Cricket News: SA vs IND reactions: India fans disappointed at missed chance | India fans left deflated after India lose Test series in South Africa
South Africa sealed their second-straight seven-wicket victory over India in Cape Town, completing an excellent comeback to win the Test series 2-1 after a comprehensive defeat in Centurion.
This is without a doubt one of South Africa’s sweeter Test series wins in recent times. They were dealt a blow before the series with class pacer Anrich Nortje ruled out with injury, before Quinton de Kock announced a shock retirement after the Proteas were beaten soundly in the first Test.
After that, they had the measure of the Indian batsmen. Twice did India have the chance to own the game in the third innings, but the Proteas restricted them in both Johannesburg and Cape Town to give themselves realistic targets to chase. Courtesy of Dean Elgar at the Bull Ring and the impressive Keegan Petersen at Newlands, the Proteas pulled off a morale-boosting, impressive 2-1 win against the world’s number one team.
SA vs IND Reactions: India didn’t fire since KL Rahul’s century
SA vs IND reactions: India fans left upset at missed opportunity
For India, this is quite a deflating feeling. After brilliant displays in Australia and England since the backend of 2018, and given South Africa’s lack of batting depth, this was India’s best opportunity in years to win a Test series in South Africa.
Instead, they will prepare for the ODI series with a sense of what could have been. After KL Rahul led the way superbly on the series’ opening day, the Indian batsmen from thereon rarely displayed the patience and technique required in such conditions. This is highlighted most by all 20 wickets falling to catches in the Cape Town Test, with the strategy of five specialist batsmen and a keeper-batsman keeping the Proteas in the contest.
And, when you add the poor form of Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane, as well as the lack of batting belief from R Ashwin and Shardul Thakur, it makes the ask all the more taller. India’s bowlers worked hard and created opportunities, but the South Africans expertly dealt with the pressure to seal the deal in comfortable fashion.
Here are some of the SA vs IND Twitter reactions from India fans after their team’s missed opportunity.
Bowlers have been phenomenal over the last 4-5 years but they didn’t come close to picking 20 wickets two times in a row in very helpful conditions against fairly ordinary batters and that should be a worrying sign.Need solid back ups for Bum & Sham #CricketTwitterhttps://t.co/48VYUK3UGU
Honestly, @BCCI chose to "fail" this #INDvsSA series by selecting the out-of-form duo of @cheteshwar1 and @ajinkyarahane88 . High time common sense and form prevails over old time experience!
Even he did nothing new as a captain. You cannot win series away from home due to poor team combination. Literally played with 3 batsmen + 2 walking wicket + 1 surprise wicket + 2 hit n get get out batsman + 3 bowlers against a strong bowling lineup..
It is ridiculous to expect any bowling lineup to first over deliver to get a lead with a petty first innings score, and then again try to replicate the same heroics with an even smaller score without even a full day's rest.
India’s batting had been remorselessly pursuing disaster for a long time and the last two Tests the bowling didn’t turn up in the last innings. Don’t go by the usual, we-fought-well or proud-of-the-way-we-played types. SA were inexperienced yet won the series #INDvSA
Sure sex is great, but have you ever witnessed the worst ever Protea team beat the best ever Indian team in a test series, while their board is a mess, they have no main sponsor and their best batsmen retires during the series?
What the result of this series also establishes/suggests/reiterates is that Ashwin is not India’s No.1 overseas spinner. Ravindra Jadeja is. #INDvsSA#SAvIND#Ashwin
In the lead up to the series, Hanuma Vihari scored 3 fifties in 5 inns for India A v SA A.Marco Jansen picked 6 wickets in 3 matches of that series. SA picked him & he took 19 wkts in 3-match Test series.Vihari didn't start, played well in Johannesburg & was dropped in Cape Town
Arrogant, autocratic, absurd – Strategy to back Pujara and Rahane relentlessly, despite of their role in all batting collapses since 2020. Single most reason for all India Test Losses so far.
SIX vs THU Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report: BBL 2021/22 Match 49 | SIX vs THU Dream11 Prediction Today | Sixers vs Thunder Key Players | SCG Pitch Report
BBL 11 is in need of a thrilling match, and this one could be it. Who knows, this edition of the Sydney Smash could be a preview of the BBL 11 Final to be held later this month, with both sides sitting pretty in the top five.
But that doesn’t mean this match doesn’t have any importance. Just four points separate third-place Sydney Sixers and second-place Sydney Thunder at the moment, and the winner today takes a huge step towards an all-important top-two finish.
Sixers beat Thunder earlier this season, before the Thunder embarked on a brilliant six-match winning streak. That came to an end last game vs Hurricanes, but the men in green will want to use that defeat as a little wake up call before the playoffs.
For the Sixers, they will be aiming to improve on their performances. They have been a little up-and-down of late, and while they beat Renegades comfortably last match, they still have work to do regarding losing clumps of wickets early in their innings.
This match has the makings for a classic, and here’s hoping it delivers.
Incredibly, Josh Philippe has scored three ducks in his last four innings. He has a poor record vs Thunder (7 inns, 121 runs, avg. 17.29, SR 142.35), but is capable of turning this around at a ground he enjoys batting at (20 inns, 568 runs, avg. 33.41, SR 141.65).
Daniel Hughes loves playing against the Thunder. He has the most runs of any Sixers player against them, with 369 runs in 12 innings at an average of 46.13 and strike rate of 128.13. He smashed a 26-ball 50 against them earlier this season.
Dan Christian was player of the match vs Thunder earlier this season with a superb 17-ball 41*. Since joining the Sixers last season, Christian has smashed 77 runs vs Thunder without dismissal at a strike rate of 202.63.
Sean Abbott has taken the most wickets of any Sixers player against Thunder. The seamer has taken 16 wickets in 13 matches against them at an average of 24.25 and economy rate of 8.59.
Abbott, by far, has the most wickets of any bowler in T20s at the SCG. He has taken 58 wickets in just 32 matches on this ground at an average of 18.29 and strike rate of 13.03.
Ben Dwarshuis took a five-wicket haul in his last match, vs Renegades. He has 10 wickets in 10 matches vs Thunder, as well as the second-most T20 wickets at the SCG (32 wickets in 28 matches, SR 17).
Hayden Kerr remains the Sixers’ top wicket-taker in BBL 11, with 17 scalps in 11 matches (avg. 11.41, SR 9.8). He took 3/29 vs Thunder earlier this season.
Sydney Thunder:
Alex Hales is in terrific touch now after a slow start to the season. He has smashed 181 runs in his last three innings at a strike rate of 181.18.
Hales has struck scores of 89 and 32 in his two innings at SCG. He has struck 210 runs in five innings vs Sixers, including a brilliant century last season.
Jason Sangha played nicely against Sixers earlier this season (47 off 30 balls). He is the second-highest run-scorer in BBL 11 with 360 runs in nine innings at an average of 60 and strike rate of 134.83.
Daniel Sams has taken 11 wickets in just six matches vs Sixers at an average of 11.82 and economy rate of 7.36. He also has a half-century in six innings with the bat, and he will be key here after scoring 98* a few matches ago vs Renegades.
Gurinder Sandhu is conceding just 6.58 runs per over this season, with 12 wickets in eight matches. However, he has a poor record vs Sixers, with just four wickets in nine innings at an average of 50. Nathan McAndrew has an even worse record vs Sixers, with just one wicket in six innings at an average of 204.
Tanveer Sangha has taken 12 wickets in nine matches in BBL at an average of 17.66 and economy rate of 6.95. Muhammad Hasnain has seven scalps in four matches this season.
Stats and Facts
Head-to-head: Matches 20, Sixers 13, Thunder 7.
Sixers have won six out of eight matches vs Thunder at the SCG.
Sixers and Thunder both have won two out of the last four matches against each other.
Possible Playing 11
Sydney Sixers have named their squad for this match. Steve O’Keefe is back from a hand injury, and will likely replace impressive off-spinner Todd Murphy.
Jordan Silk is also in the squad, but it remains to be seen if he plays as he has a niggle.
Sydney Sixers: 1. Josh Philippe (wk), 2. Jack Edwards, 3. Daniel Hughes, 4. Moises Henriques (c), 5. Dan Christian, 6. Shadab Khan, 7. Sean Abbott, 8. Hayden Kerr, 9. Ben Dwarshuis, 10. Jackson Bird, 11. Steve O’Keefe
Chris Green is set to return for the Sydney Thunder after completing his COVID isolation period.
Sydney Thunder: 1. Alex Hales, 2. Matthew Gilkes, 3. Jason Sangha, 4. Daniel Sams, 5. Oliver Davies, 6. Ben Cutting, 7. Baxter Holt (wk), 8. Nathan McAndrew/Gurinder Sandhu, 9. Chris Green (c), 10. Tanveer Sangha, 11. Muhammad Hasnain
SCG Pitch Report and Weather
There have been four matches at the SCG so far this season. The first two matches saw first innings scores of 213 (by Sixers and Hurricanes) followed by 147 by Strikers and 105 by Heat. The team batting first has won two of the four matches so far in BBL 11.
There is rain forecast in Sydney today, with a strong chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon/evening.
Dream11 Prediction
Note: The below teams are not based on the final playing XIs. We may not be able to update these in time.
Option 1:
BBL 2021/22 Match 49: SIX vs THU Dream11 Prediction
Option 2:
BBL 2021/22 Match 49: SIX vs THU Dream11 Prediction
Fan2Play Prediction
Base team:
Wicket-keepers: Josh Philippe
Batsmen: Alex Hales, Jason Sangha
All-rounders: Dan Christian, Sean Abbott, Daniel Sams
Bowlers: Muhammad Hasnain, Ben Dwarshuis
Match Prediction
Sixers start as favourites at home, but Thunder look in better form. The weather could play a key factor, so the chasing team should benefit.
Cricket News: Twitter reactions to very green pitch in Hobart | Reactions to the very green pitch for 5th Ashes Test in Hobart
The fifth and final Ashes Test has been greeted by a green monster in Hobart. The pitch, which is difficult to differentiate from the outfield, has up to 8mm of grass which Damien Fleming described as “22 yards of kryptonite”.
It has drawn comparisons to the kind of surfaces seen in New Zealand and earlier this series at the MCG. Australia rolled England for 68 in the Boxing Day Test, with Scott Boland taking remarkable figures of 6/7 on debut. Boland is available and will be a handful on this surface, targeting an England batting lineup that has struggled badly throughout the series.
Hobart is set to host its first Ashes Test, with the 22 yards a big talking point ahead of the match. The track is perfectly set for memes and reactions. Here are some from Twitter.
Twitter reactions to green Hobart pitch for fifth and final Ashes Test
So not only has the groundsman forgotten to mow the pitch this will be the 1st test on Australian soil ever where they're going to have to have heaters going full bangers to thaw out the players & crowd.#Asheshttps://t.co/zrNCFrX7BT
This Test is England’s final attempt to win their first Test in Australia since 2011. They haven’t got close to a victory in this series, but their confidence could be bolstered by a fighting draw last Test in Sydney.
And, of course, the conditions should provide assistance for their bowlers.
Cricket News: Virat Kohli criticised for shouting into stump mic during Cape Town Test | Reactions to Virat Kohli shouting into stump mic
India captain Virat Kohli has been criticised by India and opposition fans for shouting into the stump mic during the third and deciding Test vs South Africa in Cape Town. In the 21st over with South Africa 60/1 chasing 212 for a series win, Ravichandran Ashwin pinned opener Dean Elgar in front with a straight delivery.
Given out on the field, hawkeye then remarkably showed the ball to be going over the stumps on review, much to the shock and anger of the Indians. Elgar’s wicket was significant, as the Proteas skipper was a thorn in India’s side in the Johannesburg Test, playing beautifully in the second innings to seal a series-levelling win last week.
The tracking technology, authorised by HawkEye, relays the information to the host broadcaster, SuperSport. The Indians were stunned, with questions raised about hawkeye’s accuracy by fans and pundits online.
Kohli immediately made his thoughts known in the stump mic, followed closely by KL Rahul and R Ashwin.
“Focus on your team while they shine the ball. Not just the opposition. Trying to catch people all the time,” said the India captain.
KL Rahul, the vice-captain, then said “It’s the whole country against 11 guys.” Ashwin followed, “You should find better ways to win, SuperSport.”
Tempers flare as series is on the line: Virat Kohli comes in for criticism
Rishabh Pant scored a superb century, but India only managed 198 in the second innings with the game there for the taking. Elgar and the impressive Keegan Petersen settled in, and India became quite agitated in a period of play that suggested the tourists were becoming frustrated with how such a series – which they were widely expected to win – has transpired.
A series defeat for India would be quite deflating given the progress they have made in England and Australia. The reactions of Kohli and co. suggested that. Elgar was eventually dismissed on what turned out to be the final ball of the day, as fans can be sure of a fiery finish to a spicy series on day four of the Newlands Test.
Of course, the reactions were widespread. Skipper Virat Kohli came in for some criticism, with even some calls for a match ban.
A DRS call in a cricket match went against the Indian team and Virat Kohli & Co accused an entire country of cheating? I- ?? #SAvIND
interesting stat from the South Africa test, apparently Virat Kohli has shouted into more stump mics today (1) than he's scored international hundreds since November 2019 (0)
Ban Kohli for a game…I get his anger. I'd be angry too. But to shout into the stump mic effectively stating the opposition is cheating with zero evidence is worth giving a ban for. #SAvIND
To add, there’s nothing wrong with being upset and having questions about the DRS, but spending your energy on having a wee jab into the stump mic or accusing a whole country of cheating you instead of actually trying to win the game is dumb. Ask your questions afterwards.
India is a champion Test Team, Virat is a champion player but wilding at the stump mic is totally uncalled for. Just childish to be honest. We are and proven to be much better than this. You have issues? We have press-confs for that, this was not needed.
Two match ban for #ViratKohli, and at least one match ban needed for all those players who abused at the broadcasters in the stumpmic. This cannot be accepted at any cost.Or it will set the wrong example for generations to come. MS Dhoni’s team India was the best. #SAvIND#Kohli
STR vs SCO Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report: BBL 2021/22 Match 49 | STR vs SCO Dream11 Prediction Today | Strikers vs Scorchers Key Players | Adelaide Oval Pitch Report
In an unusual BBL season where COVID-19 has wreaked havoc, we will see a Friday morning matchup at the Adelaide Oval before the start of the fifth Ashes Test.
Adelaide Strikers briefly moved into the top five after a comprehensive victory over Brisbane Heat two days ago, before Melbourne Stars overtook them with a comfortable victory over Melbourne Renegades. Rashid Khan led the way with a brilliant spell of 6/17, but he is no longer part of BBL 11 as he departs for national duty. So, the Strikers will have to find a way to keep the momentum going and move back into the top five.
But it won’t be easy as they meet ladder-leaders Perth Scorchers. Despite their own challenges with COVID-19 and player departures, the Scorchers continue to perform, with four wins in their past five matches and 10 in 12 overall. Skipper Ashton Turner has stepped up in the absence of Colin Munro and Mitch Marsh, while the bowling attack continues to be efficient. Victory here will all but confirm a top-two finish for the Scorchers.
Matt Short is striking at 156.98 this season, and his fast starts have allowed Strikers to accumulate a number of bash boost points. His 292 runs this season come at an average of 29.20, and he has four wickets to his name too.
Short struck 63 off 47 balls vs Scorchers earlier in BBL 11.
Jake Weatherald spent some time in the middle last game vs Heat (35 off 31 balls), but he still isn’t at his best. He has the most runs in Strikers-Scorchers matches out of the two current squads (266) at an average of 26.60 and strike rate of 125.47.
Weatherald is the only player to have scored at least 1,000 T20 runs at Adelaide Oval (1,076 runs, avg. 31.65, SR 136.90).
Jono Wells averages just 21.61 vs Scorchers since the beginning of 2018. He will be key with his experience here. so the Strikers will be hoping he can improve on that average.
Wells has the second-most runs in T20s at Adelaide Oval, with 893 runs at an average of 35.72 and strike rate of 135.51.
Peter Siddle has an impressive 18 wickets in 11 matches this season at an average of 19.83 and strike rate of 13.3. He will be out to improve on his numbers vs Scorchers since 2017, which read: six matches, four wickets, avg. 46.00, econ. 8.36.
Siddle has the most wickets on this ground, with 47 scalps in 29 matches at an average of 15.09 and strike rate of 12.55. This includes a five-wicket haul in his last match at Adelaide Oval, vs Hurricanes.
Henry Thornton impressed in his last match. He took 1/12 – which included the big wicket of Chris Lynn – and bowled with excellent pace.
Perth Scorchers:
Ashton Turner is in terrific form. He has struck 69 (41) and 47* (26) in his last two innings.
Turner will be aiming to improve on a poor record vs Strikers. He has struck just 185 runs in 14 innings at an average of 16.82 and strike rate of 116.35.
Laurie Evans relished the role of number three in his last match, striking a fluent 69 off 46 balls vs Melbourne Stars. He was awarded player of the match.
Kurtis Patterson has made three double-figure scores in his last four matches (27, 19, 11, 8). He will be aiming to convert a start to a 50 after scoring three-half centuries in his first five innings of BBL 11.
Jason Behrendhorff enjoys bowling vs Strikers, with 13 wickets in 10 matches against them at an average of 20.00 and economy rate of 7.19. This includes 3/22 earlier this season, where he dismissed Weatherald, Siddle and Daniel Worrall.
Andrew Tye has the equal second-most wickets this season, with 19 scalps in 12 matches (avg. 16.94, SR 12.7). Against Strikers, Tye has taken 12 wickets in 10 matches (avg. 22.33, econ. 8.00), including 3/21 earlier in BBL 11.
Scorchers (196/1) smashed Strikers (146) earlier this season. Colin Munro, who is still unavailable, struck a century. No Strikers bowler took a wicket.
Strikers are currently sixth on the BBL 11 table. A win today moves them back into fifth place.
Possible Playing 11
Adelaide Strikers have named their squad. Rashid Khan is no longer available as he will join the Afghanistan team for an ODI series vs Netherlands.
Englishman Ian Cockbain is in the squad. He has 135 T20s of experience, scoring 3,395 runs at an average of 33.28 and strike rate of 131.53.
Adelaide Strikers: 1. Matt Short, 2. Henry Hunt, 3. Jake Weatherald, 4. Jono Wells, 5. Ian Cockbain, 6. Thomas Kelly/Liam Scott, 7. Harry Nielsen (wk), 8. Peter Siddle (c), 9. Henry Thornton, 10. Harry Conway/Daniel Worrall, 11. Fawad Ahmed
Perth Scorchers have also named their squad. Cameron Bancroft came into close contact with a COVID-19 case a few days ago, so he is unavailable. Colin Munro is still recovering, and Matthew Kelly is also isolating as per the COVID protocols.
Perth Scorchers: 1. Kurtis Patterson, 2. Nick Hobson, 3. Laurie Evans (wk), 4. Ashton Turner (c), 5. Aaron Hardie, 6. Chris Sabburg, 7. Ashton Agar, 8. Andrew Tye, 9. Lance Morris, 10. Peter Hatzoglou, 11. Jason Behrendhorff
Adelaide Oval Pitch Report and Weather
A beautiful day is forecast for Adelaide with a top of 25 degrees and clear skies. Expect a good surface as usual at Adelaide, with batsmen seeking to take advantage of the short square boundaries.
The average first innings score at Adelaide in BBL 11 is 167.5. The team batting first has won three of four matches.
Dream11 Prediction
Note: The below teams are not based on the final playing XIs. We may not be able to update these in time.
Option 1:
BBL 2021/22 Match 49: STR vs SCO Dream11 Prediction
Option 2:
BBL 2021/22 Match 49: STR vs SCO Dream11 Prediction
Fan2Play Prediction
Base team:
Wicket-keepers: Harry Nielsen
Batsmen: Jono Wells, Ashton Turner, Laurie Evans
All-rounders: Matt Short, Ashton Agar
Bowlers: Peter Siddle, Jason Behrendhorff, Andrew Tye
REN vs STA Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report: BBL 2021/22 Match 48 | REN vs STA Dream11 Prediction Today | Renegades vs Stars Key Players | Docklands Pitch Report
The last Melbourne Derby had a bit of a sombre feel to it. 12 Melbourne Stars players tested positive for COVID-19, which saw the Stars field a heavily depleted lineup for their match against Melbourne Renegades.
They lost that night, but showed some fight. Now, as they have key players back on deck, they will be looking for a big final push to the playoffs. They currently sit bottom of the table, but as the Strikers showed yesterday, one victory can change everything in what is a very tight bottom half of the table.
The same applies to the Renegades. However, they continue to disappoint. Their batting in their last two matches vs Sydney Thunder (80) and Sydney Sixers (105) was nothing short of diabolical, and their season now hangs by a thread. If they have any intention of reaching the playoffs, they need to put together a much improved performance today against their crosstown rivals.
Aaron Finch needs to step up. The Australia white-ball captain has the most runs in Renegades-Stars matches with 563 runs in 17 innings at an average of 40.21 and strike rate of 140.40.
Finch also has the most T20 runs at Docklands. He has struck 1,216 runs in 35 innings on this ground at an average of 39.23 and strike rate of 136.63.
Shaun Marsh has an excellent career record vs Melbourne Stars: 10 inns, 398 runs, avg. 44.22, SR 133.56. The veteran left-hander has been in decent form this season, making a number of starts: 21, 57, 8, 39.
Mackenzie Harvey enjoys batting against the Stars. The left-hander has struck 134 runs in five innings against them at an average of 44.67 and strike rate of 142.55, including a magnificent 21-ball 47* on this ground last season.
Cameron Boyce returned to the bowling crease in fine stye last match vs Sixers (2/15). He has taken five wickets in five matches vs Stars (avg. 28.80), as well as 14 wickets in 13 matches on this ground (avg. 25.79).
Kane Richardson has a solid record vs Stars since 2018, with 10 wickets in eight matches at an average of 24.00 and economy rate of 7.54. This includes 3/24 earlier this season, albeit against a weakened Stars lineup.
Richardson has taken the third-most wickets in BBL 11 with 18 wickets in nine innings at an average of 16.66 and strike rate of 11.6. Also, he has the most wickets of any bowler on this ground (27 wickets, avg. 22.26, SR 16.22).
Melbourne Stars:
Before the last match, Joe Clarke had struck four consecutive half-centuries (52, 83, 52, 85). He batted in the middle order last match due to fatigue, so it remains to be seen if he’s back at opener today.
Marcus Stoinis has an outstanding record vs Melbourne Renegades: 12 inns, 412 runs, avg. 58.86, SR 122.99. Also, Stoinis has a solid record at Docklands: 5 inns, 159 runs, avg. 39.75, SR 111.97.
Will this be Glenn Maxwell’s day? It has been a disrupted and frustrating season for the Stars captain, with scores of 12, 2, 4, 7 and 5 since his century vs Sixers on 15 December.
Maxwell has struck 451 runs in 18 innings vs Renegades at an average of 32.21 and excellent strike rate of 144.09. Also, Maxwell has a similar record at Docklands, with 259 runs in 11 innings at an average of 32.38 and wonderful strike rate of 169.28.
Hilton Cartwright has scored the second-most runs for the Stars this season (283, avg. 31.44, SR 147.39), including 41 off 29 balls vs Renegades earlier this season.
Nathan Coulter-Nile is back in the Stars’ squad and could return today. He has 10 wickets in six games vs Renegades, including six in his last three matches against them.
Adam Zampa enjoys bowling against Renegades, with 14 scalps in 11 matches at an average of 19.79 and economy rate of 6.78.
Stats and Facts
Head-to-head: Matches 21, Renegades 7, Stars 14.
Stars lead Renegades 7-3 in 10 meetings at Docklands.
Brody Couch has taken the most wickets for the Stars this season (12).
Possible Playing 11
Melbourne Renegades have named their squad for this match. All-rounder Jack Prestwidge is in the squad.
Melbourne Renegades: 1. Aaron Finch, 2. Jake Fraser-McGurk, 3. Shaun Marsh, 4. Nic Maddinson (c), 5. Sam Harper (wk), 6. Mackenzie Harvey, 7. Will Sutherland, 8. Cameron Boyce, 9. Kane Richardson, 10. Josh Lalor, 11. Zahir Khan
Melbourne Stars have also named their squad for the derby. Nathan Coulter-Nile is in the squad after recovering from a hamstring strain. Marcus Stoinis is also in the squad, but it remains to be seen if he plays after a back complaint.
Melbourne Stars: 1. Joe Clarke (wk), 2. Nick Larkin/Marcus Stoinis, 3. Glenn Maxwell (c), 4. Joe Burns, 5. Hilton Cartwright, 6. Beau Webster, 7. Nathan Coulter-Nile, 8. Qais Ahmed, 9. Adam Zampa, 10. Haris Rauf, 11. Brody Couch
Marvel Stadium Docklands Pitch Report and Weather
This will be the second of two matches today after the Thunder-Hurricanes match. There have been three 200+ scores in five matches on this ground this season, with the team batting first winning 80% of the matches at Docklands in BBL 11.
It is a hot day in Melbourne today (33 degrees).
Dream11 Prediction
Note: The below teams are not based on the final playing XIs. We may not be able to update these in time.
Option 1:
BBL 2021/22 Match 48: REN vs STA Dream11 Prediction
Option 2:
BBL 2021/22 Match 48: REN vs STA Dream11 Prediction
Cricket News: Joe Burns offers possible solution to revamp BBL | Joe Burns offers ideas on how to revamp the Big Bash League
Melbourne Stars, Queensland and former Australia Test batsman Joe Burns has offered a possible solution to help revamp the Big Bash League (BBL).
The BBL, which has seen some record low crowds this season, has not had the same feel in recent years. After a hugely successful first few years, Cricket Australia (CA) shifted the BBL into a full home-and-away season – the kind you see in the lucrative IPL.
However, factors such as the unavailability of Australian and overseas internationals due to national commitments, as well as COVID-19 this season, has seen the BBL lose some of its edge.
Joe Burns on how CA can revamp the BBL
Taking to Twitter, Burns offered an interesting solution to improve the BBL. Instead of the current 14 rounds with at least one match played on most days, Burns wants a return to an eight-round competition that takes place on weekends, much like Australia’s football codes during the winter.
“Next years MBBL should be 8 rds played on a Fri/Sat/Sun with 1 rd each weekend. T20 WC in October will create a lot of content before BB so lets make each game an event with big build ups/story lines/crowds similar to the winter codes,” tweeted Burns.
Also, Burns believes that it’s time that the Sheffield Shield season is no longer compromised by an extended BBL season. As the Test matches go on, the Australian selectors don’t have an idea on who is in red-ball form, as players across the country are on a heavy diet of white-ball cricket.
Such a predicament has not hurt Australia’s national side this season, owing somewhat to England’s struggles. However, it was felt last season as the Aussies were unable to overcome an India side decimated by injuries and absentees.
“Would also allow some mid week shield games,” wrote Burns.
Next years MBBL should be 8 rds played on a Fri/Sat/Sun with 1 rd each weekend. T20 WC in October will create a lot of content before BB so lets make each game an event with big build ups/story lines/crowds similar to the winter codes. Would also allow some mid week shield games.
Also, in response to a fan query, Burns said that having Shield games will keep players in some form.
“Because the commentators keep saying how there is no red ball cricket for two months of the year? This way they can keep guys playing long format cricket for the summers test series without withdrawing the best players for tour games,”said Burns.
Because the commentators keep saying how there is no red ball cricket for two months of the year? This way they can keep guys playing long format cricket for the summers test series without withdrawing the best players for tour games….
BBL 11 is scheduled to end on January 28, with the Sheffield Shield season to resume soon after. This is well beyond the Ashes series, which is set to be completed after the Hobart Day/Night Test starting 14 January.
THU vs HUR Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report: BBL 2021/22 Match 47 | THU vs HUR Dream11 Prediction Today | Thunder vs Hurricanes Key Players | Docklands Pitch Report
If you didn’t think Sydney Thunder were title contenders, it’s time to think again. The men in green continue to go from strength-to-strength, with their latest performance a demolition job of the highly-ratedHobart Hurricanes on Monday.
And they meet again a few days later. Alex Hales has exploded into form since his return, which is timely given Sam Billings’ departure from the squad. Jason Sangha is leading the side well as the bowling attack continues to be efficient, and they will be looking for their seventh straight win to keep the momentum rolling ahead of the playoffs.
For the Hurricanes, there is a lot to do. They were rated a title contender by many before the season, but apart from Ben McDermott, no other player has fired consistently with the bat. Matthew Wade returns today after a break, and if he goes big today, it gives the Hurricanes such a different dimension after crawling to 139/6 vs Thunder a few days ago.
They have a shot at revenge today. With five wins and six losses this season, it’s time the Hurricanes find consistency as the playoffs are approaching.
Alex Hales has belted 63 and 80* in his last two knocks. The Englishman dominated the Hurricanes attack on Monday, striking 80 off just 56 balls to lead the Thunder to an easy nine-wicket win.
Overall vs Hurricanes, Hales has struck 228 runs in five innings at an average of 45.60 and strike rate of 145.22. Also, Hales smashed a 28-ball 63 in his last match at Docklands, last week vs Renegades.
Jason Sangha looked comfortable and assured a few days ago vs Hurricanes (35* off 31 balls). The Thunder skipper is enjoying a breakthrough season, with the third-most runs in the competition (8 inns, 329 runs, avg. 65.80, SR 132.66).
Daniel Sams smashed a superb 98* off 44 balls on this ground last week vs Renegades. He will be looking to make an impact with the bat again, as well as with the ball (total of eight wickets in six matches vs Hurricanes, avg. 23.00).
Gurinder Sandhu is conceding just 6.28 runs per over this season. He has taken 10 wickets in seven matches in BBL 11, including 2/32 vs Hurricanes earlier this week.
Muhammad Hasnain went wicketless vs Hurricanes on Monday (0/15), but he remains a genuine wicket-taking threat (six wickets in three games this season). His battle vs the Hurricanes top order will be key.
Tanveer Sangha has four wickets in two matches vs Hurricanes, including 1/29 on Monday.
Hobart Hurricanes:
Ben McDermott is having a dream season. He is far and away the leading run-scorer in BBL 11 with 495 runs in nine innings at an average of 61.87 and strike rate of 156.16. He top-scored for the Hurricanes vs Thunder a few days ago (38 off 34 balls).
McDermott has struck 326 runs in 10 matches vs Thunder at an average of 40.75 and strike rate of 145.54. Also, McDermott loves batting at Docklands, with 336 runs in six innings at an average of 67.20 and strike rate of 175.00.
Matthew Wade is back in the Hurricanes’ squad and they need him to deliver after scoring just 64 runs in his last seven innings. He has struck 245 runs vs Thunder since the start of 2017 at an average of 35.00 and strike rate of 147.59.
Wade, however, will be aiming to improve on a sub-par record at Docklands: 11 innings, 180 runs, avg. 18.00, SR 125.87.
D’Arcy Short has struck the sixth-most runs in BBL 11 (306 runs, avg. 34.00). However, his strike rate of 103.37 continues to be an issue. He has a middling record vs Thunder (239 runs, avg. 26.56), and scored similar to his average against them on Monday (29 off 24 balls).
Short also has the most wickets in Thunder-Hurricanes matches (10), so they could look to use him more today after taking 1/9 in three overs on Monday.
Tom Rogers had a tough outing a few days ago (0/33), but he is still having a fine season. He has taken 15 wickets in 10 matches this season at an average of 18.20 and economy rate of 7.37.
Riley Meredith will be key for the Hurricanes. He has struggled in his career so far vs Thunder (3 inns, 2 wickets, avg. 61.00, econ. 10.17), so it will be interesting to see if he can deliver today.
Sydney Thunder (140/1) smashed Hurricanes (139/6) with 16 deliveries to spare at the MCG on Monday. Today’s match will be held at Docklands.
Thunder have won six matches in a row.
Possible Playing 11
Sydney Thunder have named their squad for this clash. Expect there to be no major changes, COVID or injuries permitting.
Sydney Thunder: 1. Alex Hales, 2. Matthew Gilkes, 3. Jason Sangha (c), 4. Daniel Sams, 5. Oliver Davies, 6. Ben Cutting, 7. Baxter Holt (wk), 8. Nathan McAndrew, 9. Gurinder Sandhu, 10. Tanveer Sangha, 11. Muhammad Hasnain
Hobart Hurricanes need a response. Matthew Wade is back, and if he fires, they are a chance. Harry Brook has been called up to England’s T20 squad for the West Indies tour.
Hobart Hurricanes: 1. Matthew Wade (c & wk), 2. Ben McDermott, 3. Peter Handscomb, 4. D’Arcy Short, 5. Tim David, 6. Jordan Thompson, 7. Mitch Owen, 8. Tom Rogers, 9. Riley Meredith, 10. Wil Parker/Gabe Bell, 11. Sandeep Lamichhane
Marvel Stadium Docklands Pitch Report and Weather
There have been three 200+ scores in five matches at Docklands this season, with the Thunder smashing 209/7 last week vs Renegades. The team batting first has won four of the five matches in BBL 11, so runs on the board will be key.
It will be a hot day in Melbourne, with a top of about 33 degrees. There is the chance of an afternoon shower, but this ground has a roof so it won’t be an issue if it rains.
Dream11 Prediction
Option 1:
BBL 2021/22 Match 47: THU vs HUR Dream11 Prediction
Option 2:
BBL 2021/22 Match 47: THU vs HUR Dream11 Prediction
Fan2Play Prediction
Base team:
Wicket-keepers: Ben McDermott
Batsmen: Alex Hales, Jason Sangha
All-rounders: Daniel Sams, D’Arcy Short
Bowlers: Gurinder Sandhu, Muhammad Hasnain, Tom Rogers
Match Prediction
Are Sydney Thunder due a loss? Hobart Hurricanes have what it takes to win, but the battle of the top orders will be key. A score of 180+ will be tough to chase.
HEA vs STR Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report: BBL 2021/22 Match 46 | HEA vs STR Dream11 Prediction Today | Heat vs Strikers Key Players | Gabba Pitch Report
After lots of chaos and adjusting due to COVID-19, BBL 11 moves towards the home stretch as the race for the top five heats up.
Brisbane Heat return home to the Gabba and welcome back nine players who have completed their COVID-19 isolation periods. Unfortunately for the Heat, they had to play two matches after 12 of their players tested positive for the virus, losing both to put further brakes on their season.
However, fortunately for the Heat, the form of the Adelaide Strikers and Renegades in particular leaves the Heat in fifth place. The Strikers continue to disappoint more often than not, but incredibly, with just two wins from 10 games so far, the Strikers will move into the top five with a victory today. Their Bash Boost points along the way has kept them in the hunt, but one thing is for certain – they must produce better than what they have been to date.
Chris Lynn is back on deck. Will he make an impact right away? He has a terrible record against the Strikers, with 224 runs in 14 innings at an average of 16.00 and strike rate of 130.99. Also, he is averaging just 19.25 overall this season.
However, no player comes close to Lynn with regards to T20 runs at the Gabba. He is the only player with at least 1,000 runs on this ground, achieved at an average of 35.00 and strike rate of 166.20.
Ben Duckett was player of the match against Strikers earlier this season. The English left-hander struck a brilliant 78 off 47 balls to lead the Heat to 208/7 at Adelaide Oval.
Sam Heazlett has struck just 46 runs in his last four innings. But, today could be the day he returns to form as he played nicely vs Strikers earlier in BBL 11: 49 off 30 balls.
Mark Steketee is an important player for the Heat. He took 10 wickets in five matches in BBL 11 before testing positive for COVID-19, including 3/27 vs Strikers.
Overall, Steketee has taken 12 wickets in nine matches vs Strikers at an average of 21.25 and economy rate of 8.18. Also, Steketee has the most wickets of any bowler at the Gabba (41 wickets, avg. 22.02, SR 14.85).
Xavier Bartlett is the Heat’s leading wicket-taker this season with 11 scalps in six matches. He has been impressive in this campaign, and comes up against a franchise against whom he has four wickets in three matches (avg. 15.75, econ. 7.00).
Adelaide Strikers:
Matt Short has been a shining light in Adelaide’s disappointing campaign to date. His 265 runs this season have come at an excellent strike rate of 158.68, and he will be aiming to improve on his record vs Brisbane Heat (4 inns, 50 runs, avg. 12.50).
Jono Wells is the Strikers’ leading run-scorer this season. The experienced right-hander has 280 runs to his name in 10 innings at an average of 28.00 and strike rate of 130.84.
Wells has a solid record vs Heat since 2017 (7 inns, 186 runs, avg. 37.20, SR 114.11), which includes a 41-ball 55 against them earlier this season. He also has similar numbers in his career at the Gabba (9 inns, 222 runs, avg. 37.00, SR 118.72).
The Strikers desperately need more from Jake Weatherald. The out-of-form left-hander is averaging just 17 this season, and averages 22.11 in 10 matches vs Heat. Can he turn these numbers around?
Strikers will be well-served playing Wes Agar, if he is available. He has 10 wickets in five matches vs Heat, including 2/39 earlier this season.
Rashid Khan has an excellent record vs Heat, with 13 wickets in seven matches at an average of 13.62 and economy rate of 6.32. Also, he takes two wickets per match on average at the Gabba (six wickets in three games).
Peter Siddle, who recently took five wickets vs Hurricanes, has 12 wickets in nine matches vs Heat since 2017 (avg. 16.17, econ. 7.61).
Stats and Facts
Head-to-head: Matches 15, Heat 7, Strikers 8.
Strikers have a great record at the Gabba, winning five of their seven matches vs Heat on this ground.
Heat (208/7) smashed Strikers (169/8) earlier this season.
Possible Playing 11
Brisbane Heat will welcome back nine of the 12 players who were in isolation for COVID-19.
Xavier Bartlett, Max Bryant, Ben Duckett, Liam Guthrie, Matthew Kuhnemann, Chris Lynn, Nathan McSweeney, Mark Steketee and Jack Wildermuth are all available, according to the official squad.
Fakhar Zaman is unavailable for this match due to Queensland’s border restrictions for people who have been in Australia for less than 14 days.
Brisbane Heat: 1. Chris Lynn, 2. Max Bryant, 3. Lachlan Pfeffer/Jake Lehmann, 4. Ben Duckett (wk), 5. Sam Heazlett, 6. Tom Cooper (c), 7. Xavier Bartlett, 8. Mark Steketee, 9. Matt Kuhnemann, 10. Liam Guthrie/Nathan McSweeney, 11. Mujeeb ur Rahman
At the time of writing, Adelaide Strikers were yet to announce their official squad for this match. Matt Renshaw will be out due to COVID-19.
Also, the Strikers may replace a batsman like Ryan Gibson for an extra bowling option.
Adelaide Strikers: 1. Matt Short, 2. Henry Hunt, 3. Jake Weatherald, 4. Jono Wells, 5. Thomas Kelly, 6. Harry Nielsen (wk), 7. Ryan Gibson/Wes Agar, 8. Rashid Khan, 9. Peter Siddle (c), 10. Harry Conway, 11. Fawad Ahmed
Gabba Pitch Report and Weather
Conditions should be mostly clear for this match in Brisbane. There have been some big totals at the Gabba this season, indicating a very good batting surface.
Sydney Thunder scored 196 last month, followed by Melbourne Stars’ huge 207. Last game, Ben McDermott smashed 93 off 61 balls to lead the Hurricanes to a win against a weakened Heat team.
Dream11 Prediction
Note: The below teams are not based on the final playing XIs. We may not be able to update these in time.
Option 1:
BBL 2021/22 Match 46: HEA vs STR Dream11 Prediction
Option 2:
BBL 2021/22 Match 46: HEA vs STR Dream11 Prediction
Fan2Play Prediction
Base team:
Wicket-keepers: Ben Duckett
Batsmen: Jono Wells, Sam Heazlett
All-rounders: Matt Short
Bowlers: Peter Siddle, Rashid Khan, Mark Steketee, Xavier Bartlett
Match Prediction
Unpredictable match between two unpredictable teams. Strikers have a good record at the Gabba, and that could count for plenty here against a Heat side still finding its feet after COVID. Strikers to win.
Cricket News: “More seagulls than fans!” Very low crowd in BBL 11 at MCG | Just over 5,000 fans turn out to watch double header at MCG
The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) recorded its lowest ever crowd for a Big Bash League (BBL) match, with just 5,802 fans attending the double header involving Sydney Thunder, Hobart Hurricanes, Adelaide Strikers and Melbourne Stars.
Also, this is the second-lowest crowd for a Stars home game overall, sitting behind the 3,272 that attended the Stars-Scorchers match at Junction Oval on January 2.
The COVID-19 pandemic has no doubt had a profound impact on the competition with numerous players from Sydney Thunder, Brisbane Heat, Melbourne Stars and Adelaide Strikers required to isolate after testing positive to the virus. Also, fans may be discouraged from attending due to the thousands of cases particularly in Sydney and Melbourne.
However, the BBL has been on a decline somewhat in recent years, and fans and pundits pointed this out on social media. One user said, “The BBL is dying a slow death. Feels like it needs a dedicated window where all of Australia’s top players play, at the very least. No idea how that fits within the international calendar though.“
The BBL is dying a slow death. Feels like it needs a dedicated window where all of Australia's top players play, at the very least. No idea how that fits within the international calendar though. https://t.co/EwBIQzsPh2
The lack of quality on display due to absence of both Australian and international talent is glaring, as well as the large number of games after Cricket Australia (CA) made the call a few years back to have a full home and away BBL season.
After Joe Clarke led the Stars to an important win in what seemed like a match behind closed doors, another fan responded to the crowd announcement tweeting, “Can’t just blame covid, past few years it was always going down to this level! If you were a player, how could you get excited. Executives got greedy and lost sight of what made it great. Now we hardly have big name players and overall, zero excitement“
Can’t just blame covid, past few years it was always going down to this level! If you were a player, how could you get excited. Executives got greedy and lost sight of what made it great. Now we hardly have big name players and overall, zero excitement https://t.co/ridHyYx39z
CA has been flexible in keeping the tournament going amid the COVID chaos. The tournament is now based in a Melbourne hub to reduce the risk of spreading the virus among franchise players and staff.
While CA should be commended for keeping BBL 11 going, there may very well be a review at the end of the season to determine how to recapture the past magic of a competition that saw a crowd in excess of 85,000 for a Melbourne Derby in 2016.
COVID-19 is a barrier, but attendances to the Ashes Test matches suggest that fans are willing to witness sport live, but the product must be of greater value. New rules such as Bash Boost points and power surges may create some talking points, but a return to the core BBL roots may need to be of utmost priority for CA going forward.
Record low MCG crowd for BBL match
Crowd 5802 tonight lowest ever @BBL crowd at @MCG and 2nd lowest ever @StarsBBL crowd behind 3272 that went to Junction Oval last week #BBL11
Big crowd at the #BBL tonight at @MCG ?. 3/4 of ground not even open. Remember when 86,000 went to a Melbourne Derby. That seems like an eternity a go. Is #BBL cooked?
