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STR vs HUR Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report: BBL 2021/22 Eliminator

Charbel Coorey
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STR vs HUR Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report: BBL 2021/22 Eliminator

STR vs HUR Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report: BBL 2021/22 Eliminator | STR vs HUR Dream11 Prediction Today | Strikers vs Hurricanes Key Players | MCG Pitch Report

After 56 matches of the BBL regular season, attention finally moves to the finals. A few weeks ago, it may have been unthinkable to even believe that Adelaide Strikers would reach this stage. They had only won two of their first nine matches, but all those Bash Boost points and five wins from their last six matches has set them up perfectly.

Even better, they welcome back Alex Carey and Travis Head from a successful Ashes campaign. Head was player of the series, with another Test century setting up a resounding win for the Aussies in Hobart.

After struggling throughout the season, the Strikers all of a sudden are a team to watch. So, Hobart Hurricanes, who were on the wrong end of a record-breaking evening at the MCG two nights ago, will have to be on their game. Matthew Wade’s team conceded a world record T20 franchise score in the process, but they will field a much different attack tonight after resting key players for the Stars match.

A month ago, the Hurricanes would have been backed to win this kind of match easily. Now, they need their batsmen to step up as a unit. They confirmed their passage to the finals with a shaky win against last-placed Renegades earlier this week, so will the Eliminator be the fuse that lights the Hurricanes’ flame?

Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

Adelaide Strikers:

  • Alex Carey is back on deck for the Strikers, and he comes into this match with an excellent record vs Hurricanes. In seven matches against them, he has struck 296 runs at an average of 42.29 and strike rate of 145.81. This includes a century.
  • Travis Head has very similar numbers vs Hurricanes to Carey. The left-hander has 279 runs to his name in seven innings at an average of 45.33 and strike rate of 142.21.
  • Ian Cockbain has made a superb impact for the Strikers. He has struck 123 runs in his three matches for just the one dismissal, including a match-winning 72* off 41 balls vs Sydney Sixers four days ago.
  • Matt Short was player of the match in the Strikers’ last match vs Hurricanes (72* off 44 balls and 1/25). Jono Wells has scored the fifth-most runs of any player in BBL 11 (409, avg. 34.08, SR 127.01), but averages just 22 overall vs Hurricanes.
  • Peter Siddle decimated the Hurricanes batting lineup on January 5. The veteran seamer took 5/23, part of 17 wickets in nine matches vs Hurricanes. Also, Siddle finished the league stage with the most wickets of any bowler (23).
  • Fawad Ahmed has been outstanding in recent matches. He has played a key role in the Strikers’ revival. The leg-spinner has taken eight wickets in his last four matches (1/34, 3/30, 1/33, 3/16).

Hobart Hurricanes:

  • Ben McDermott smashed a century vs Strikers earlier this season (110* off 60 balls). The keeper-batsman hit the most runs of any player in the league stage, with 571 runs at a superb average of 51.90 and strike rate of 153.49.
  • McDermott has struck 292 runs in nine innings vs Strikers at an average of 41.71 and strike rate of 146.00, and is coming off a 33-ball 55 vs Stars on this ground two nights ago.
  • D’Arcy Short has compiled a good tally of 388 runs this season at an average of 35.27, but the strike rate of 108.37 is an issue. He was seen with Ricky Ponting after the Stars match two nights ago, so it will be interesting to see if that has an impact on his game.
  • Short has the most runs in Strikers-Hurricanes matches. He has smashed 570 runs at an average of 51.82 and strike rate of 138.69, including scores of 37 (32) and 32 (32) this season.
  • Matthew Wade scored just 6 and 1 vs Strikers in the league stage. The Hurricanes need their skipper to fire here at a ground he enjoys batting at (19 inns, 544 runs, avg. 38.86, SR 137.72).
  • Wade has a superb record vs Strikers since the start of 2018, despite the low scores this season. He has struck 334 runs in eight innings in this period at an average of 66.80 and strike rate of 173.06.
  • Tom Rogers took the most wickets among Hurricanes bowlers this season (18 in 12 matches, avg. 19.38, econ. 7.75). He took 1/30 and 0/29 vs Strikers in the league stage.
  • Riley Meredith has taken four wickets in his last two matches, and took 3/37 vs Strikers earlier in the season. Scott Boland is set to play after a memorable Ashes series, and has five wickets in four matches vs Strikers (avg. 24.20).

Stats and Facts

  • Head-to-head: Matches 18, Strikers 10, Hurricanes 7, 1 N/R.
  • Both sides won a game against each other in the BBL 11 league stage. Strikers won the most recent meeting by seven wickets after rolling the Hurricanes for 126.
  • Will Strikers play Jake Weatherald? He has struggled this season (avg. 17.75) but has the most runs for any Strikers player vs Hurricanes (424, avg. 38.55).

Possible Playing 11

Travis Head and Alex Carey are available in a huge boost for the Strikers. They have been named in their matchday squad.

It remains to be seen how the Strikers organise their batting lineup with Carey and Head back. There may be room for only one of Jake Weatherald or Matt Renshaw, but Renshaw is in some terrific form at the top of the order. To cater for that, the Strikers may look to push Matt Short down the order as a finisher even though he has opened all season.

Adelaide Strikers: 1. Matt Short, 2. Alex Carey (wk), 3. Travis Head, 4. Ian Cockbain, 5. Jono Wells, 6. Matt Renshaw, 7. Daniel Worrall/Thomas Kelly, 8. Peter Siddle (c), 9. Henry Thornton, 10. Harry Conway, 11. Fawad Ahmed

Hobart Hurricanes have also named their squad. Scott Boland, Riley Meredith and Tom Rogers should all play after being rested two nights ago vs Stars.

Sandeep Lamichhane has completed his BBL 11 stint, returning to Nepal to prepare for the ICC T20 World Cup Qualifiers.

Hobart Hurricanes: 1. Ben McDermott (wk), 2. Caleb Jewell, 3. Matthew Wade (c), 4. D’Arcy Short, 5. Tim David, 6. Peter Handscomb, 7. Jordan Thompson, 8. Tom Rogers, 9. Riley Meredith, 10. Scott Boland, 11. Wil Parker/Josh Kann

MCG Pitch Report and Weather

Melbourne Stars belted a record 273/2 on this ground two nights ago. The surface was good for batting, but experienced bowlers – particularly spinners – can get help from the surface. In fact, Cameron Boyce took five wickets – including a double-hattrick – vs Thunder in the game before Glenn Maxwell’s 154*.

It is a hot and clear day in Melbourne today with a top of about 31 degrees.

Dream11 Prediction

Note: The below teams are not based on the final playing XIs. Keep an eye out for the final batting orders. We may not be able to update the below teams in time.

Option 1:

STR vs HUR Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report: BBL 2021/22 Eliminator | STR vs HUR Dream11 Prediction Today | Strikers vs Hurricanes Key Players | MCG Pitch Report
BBL 2021/22 Eliminator: STR vs HUR Dream11 Prediction

Option 2:

STR vs HUR Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report: BBL 2021/22 Eliminator | STR vs HUR Dream11 Prediction Today | Strikers vs Hurricanes Key Players | MCG Pitch Report
BBL 2021/22 Eliminator: STR vs HUR Dream11 Prediction

Fan2Play Prediction

Base team:

  • Wicket-keepers: Ben McDermott
  • Batsmen: Ian Cockbain, Caleb Jewell
  • All-rounders: Matt Short, Travis Head, D’Arcy Short
  • Bowlers: Peter Siddle, Riley Meredith

Match Prediction

Strikers are the in-form team in the league. And now, they have Head and Carey on board. They will be tough to beat.

Strikers to win.

Should India drop Pujara & Rahane? Here are the stats

Debashish Sarangi
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Should India drop Pujara & Rahane? Here are the stats

Should India drop Pujara & Rahane? Here are the stats | A look at whether India should drop Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane

It was the battle of an inexperienced-yet-promising South African team against the most ruthless Indian side in recent memory. Considering the recent records of both these teams, most cricket fans and experts had predicted an Indian victory prior to the series. If not the best, this was certainly a great chance for India to fulfill their desire of finally conquering South Africa.

But, the happiness of breaking the ‘Centurion jinx’ didn’t last long, as South Africa managed to win yet another Test series against India at home. In the process, in the words of former captain Graeme Smith, the ‘final frontier’ remained firm.

In the aftermath of this series loss, many questions have been raised, with a major one India’s stance with respect to two of their senior-most players, Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane.

Both Pujara and Rahane have been a part of some outstanding victories in India’s Test history, but their performances in some of the recent series have been nothing but underwhelming.

Worriesome stats: Pujara and Rahane in Tests since 2020

Let’s look at the numbers of these two senior batsmen since the start of 2020.

 InningsRunsAverage50s100s
Pujara3897326.2980
Rahane3581924.0831

Both Pujara and Rahane have poor numbers in Test cricket in this period. The sample size of 35-odd innings is large enough to suggest that these two veterans are really struggling with the bat, which increases the load on others in the team.

This is particularly concerning as they are two of the senior-most players in the side.

Now let’s see their numbers at home and away venues in this period.

Although both have performed below par in both home and away venues, it is clear that Pujara has performed a little better than Rahane. Also, Pujara has taken 4.75 innings to get a 50+ score as compared to a significantly higher 8.75 for Rahane in this period.

Should India drop both Pujara and Rahane?

So, what should be the ideal strategy for India regarding these two?

I am not in favour of dropping both of them at once as India is going through a transition period. Their best batsman, Virat Kohli, currently on a century drought spanning more than two years, is also struggling a bit to get big scores.

Therefore, India needs someone experienced to hold the top order together. That’s why I want Pujara to get more chances. It is noteworthy that Pujara has faced 41.27 percent more deliveries than Rahane per innings since 2020, which indicates that the former has been much more resistant than the latter in the middle.

In other words, bowlers have found it significantly tougher to dismiss Pujara than Rahane. On the other hand, Rahane is neither scoring nor shielding the lower order from collapse. Therefore, I feel that India needs to move on and bring another player into the XI as number five. They have two fantastic options in Hanuma Vihari and Shreyas Iyer to try at number five.

As of now, Vihari seems to be ahead of Iyer in the pecking order and it would be a good decision to go with Vihari as their first-choice number five from the next series.

Vihari is technically solid and has played some really gritty knocks in tough conditions in his brief Test career so far. He has been promising, and has the ability to prevent the sort of collapses that have occurred quite often after the fall of the third or fourth wicket in recent times. In my opinion, India should slot him at five and let the stroke players like Rishabh Pant, Shardul Thakur and Ravindra Jadeja bat around him.

Should India drop Pujara & Rahane? Here are the stats | A look at whether India should drop Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane
Hanuma Vihari fought off a hamstring injury to save the 2021 SCG Test.

Both Rahane and Pujara have been two great servants of Indian cricket. However, as they say, everything has to come to an end. Currently, I don’t see any value of Ajinkya Rahane in this Test side. Also, I don’t say that Pujara’s place is secure, but he offers that resistance at the top and has done better as compared to Rahane.

So, India should persist with him at least for the next 3-4 matches. If he continues his poor run, obviously he should be shown the exit door.

AUS-W vs ENG-W Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report: Womens Ashes 2022 1st T20

Charbel Coorey
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AUS-W vs ENG-W Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report: Womens Ashes 2022 1st T20

AUS-W vs ENG-W Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report: Womens Ashes 2022 1st T20 | AUS-W vs ENG-W 1st T20 Dream11 Prediction Today | Australia Women vs England Women Key Players | Adelaide Oval Pitch Report

After the Australia Men’s team sealed their Ashes series in style with a thumping victory in Hobart, attention turns to the Women’s Ashes as Australia aim to keep the trophy downunder.

And a very interesting series awaits against a capable England side. Australia have their injury concerns, most notably great batter Beth Mooney who suffered a broken jaw in a freak training incident in the lead up to the first T20I in Adelaide. Her absence leaves a hole at the top of the order, but Meg Lanning’s team will be confident in overcoming her absence owing to their superb depth.

England are without their challenges, too. COVID-19, isolation and lack of form in the lead up gives Australia an edge, which makes a good start all-the-more important for Heather Knight’s team. They have not held the Ashes trophy since winning in Australia in 2013/14, with a Test victory underpinning their Ashes success back then. But, they need a good start in the T20Is as playing catchup in the Test and ODIs will be a tough ask.

A hot and clear evening will greet the players in front of what should be a good crowd after this season’s WBBL broke all sorts of records. Bring it on.

Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

Australia:

  • Meg Lanning has an outstanding record vs England. The skipper has ammassed 923 runs (the most of any player in AUS-ENG T20Is) at a superb average of 41.95 and strike rate of 127.84.
  • Lanning has scored 251 runs in 11 T20s at Adelaide Oval at an average of 25.1 and strike rate of 113.06.
  • Alyssa Healy will have an important role to play in Mooney’s absence. The keeper-batter averages just 16.71 in 26 T20 innings vs England with a top score of 37. Healy also has similar numbers in T20s at Adelaide Oval (212 runs, avg. 17.67, SR 114.59), so she will be aiming to turn these poor numbers around.
  • It’s a big series for Ellyse Perry. The star all-rounder has been below her best over the past year or so, but she has a fine record vs England with bat and ball: 417 runs, avg. 34.75, SR 105.57 and 29 wickets, avg. 24.10, econ. 6.78.
  • Watch out for Tahlia McGrath. She was player of the series in the T20Is vs India earlier this season. Also, she had a strong WBBL 2021 campaign with 302 runs at an average of 43.14 and strike rate of 113.10.
  • McGrath will be aiming to improve on her Adelaide Oval numbers which read: 17 inns, 199 runs, avg. 18.09, SR 105.29.
  • Jess Jonassen is back and will be key with the ball. She has 18 wickets in 22 innings against England at an average of 25.89 and economy rate of 6.28, including six scalps in her last five T20Is against them.
  • Megan Schutt has some wonderful bowling numbers vs England. The swing bowler has taken 26 wickets in just 17 matches against them at an average of 14.35 and economy rate of 6.11. Also, Schutt has the tenth-most T20 wickets of any bowler (man or woman) at the Adelaide Oval (25 matches, 20 wickets, avg. 23.70, econ. 5.70).

England:

  • The classy Heather Knight will be crucial to England’s hopes. The skipper averages just 14.45 overall vs Australia, but she has scored 23, 78 and 13 in her last three T20Is against them.
  • Danielle Wyatt scored a century and half-century in the 2017/18 T20I series in Australia. However, she averages just 18.54 in 28 T20I innings vs Australia, so she will be looking to rediscover her 2017 form.
  • What impact will the quality Nat Sciver make on this match? She has 427 runs to her name vs Australia at an average of 23.72 along with 18 wickets at 21.94.
  • Sophie Ecclestone continues to impress. The left-arm spinner took a ridiculous 7/14 in last week’s tour match vs England A. Also, she has an impressive 15 wickets in 12 matches vs Australia at an average of 20.33 and economy rate of 6.65.
  • Katherine Brunt has the most wickets for England against Australia. The seamer has taken 21 wickets in 22 matches at an average of 24.81 and economy rate of 6.45.

Stats and Facts

  • Head-to-head: Matches 37, Australia 18, England 19.
  • Australia have won six of the past eight T20Is vs England.
  • The teams have met once before in a T20I at Adelaide Oval, in 2011. England won by four wickets and 10 balls to spare.
  • England lost to England A by 40 runs in a warm up match four days ago.
  • Tammy Beaumont averages just 16.08 in 13 T20I knocks vs Australia. She had a solid 2021 though, with 303 runs in nine T20Is at an average of 33.66 and strike rate of 108.
  • Australia leg-spinner Alana King has been rewarded for a great WBBL campaign where she took 16 wickets in 13 matches at an economy rate of 5.82.

Possible Playing 11

With Beth Mooney’s unfortunate injury, Australia could look to open up with ODI opener Rachael Haynes. Despite the injuries and absentees in Australia’s squad, they still have a wonderful possible XI on paper.

Australia: 1. Alyssa Healy (wk), 2. Rachael Haynes, 3. Meg Lanning (c), 4. Ellyse Perry, 5. Ashleigh Gardner, 6. Tahlia McGrath, 7. Annabel Sutherland/Nicola Carey, 8. Jess Jonassen, 9. Darcie Brown/Tayla Vlaeminck, 10. Megan Schutt, 11. Alana King

It’s a big series for Amy Jones (if picked), who averages just 10.2 in 10 T20Is vs Australia.

England: 1. Tammy Beaumont, 2. Danielle Wyatt, 3. Heather Knight (c), 4. Nat Sciver, 5. Amy Jones (wk), 6. Sophia Dunkley, 7. Katherine Brunt, 8. Anya Shrubsole, 9. Sophie Ecclestone, 10. Made Villiers/Kate Cross, 11. Sarah Glenn

Adelaide Oval Pitch Report and Weather

Adelaide Oval played host to eight Women’s Big Bash matches in November. The average first innings score was 118.75, with the chasing team winning all the matches.

The chasing team has also enjoyed recent success in the Men’s Big Bash on this ground, winning three of the past four matches.

A hot and sunny day is forecast in Adelaide, with a top of about 35 degrees. The match will be played mostly under lights.

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:

AUS-W vs ENG-W Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report: Womens Ashes 2022 1st T20 | AUS-W vs ENG-W 1st T20 Dream11 Prediction Today | Australia Women vs England Women Key Players | Adelaide Oval Pitch Report
Womens Ashes 2022 1st T20: AU-W vs EN-W Dream11 Prediction

Option 2:

AUS-W vs ENG-W Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report: Womens Ashes 2022 1st T20 | AUS-W vs ENG-W 1st T20 Dream11 Prediction Today | Australia Women vs England Women Key Players | Adelaide Oval Pitch Report
Womens Ashes 2022 1st T20: AU-W vs EN-W Dream11 Prediction

Fan2Play Prediction

Base team:

  • Wicket-keepers: Alyssa Healy
  • Batsmen: Meg Lanning
  • All-rounders: Heather Knight, Nat Sciver, Ellyse Perry
  • Bowlers: Megan Schutt, Sophie Ecclestone

Match Prediction

Both sides have their worries at the moment, but Australia, at home, should start the series with a win.

273/2: The records Glenn Maxwell & Melbourne Stars broke

Charbel Coorey
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273/2: The records Glenn Maxwell & Melbourne Stars broke

Cricket News: 273/2: The records Glenn Maxwell & Melbourne Stars broke | Maxwell and Stars break records on their way to 273/2

Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis and Melbourne Stars have completed their BBL 11 campaign in the best way possible, sending the ball to all parts on a record-breaking night at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).

Maxwell (159 off 64 balls) and Stoinis (75 off 31 balls) made a mockery of the weakened Hobart Hurricanes attack, with the Stars captain, playing his 100th BBL game, treating viewers to some remarkable hitting.

Along the way, both individual and team records were smashed as the inexperienced Hurricanes attack couldn’t cope. After choosing to rest their main bowlers, the bowlers on show tried their best but ended up serving some horrid deliveries that were duly dealt with.

In a tournament that has lacked consistent power-hitting and big totals, the Stars saved the best for the last league game of the season as they went ballistic and broke records along the way.

Melbourne Stars smash 273/2: The broken stats

1. Second-highest T20 score in history

Melbourne Stars recorded the second-highest total in all T20 matches, with their 273 just five runs short of the all-time highest T20 team score. Afghanistan and Czech Republic can hold onto their scores of 278 with pride for now.

Also, the Stars smashed the all-time highest BBL team total by 50 runs, with Hobart Hurricanes’ 223 now second in the list.

2. Highest ever total in T20 franchise history

The Stars’ 273 eclipsed the 267 scored by Trinbago against Jamaica in CPL 2019, making it the highest total in franchise T20 history.

Given how much T20 cricket is played around the world, this is some feat indeed.

3. Highest individual score in BBL history

Glenn Maxwell endured a frustrating season due to inconsistency and COVID-19. However, he let all those frustrations go in a remarkable display of hitting, beating Marcus Stoinis’ previous BBL record of 147* against Sydney Sixers.

All Maxwell needed was 64 deliveries in a chanceless knock, as the Hurricanes bowlers and fielders joined the spectators in seeing the ball sail over the rope.

The Stars were left disappointed at missing out on the BBL 11 finals, and looked at their final match as an opportunity to enjoy themselves.

And did they what.

STA vs HUR Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report: BBL 2021/22 Match 56

Charbel Coorey
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0
STA vs HUR Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report: BBL 2021/22 Match 56

STA vs HUR Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report: BBL 2021/22 Match 56 | STA vs HUR Dream11 Prediction | Stars vs Hurricanes Key Players | MCG Pitch Report

This match had the potential to be a straight shootout for a playoffs spot. However, after Hobart Hurricanes snuck home last night vs Melbourne Renegades, the Melbourne Stars are out of the running.

It confirms what has been a tough season for the Stars. Stricken by inconsistency and then COVID-19, Glenn Maxwell and his team have not been able to string together any decent run of form. However, they have the chance to end on a high, and with two wins from their past three matches, they have some confidence heading into this clash.

The Hurricanes need to fine-tune their game further ahead of the finals. For long periods it seemed they would lose to the bottom-placed Renegades yesterday, but some good bowling (and questionable Renegades tactics) got them over the line. Today will be a good test against a strong team with nothing to lose.

Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

Melbourne Stars

  • Joe Clarke has been a shining light in a difficult season for the Stars. He smashed 62 off 36 balls in his last match (vs Heat), part of 384 runs this season at an average of 32.00 and strike rate of 148.26. This includes a 40-ball 52 vs Hurricanes earlier in BBL 11.
  • Glenn Maxwell has an outstanding record vs Hurricanes. The Stars’ skipper has struck 337 runs in 12 innings against them at an average of 42.13 and strike rate of 162.02.
  • Maxwell has found some form in recent games, striking 68*, 16 and 37 in his last three matches. Also, the captain has the most T20 runs at the MCG (1,114 runs, avg. 30.94, SR 140.66).
  • Marcus Stoinis was back to his damaging best last game vs Heat (29* off 10 balls). He loves playing the Hurricanes, with 296 runs in 10 innings at an average of 49.33 and strike rate of 132.74.
  • Hilton Cartwright has struck the second-most runs for the Stars this season. The right-hander has 360 runs to his name at an average of 32.72 and strike rate of 144.57.
  • Can Adam Zampa build on his six wickets in seven matches vs Hurricanes? He has a fine record at the MCG, with 40 wickets in 29 innings at an average of 18.55 and strike rate of 16.38.
  • Nathan Coulter-Nile has taken at least one wicket in each of his last four matches (total of five wickets). He has four wickets to his name in two matches for the Stars against Hurricanes (avg. 9.00, econ. 6.00).

Hobart Hurricanes:

  • Ben McDermott started his amazing run of form in BBL 11 against the Stars, with a 43-ball 67 on Christmas Eve. He has the most runs of any player this season, ammassing 516 runs at an average of 51.60 and strike rate of 152.21.
  • McDermott’s career record vs Stars: 9 inns, 340 runs, avg. 42.50, SR 128.79.
  • Caleb Jewell has played nicely since moving to opener in the last two games: 51 (32) and 35 (28).
  • Matthew Wade has also struck form at the right part of the season. The skipper has hit 83* (54) and 48 (39) in his last two innings.
  • Wade averages 30 in five innings vs Stars, and has an excellent record at the MCG. The left-hander has scored 534 runs in 18 T20 innings on this ground at an average of 41.08 and strike rate of 139.43.
  • D’Arcy Short looked to be finding his best form yesterday with 37 off 22 balls vs Renegades. He has a sub-par record vs Stars (221 runs, avg. 24.56, SR 138.99), so it will be interesting to see how he fares today.
  • Short at the MCG: 7 inns, 276 runs, avg. 55.20, SR 128.97.
  • Tom Rogers is the Hurricanes’ leading wicket-taker in BBL 11 (12 matches, 18 wickets, avg. 19.38, SR 15.0). He took 3/29 vs Stars on Christmas Eve in a death-bowling clinic.
  • Riley Meredith (3/29 and 1/27 in his last two matches) has a good record vs Stars. The pacer has taken 13 wickets in eight matches at an average of 16.15 and economy rate of 6.89, as well as eight wickets in four matches at MCG.
  • Scott Boland is set to return after a dream Ashes series which included a remarkable 6/7 on this ground. Boland has three wickets in two matches vs Stars (avg. 22.33, econ. 8.11), as well as 22 wickets in 16 matches at the MCG (avg. 21.27, SR 16.68).

Stats and Facts

  • Head-to-head: Matches 16, Stars 10, Hurricanes 6.
  • Hurricanes (180/6) beat Stars (156/9) by 24 runs earlier in BBL 11.
  • The Hurricanes can still finish as high as second provided the Sixers and Thunder pick up no points today.

Possible Playing 11

Melbourne Stars have named their squad for this match.

Melbourne Stars: 1. Joe Clarke (wk), 2. Glenn Maxwell (c), 3. Hilton Cartwright, 4. Marcus Stoinis, 5. Beau Webster, 6. Joe Burns, 7. Nathan Coulter-Nile, 8. Clint Hinchliffe, 9. Ahmad Deniyal, 10. Sam Rainbird, 11. Adam Zampa

Scott Boland is available for the Hurricanes in this match.

Hobart Hurricanes: 1. Ben McDermott (wk), 2. Caleb Jewell, 3. Matthew Wade (c), 4. D’Arcy Short, 5. Tim David, 6. Peter Handscomb, 7. Jordan Thompson, 8. Tom Rogers, 9. Riley Meredith, 10. Scott Boland, 11. Sandeep Lamichhane

MCG Pitch Report and Weather

The average first innings score at the MCG in BBL 11 is 149.16, with the chasing team winning five of the six matches. A warm and clear day is forecast for Melbourne.

Dream11 Prediction

Note: The below teams are not based on final playing XIs. We may not be able to update these in time.

Option 1:

STA vs HUR Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report: BBL 2021/22 Match 56 | STA vs HUR Dream11 Prediction | Stars vs Hurricanes Key Players | MCG Pitch Report
BBL 2021/22 Match 56: STA vs HUR Dream11 Prediction

Option 2:

STA vs HUR Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report: BBL 2021/22 Match 56 | STA vs HUR Dream11 Prediction | Stars vs Hurricanes Key Players | MCG Pitch Report
BBL 2021/22 Match 56: STA vs HUR Dream11 Prediction

Fan2Play Prediction

Base team:

  • Wicket-keepers: Matthew Wade, Ben McDermott, Joe Clarke
  • Batsmen: Hilton Cartwright, Caleb Jewell
  • All-rounders: Glenn Maxwell
  • Bowlers: Nathan Coulter-Nile, Riley Meredith

Match Prediction

Hurricanes are in the playoffs, but the Stars are playing better cricket in recent games. A tough pick, but the Stars might sneak a win at home.

THU vs REN Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report: BBL 2021/22 Match 55

Charbel Coorey
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0
THU vs REN Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report: BBL 2021/22 Match 55

THU vs REN Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report: BBL 2021/22 Match 55 | THU vs REN Dream11 Prediction Today | Thunder vs Renegades Key Players | MCG Pitch Report

Sydney Thunder will be keeping a close eye on the Heat-Sixers match before this one. If the Sixers don’t pick up maximum points, the Thunder can then overtake them into the all-important second spot to battle with Perth Scorchers for a spot in next week’s BBL 11 Final.

To do that, however, the Thunder will need to improve on recent showings. After six straight wins, the Thunder have lost two straight, with their last outing against the Sixers a particularly disappointing one.

They welcome back Usman Khawaja after Test duty. The Thunder skipper comes in on a high after the Ashes triumph, which included twin centuries at the SCG. He heads up a talented batting lineup that will be aiming to bounce back from a poor showing vs the Sixers, and if they fire here, it serves as perfect preparation for the finals.

For Melbourne Renegades, only pride is at stake. They had a golden opportunity to achieve victory last night vs Hurricanes, only to fall short from a winning position. Aaron Finch and Shaun Marsh, who led the way yesterday, will be key again, but more is expected of the others including Ukmukt Chand who is expected to lineup for his second BBL match.

Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

Sydney Thunder:

  • Alex Hales belted the Renegades attack around on this ground earlier this season, scoring 63 off just 28 balls. Overall, Hales has smashed 248 runs in five matches vs Renegades at an average of 48.00 and strike rate of 184.73.
  • Usman Khawaja will be aiming to make an impact right away on his BBL return. He recently scored twin centuries in the Ashes, and he too has an excellent record vs Renegades: 8 inns, 292 runs, avg. 48.67, SR 129.20.
  • Jason Sangha has had a season to remember. He is the Thunder’s top run-scorer in BBL 11 with 382 runs in 10 matches at an average of 54.57 and strike rate of 132.17.
  • Daniel Sams was player of the match earlier this season vs Renegades. He smashed an incredible 98* off 44 balls and took 1/10.
  • Gurinder Sandhu has taken 10 wickets in seven matches vs Renegades at an average of 18.90. This includes brilliant figures of 2/8 off three overs earlier this season. Nathan McAndrew has seven wickets in five matches at an average of 17.43, including 1/23 earlier this season.
  • Tanveer Sangha took 2/12 against Renegades earlier in BBL 11, and he will aim to target the Renegades’ weakness vs spin.

Melbourne Renegades:

  • Aaron Finch played beautifully yesterday vs Hurricanes (75 off 52 balls). He has the most runs in Thunder-Renegades matches with 331 runs in 11 matches at an average of 30.09 and strike rate of 129.80.
  • Shaun Marsh also struck a half-century yesterday, and fans can be confident he can make a similar score today. Marsh has a superb career record vs Thunder, with 391 runs in 10 matches at an average of 48.88 and strike rate of 145.35.
  • James Seymour looked in good touch yesterday vs Hurricanes with 24 off 13 balls. Also, he top-scored for the Renegades against Thunder earlier this season with 25 off 23 balls.
  • Cameron Boyce has taken five wickets in three matches this season (2/15, 1/30, 2/37). He will be aiming to build on his record vs three wickets in four matches vs Thunder at an average of 32.33.
  • Zak Evans is a potential wicket-taker for the Renegades. He took 1/22 vs Thunder earlier this year, but he concedes 11.60 runs per over in his two matches against them.

Stats and Facts

  • Head-to-head: Matches 14, Renegades 9, Thunder 5.
  • Thunder (209/7) belted Renegades (80) earlier this season.
  • Renegades lead Thunder 3-2 at Marvel Stadium.

Possible Playing 11

Usman Khawaja returns for the Thunder. Muhammad Hasnain has been reported for a suspect bowling action and is not in the squad.

Sydney Thunder: 1. Alex Hales, 2. Usman Khawaja (c), 3. Jason Sangha, 4. Daniel Sams, 5. Matthew Gilkes (wk), 6. Ben Cutting/Alex Ross/Ollie Davies, 7. Nathan McAndrew, 8. Gurinder Sandhu, 9. Brendan Doggett, 10. Jono Cook/Arjun Nair, 11. Tanveer Sangha

Melbourne Renegades have also named their squad.

Melbourne Renegades: 1. James Seymour, 2. Aaron Finch (c), 3. Shaun Marsh, 4. Sam Harper (wk), 5. Ukmukt Chand, 6. Jono Merlo, 7. Will Sutherland, 8. Josh Lalor, 9. Cameron Boyce, 10. Zak Evans, 11. Zahir Khan

MCG Pitch Report and Weather

The average first innings score at the MCG in BBL 11 is 149.16, with the chasing team winning five of the six matches. A warm and clear day is forecast for Melbourne.

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:

THU vs REN Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11: BBL 2021/22 Match 55 THU vs REN Dream11 Prediction Today MCG Pitch Report
BBL 2021/22 Match 55: THU vs REN Dream11 Prediction

Option 2:

THU vs REN Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11: BBL 2021/22 Match 55 THU vs REN Dream11 Prediction Today MCG Pitch Report
BBL 2021/22 Match 55: THU vs REN Dream11 Prediction

Fan2Play Prediction

Base team:

  • Wicket-keepers: Sam Harper
  • Batsmen: Aaron Finch, Alex Hales, Usman Khawaja
  • All-rounders: Daniel Sams
  • Bowlers: Gurinder Sandhu, Zak Evans

Match Prediction

Thunder to win.

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

Nash Sant
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0
SA vs IND 1st ODI Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

SA vs IND 1st ODI Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | SA vs IND 1st ODI Dream11 Prediction Today | South Africa vs India 1st ODI Key Players | Paarl Pitch Report

After an intense Test series between the Proteas and the Men in Blue, the attention turns towards the ODI Super League with crucial points up for grabs. While India has already qualified for the 2023 World Cup, South Africa are currently ninth on the table with 39 points. 30 points are up for grabs in this series. 

The two teams start the ODI leg of the series at Boland Park in Paarl. This will be the first time India will be playing an ODI in Paarl. However, the last time India played an ODI series in South Africa, Virat Kohli was at the top of his game and him along with the spin twins of India, Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal absolutely blew away the Proteas team. 

Kohli scored a total of 558 runs in six innings at an average of 186 that included three hundreds, while Yadav and Chahal combined to take 33 wickets out of the total 66 at an average of 13 and 16 respectively. 

Although this time around, Chahal is on tour but his partner-in-crime Yadav is missing. This tour will prove significantly important for both teams as they start preparing for the 2023 World Cup and start sorting out their team combinations.

Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

South Africa:

  • Janneman Malan has been the key destroyer of bowling line-ups for South Africa. He made his debut at the top in 2020 and is averaging 82 since then at a SR of 91. He will be up against one of the best bowlers in Jasprit Bumrah and how he starts will set up the first game and the series perfectly for South Africa.
  • Rassie van der Dussen occupies the key position of a number four in the team and he will perform the role of keeping the scoreboard ticking in those crucial middle overs. Although Dussen had a very modest series against SL in 2021 with only one fifty, he will surely look to rectify that after riding on a high from his test performance. He is averaging 55 since 2020 at a SR of 93.67
  • Quinton de Kock returns for the ODI series after announcing his retirement after the first Rest of the series. De Kock has two hundreds to his name since 2020 and has scored at a SR of 98 while averaging 49.77. QdK and Malan at the top will prove to be very crucial for the Proteas as they look to navigate the spin threat of Chahal and Ashwin this time. 
  • de Kock has an outstanding ODI record vs India. He has struck 784 runs in 13 matches at an average of 60.30 and strike rate of 91.48.
  • Tabraiz Shamsi will be the biggest threat for the Indian batting line-up. Shamsi has been nothing short of phenomenal for the Proteas over the last two years. He has grabbed 21 wickets at an average of 26 since the start of 2020. 
  • Kagiso Rabada did not have the best of 2021 where he averaged 35 and went at an economy of 5.26, but South Africa will turn to him to fill the gap left by Anrich Nortje’s injury. If Rabada can make early inroads through the strong Indian top-order, SA coil set themselves up to grab those 30 points on offer in the ODI Super League.
  • Rabada has 17 wickets in 12 matches vs India at an average of 32.

India:

  • KL Rahul has been appointed the captain in absence of their newly-appointed captain Rohit Sharma. Rahul has been the star performer for India since 2020 scoring at an average of 62 while striking at 104. He will be opening the innings this time with Shikhar Dhawan.
  • Shikhar Dhawan has been another performer who has scored 587 runs since 2020 while averaging 58.70 and a SR of 91. Dhawan will have a lot to prove as he only plays the 50-over format for India and will look to keep his performances consistent with an eye on the 2023 World Cup. 
  • Dhawan vs South Africa: 18 ODIs, 798 runs, avg. 49.87, SR 96.72.
  • Virat Kohli, contrary to the belief of social media, has been rather consistent in his 50-over performances even though he hasn’t scored a hundred. Averaging 46.66 and with a SR of 90.90 Kohli will be playing this time without the captaincy badge next to his name. If that means he returns to his peak, then it won’t matter who SA put up against him. 
  • He has a wonderful record vs the Proteas. He has scored 1,287 runs in 25 ODI innings against them at an average of 64.35 and strike rate of 86.90.
  • Jasprit Bumrah will be stepping on the field as a vice captain for the first time. He will look to improve on his 2020 and get back to his best before the home season begins. He hasn’t played ODI cricket in over a year but that only means he will raring to go and get back to his level best.
  • Yuzvendra Chahal will remember the havoc he wreaked along with Kuldeep Yadav back in 2017-2018. He will definitely look to repeat those performances and keep South Africa on their toes at all times. He has picked up 12 wickets since 2020 at an average of 30 with an economy of 6.22. 

Stats and Facts

  • Although the overall record is in favour of SA having won 46 and lost 35, the record since 2015 is rather one-sided in favour of the Men in Blue. India has won 10 games while losing just four since 2015. 
  • Virat Kohli’s ODI average in South Africa increases to 87.70 from 15 innings.
  • Quinton De Kock’s average against India is 60.30.
  • Andile Phehlukwayo has taken seven wickets in three ODIs at Paarl.

Possible Playing 11

South Africa: 1. Quinton de Kock (wk), 2. Janneman Malan, 3. Temba Bavuma (c), 4. Aiden Markram, 5. Rassie van der Dussen, 6. David Miller, 7. Dwaine Pretorius/George Linde, 8. Andile Phehlulwayo, 9. Kagiso Rabada, 10. Lungi Ngidi, 11. Tabraiz Shamsi

India: 1. KL Rahul (c), 2. Shikhar Dhawan, 3. Virat Kohli, 4. Suryakumar Yadav, 5. Rishabh Pant (wk), 6. Venkatesh Iyer, 7. Deepak Chahar, 8. Shardul Thakur/Bhuvneshwar Kumar, 9. R Ashwin, 10. Jasprit Bumrah, 11. Yuzvendra Chahal

Boland Park Paarl Pitch Report and Weather

A hot and clear day is forecast for Paarl on Wednesday. A top of 33 degrees and sunshine will greet the players in this day game.

The team batting first has won two of three ODIs in Paarl since 2017. In 2020, South Africa (291/7) smashed Australia (217) on a good, easy-paced surface. Expect a similar kind of track here.

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:

SA vs IND 1st ODI Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | SA vs IND 1st ODI Dream11 Prediction Today | South Africa vs India 1st ODI Key Players | Paarl Pitch Report
SA vs IND 1st ODI Dream11 Prediction

Option 2:

SA vs IND 1st ODI Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | SA vs IND 1st ODI Dream11 Prediction Today | South Africa vs India 1st ODI Key Players | Paarl Pitch Report
SA vs IND 1st ODI Dream11 Prediction

Fan2Play Prediction

Base team:

  • Wicket-keepers: Quinton de Kock
  • Batsmen: KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, Jannemann Malan
  • All-rounders: Andile Phehulkwayo
  • Bowlers: Jasprit Bumrah, Kagiso Rabada

Match Prediction

India have a strong record vs South Africa in recent years and look good for a first up win.

HEA vs SIX Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report: BBL 2021/22 Match 54

Charbel Coorey
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0
HEA vs SIX Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report: BBL 2021/22 Match 54

HEA vs SIX Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report: BBL 2021/22 Match 54 | HEA vs SIX Dream11 Prediction Today | Heat vs Sixers Key Players | Gabba Pitch Report

The final day of the BBL 11 league stage is finally upon us, and while the top five has been decided, certain positions are still up for grabs.

One position is that all-important second. Sydney Sixers travel to Brisbane with the chance to seal a top-two place and get a shot at a straight passage to the BBL 11 Final next week. However, apart from the recent win against the Thunder, the Sixers have been a little under-par in the last couple of weeks, with their latest effort a comfortable defeat at the hands of the Strikers in Adelaide.

Their batting has been a little up-and-down, while the lack of spinning options has hurt them at times. The return of Nathan Lyon certainly helps in that regard, as he and Steve O’Keefe (if fit) can work excellently alongside an efficient seam attack.

Indeed, the Sixers start as favourites with plenty to play for. However, don’t count out a Brisbane Heat side with nothing to lose. Especially with Marnus Labuschagne on deck for this one. He was outstanding in the BBL last season, and returns on a high after Australia’s massive victory in Hobart to seal the Ashes 4-0.

The last time these sides played, the Heat should have defended 105 as Ben Dwarshuis and Sean Abbott led the Sixers to victory from the depths of 47/8.

Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

Brisbane Heat:

  • Marnus Labuschagne was outstanding in last season’s BBL. He struck 176 runs in six innings (SR 123.07) and took 10 wickets.
  • Max Bryant was back to his best after what has been a frustrating, disrupted season. He hit a career best 81 last game vs Scorchers, and he smashed a 23-ball 40 vs Sixers last season.
  • Chris Lynn has the most runs in Sixers-Heat matches (303, avg. 25.25, SR 151.50). He also has the most runs at the Gabba (1,197, avg. 34.20, SR 165.65). Can he finish a disappointing season (avg. 17.81) on a high?
  • Mark Steketee has been expensive in his last couple of matches, but he generally enjoys bowling against Sixers. He took 4/33 against them last season as well as 1/25 earlier in BBL 11. Overall, he has nine wickets in seven games vs Sixers, as well as 41 wickets in 28 games at the Gabba (most of any bowler).
  • Mitch Swepson was excellent two nights ago vs Scorchers (2/19). He has eight wickets in eight matches vs Sixers (avg. 25) and 17 wickets in 20 T20s at the Gabba. Can he improve on these numbers today?

Sydney Sixers:

  • Sean Abbott produced one of the great all-round performances the last time these two teams met. He took 4/31, scored a match-winning 37* and took two catches including an absolute blinder to remove Chris Lynn.
  • Abbott has a remarkable record against the Heat. He has 24 wickets against them in just nine matches at an average of 10.63 and economy rate of 7.69, including 10 scalps in five matches at the Gabba.
  • Josh Philippe has made three starts in his last four knocks (32, 0, 57, 22). What can he produce today? He averages 30.60 in seven matches vs Heat (153 runs), so could we see a 30+ score here?
  • Daniel Hughes has the most runs of any Sixers player vs Heat (257, avg. 25.70, SR 122.38). Moises Henriques is close behind with 228 runs at a similar average of 25.33 and strike rate of 131.03.
  • Dan Christian smashed 61* (38) vs Heat in a matchwinning performance a year ago. He has a career strike rate of 147 vs Heat (avg. 28.86), along with 12 wickets in 12 matches.
  • Ben Dwarshuis took 2/13 vs Heat earlier this season, part of 10 wickets in 10 matches against them. Hayden Kerr took 2/18 in the same game, part of his 19 wickets this season – the most of any Sixers’ bowler.

Stats and Facts

  • Head-to-head: Matches 15, Heat 3, Sixers 12.
  • Sixers have won six out of seven matches vs Heat at the Gabba.
  • A Sixers win here would go a long way to sealing a top-two spot ahead of Thunder (depending on Bash Boost point and NRR).
  • Ben Duckett has scored the most runs for the Heat this season (299, avg. 27.18). James Bazley has the most wickets (12, avg. 25.33).

Possible Playing 11

Marnus Labuschagne is back for the Heat. He has been named in their squad for this match after contacting Queensland Cricket and making himself available for the match.

Brisbane Heat: 1. Chris Lynn, 2. Max Bryant, 3. Marnus Labuschagne, 4. Ben Duckett, 5. Sam Heazlett, 6. Jimmy Peirson (c & wk), 7. James Bazley, 8. Michael Neser, 9. Mark Steketee, 10. Mitch Swepson, 11. Matt Kuhnemann

Nathan Lyon has been named in the Sydney Sixers squad. It will be interesting to see whether the Sixers choose two spinning options.

Sydney Sixers: 1. Josh Philippe (wk), 2. Jack Edwards, 3. Daniel Hughes, 4. Moises Henriques (c), 5. Jordan Silk, 6. Dan Christian, 7. Sean Abbott, 8. Hayden Kerr, 9. Ben Dwarshuis, 10. Jackson Bird/Nathan Lyon, 11. Steve O’Keefe/Todd Murphy

Gabba Pitch Report and Weather

There is a chance of a shower during the day in Brisbane, but conditions should be fine. A warm and humid day (31 degrees) is forecast.

Brisbane Heat were rolled for 90 on this ground last week, with Rashid Khan taking 6/17. The Heat have better batting depth in this match.

The average first innings score at the Gabba in BBL 11 is 177. The team batting first has won three of the four matches. In all three of those matches, the side setting a score posted 160+.

Dream11 Prediction

Note: The below teams are not based on final playing XIs. We may not be able to update these in time.

Option 1:

HEA vs SIX Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report: BBL 2021/22 Match 54 | HEA vs SIX Dream11 Prediction Today | Heat vs Sixers Key Players | Gabba Pitch Report
BBL 2021/22 Match 54: HEA vs SIX Dream11 Prediction

Option 2:

HEA vs SIX Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report: BBL 2021/22 Match 54 | HEA vs SIX Dream11 Prediction Today | Heat vs Sixers Key Players | Gabba Pitch Report
BBL 2021/22 Match 54: HEA vs SIX Dream11 Prediction

Fan2Play Prediction

Base team:

  • Wicket-keepers: Josh Philippe
  • Batsmen: Moises Henriques, Chris Lynn
  • All-rounders: Sean Abbott, Dan Christian, Marnus Labuschagne, James Bazley
  • Bowlers: Ben Dwarshuis, Hayden Kerr

Match Prediction

Sixers have a great record vs Heat and should win this.

PSL 2022: Players & teams to watch out for

Charbel Coorey
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PSL 2022: Players & teams to watch out for

Cricket News: PSL 2022: Players & teams to watch out for | Players and teams to watch out for in the upcoming PSL 2022 season

The seven edition of the Pakistan Super League will get underway on 28 January 2022. The Multan Sultans are the reigning champions and chasing a second title. Peshawar Zalmi have reached four of the last five finals, but are still trying to replicate their championship success of 2017.

The Karachi Kings, Islamabad United, Lahore Qalandars and Quetta Gladiators will also be in contention, as the PSL offers a tantalising curtain raiser to the Indian Premier League later this year.

Very few, if any, Proteas stars will feature in the Pakistan Super League this season. Cricket South Africa won’t issue no-objection certificates to centrally-contracted players. But there will be plenty of other modern-day domestic T20 greats from elsewhere around the world to increase the global appeal of the tournament.

Islamabad will have England’s Alex Hales, Ireland’s Paul Stirling and New Zealand’s Colin Munro in their ranks. Munro is a particularly intriguing prospect. His role with the bat could boost United’s hopes. He’s done it before for the Perth Scorchers in Australia’s Big Bash League.

Cricket News: PSL 2022: Players & teams to watch out for | Players and teams to watch out for in the upcoming PSL 2022 season
PSL 2022: Players & teams to watch out for – Alex Hales

Fans will be pleased to see Afghanistan all-rounder Mohammad Nabi in the Karachi squad. He has played for several domestic T20 franchises around the world, including the Caribbean Premier League, Bangladesh Premier League and others. Karachi have England’s Joe Clarke – of recent Big Bash League success – and national captain Babar Azam as well.

Lahore are side who have gone heavy on English recruits. Their leading light is certainly Afghanistan all-rounder Rashid Khan, who efforts with bat and ball should be complemented by British trio Samit Patel, Harry Brook and Phil Salt. It’s Patel’s role as a spinner that might come in handy in reasonably slower conditions.

The Multan Sultans will be eager to put Imran Tahir to good use. The leg-spinner warmed the bench of the Chennai Super Kings in the IPL for far too long, but is all but guaranteed a start in the Sultans XI. For some extra firepower with the ball, they have West Indian seamer Dominic Drakes.

Peshawar must look to Sherfane Rutherford and Ben Cutting. West Indian Rutherford can be a formidable force in the middle order. Cutting is a key factor with the ball. By no means fast, his seam and variations really should work well on dull decks.

And then the Gladiators, who boast some of the biggest hitters in the game, including James Vince, Jason Roy, Shimron Hetmyer and the up and coming Will Smeed. The latter made somewhat of a name for himself in the Abu Dhabi T10 – and now that notoriety is spilling over into the PSL. A lot beckons for the youngster, who just a few months ago was scheduled to play for Green Point Cricket Club in the Western Province Cricket Association premier league. He has come a long way since those humble prospects and could be set to play on an even bigger stage in the not-too-distant future.

Rashid Khan calls for BBL to be shorter

Charbel Coorey
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0
Rashid Khan calls for BBL to be shorter

Cricket News: Rashid Khan calls for BBL to be shorter | Afghanistan Leg-spinner Rashid Khan calls for the BBL to be reduced in length

Afghanistan leg-spinner and the world’s premier T20 bowler Rashid Khan has called a shorter Big Bash League (BBL). Rashid, who recently completed his BBL 11 stint with the Adelaide Strikers ahead of Afghanistan’s ODI series against Netherlands, said that the length of the tournament should be around a month ideally.

“It’s a bit long, to be honest,” he told news.com.au.

“I have been here for the last 50 days and we have three games left, then the finals – if we go through – and then international duties come in the middle as well.

“I would love to have it in a month. That allows everyone to be there and stay until the finals and then finish up for the team.

BBL length and COVID-19 can take a toll mentally – Rashid Khan

Rashid Khan also said that the length of the BBL, coupled with the COVID-19 pandemic, can take its toll on players. Cricket Australia (CA) has worked around the clock to keep the tournament going this season after COVID-19 cases rocked franchises, particularly Melbourne Stars and Brisbane Heat.

“Especially nowadays with the Covid stuff going on, it does affect you mentally. Being in the bubble, you hardly go out. You’re always in your room, having Uber Eats. It affects you mentally.”

However, CA has avoided enforcing extremely strict bio-secure bubbles as they desire to give players some freedom. Rashid said that this was well received and a welcome decision for players.

“Compared to other leagues, it’s pretty easy and relaxed here,” said the leg-spinner.

“We can go have takeaway … you are able to go outside, have a walk, have a bit of fresh air, which is hardly happening in other leagues.

“Hopefully this can be the last BBL with restrictions, and we can get back to the normal life.”

Other players also call for revamped BBL

Rashid Khan has joined other players in calling for a revamped BBL.

Last week, Melbourne Stars and Queensland batsman Joe Burns offered a potential solution where matches can be played as rounds over eight weekends after record-low crowds at the MCG.

Also, Perth Scorchers seamer Jason Behrendorff, speaking with Sports Entertainment Network (SEN), pointed to the length of the tournament as a reason why the casual fan can find it difficult to keep up with the BBL.

“The complaints over the past couple of years have been that it’s started to drag too long, and the big thing for me was having kids and understanding how the schooling timetable works again,” said Behrendorff.

“You want to have your finals before school goes back, because that’s when you’re going to get the bigger crowds, that’s when all the kids can still come.”

The height of the BBL’s success in its early days revolved a short, sharp tournament with both Australian and international stars available for at least a large portion of the competition. CA’s huge $1.2 billion TV deal in 2017, which included a full home-and-away BBL season, has seemed to have an adverse effect on fan engagement.

BBL 11, which began back on December 5, is nearing its business end. Hobart Hurricanes and Melbourne Stars are fighting for a finals spot, while the Perth Scorchers, Sydney Sixers, Sydney Thunder and Adelaide Strikers are confirmed finalists.

The Final will be held on the 28th of January.

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