Cricket News: Will Rohit Sharma play in the Test against England? | Will Rohit Sharma play in the 5th Test vs England at Edgbaston?
The Indian team management is adopting a patient approach with respect to skipper Rohit Sharma’s availability for the decider Test vs England that will begin at Edgbaston from 1st July, 2022.
Rohit turned out positive for Covid-19 as per the results of a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) that was conducted on 25th June. The 35-year-old was subsequently placed under isolation. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has said that the touring medical team is monitoring the captain.
Rohit is free to feature in the game provided that he tests negative prior to the commencement of the match. That is because there exist no mandatory quarantine protocols in England for a Covid positive test result. The team management is not rushing to rope in any reinforcements given that Rohit dons the crucial twin role of a captain-opener in the side.
The side is already short of regular opener KL Rahul and hence they might be harbouring hopes on at least having the skipper in to partner Shubman Gill at the top for the game. Talks are meanwhile ongoing over flying in Mayank Agarwal to Birmingham so that he can be a back-up option provided that there are any last-minute fitness concerns with Rohit, Cricbuzzreports.
If Rohit not fit for final Test vs England, India have other captaincy options
The think-tank is not fretting over the possibility of having to name a stand-in captain given that the options for the same are aplenty. As per the aforementioned website, the likes of Rishabh Pant, Ravichandran Ashwin and Jasprit Bumrah can take over the leadership role for the match at any point in time.
However, a final call on the same will be taken only once chief selector Chetan Sharma reaches the United Kingdom (UK). Sharma is in Dublin at present for India’s T20I series vs Ireland that will round up on 28th June. It is reported that a clearer picture will be emerge on Rohit’s potential availability for the game by then.
The Indian skipper played a pivotal to help the team take a 2-1 lead heading into the final game of the series. Rohit scored 368 runs at an average of 52.59 with two half-centuries and a century to his name in eight innings in the series last year.
He was ably supported by KL Rahul who notched 315 runs including a century and a half-century each in the same number of innings. India needs to either draw of the win the game at Edgbaston to emerge victorious in a Test series in England for the first time since 2007-08.
Cricket News: Highest successful run chases in Tests at Headingley | What is the highest successful run chase at Headingley?
England have made a mockery of a 290+ target for the second time in two Tests against New Zealand. After the exploits at Lord’s and Trent Bridge, England were at their attacking best once again to sweep the series 3-0 to mark a perfect start to the Brendon McCullum-Ben Stokes era.
It took just over an hour for England to knock off the remaining 113 they needed on the last day. Rain delayed the start till the afternoon, but it was the same story as Jonny Bairstow (71 off 44 balls) blew the Black Caps away once again.
Joe Root finished not out on 86* after putting on 132 with Ollie Pope on the fourth evening at a run rate touching five per over. Pope was dismissed early on day five by Southee for 82, but that’s where the good news ended for New Zealand.
List of highest successful run chases at Headingley
England’s chase of 296 is the fifth-highest successful run chases in Tests at Headingley. Here is a list of such chases that this England side are now a part of after victory in the third Test.
Sir Donald Bradman, the greatest of all time, led Australia to what remains one of the highest run chases in Test history. Bradman, who remained unbeaten on 173, partnered with fellow great Arthur Morris (182) for a 301-run stand that flattened England in the fourth Test at Headingley.
With the seven-wicket win, Australia took a 3-0 series lead in the 1948 Ashes, which they eventually won 4-0 thanks to victory by an innings and 149 runs in the fifth Test.
362/9 by England vs Australia, 2019
A match that will never be forgotten. Ben Stokes (135*) produced one of the all-time great knocks to keep the 2019 Ashes series alive, taking England to a one-wicket win when the series looked all but gone.
Number 11 Jack Leach, who scored what is known as the greatest 1* of all time, walked in at 286/9 with England still 73 adrift of the 359-run target. Stokes then went on a rampage, and bouyed by a raucous Headingley crowd, Australia crumbled under pressure to lose a Test they looked certain to win after rolling England for 67 in the first innings.
322/5 by West Indies vs England, 2017
Great moments in Test cricket have been few and far between for West Indies over the past two decades. 2017 saw one of them, with Shai Hope’s 147 and 118* the standout in a great Test win.
After England posted a huge 490/8d in their second innings, the Windies were left with 322 to chase to level the three-match series 1-1. Coming in at 53/2, Hope batted through till the end in a brilliant performance.
315/4 by England vs Australia, 2001
Also few and far between were England victories against Australia in the 1990s and early 2000s. Australia had sealed the 2001 Ashes series in three Tests, but the fourth was one to savour for England. Mark Butcher, who is currently commentating with Sky Sports, struck a memorable 173* to lead the hosts home against an attack featuring Glenn McGrath, Shane Warne, Jason Gillespie and Brett Lee.
296/3 by England vs New Zealand, 2022
England chased 299 in 50 overs at Trent Bridge, followed by 296 in 54.2 overs at Headingley. At 53/2, New Zealand may have envisioned a win, but Ollie Pope, Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow slammed the door shut thanks to another incredible display of attacking batting.
England won the series 3-0. They had won just one of their previous 17 Tests leading into the 2022 season. It’s safe to say McCullum and Stokes got off to the perfect start.
254/7 by England vs Australia 2023
England’s chase of 251 in the fantastic 2023 Ashes series is the sixth-highest successful run chase on the ground.
And, it is one of their most important.
Down 2-0, England pulled off the chase in 50 overs and with three wickets to spare to keep their Ashes hopes alive. Harry Brook led the way with 75; a crucial innings given Ben Stokes was dismissed early. Also, Chris Woakes’ nerves of steel took England over the line alongside man of the match Mark Wood.
IRE vs IND 1st T20 Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report | IRE vs IND 1st T20 Dream11 Prediction Today | Ireland vs India 1st T20I Key Players | Malahide Pitch Report
As India’s Test cricketers prepare for a highly-anticipated Test match against England next week, Hardik Pandya will lead an exciting lineup in a two-match T20I series that will have Ireland buzzing. Pandya, who led Gujarat Titans to a memorable triumph in IPL 2022, has made it clear that the men in blue are keen to put their best foot forward right away, with an opportunity for a number of players to impress.
The same applies for the home side. Three years ago, India belted Ireland twice in a disappointing series for the hosts. Ireland will participate in the first round of qualifying for the main stage of the 2022 World Cup, and this series serves as a great test. Andy Balbirnie’s team have often found the going tough in T20I cricket in recent years, but with the likes of Paul Stirling and Josh Little keen to impress, the hosts will be aiming to create some problems for their high-profile visitors.
India bounced back well against South Africa recently, leveling the series at 2-2 before rain ruined the decider at Bengaluru. A number of players from that series will be available here, namely player of the series Bhuvneshwar Kumar who may relish bowling in Irish conditions.
IRE vs IND 1st T20 Possible Playing 11
Shane Getkate and Simi Singh were omitted from the Ireland squad for this series.
Ireland: 1. Paul Stirling, 2. Andy Balbirnie (c), 3. Gareth Delaney, 4. Harry Tector, 5. George Dockrell, 6. Lorcan Tucker (wk), 7. Curtis Campher, 8. Mark Adair, 9. Andy McBrine, 10. Craig Young, 11. Josh Little
The likes of Arshdeep Singh and Umran Malik could be unleashed in this series. Whether it happens in the first T20I remains to be seen.
Paul Stirling has been in horrendous form of late. He made scores of 0, 0, 0, 2 and 17 in his last five knocks in the Vitality Blast this month. Ireland need Stirling to turn this rut around if they are to challenge India.
Stirling at Malahide Dublin: 6 inns, 114 runs, avg. 19.00, SR 132.56.
Andy Balbirnie has scored the most T20 runs of any player on this ground: 11 inns, 262 runs, avg. 26.20, SR 137.89. Also, the skipper is Ireland’s leading run-scorer in T20Is this year: 236 (avg. 33.71, SR 141.31).
Gareth Delaney comes into this series off the back of good form in Ireland’s Inter-Provincinal T20 Trophy. He has struck scores of 42, 22, 40 and 20 in his past four knocks at the backend of May and early June. He also took seven wickets in these four matches.
Curtis Campher also took seven wickets in four matches in the competition. He made a very promising start to his international career in England two years ago, and he took a double hat-trick in last year’s World Cup.
Josh Little vs Ruturaj Gaikwad could make for an interesting battle. Gaikwad has struggled against left-arm seam in T20 cricket, with 12 dismissals in 169 deliveries at an average of 18.67.
India:
Ishan Kishan had a strong series against South Africa recently. The left-hander scored the most runs (206) at an average of 41.20 and strike rate of 150.36. He is a player the Irish need to see the back of early.
Suryakumar Yadav is set to return to the India team. He is having a strong year in T20s so far, with 410 runs in 11 innings at an average of 45.56 and strike rate of 155.89.
Hardik Pandya had a strike rate of 153.94 against South Africa in the recent series, in an impressive feat given the challenging batting conditions at times. He belted 6* (1) and 32* (9) in the 2018 series against Ireland.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar was named player of the series in the South Africa series. The seamer took six wickets in four innings at a brilliant economy rate of 6.07. Ireland will be wary of getting past Bhuvi in the powerplay in particular.
Harshal Patel took the most wickets vs SA (7) and will be a huge threat at the death, particularly if Ireland’s lower order is exposed.
Yuzvendra Chahal came into his own with six wickets in his last two matches vs SA. Also, Chahal has enjoyed success on this ground, with figures of 3/38 and 3/21 vs Ireland in 2018.
Other Stats and Facts
Head-to-head: Matches 3, Ireland 0, India 3.
India toured Ireland in 2018 and won the T20Is by 76 runs and 143 runs respectively.
Sanju Samson will be sure to take on spin if he gets the chance. He had a strike rate of 158.73 against spin in IPL 2022.
The Village Malahide Dublin Pitch Report and Weather
According to AccuWeather, rain is forecast throughout the day in Malahide, Dublin. Hopefully there should be enough breaks to allow for a result in this match.
The last time a men’s T20I was played on this ground was in 2019. It was a tri-series involving Ireland, Netherlands and Scotland, where there were some massive scores. In fact, Scotland belted 252/3 in one of the matches.
So, we could see a good batting pitch for this clash if past trends are followed.
IRE vs IND 1st T20 Dream11 Prediction 26 June 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.
Option1:
IRE vs IND 1st T20 Dream11 Prediction
Option 2:
IRE vs IND 1st T20 Dream11 Prediction
Fan2Play Prediction
Base team:
Wicket-keepers: Sanju Samson
Batters: Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav
All-rounders: Hardik Pandya, Gareth Delaney
Bowlers: Harshal Patel, Yuzvendra Chahal
IRE vs IND 1st T20 Match Prediction: Who will win?
Cricket News: PCB to question proposed longer window for the IPL | PCB chairman Ramiz Raja will question IPL window in next FTP
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is set to challenge the potential two-and-a-half-months window that will be given to the Indian Premier League (IPL) in the upcoming Future Tours Program (FTP) of the International Cricket Council (ICC). PCB Chairman Ramiz Raja will raise this issue in the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the ICC next month. The FTP for the forthcoming eight-year cycle hasn’t been released yet.
However, Board for Control of Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Jay Shah revealed recently that a 10-team IPL will have a two-and-a-half-month-long window in the FTP to ensure the participation of all top international players.
“There hasn’t been any announcement on increasing the [IPL] window. I have views on it which we’ll raise at the ICC platform in the July meeting,” Raja’s statement was quoted in a report by the ESPN Cricinfo.
PCB & Pakistan cricket can be impacted by a longer IPL
Pakistani cricketers are barred from participating in the IPL largely due to the frosty international relations between the two countries. Several players from across the border had taken part in the inaugural edition of the tournament back in 2008. However, the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks and the subsequent events effectively shut doors on the role of Pakistani players in the mega tournament.
Naturally, the IPL leads a major blow to the PCB’s international calendar as almost all the major players from top cricketing countries are engaged in the mega tournament during the Indian summer.
With the number of IPL teams increasing to 10 from this year, the BCCI has declared that the matches per season will shoot up to 84 in 2025 and 2026 and then 94 4 in 2027. These revelations were made in the bid documents of the e-auctions of the media rights for the next five seasons of the IPL.
Ramiz Raja still hopeful of quadrangular T20I tournament
Meanwhile, Raja has continued to harbour hopes on his idea of the quadrangular T20I tournament involving India, Pakistan, England and Australia. Earlier this year, the PCB Chairman had presented this proposal by stating that bilateral contests were financially draining and hence greater revenue could be generated from a tournament of this kind.
Raja considered this proposition to be similar to the ‘Six Nations’ concept of the Rugby Union that witnesses six European countries face off each other in an annual competition. However, no firm call was taken on this idea in the ICC board meeting in April this year. Now, Raja claims that the project is not dead yet. He says that it has been pushed aside for the time being so as to not introduce another property at a time when the media rights for other ICC tournaments are being bundled together.
“My four-nations concept is not yet dead. The media seems to have got the impression that it has been shelved. That’s not true. They were bundling rights for World Cup events, so they said if they announced another property, then all investors would start chasing this,” the 59-year-old opened up on the issue.
He added, “This would become a new challenge, so they thought it better not to introduce it yet. But this will be the only cricket board that will challenge any platform where it believes Pakistan is being short-changed. When we get this development [of the IPL window expanding] formally, we will put across our views in a robust manner.”
Cricket News: ICC to discuss how fans can watch cricket in the USA | USA cricket media broadcasting rights update for 2024-31
The International Cricket Council (ICC) is set to explore the American market to hold talks with future broadcasters in the region.
Officials from the ICC will fly down to conduct negotiations given that United States of America (USA) is considered to be the third-biggest cricket market in the world after India and the United Kingdom (UK).
How fans can watch cricket in the USA: ICC to meet with major broadcasters
Senior ICC executives Anurag Dahiya and Sunil Manoharan will be in talks with the likes of NBC, ESPN, CBS, Willow TV, Viacom and Amazon in the USA, Cricbuzzreports.
ICC will be particularly looking to rope in NBC as the global governing body is planning to be a part of the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028. NBC is the Olympics broadcaster in the USA and their take on cricket will be closely monitored.
Meanwhile, Dahiya and Manoharan will meet officials of ESPN and Willow TV at Connecticut and New York respectively. They will also interact with the American Cricket Enterprise (ACE) in San Francisco.
The ICC is slated to announce the American tender for the media rights from 2024-31 cycle soon. Its sale is slated to be rounded up by the end of October as ICC looks to cover the key cricketing regions like South Africa and Australia-New Zealand towards the end of this year.
As per the latest tender, ICC is allowing bidders to buy the rights for a period of both four years and eight years. They can also stake claim for TV and digital rights separately and also as a composite bid. The ICC has even divided the men’s and women’s rights in order to further promote the latter.
Cricket News: ENG vs IND 5th Test Preview: 3 things India must get right to win | 3 key things for India to get right to win final Test vs England
The Test series between England and India will move into its last chapter when they lock horns at Edgbaston from July 1- July 5. India are currently leading 2-1, and are eyeing a historic Test series win in England, their first since 2007 if they win the final match.
India have been very short of red-ball cricket since whitewashing Sri Lanka 2-0 at home in March 2022. On the other hand, England, under new head coach Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes, are playing a new fearless brand of cricket which has produced a series win, featuring the third-highest run chase at Lord’s and record chase at Trent Bridge.
The Indian team is one of the best traveling teams in recent years, which makes this fifth Test a very interesting one. Be it any condition, the Indian Test team has made sure that they stamp their authority and give a very tough fight to the opposition. They managed to do that last year when they won two out of the four Tests in England, where they outplayed the hosts for much of the series.
ENG vs IND 5th Test Preview: What India needs to get right to win
With the series on the line and the team on the verge to create history, we look at the three key things that the Rohit Sharma-led Indian team needs to get right to win the match and eventually the series.
A solid foundation at the top from the openers
With the dukes swinging around and conditions expected to be favourable for the seamers, it’ll be very important for the Indian team to get a good start. With last year’s Lord’s centurion KL Rahul already out with injury, Shubman Gill is most likely to open the batting with captain Rohit Sharma, who opened the innings for the first time in English conditions last year.
Rohit was India’s top run-getter, amassing 368 runs in four matches, including a fine 127 in the second innings of the fourth Test at The Oval in addition to fifties at Lord’s and Headingley. Conversely, Shubman featured in only one Test in England — the World Test Championship Final against New Zealand — which was less than memorable for him and the team.
One of the most crucial aspects for India gaining a 2-1 lead in the 2021 Test series against England was the runs from openers and to taste a series win they’ll have to repeat the same in the final Test.
Indian bowlers need to put pressure against a confident English batting line-up
ENG vs IND 5th Test Preview: Jasprit Bumrah will be key to India’s chances.
Seasoned pacer Ishant Sharma has been left out of the squad for the one-off Test which means Jasprit Bumrah will lead the bowling attack, with Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj needing to produce the goods right away.
All three excelled with the ball during the previous tour of the UK. Bumrah had 18 scalps from four Tests, Siraj 14 from four and Shami 11 from three. However, since the inception of the McCullum factor, England have been playing a more aggressive brand of cricket which has been reflected in the first two Tests against New Zealand. Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow and Ben Stokes have been in good nick with the bat and it’ll be a big challenge for the Indian bowling attack to stop them.
Dukes and the English conditions always offer a lot of assistance for the pacers so the Indian fast bowlers will have to bowl in and around the off-stump consistently throughout the day. As highlighted in the New Zealand series, if you’re off your line or length, the England side will pounce at a rapid rate.
Spin could also play a key role. Jadeja will fancy his chances against a number of right-handed batters in the England team. The Indian team has a good mixture and variety in their bowling department and they’ll be up against a more confident English batting line-up which makes it a good contest to watch out for.
Batsmen 3-5 need to step up
ENG vs IND 5th Test Preview: Can Virat Kohli show some of his 2018 form?
The Indian middle-order has been the talking point for the last year or so. Last year, the openers scored the bulk of the runs in the four Tests; Rohit and KL combined scored close to 700 runs. However, with no KL around this time and the inexperienced Shubman to open alongside Rohit, the experience of Cheteshwar Pujara and Virat Kohli will have to come in for India to rewrite history.
Cheteshwar Pujara looks set to make his Test return after being dropped from the team for the Sri Lanka series. His stint with Sussex really helped him find his mojo. Pujara piled up 720 runs in eight innings at an average of 120.00, which includes two double-centuries.
Meanwhile, all eyes would be on Virat Kohli, who has looked woeful since 2020 with no centuries to his name during this period. Last year, he averaged just 31.14 in four Test matches in England and the team will be hoping that he will step up for the team in the all-important Test.
There will be a toss-up between Hanuma Vihari and Shreyas Iyer for the number five position with Pujara set to reclaim his number three slot. India could go with the solid Hanuma Vihari in this role, given he has played in West Indies, Australia and England, while Shreyas is yet to feature in an overseas Test.
ENG vs IND 5th Test Preview: India probable playing 11 for the fifth Test
SL-W vs IN-W 2nd T20 Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report | SL-W vs IN-W 2nd T20 Dream11 Prediction Today | Sri Lanka Women vs India Women 2nd T20 Key Players | Dambulla Pitch Report
The first T20I had a familiar feel to it. Sri Lanka started in promising fashion, but were ultimately stifled by India’s spinners on a slow pitch to concede a 1-0 series lead.
In the second match, which is a must-win for the home side, they will be aiming to build on the positives and be more proactive with the bat. With the ball, they took early wickets and then kept striking at regular intervals, but their death bowling will be under the spotlight. With the bat, much still rests on Chamari Athapaththu to give Sri Lanka a strong start. If these factors fall into place, anything is possible.
However, it will be a challenge to overcome India’s experience and depth. The visitors negotiated a difficult start well thanks firstly to Shafali Verma and Harmanpreet Kaur, before Jemimah Rodrigues continued her love affair with Sri Lanka. From there, the spinners were tough to get away in slow conditions, and the template is set for more of the same in this second T20I.
Oshadi Ranasinghe continued her wonderful bowling form. She dismissed both Smriti Mandhana and Sabbhineni Meghana in the first T20I, soon after she took six wickets in three T20Is against Pakistan.
Chamari Athapaththu’s wicket is crucial for India. The Sri Lanka captain gave her wicket away for 16 in the opening T20I, and she will be determined to make amends here.
Athapaththu has the most runs of any SL player against India (366). She also has eight wickets, including 1/7 in the first T20I.
Kavisha Dilhari top scored for Sri Lanka two days ago (47* off 49 balls). The key will be a quicker strike rate today.
The experienced Inoka Ranaweera bowled nicely in the first T20I. Her 3/30 included three unique dismissals, indicating her ability to bowl different types of deliveries. She has 10 wickets in seven matches against India.
Udeshika Prabodhani (0/21 in the first T20I) has the most wickets of any SL bowler against India. She has taken 15 wickets in 16 matches at an economy rate of just five runs per over.
India:
Jemimah Rodrigues’ impressive numbers against Sri Lanka came to the fore in the first T20I. Her player-of-the-match performance (36*) took her to 242 runs in six innings vs SL at an average of 80.66 and strike rate of 146.66.
Smriti Mandhana averages just 12.92 in 13 T20I knocks vs Sri Lanka. It is a surprising stat for a player of Mandhana’s nature. Will today be the day she fires?
Harmanpreet Kaur recently scored 151 runs in three matches at an average of 50.33 and strike rate of 138.53 in the Women’s T20 Challenge. This was the most of any player. She also looked in good touch in the first T20I before losing her wicket after a start (22 off 20 balls).
Pooja Vastrakar took the most wickets (6) in the T20 Challenge this year. Also, she was impressive in the first T20I, conceding just 13 in four overs with a wicket and a maiden.
Deepti Sharma (1/9 in the first T20I) has taken nine wickets in ten innings vs SL at an average of 19.44 and economy rate around five. She could also be key with the bat again after a crucial 17* (8) two days ago.
Radha Yadav has 12 wickets in just seven innings against Sri Lanka. She will be looking to build on her 2/22 in the opening game.
Other Stats and Facts
Head-to-head: Matches 20, Sri Lanka 3, India 15, N/R 2.
Sri Lanka have never beaten India in a T20I at home.
Jemimah Rodrigues scored the most runs in India’s T20I series in Sri Lanka in 2018: 191 runs, avg. 63.66, SR 155.28.
Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium Pitch Report and Weather
Humid conditions are forecast again, with a chance of some thunderstorms in the afternoon. Expect another slow pitch, with a score of 130-140+ a competitive one batting first.
SL-W vs IN-W 2nd T20 Dream11 Prediction 25 June 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.
Cricket News: Is Ben Stokes a certainty for England’s 2022 T20 World Cup XI? | Will Ben Stokes feature in England’s XI in the World Cup?
Is it possible that this year’s T20 World Cup in Australia could be the last time we see Ben Stokes play T20 cricket for England? Or will Stokes even make it to England’s best XI for the latest instalment of white ball mayhem?
There has long been a mantra in English cricket that the team is harder to get out of, than into. That may have been the case for a while now, but white-ball cricket in England is certainly changing. The landscape has already drastically altered since the last T20 World Cup in 2021.
With that in mind, can we say that English white-ball cricket is in the health it wants to be, so close to a World Cup? We’ve already had a change of coach, and now captain Eoin Morgan is under further pressure as his lean run of form continues.
Eoin Morgan’s tricky run goes on – he departs for a second straight duck!
He joins Jason Roy (73) and Phil Salt (77) back in the shed.
Along with that, the question needs to be asked of all-rounder Stokes; will he be playing in Australia later this year? Stokes has already demonstrated a willingness to miss white-ball cricket to further his Test-playing ambitions. His decision to skip the 2022 IPL couldn’t be a better example of this.
Is there room for Ben Stokes in England’s T20 World Cup team?
The new England Test captain may take the decision himself not to play in the T20 World Cup this year. He missed last year’s competition for personal reasons, and he may feel that is the best thing to do for his wellbeing again this time around.
To add more fuel to the fire of this story, and many may think this is a mad question to ask, does Stokes fit into the England T20 team anymore? If Morgan stands aside, there will be another space freed up. But if Morgan doesn’t, and England decides to stick with their skipper, is there room for Stokes?
England now has T20 white ball players who are practically undroppable. Taking the pace of the ball in the shorter format is key, and in Liam Livingstone and Moeen Ali, England has two guys in the middle order that simply can’t be overlooked. Even for a player of Stokes’ ability.
Throw Jason Roy, Jonny Bairstow, and Jos Buttler into the mix, and you have five of your top six already. England will almost certainly want four seam bowlers and Adil Rashid in the team, so there’s already an issue with numbers, with getting both Stokes and Morgan into the starting 11.
It seems almost unthinkable that England could go into the second World Cup in two years with a new coach, and possibly no Morgan, and no Stokes. But there is a possibility that may happen.
One thing for certain is there are a lot of big questions that need to be answered going into this year’s tournament. And when those questions are answered, don’t be surprised if this England team looks very different.
Cricket News: Want to ensure people keep watching Test cricket – Brendon McCullum | England coach Brendon McCullum wants to keep Test cricket “sexy”
Brendon McCullum has clearly outlined his intentions of revamping the way England plays Test cricket after taking an unassailable 2-0 lead in their ongoing series vs New Zealand.
Powered by Jonny Bairstow’s thumping century, England chased down 299 in merely 50 overson the final day of the second Test at Trent Bridge.
On that backdrop, McCullum reflected upon the transforming demands of the society and thus the emerging need to reinvigorate red-ball cricket so that people continue to get hooked to the longest format of the game.
“It sounds pretty lofty to say that that’s what your ambitions are from the outset, but I don’t see a problem with that, Test cricket needs it. The game has been around for 100 years and it’s been amazing. But society is different now, society wants things more instant, it wants things more quicker,” the newly-appointed English head coach said in a tell-tale with SENZ.
He added, “Test cricket maybe isn’t as significant in some countries as it once was. For us it’s a matter of trying to ensure that Test cricket is still sexy and people want to watch it.”
We need to play an attractive style for Test cricket – McCullum
McCullum believes that Test cricket has a real chance to thrive and succeed provided that England emerges as a strong contender in the format. He asserted on the need to play an attractive brand of cricket and even be prepared to lose at times by adopting that approach. He implied upon convincing people, or players in this case, in buying into such a philosophy without coercion but instead with authenticity.
“There’s also a ton of planning and preparation that goes into it, it’s not just an out and out gung-ho approach. There will be times where we will have to absorb pressure and be smart enough and intelligent enough to identify moments and act on those moments to stay in the game before you can start to transfer pressure on opposition sides,” McCullum further opened up on his strategy.
He explained, “You’ve got to be a little careful around some of your messaging there, that’s it’s not just a calvary type of approach. When the time comes, when the pressure is on and when the game is in the balance, we will be prepared to be positive and take those positive options. Hopefully more times than not, that’ll result in success.”
Speaking on his dynamic with captain Ben Stokes, McCullum conceded that the two of them are almost alike and hence they ensure that they are supported by fellow seasoned players and the coaching personnel. He added that a filtering system helps the coach and the captain to remain on task with respect to the direction that they wish to proceed in. It helps in bringing about a better consistency with the message that they are trying to put across the group.
Meanwhile, New Zealand ended the first day of their third Test against the hosts at 225/5. Stuart Broad and Jack Leach struck a couple of wickets each as Daryl Mitchell (75*) and Tom Blundell (45*) have steadied the ship with an unbeaten 102-run partnership after the Kiwis were down at 123/5 in the 56th over.
SL vs AUS 5th ODI Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report | SL vs AUS 5th ODI Dream11 Prediction Today | Sri Lanka vs Australia 5th ODI Key Players | Colombo Pitch Report
These are welcome, wonderful days in Sri Lanka cricket. As the nation comes to grips with an economic crisis of gigantic proportions, the cricket team is providing their people with reason to smile. Since the heavy defeat in the first T20I, the home side has played some outstanding cricket, with a well-deserved 3-1 series lead heading into the final ODI.
Spin has predictably played a key role, but Sri Lanka’s ability to produce under pressure has been crucial to their success. The latest was an excellent reguard action led by Charith Asalanka and Dhananjaya de Silva after three early wickets in the fourth ODI, indicative of their belief. Now, they have the chance to completely overturn the 4-1 series scoreline they were on the wrong end of against Australia in 2016.
For Australia, the concerns grow. First, Travis Head is the latest to succumb to an injury, with a hamstring strain ruling him out of this match and possibly the first Test. Second, their inability to close out victories after the first ODI is a worry in conditions they may face in next year’s World Cup in India. They are getting into good positions, but sealing the deal is high on the agenda to avoid a heavy series loss. To do so, they will have to overcome plenty of spin once again as they will likely face 40+ overs of it should they bat out their overs.
SL vs AUS 5th ODI Possible Playing 11
Sri Lanka could look to stick with the same, winning combination.
Josh Inglis could come in with Travis Head ruled out. Also, Australia could look to rest one or both of Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood ahead of the Test series.
Australia: 1. David Warner, 2. Aaron Finch (c), 3. Mitchell Marsh, 4. Marnus Labuschagne, 5. Josh Inglis, 6. Alex Carey (wk), 7. Cameron Green, 8. Pat Cummins/Mitch Swepson, 9. Jhye Richardson, 10. Matt Kuhnemann, 11. Josh Hazlewood/Mitchell Starc
Key Players to Watch/Key Stats
Sri Lanka:
Charith Asalanka loves playing at Colombo. He delivered in spades in the fourth ODI with 110. He now has four 50+ scores in eight ODIs on this ground, with a total of 446 runs at an average of 63.71.
It seemed like a rare failure (14) last match for Kusal Mendis against Australia. The right-hander has struck 427 runs in 10 ODIs vs Australia at an average of 53.57, with four fifties. Two of those half-centuries have come in this series.
Pathum Nissanka is the second-highest run-scorer in this series (220) with one fifty and one hundred to his name. The century came on this ground in the third ODI.
What an all-round display it was by Dhananjaya de Silva in the fourth match (60 and 2/39). This included the crucial, game-opening wicket of David Warner for 99.
Jeffrey Vandersay has been impressive on the Colombo surfaces. The leg-spinner will be a factor once again as he has taken five wickets in the past two matches.
As will Wanindu Hasaranga. The leg-spinner made a steady return in the fourth ODI with 1/52. He took 4/58 and scored 37 (19) in the first ODI last week.
Australia:
It was a quiet series for David Warner up until the fourth ODI. Can he follow up his 99 with a ton in this match? He is 31 runs away from 800 against Sri Lanka at an average of 36.61.
Mitchell Marsh showed glimpses of his all-round best two days ago. He was excellent with the ball (2/29) and was looking promising with the bat (26 off 27 balls). A big game from him and Australia can win.
Alex Carey is one of a few Australian players to strike at over 90 in this series. The sweep can get him into trouble at times, but it also fetches him most of his runs.
Glenn Maxwell is striking at 148.45 this series and strikes at 151.75 overall vs Sri Lanka. He will be crucial in the finishing department.
Pat Cummins, if picked, will be looking to build on recent form. He has taken 4/35 and 2/37 in his last two ODIs. Also, he was terrific with the bat as he took Australia close in the fourth match (35).
More will be expected of Matt Kuhnemann on turning surfaces. Slowing his pace could be key. He has taken four wickets in three matches but will be aiming to improve on his average of 41.25 and economy of 5.89.
Other Stats and Facts
The last time Sri Lanka won four ODIs in a row against Australia was in 1996. One of the results was due to a forfeit.
The last time Australia lost four ODIs in a row was in early 2020. They lost two matches in India and then all three in South Africa.
Marnus Labuschagne has struck a double-figure score in each match this series, but is yet to cross 30.
Australia will look to focus on the good length against Pathum Nissanka. The centurion from the third ODI struggled against this length in the fourth match.
Sri Lanka have now won their last three ODI series: South Africa 2021, Zimbabwe 2022, Australia 2022.
R Premadasa Stadium Colombo Pitch Report and Weather
Spin to win. Expect slow, turning pitch conditions where wickets can fall in clumps. Batting first may be the preferred way to go for the captain who wins the toss.
According to AccuWeather, there is high chance that rain will have a say in this match. Thunderstorms are forecast, with up to 13.2mm of rain expected throughout the day.
SL vs AUS 5th ODI Dream11 Prediction 24 June 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:
SL vs AUS 5th ODI Dream11 Prediction
Option 2:
SL vs AUS 5th ODI Dream11 Prediction
Fan2Play Prediction
Base team:
Wicket-keepers: Kusal Mendis
Batsmen: Charith Asalanka, David Warner
All-rounders: Wanindu Hasaranga, Dhananjaya de Silva, Glenn Maxwell
Bowlers: Pat Cummins, Jeffrey Vandersay
SL vs AUS 5th ODI Match Prediction: Who will win?
Weather permitting, Sri Lanka should win as they have the confidence and conditions in their favour.
