Chester-le-Street, with a total of 311 runs at an average of 103.66 and strike rate of 126.42.
  • Joe Root also had a poor series. Against South Africa, Root has struck 594 runs in 13 ODIs at an average of 49.50, including two fifties and two hundreds.
  • Will Ben Stokes go out on a high? He has scored 356 runs in eight ODIs against South Africa (avg. 44.50, SR 117.49) with three fifties and a century.
  • Jos Buttler strikes at 129.16 against the Proteas in ODIs. He has scored 248 runs in nine innings against them at an average of 35.42. Importantly, he is coming off a half-century in the third ODI against India.
  • David Willey has taken nine wickets in three ODIs on this ground (avg. 15.22). Moeen Ali has taken 10 wickets in nine matches vs South Africa, striking every 48 balls on average.

South Africa:

  • Quinton de Kock has the most runs of any current player in ENG-SA ODIs. The keeper-batsman has a magnificent 718 runs in 12 matches at an average of 65.27 and strike rate of 96.37. This includes six 50+ scores (three 50s, three 100s).
  • Janneman Malan has struck three fifties and three centuries in 17 ODIs so far. Given batting has been difficult in the white-ball matches recently, Malan’s ability to get through the initial periods can work wonders for the Proteas.
  • Rassie van der Dussen averages 73 in ODIs since the start of 2021, which the second-highest for any player with at least 500 runs in this period.
  • David Miller has batted just three times in ODIs against England. He has scored 138 runs at a strike rate of 123.21, with just one dismissal.
  • Lungi Ngidi has conceded 6.57 runs per over in his three ODIs against England, but he has wicket-taking potential. Overall, he has six wickets against them.
  • Anrich Nortje will be vital with his pace up top and also at the death.

Other Stats and Facts

  • Head-to-head: Matches 61, England 28, South Africa 30, 1 tie, 4 N/R.
  • South Africa lost their last ODI series: 2-1 against Bangladesh at home back in March.
  • Bairstow has a good record vs Ngidi in ODIs (31 runs off 16 balls, no dismissals) in addition to 43 off 19 balls without dismissal in T20Is.
  • Quinton de Kock vs England in England: 4 ODIs, 205 runs, avg. 51.25, SR 89.51.
  • England had just one half-century in the ODI series defeat to India: Jos Buttler in the third ODI.
  • Ben Stokes needs 81 to reach 3,000 runs in ODIs.

Riverside Ground Chester-le-Street Durham Pitch Report and Weather

The players will have to deal with very hot conditions. A top of about 35 degrees is forecast, which could bring spinners into the game in the second innings.

Chester-le-Street has favoured seamers in the past, but it has become a decent batting ground. Sri Lanka scored 338 here against West Indies in the 2019 World Cup.

ENG vs SA 1st ODI Dream11 Prediction 19 July 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 ODI Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report | ENG vs SA 1st ODI Dream11 Prediction Today | England vs South Africa 1st ODI Key Players | Durham Pitch Report
ENG vs SA 1st ODI Dream11 Prediction

Option 2:

ENG vs SA 1st ODI Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report | ENG vs SA 1st ODI Dream11 Prediction Today | England vs South Africa 1st ODI Key Players | Durham Pitch Report
ENG vs SA 1st ODI Dream11 Prediction

Fan2Play Prediction

Base Team:

  • Wicket-Keepers: Quinton de Kock, Jos Buttler
  • Batsmen: Rassie van der Dussen, Joe Root
  • All-rounders: Ben Stokes
  • Bowlers: Anrich Nortje, David Willey

ENG vs SA 1st ODI Match Prediction: Who will win?

England remain a terrific ODI unit despite recent defeats. However, the very short turnaround is a worry. There is the desire to send Ben Stokes out a winner, but South Africa’s better preparation should get the visitors the win.

Why has Ben Stokes chosen to retire from ODI cricket?

Charbel Coorey
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Why has Ben Stokes chosen to retire from ODI cricket?

Cricket News: Why has Ben Stokes chosen to retire from ODI cricket? | Ben Stokes retires from ODI cricket

Ben Stokes, England’s hero in their 2019 World Cup triumph, has announced that he will retire from ODI cricket after the first match against South Africa at Chester-le-Street on 19 July.

Stokes, who is now England’s Test captain, made the decision with his career in mind. He said that playing all three formats is unsustainable, and has chosen to dedicate his focus to the Test and T20 formats. It will be a fitting end for Stokes in ODIs, as he will play his final game at his home ground in Durham.

Ben Stokes retires from ODI cricket: I can’t give my team-mates 100% of myself in this format anymore

In a statement, Stokes said that he wants to give “everything I have to Test cricket” and “my total commitment to the T20 format”.

The all-rounder also said that it was a very tough decision to make, but ultimately he can’t give his 100% in the ODI format.

“I can’t give my team-mates 100% of myself in this format anymore,” he said. “This has been an incredibly tough decision to make. I have loved every minute of playing with my mates for England. We have had an incredible journey on the way.

“As hard as a decision as this was to come to, it’s not as hard dealing with the fact I can’t give my teammates 100% of myself in this format anymore. The England shirt deserves nothing less from anyone who wears it.”

Stokes also went on to say that it is time for another player to be granted the wonderful opportunities he has had. The 31-year old no longer wants to take the place of another player who can give England their all in ODIs.

“Three formats are just unsustainable for me now,” Stokes said. “Not only do I feel that my body is letting me down because of the schedule and what is expected of us, but I also feel that I am taking the place of another player who can give Jos and the rest of the team their all. It’s time for someone else to progress as a cricketer and make incredible memories like I have over the past 11 years.”

Stokes retires from ODIs with nearly 3,000 runs and 74 wickets

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, T20 World Cups, T20 Leagues and Test cricket has meant that England haven’t played as much ODI cricket over the past couple of years. As a result, Stokes wasn’t able to build on his remarkable performances in the format in 2019, although he did hit a memorable 99 against India in Pune last year.

The all-rounder was a pivotal member of England’s rise in white-ball cricket since their harrowing exit at the 2015 World Cup. Four years later, Stokes produced a display in the World Cup Final at Lord’s that will be etched in the memories of millions around the world.

“I will give everything I have to Test cricket, and now, with this decision, I feel I can also give my total commitment to the T20 format.

“I would like to wish Jos Buttler, Matthew Mott, the players and the support staff every success going forward. We have made great strides in white-ball cricket over the past seven years, and the future looks bright,” Stokes said.

Twitter reactions to Pant century & Hardik all-round brilliance

Tarkesh Jha
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Twitter reactions to Pant century & Hardik all-round brilliance

Cricket News: Twitter reactions to Pant century & Hardik all-round brilliance | Rishabh Pant and Hardik Pandya seal ODI series win for India vs England

Rishabh Pant’s maiden century in One Day Internationals (ODIs) helped India secure a series victory against England at Old Trafford on Sunday. Chasing 260, Pant and Hardik Pandya chipped in with 125* and 71 runs respectively to steer the Rohit Sharma-led side to a comfortable victory in the decider.

India was stuck in a spot of bother at 72/4 after Suryakumar Yadav’s dismissal. However, the duo of Pant and Pandya displayed impeccable maturity and game-awareness to stitch together a 133-run partnership. Pandya departed with 55 still left to be chased. It was then that Pant turned up the gears and amassed boundaries at will to bring up an iconic ODI victory for Team India.

Twitter reactions after Pant & Hardik lead India to series win

Here are some Twitter reactions on India’s incredible chase at Old Trafford.

Hardik Pandya wins player of the series

Whilst Pant bagged all the applause for his unbeaten century, Hardik Pandya walked away with the ‘Player of the Series’ award. Pandya scored 100 runs across two innings’ and scalped six wickets as the all-rounder capped off a near-perfect tour in some style on Sunday. He unleashed a lethal short-ball barrage to end up with figures of 7-3-24-4 to dismantle the English batting unit in the third ODI.

“It was a good pitch, but we do understand it’s not going to be easy if we lose wickets upfront. Positive side of it, these guys haven’t batted much in the middle overs. Today we got to see that with Hardik and Rishabh. At no point we felt they were panicking. They backed themselves and played cricketing shots,” skipper Rohit reflected on the middle-order’s performance in the post-match presentation.

India will now head on to the Caribbean for limited-overs series’ with a three-match ODI and T20I series beginning from 22nd July and 29th July respectively. India’s busy schedule will then take them to Zimbabwe for an ODI series in August.

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