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HEA vs STA Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report: BBL 2021/22 Match 23

Charbel Coorey
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HEA vs STA Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report: BBL 2021/22 Match 23

HEA vs STA Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report: BBL 2021/22 Match 23 | HEA vs STA Dream11 Prediction | Heat vs Stars Key Players | Gabba Pitch Report

Both BBL games today have a great sense of importance. The first – between the Hurricanes and Strikers – has ramifications for a top five place. The same applies for the second match of the day, with Brisbane Heat and Melbourne Stars sitting fifth and seventh on the table respectively.

And both sides are after greater consistency. The Heat burst into life in their last game against the Strikers, courtesy of a terrific batting display where they notched up over 200. It was a rare instance of their top order firing in an inconsistent campaign so far, with the hope today that Chris Lynn can finally get going alongside the likes of Max Bryant, Ben Duckett and Sam Heazlett.

For the Stars, well, it’s a similar story to last season. Boasting an excellent squad on paper, the Stars continue to underwhelm, with their last outing resulting in a botched run chase against the Hurricanes on Christmas Eve. They have too much talent to continue to be inconsistent as they have been, so today is the day where they need to win to keep in touch with the top five.

Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

Brisbane Heat:

  • It has been a while since Chris Lynn got going. He has scored just 82 runs in five innings this season at an average of 16.40. Will today be his day?
  • He has the most runs in Heat-Stars matches. The opener has struck 324 runs in 11 innings vs Stars at an average of 36.00 and strike rate of 144.64, including 48 (23) in his last innings against them back in January.
  • Max Bryant, who was also going through a lean patch, showed signs of his best form last match vs Strikers (32 off 20 balls). He has a solid record vs Stars, with 152 runs in five innings at an average of 38.00 and strike rate of 153.54.
  • Ben Duckett is coming off a player of the match performance vs Strikers. The Englishman smashed 78 off 47 balls in a superb display of batting.
  • Sam Heazlett is in wonderful touch. The left-hander has made scores of 42, 34, 44*, 5 and 49 this season at an overall strike rate of 146.21.
  • Mark Steketee has made a brilliant start to his BBL 11 campaign. He has taken five wickets in two matches so far, including 3/27 in his last match.
  • Steketee has the most T20 wickets of any bowler at the Gabba, with 38 scalps in 27 matches at an average of 22.71 and economy rate of 8.85. Also, he has nine scalps in six matches vs Stars at an average of 17.78 and economy rate of 8.14.
  • Mujeeb ur Rahman has taken four wickets in three matches vs Stars at a superb economy rate of just 5.20.

Melbourne Stars:

  • Is this the day where Marcus Stoinis fires? He is having a quiet season so far with 65 runs in five matches at an average of 16.25. He has the most runs of any Stars player against the Heat (313 runs, avg. 28.45, SR 154.19), including a magnificent record at the Gabba (4 inns, 224 runs, avg. 74.67, SR 173.64).
  • Glenn Maxwell has the next-most runs for the Stars against the Heat. However, his 209 runs come at an average of just 20.90, but with a good strike rate of 162.02.
  • Also, Maxwell will be aiming to improve on a poor record at the Gabba: 5 inns, 72 runs, avg. 14.40, SR 171.43.
  • Joe Clarke produced his breakthrough BBL innings last match with 52 off 40 balls against the Hurricanes. Can he back it up today?
  • Andre Russell has struck 83 runs in BBL 11 for just one dismissal and a strike rate of 162.74. The Stars may be well served sending him up the order today.
  • Adam Zampa is set to return for the Stars today. He has the most wickets for any Stars bowler against Heat, with 11 in 10 matches at an average of 21.55 and economy rate of 6.77.
  • Nathan Coulter-Nile has 11 wickets in seven matches vs Heat, including four in two matches for the Stars. Brody Couch is the Stars’ top wicket-taker this season with seven wickets in five matches.

Stats and Facts

  • Head-to-head: Matches 14, Heat 9, Stars 5.
  • Both teams have won three of the last six meetings, with no team winning consecutive matches against the other. The Heat won the last game between the teams.
  • Chris Lynn has the most T20 runs at the Gabba: 38 inns, 1,133 runs, avg. 34.33, SR 166.13.

Possible Playing 11

Brisbane Heat have picked the same 13-man squad that beat the Strikers last week. They could persist with the same XI.

Brisbane Heat: 1. Max Bryant, 2. Chris Lynn, 3. Tom Cooper, 4. Ben Duckett, 5. Sam Heazlett, 6. Jimmy Peirson (c & wk), 7. James Bazley, 8. Mark Steketee, 9. Matthew Kuhnemann, 10. Mujeeb ur Rahman, 11. Liam Guthrie/Xavier Bartlett

Adam Zampa is back in the Melbourne Stars squad, and should slot in the XI in place of Clint Hinchliffe.

Melbourne Stars: 1. Marcus Stoinis, 2. Joe Clarke (wk), 3. Glenn Maxwell (c), 4. Joe Burns, 5. Hilton Cartwright, 6. Andre Russell, 7. Beau Webster, 8. Nathan Coulter-Nile, 9. Adam Zampa, 10. Brody Couch, 11. Qais Ahmed/Sam Rainbird

Gabba Pitch Report and Weather

It is raining today in Brisbane and there is a good chance that the weather will impact this match tonight. So, it could very well be a shortened match that will bring the big hitters into play. Accumulators like Joe Burns, Tom Cooper and co. might not have too much of a say.

Earlier this season, Thunder smashed 196 on this ground courtesy of a 27-ball 64 by Sam Billings. Expect another good batting surface here.

Dream11 Prediction

Option 1:

HEA vs STA Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report: BBL 2021/22 Match 23 | HEA vs STA Dream11 Prediction | Heat vs Stars Key Players | Gabba Pitch Report
BBL 2021/22 Match 23: HEA vs STA Dream11 Prediction

Option 2:

HEA vs STA Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report: BBL 2021/22 Match 23 | HEA vs STA Dream11 Prediction | Heat vs Stars Key Players | Gabba Pitch Report
BBL 2021/22 Match 23: HEA vs STA Dream11 Prediction

Fan2Play Prediction

  • Wicket-keepers: Ben Duckett
  • Batsmen: Chris Lynn, Marcus Stoinis
  • All-rounders: Glenn Maxwell, Andre Russell
  • Bowlers: Mark Steketee, Nathan Coulter-Nile

Match Prediction

This match is a lottery with the rain around. If there is a result, then the chasing team should have enough firepower to chase down a total.

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

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

HUR vs STR Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report: BBL 2021/22 Match 22 | HUR vs STR Dream11 Prediction Today | Hurricanes vs Strikers Key Players | Bellerive Oval Pitch Report

Two sides locked in the middle of the BBL 11 table do battle in an important clash in Hobart. Hobart Hurricanes, who beat the Melbourne Stars on Christmas Eve, now sit in the top four after a rocky start to the season. However, they have played both the Perth Scorchers and Sydney Sixers twice, so herein lies an opportunity to put a string of wins together against some of the other teams in the competition.

Moving Ben McDermott to opener worked a charm for the Hurricanes last match as he provided some much-needed impetus at the top of the order. Question marks still remain about their finishing despite some proven names there, so it will be interesting to see how they fare against a side that conceded over 200 in their last match.

Adelaide Strikers are in need of a win. They have picked up four Bash Boost points in five matches so far this season, but have only gone on to win one of them. This suggests that Peter Siddle’s team is able to compete for a while but not long enough to produce consistent results.

Also, the Strikers are feeling the absence of Alex Carey and Travis Head to Ashes duty. The number of collapses they have had in the middle order is something they must address as they hope for Jake Weatherald to find form at the top of the order. A defeat today won’t be fatal, but it will give them some catching up to do which they cannot afford with key batsmen missing.

Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

Hobart Hurricanes:

  • Ben McDermott enjoys opening the batting in T20 cricket. In nine matches, he has struck 273 runs at an average of 30.33 and strike rate of 120. This includes an excellent 43-ball 67 last game vs Stars.
  • McDermott has scored 723 runs in 23 innings at Bellerive Oval at an average of 38.05 and strike rate of 127.64. He will be looking to build on his record vs Strikers: 7 inns, 171 runs, avg. 28.50, SR 133.59.
  • D’Arcy Short has the most runs in Strikers-Hurricanes matches. The left-hander has smashed 501 runs in 10 matches at an average of 55.67 and strike rate of 144.38. Could this be the game where he finds his best form after striking at just 103.79 in the first five games?
  • Matthew Wade has an unbelievable record against the Strikers. He has smashed 327 runs in six matches for the Hurricanes against Strikers at an average of 109.00 and strike rate of 179.67. This includes a score of 130 a few seasons ago.
  • Nathan Ellis was outstanding against the Stars. He finished as the player of the match with 2/27, taking his tally on this ground to 18 wickets in 13 matches at an average of 20.11 and economy rate of 7.31.
  • Ellis has taken six wickets in four matches vs Strikers at an average of 23.00 and economy rate of 8.81.
  • Tom Rogers is the Hurricanes’ top wicket-taker so far in BBL 11. The yorker specialist has taken eight wickets in four matches, and he will be key at the death once again.

Adelaide Strikers:

  • Jake Weatherald is having a poor season so far (53 runs, avg. 10.60), but this could be his day. He has a fine record vs Hurricanes, with 373 runs in 11 innings at an average of 37.30 and strike rate of 137.64. This includes a century.
  • Matt Short is the Strikers’ leading run-scorer so far this season. The opener has struck 154 runs in five matches at an average of 30.80 and strike rate of 163.82.
  • Short has looked good at the start of his last two innings, only to get out. He has made scores of 16 and 14, hitting a total of two fours and three sixes. Can he build on this today?
  • Jono Wells has also looked in some good touch recently. He has scored 151 runs in eight innings vs Hurricanes at an average of 25.17 and strike rate of 120.80.
  • Rashid Khan will be key to the Strikers’ hopes, as always. The classy leg-spinner will be aiming to improve on a poor record vs Hurricanes: 8 inns, 6 wickets, avg. 42.83, econ. 8.29.
  • Peter Siddle took 5/16 in his last match vs Hurricanes, back in January. He has a total of 11 wickets against them at an average of 16.27 and economy rate of 6.75.
  • Wes Agar has taken eight wickets in five matches at an average of 20.50 and economy rate of 8.63 vs Hurricanes. He has also taken five scalps in four matches so far this season. Wicket-taker.

Stats and Facts

  • Head-to-head: Matches 16, Hurricanes 6, Strikers 9, N/R 1.
  • Both Hurricanes and Strikers won a game against each other last season.
  • Riley Meredith has taken just three wickets in four matches vs Strikers at an average of 45.00 and economy rate of 9.00. However, he is a strike option in both the powerplay and death overs.

Possible Playing 11

Hobart Hurricanes have named an unchanged 16-man squad for this match.

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

Adelaide Strikers have named a 14-man squad.

Adelaide Strikers: 1. Matt Short, 2. Jake Weatherald, 3. Matt Renshaw, 4. Jono Wells, 5. Thomas Kelly, 6. Harry Nielsen (wk), 7. Rashid Khan, 8. George Garton, 9. Peter Siddle (c), 10. Wes Agar/Daniel Worrall, 11. Fawad Ahmed

Bellerive Oval Hobart Pitch Report and Weather

A cloudy and cool day is forecast in Hobart today. Expect another good batting surface on a ground where the team batting first has won all three games this season. The average first innings score in three games on this ground in BBL 11 is 176.33.

Dream11 Prediction

Option 1:

HUR vs STR Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report: BBL 2021/22 Match 22 | HUR vs STR Dream11 Prediction Today | Hurricanes vs Strikers Key Players | Bellerive Oval Pitch Report
BBL 2021/22 Match 22: HUR vs STR Dream11 Prediction

Option 2:

HUR vs STR Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report: BBL 2021/22 Match 22 | HUR vs STR Dream11 Prediction Today | Hurricanes vs Strikers Key Players | Bellerive Oval Pitch Report
BBL 2021/22 Match 22: HUR vs STR Dream11 Prediction

Fan2Play Prediction

Base team:

  • Wicket-keepers: Matthew Wade, Ben McDermott
  • Batsmen: Jake Weatherald, Jono Wells
  • All-rounders: Matt Short, D’Arcy Short
  • Bowlers: Nathan Ellis, Rashid Khan

Match Prediction

Batting first might prove to be a big advantage once again. Hurricanes start as favourites and should win thanks to greater depth and experience in their lineup.

Twitter reactions to masterful KL Rahul century vs SA

Charbel Coorey
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Twitter reactions to masterful KL Rahul century vs SA

Cricket News: Twitter reactions to masterful KL Rahul century vs SA | Twitter reactions to KL Rahul hundred at Centurion vs South Africa

It may be an empty, quiet Centurion on Boxing Day, but it is a Boxing Day that has witnessed history. KL Rahul has become the first Indian opener to score a Test hundred in Australia, England and South Africa, after compiling a beautiful century on the first day of the series against the Proteas.

This is arguably India’s best chance to win their first Test series on South African soil, and Rahul went about things the right way in the opening session. He displayed the kind of assurance around off-stump as he did for a lot of the England tour earlier this year, further emphasising just how brilliant he is across formats.

A class player in such form is always reason to switch on the television or mobile device to tune in. Having an opener producing such excellent performances overseas gives India an even greater edge as they look to solidify their position as the world’s number one-ranked Test team.

It has been lean pickings for India’s openers in South Africa over the years. Rahul became the second India opener after Wasim Jaffer to score a Test hundred in South Africa. Jaffer scored his hundred 14 years ago, and India have since toured the nation three times with no such milestone for their openers until Rahul produced the goods on the first day of the 2021 series.

Below are some of the Twitter reactions to a quality century by KL Rahul.

Twitter reactions to KL Rahul century at Centurion:

https://twitter.com/DuckyMomo65/status/1475111982432989187?s=20
https://twitter.com/_cricketsparsh/status/1475111654937415680?s=20
https://twitter.com/im_yash2307/status/1475113126404112396?s=20
https://twitter.com/RobinSaroy2002/status/1475113817193402374?s=20
https://twitter.com/R3Mitul/status/1475113444688859136?s=20
https://twitter.com/mufaddal_vohra/status/1475113666244591618?s=20
https://twitter.com/WeBleedBlue007/status/1475113645096914947?s=20

2021 ODI Team of the Year: Who makes the XI?

Vaibhav Tripathi
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2021 ODI Team of the Year: Who makes the XI?

Cricket News: 2021 ODI Team of the Year: Who makes the XI? | Picking the 2021 ODI XI of the Year: Which 11 players make the cut?

It’s been an odd year for ODI cricket. With the 50-over format already set to be on the back-burner, and with T20 World Cups scheduled before the next ODI global tournament in India in 2023, the format saw large gaps in the calendar.

In a way, it was fitting that the last ODI series of the year, between Pakistan and the West Indies, was postponed due to the emergence of COVID-19 in the biosecure bubble. As the prime focus was on the T20 format, the top-ranked ODI sides played very few one-day games as compared to the last two or three years which opened the gates for some new faces to showcase their talent in one day cricket and prove their worth at the highest level.

So, it’s that time of the year where we would look at the top 11 players picked across various categories like openers, middle-order, all-rounders, spinners, and pacers.

CricBlog’s 2021 ODI Team of the Year

1. Paul Stirling

The Ireland batter has been a prolific scorer for his side in limited-overs cricket, and this year was no different. In 14 innings, he has scored 705 runs at an average of 54.23. The Irishman smashed all his three centuries of 2021 in January with two of them coming against Afghanistan.

He topped the batting charts and deservingly gets a place in this playing eleven. Stirling can also chip in with a few overs with the ball in hand.

2. Tamim Iqbal

Tamim Iqbal has not been fit for a long amount of time this year, but he has made 464 runs in 14 innings at an average of 38.66 in the 50-over format. He brings so much value with the bat and can be an integral part of the leadership group too as he’s the ODI captain of Bangladesh. With the bat, his fearless approach at the start makes him a sure starter in the eleven.

3. Babar Azam (c)

2021 ODI Team of the Year: Babar Azam

Pakistan’s run machine and captain Babar Azam continues to rack up the runs. In 2021, he scored 405 runs at 71.50, including couple of centuries.

Babar continues to grow in stature as a quality white-ball batter. He also he quite sound from a tactical perspective, which is the reason he’ll be leading this team. He has a great batting average of 78.25 as skipper, indicating that he enjoys the responsibility of captaincy.

4. Janneman Malan

Before the start of this year, many didn’t know much about Janneman Malan. But now, he has left a major impact on the cricketing world.

The 25-year-old South Africa batter scored 509 runs in eight matches this year at an average of 84.83. He slammed two centuries and two half-centuries. That he overshadowed the likes of Quinton de Kock and Rassie Van der Dussen in this version of the game speaks volumes about his form this year with the bat as a newbie to the international scene.

5. Mushfiqur Rahim (wk)

The 34-year-old Bangladesh player will be our wicketkeeper-batter in this eleven. Rahim played the majority of his ODI games in the first half of the year, and still managed to score 407 runs at an astonishing average of 58.14. Mushfiqur has registered one half-century and two centuries in ODIs this year including a classy 125 against Sri Lanka.

6. Ben Stokes

2021 ODI Team of the Year: Ben Stokes

England’s ever bankable player. Ben Stokes is a valuable addition at number six. Stokes can bat according to the situation and can give you 4-5 valuable overs whenever required. He can be a pure batter and when required he can be your wicket-taking option with the ball in hand.

Overall, Ben Stokes scored a total of 189 runs in six innings but his average of 37.80 and a thumping strike rate of 121.15 makes him a tough option to look past. He also took four wickets to go along with his tally of runs.

7. Simi Singh

The Ireland all-rounder registered his name in the history books this year after registering a hundred while batting at number 8. This was his first-ever international hundred as well.

His primary role has always been bowling but he showed enough skills with the bat to be labelled as an all-rounder in this eleven. With the ball, the off-spinner ended the year as the second-highest wicket-taker with 19 wickets at an economy rate of just 3.68. He also registered his best figures of 5/10 in this format in this year.

8. Sandeep Lamichhane

The newly-appointed skipper of the Nepal team, Sandeep Lamichhane has continued to make the most of his good fortune all year in 2021. He picked up 18 wickets in just six innings at an average of 7.38, with his best of 6/18 coming against Papua New Guinea.

Considering the impact of leg spinners in white-ball cricket, we chose the Nepal leg spinner over spinners like Adam Zampa, Wanindu Hasaranga, Tabraiz Shamsi, and Adil Rashid. He richly deserves a place in the ODI team of 2022 as the number one spinning choice.

9. Alzarri Joseph

The West Indian seamer hasn’t played as much ODI cricket this year as he did in 2020, but he looked threatening whenever he had ball in hand. In the nine games he played this year, he bagged 12 wickets at a very good economy rate of 4.32.

Because of his action and height, Alzarri can extract bounce from any wicket and can pick wickets in the middle overs of the game. Alzarri will be our third choice seam bowling option in this team.

10. Mustafizur Rahman

The leader of the Bangladesh pace attack was also one of the leading wicket takers in ODIs in 2021 with a total of 18 wickets at an average of 21.55 in 10 innings.

He keeps polishing his image as one of the world’s leading fast bowlers with the white ball. The left-arm pacer claimed a three-for in three of the last four matches Bangladesh played in 2021 and is the only left-arm fast bowling option in the team.

11. Dushmantha Chameera

Sri Lankan pacer Dushmantha Chameera was 2021’s leading ODI wicket-taker. He played 14 matches and picked up 20 wickets at an average of 29.30 and a wonderful economy rate of 5.51.

Chameera stood out with figures of 5 for 16 against Bangladesh in Dhaka in May, and stood tall in Sri Lanka’s difficult tour of England. He bossed the year with his express pace and ability to bowl wicket-taking deliveries. The tall Lankan bowler had a fruitful year and he became one of the key performers for his side in the 50-over format in 2021.

4 uncapped India ODI players who could make debut in SA

Debashish Sarangi
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4 uncapped India ODI players who could make debut in SA

While the much-awaited Test series between India and South Africa is underway, the Indian team for the ODI series is going to be declared within the next 48 hours.

Some Indian young players were outstanding performers in the Vijay Hazare Trophy (VHT -2021 and we hope that they are picked in the ODI squad because of their prolific performances. In this article, I am going to mention four such players. Here we go.

4 uncapped ODI players who could debut for India in South Africa

Venkatesh Iyer

The swashbuckling allrounder from Madhya Pradesh impressed the cricket fraternity in the IPL 2021 and subsequently made his debut for India in the T20I series against New Zealand this year.

In the 2021 Vijay Hazare Trophy, Iyer smashed 379 runs at an average of 63.17 and extraordinary strike rate of 133.92. He also picked nine wickets from five innings at an impressive economy of 5.63.

As we all know, Hardik Pandya is currently undergoing rehabilitation and therefore will miss the series. In such a scenario, India will definitely want someone who can be their finisher as well as the sixth bowler. So, Iyer’s inclusion looks almost certain to me.

Shivam Mavi

The fast bowler from Uttar Pradesh took the fourth-most wickets VHT 2021. Mavi picked up 15 wickets from seven games at a superb economy of 4.83. More importantly, he bowled really well with the new ball and troubled the top order batters with his movement and accuracy.

If India decide to rest their premier fast bowlers like Bumrah or Shami after the hectic Test series, they might draft Mavi in as a good replacement. In this way, a direct competition between Mavi and Bhuvneshwar Kumar can also be generated as the latter hasn’t been at his very best in white ball cricket for quite some time now.

Shahrukh Khan

Shahrukh Khan carried his reputation of being a supremely hard-hitter of the cricket ball in the VHT, finishing with an unbelievable strike rate of 186.02. The dynamic finisher has played some really impactful knocks coming down the order like 66 off 35 against Mumbai, 32 off 12 against Bengal, 79 off 39 against Karnataka in the quarter final and then 42 off 21 balls in the Final.

Such a string of impressive performances batting at 7 is testimony to his incredible calibre as a finisher. In the absence of their regular finishers Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja, India might look to strengthen their finishing department by including Shahrukh in the squad.

Ruturaj Gaikwad

The way he is knocking the door of the Indian team by performing admirably in every single tournament, it’s becoming impossible to look beyond Ruturaj Gaikwad. The stylish opener from Maharashtra smashed 603 runs from just five innings in VHT 2021 at an insane average of 150.75 and a mind-blowing strike rate of 112.92.

The fact that he hit four centuries in these five innings is sufficient enough to imagine the kind of form he is in currently.

Looking at the age and form of Shikhar Dhawan, India might look for his alternatives in ODI format in their preparatory phase for the 2023 World Cup and there is absolutely no better option than Gaikwad available for them right now. So, its almost certain that Gaikwad will book his berth to South Africa and we might see him playing one or two ODIs there.

All the four guys mentioned in this article will have a significant role in shaping India’s future as a formidable side in white ball cricket in the upcoming years. If some or all of them get picked for the ODI series in South Africa, it will certainly provide them the much-needed exposure in the highest level.

Can you think of some other names? Have your say!          

Written by Debashish Sarangi. Follow Debashish on Twitter today

SCO vs REN Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report: BBL 2021/22 Match 21

Charbel Coorey
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0
SCO vs REN Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report: BBL 2021/22 Match 21

SCO vs REN Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report: BBL 2021/22 Match 21 | SCO vs REN Dream11 Prediction Today | Scorchers vs Renegades Key Players | Docklands Pitch Report

The Perth Scorchers juggernaut continues to roll on. The three-time BBL champions made it five wins in a row to start the BBL 11 season, courtesy of yet another masterclass by Mitch Marsh.

Marsh, who without a doubt belongs among the best T20 players in 2021, struck a 53-ball 86 to lead the Scorchers to a 200-plus total. There were positives for the Melbourne Renegades, with Aaron Finch and Nic Maddinson batting beautifully to give the team hope. Unfortunately, however, it wasn’t enough.

Now, the Renegades will get another shot at the Scorchers at the same ground (Marvel Stadium). Due to Western Australia’s border restrictions, this is a Scorchers’ home game, and will be a late start as the original meeting was scheduled for Perth. However, the Scorchers have not been concerned by playing ‘home’ games away from home, with two victories in Hobart last week courtesy of strong batting and an excellent bowling lineup.

Can the Renegades upset them to kickstart their own season. The men in red sit bottom of the BBL 11 Table, and desperately need a victory here to avoid falling too far behind.

Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

Perth Scorchers:

  • Mitch Marsh is in career-best form. He smashed 86 off 53 balls a few nights ago on this ground, and he will be looking to produce more of the same here. He has scored 263 runs against the Renegades at an average of 32.88 and strike rate of 132.16.
  • Marsh has the third-most runs in BBL 11, despite playing two games less than everyone else in the top seven. He has struck 207 runs this season at an average of 103.50 and strike rate of 154.47.
  • It remains to be seen if Kurtis Patterson is fit for this clash. He has scored two half-centuries in three innings this season.
  • Can Josh Inglis overcome his recent form rut? He has scored just 2, 0 and 2 this season. He scored 72* off 41 balls last season vs Renegades, back in January.
  • Laurie Evans has made a brilliant impact so far in BBL 11. The Englishman has smashed 40 (24) and 42* (16) in his last three matches, with his finishing last match vs Renegades, taking the Scorchers over 200.
  • Ashton Agar continues to bowl beautifully. He took 2/23 last match, part of eight wickets in five games this season.
  • Tymal Mills was expensive last game (0/38), but he is enjoying a wonderful year in short-form cricket (36 wickets in 26 matches). He has the ability to bounce back.
  • Andrew Tye was also expensive in the last game (0/36). He remains the top wicket-taker in BBL 11 with 10 wickets in five matches at an average of 13.90 and economy rate of 7.72, and has 11 wickets in 10 matches vs Renegades.
  • Jason Behrendhorff has 12 scalps in nine matches vs Renegades, including a peach to dismiss Mackenzie Harvey earlier in the week.

Melbourne Renegades:

  • It was an excellent return to cricket for Aaron Finch. The former Renegades skipper looked in a great touch a few nights ago, smashing 68 off 43 balls.
  • That innings took Finch’s average vs Scorchers up to 23.72. Importantly, he loves batting on this ground, with 1,190 runs at an average of 42.50 and strike rate of 136.94. No player even comes close to Finch in terms of T20 runs at Marvel Stadium (next highest is 549).
  • Nic Maddinson also looked in brilliant touch. The skipper struck 67 off 41 balls, part of an excellent home season he is enjoying to date.
  • Sam Harper wasn’t required last match, so it will be interesting to see whether he is elevated up the order today. He strikes at 140 in seven innings vs Scorchers (avg. 28).
  • Kane Richardson has the most wickets in Renegades-Scorchers matches. The seamer has 16 scalps to his name vs Scorchers in nine matches at an average of 14.38 and economy rate of 6.73. This includes 3/33 a few nights ago.
  • Zahir Khan has taken seven wickets in four matches this season. Can he bounce back after an expensive spell vs Scorchers (0/45) a few nights ago?

Stats and Facts

  • Head-to-head: Matches 15, Scorchers 12, Renegades 3.
  • Scorchers have won four of the past five matches between the teams.
  • Scorchers are the only unbeaten team so far in BBL 11. Renegades, on the other hand, have won just one match to date.

Possible Playing 11

A decision will be made on Kurtis Patterson’s availability after he missed the last match with quad tightness. Also, the Scorchers have a decision to make on whether they shift Colin Munro back to opener.

Perth Scorchers: 1. Kurtis Patterson/Cameron Bancroft, 2. Josh Inglis (wk), 3. Mitch Marsh, 4. Colin Munro, 5. Ashton Turner (c), 6. Laurie Evans, 7. Ashton Agar, 8. Andrew Tye, 9. Jason Behrendhorff, 10. Peter Hatzoglou, 11. Tymal Mills

The Renegades have named their squad, with Jono Merlo replacing James Seymour in the 15-man contingent.

Melbourne Renegades: 1. Aaron Finch, 2. Mackenzie Harvey, 3. Nic Maddinson (c), 4. Sam Harper (wk), 5. Mohammad Nabi, 6. Jake Fraser-McGurk, 7. Will Sutherland, 8. James Pattinson, 9. Kane Richardson, 10. Reece Topley, 11. Zahir Khan

Marvel Stadium Docklands Pitch Report and Weather

The Marvel Stadium track has been a good one for batting so far this season, with true bounce and carry. The Scorchers took advantage a few days ago, smashing over 200 runs while the Renegades responded with over 180. Expect another good track.

Weather isn’t an issue on this ground as there is a roof.

Dream11 Prediction

Option 1:

SCO vs REN Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report: BBL 2021/22 Match 21 | SCO vs REN Dream11 Prediction Today | Scorchers vs Renegades Key Players | Docklands Pitch Report
BBL 2021/22 Match 21: SCO vs REN Dream11 Prediction

Option 2:

SCO vs REN Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report: BBL 2021/22 Match 21 | SCO vs REN Dream11 Prediction Today | Scorchers vs Renegades Key Players | Docklands Pitch Report
BBL 2021/22 Match 21: SCO vs REN Dream11 Prediction

Fan2Play Prediction

Base team:

  • Wicket-keepers: Josh Inglis
  • Batsmen: Aaron Finch, Nic Maddinson
  • All-rounders: Mitch Marsh, Ashton Agar
  • Bowlers: Andrew Tye, Tymal Mills, Kane Richardson

Match Prediction

Renegades are improving with each match, but the Scorchers should have too much quality in this match. Scorchers to win.

Why this is India’s best chance of a Test series win in South Africa

Robin Rounder
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0
Why this is India’s best chance of a Test series win in South Africa

Cricket News: Why this is India’s best chance of a Test series win in South Africa | 3 reasons why India can win in South Africa this time

India’s tour of South Africa will start with the Boxing Day Test at SuperSport Park Centurion. India is yet to win a Test series in South Africa, which is quite surprising. Since 1992/93, India has played seven Test series in South Africa, and they’ve lost six with one series being drawn in 2010-11 under MS Dhoni.

India has won only three Test matches in South Africa since 1992-93. The first win came in 2006-07 under the captaincy of Rahul Dravid, second under MS Dhoni in 2010-11, and the third one under Virat Kohli in 2017-18 when India last played on South African soil.

India did well in the last series and were very close to winning as well but they let it slip due to a poor performance with the bat. However, this Indian Test team under Virat Kohli is the strongest Indian side to tour South Africa. India are number one in ICC Test rankings and have been exceptional in their away tours recently. They retained the Border Gavaskar Trophy 2021 with the historic Gabba win after winning it back in 2018-19 and are leading the 5-match Test series against England in England 2-1, which was postponed due to Covid-19.

3 reasons why this is India’s best chance of a Test series win in South Africa

1. Indian Bowling Unit

The Indian bowling unit has been phenomenal for the past few years. The pace unit of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Shami, Ishant Sharma, Mohammad Siraj, Umesh Yadav, and Shardul Thakur have been outstanding with the ball while the spin duo of Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja have been exceptional as well.

Since 1st January 2019, Ravi Ashwin has 85 wickets in 16 matches at an average of 18.85. He is the third-highest wicket-taker during that period. Both Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammad Shami have picked 53 wickets each in 15 games during this phase. Their bowling average is 24.39 and 22.33 respectively.

Ishant Sharma has 44 wickets to his name in 15 matches and he averages 20.97 with the ball. Mohammad Siraj has 33 wickets in 10 games at an average of 27.69.

This shows that the Indian bowlers – especially the pacers – have been brilliant. South African conditions will assist the pacers a lot and India certainly has a bowling unit to exploit those conditions to the fullest.

2. India’s Excellent Form in Overseas Tours

Cricket News: Why this is India's best chance of a Test series win in South Africa | 3 reasons why India can win in South Africa this time
Why this is India’s best chance of a Test series win in South Africa – India have been excellent overseas in recent times.

As mentioned above India has done really well in overseas tours recently. They won the Border-Gavaskar Trophy for the first time in Australia back in 2018-19 and then retained it in 2020-21 in a phenomenal way. They won 2 games of the 5-match series against England in England with one game being drawn and one won by England. The impactful performance particularly by the young players like Rishabh Pant, Mohammed Siraj, Shardul Thakur etc has played a very crucial role in all these historic victories. Therefore, India are certainly expected to carry their great momentum forward in this series and emerge victorious.

3. Absence of key South Africa players and lack of bench strength

This is probably the weakest South African batting lineup the Indian team is going to face in South Africa since the readmission of the African nation post apartheid. Further, the absence of some key players is certainly going to rub salt in the wound of the hosts.

Anrich Nortje, the prolific South African seamer is going to miss the entire series whereas the star wicket keeping batter Quinton De Kock is going to miss the last two Tests owing to his paternity leave.

Now the question is do South Africa have an equally good bench strength? The answer is no. Rather, their bench strength looks inexperienced and lacks quality. Although they are all set to replace Nortje with Duanne Olivier, the other seamers are untested at the international level. Their batting is definitely going to be weaker in the absence of de Kock. So, India are expected to exploit this and register their first ever series victory on the South African soil.

Due to aforementioned reasons, India surely have their best chance to win a Test series in South Africa this time and captain Kohli will definitely look to add another feather to his glorious crown as Indian Test skipper.

What do you think? Have your say!

Written by Robin Rounder. Follow Robin on Twitter today.

THU vs SIX Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report: BBL 2021/22 Match 20

Charbel Coorey
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0
THU vs SIX Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report: BBL 2021/22 Match 20

THU vs SIX Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report: BBL 2021/22 Match 20 | THU vs SIX Dream11 Prediction Today | Thunder vs Sixers Key Players | Sydney Showground Pitch Report

The first edition of the Sydney Smash in BBL 11 has possible “game of the season” feels about it. In the first match post Christmas, Sydney Thunder, who thrashed Brisbane Heat earlier this week, come up against back-to-back champions and BBL 11 title challengers Sydney Sixers.

It does have the feel of challenger vs champion. The Thunder have been thereabouts in recent seasons but have not gone all the way since BBL 05. They have the talent – particularly in their top order and pace attack – to challenge for the title this season, and there is no better way of sending a strong message than with a fine performance against the Sixers today.

And it won’t be easy to beat them. The Sixers have found ways to win this season even when they haven’t been at their best, with the latest being a four-wicket win over Adelaide Strikers last time out. They weren’t great with the bat, but their sheer depth means that they are always in the game. And now, the Sixers have Shadab Khan who provides a top-class spin option with Steve O’Keefe and Ben Manenti injured.

Strap yourselves in, this should be a ripper after day one of the Boxing Day Test.

Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

Sydney Thunder:

  • Alex Hales smashed a superb century in his last match vs Sixers (110 off 56 balls) back in January. The top run-scorer last season found some form last match with 39 off 28 balls against the Heat.
  • What a performance it was by Sam Billings last match. He smashed 64 off 27 balls, part of a fine season so far for the keeper-batsman: 4 inns, 160 runs, avg. 53.33, SR 141.59. He struck 33 (21) and 15 (15) vs Sixers last season.
  • It remains to be seen if Alex Ross gets a good chance to bat today as it depends on how the top order performs. He is batting brilliantly this season, with 159 runs at an average of 159.00 and strike rate of 147.22, with two fifties.
  • Ross smashed 77* off 49 balls on this ground earlier this season vs Melbourne Stars.
  • Daniel Sams has an excellent record on this ground. He has the most wickets of any bowler at Sydney Showground, with 23 scalps in 12 matches at an average of 13.00 and economy rate of 7.73.
  • Sams has an excellent record vs Sixers, too. He has taken nine wickets in five matches against them at an average of 11.22 and economy rate of 6.89.
  • What a debut it was for Saqib Mahmood earlier this week. He took 4/22 in a player of the match performance vs Heat, part of 33 wickets in 20 short-form matches this year.
  • Tanveer Sangha has the fourth-most wickets so far in BBL 11, with eight scalps in four matches (avg. 12.12, econ. 6.68). He has three wickets in two matches vs Sixers at an average of 16.00 and economy rate of 8.00.

Sydney Sixers:

  • Josh Philippe is having a season to remember. The talented keeper-batsman has struck the most runs so far in BBL 11 (282, avg. 70.50, SR 152.43), with three half-centuries.
  • It will be interesting to see whether Philippe can improve on his record vs Thunder. He has scored 108 runs against them at an average of 18.00, but he did play well against them last season (scores of 64 and 20). Also, he has scored just 13 runs in two matches on this ground.
  • Daniel Hughes has an outstanding record against the Thunder. He has scored 319 runs in 11 matches at an average of 45.57 and strike rate of 121.76.
  • Skipper Moises Henriques, who has scored 232 runs at 77.33 this season, also has a strong record vs Thunder. He has 337 runs in 14 innings at an average of 37.44 and strike rate of 134.26. He has a score of 76* in four matches on this ground.
  • Dan Christian took three wickets in his last match vs Strikers. He may not bowl as much today given the presence of Shadab, but the captain may still turn to him for a couple of overs at least.
  • Christian has scored 235 runs at an average of 26.11 and strike rate of 137.43 vs Thunder. He also has 12 wickets against them.
  • Sean Abbott was player of the match last game vs Strikers (3/24). He has 14 wickets in 12 matches vs Thunder at an average of 25.64 and economy rate of 8.55.
  • Shadab Khan promises to be an excellent addition to the Sixers’ squad. The Pakistani leg-spinner has taken 33 wickets in 36 matches this year at an economy rate of 7.53.

Stats and Facts

  • Head-to-head: Matches 19, Thunder 7, Sixers 12.
  • Both teams won a match against each other last season.
  • Nathan McAndrew has taken just one wicket in five matches vs Sixers at an average of 165 and economy rate of 11.79.

Possible Playing 11

Sydney Thunder have named their squad. They should stick with the same team that thrashed the Heat.

Sydney Thunder: 1. Alex Hales, 2. Matthew Gilkes, 3. Jason Sangha, 4. Sam Billings (wk), 5. Alex Ross, 6. Daniel Sams, 7. Ben Cutting, 8. Nathan McAndrew, 9. Chris Green (c), 10. Saqib Mahmood, 11. Tanveer Sangha

Shadab Khan has been named in the Sydney Sixers’ squad for this match. Chris Jordan is no longer available as he was with the franchise on a five-game contract.

Sydney Sixers: 1. Josh Philippe (wk), 2. James Vince, 3. Moises Henriques (c), 4. Daniel Hughes, 5. Jordan Silk, 6. Dan Christian, 7. Shadab Khan, 8. Sean Abbott, 9. Ben Dwarshuis, 10. Hayden Kerr, 11. Lloyd Pope/Nick Winter/Lawrence Neil-Smith

Sydney Showground Pitch Report and Weather

Earlier this season, Melbourne Stars chased Sydney Thunder’s 151/5 with 17 deliveries to spare. It was an easy-paced surface where batsmen had the opportunity to play their shots with freedom, as Alex Ross, Glenn Maxwell and Andre Russell showed. In the other match on this ground this season, Scorchers smashed 195/1 with Colin Munro notching up a century.

There is a chance of showers today around Sydney, but there should hopefully be enough play for a result.

Dream11 Prediction

Option 1:

THU vs SIX Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report: BBL 2021/22 Match 20 | THU vs SIX Dream11 Prediction Today | Thunder vs Sixers Key Players | Sydney Showground Pitch Report
BBL 2021/22 Match 20: THU vs SIX Dream11 Prediction

Option 2:

THU vs SIX Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report: BBL 2021/22 Match 20 | THU vs SIX Dream11 Prediction Today | Thunder vs Sixers Key Players | Sydney Showground Pitch Report
BBL 2021/22 Match 20: THU vs SIX Dream11 Prediction

Fan2Play Prediction

Base team:

  • Wicket-keepers: Josh Philippe, Sam Billings
  • Batsmen: Alex Hales
  • All-rounders: Moises Henriques, Daniel Sams
  • Bowlers: Sean Abbott, Saqib Mahmood, Tanveer Sangha

Match Prediction

This one is tough to predict. Sydney Thunder will be motivated to perform well and beat the Sixers, and I think they will today.

Ashes 2021/22 3rd Test: AUS vs ENG Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

Charbel Coorey
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0
Ashes 2021/22 3rd Test: AUS vs ENG Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

Ashes 2021/22 3rd Test: AUS vs ENG Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | AUS vs ENG 3rd Test Dream11 Prediction | Australia vs England 3rd Test Key Players | MCG Pitch Report

Another game, another England defeat down under. As was the case both in 2013 and 2017, the tourists find themselves in a position where they must win all three remaining Tests to retain the urn. On both occasions, they failed to win a single Test – an overall drought that goes back to 2011, spanning 12 Tests.

No side has ever come back from 2-0 down to win an away Ashes series, and there are no signs here pointing to a miracle turnaround. As Ollie Robinson turned his arm over with off-spin on the fourth afternoon at Adelaide, further flashbacks of England’s struggles in Australia came front of mind.

In an attempt to stem the flow, England have made key changes. Rory Burns has been dropped, replaced by Zak Crawley who himself has had a nightmare year with an average of just 11.14 in seven Tests. However, if he is decisive on off-stump, he has what it takes to succeed against bounce owing to his height and attractive strokeplay.

Like a yo-yo, Jack Leach is back in the side, as is Mark Wood as England focus on variety in their attack. Ollie Pope, who many believe has the game to succeed at Test level, has been dropped in favour of Jonny Bairstow. These changes represent one final throw at the stumps for England in their attempt to break their winless run down under and keep the Ashes alive.

For Australia, this series couldn’t go much more smoothly, even with some off-field distractions. Pat Cummins is back to partner Mitchell Starc who had a superb Adelaide Test, while Scott Boland is pencilled in to make his debut. The bowling form of Nathan Lyon and Cameron Green gives the Aussies important depth, and they will be looking to keep their foot on England’s throats in one of the showpiece events on the Australian sporting calendar.

From a batting perspective, Marnus Labuschagne has moved to number one in the rankings, representing a remarkable rise since coming into the side as a concussion substitute for Steve Smith at Lord’s. More long hours in the field for England would be too hard to come back from, and that will be Australia’s focus here as they look to retain the Ashes for a third-straight time.

Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

Australia:

  • Marnus Labuschagne has had a bit of luck, but his overall concentration is to be admired. He has made three 50+ scores in as many innings this series, including a century (74, 103 and 51).
  • Steve Smith dominates at the MCG. Australia’s premier batsmen has struck 916 runs in just eight Tests on this ground at an average of 91.60, with three half-centuries and four centuries.
  • Smith returned to form with 93 in the Adelaide Test, and he will be aiming to build on that in this Boxing Day Test.
  • David Warner’s excellent run of form continued in Adelaide. He missed out again on a century (two 90s in a row in the series), but he is playing beautifully and averages 45.00 in eight Tests at the MCG (630 runs).
  • Watch out for Travis Head if the top order sets a strong platform. He scored a century on this ground two years ago against New Zealand, and has a century and half-century in this series so far.
  • Pat Cummins returns to the team after missing the Adelaide Test. He has a terrific record on this ground with 21 wickets in four Tests at an average of 18.71 and economy rate of 2.78.
  • Mitchell Starc produced some of his best bowling in a long time at Adelaide (4/37 and 2/43). However, the MCG isn’t his favourite ground, with an average of 34.31 in four Tests. Also, the cool weather forecast in Melbourne may not aid swing too much. Can he overcome these factors?
  • Scott Boland will make his debut on his home ground. He was player of the match against New South Wales on this ground earlier this season, taking 3/33 and 5/56. Overall, he has taken 96 wickets at 25.56 in 27 First Class games at the MCG.

England:

  • Yet another fifty for Joe Root, but no century. The England skipper has struck seven half-centuries in his last seven Tests in Australia, but the tourists need this to be the match where he carries on to make a ton.
  • Root has scored 100 runs in three innings on this ground, including a score of 61. He has been brilliant in 2021, notching up 1,630 runs at an average of 62.69.
  • Dawid Malan is England’s leading run-scorer in this series (188 runs, avg. 47.00). Malan has five half-centuries and a century in seven Tests against Australia (overall average of 43.92).
  • England need Ben Stokes to fire. He produced some excellent deliveries in Adelaide, and if he can keep the ball fuller in Melbourne, he could be in the wickets. Also, he spent some time at the crease last game, which he must build on here.
  • James Anderson has a good record at the MCG. The seamer has taken 13 wickets in three Tests at an average of 24.23. There is likely to be grass on the pitch, so Anderson can be a factor.
  • As can Ollie Robinson. He is England’s leading wicket-taker so far in this series with seven wickets at an average of 24.28.

Stats and Facts

  • Alex Carey has 10 dismissals to his name so far in this series.
  • Cameron Green has dismissed England captain Joe Root twice in two Tests. Watch out for their battle once again.
  • The last time these two teams met at the MCG was a drab draw in 2017.

Possible Playing 11

Australia have confirmed their XI, with Scott Boland to debut. Jhye Richardson and Michael Neser miss out due to soreness. Also, Marcus Harris has kept his place.

Australia: 1. David Warner, 2. Marcus Harris, 3. Marnus Labuschagne, 4. Steve Smith, 5. Travis Head, 6. Cameron Green, 7. Alex Carey (wk), 8. Pat Cummins (c), 9. Mitchell Starc, 10. Nathan Lyon, 11. Scott Boland

England have also confirmed their XI, with four changes.

England: 1. Zak Crawley, 2. Haseeb Hameed, 3. Dawid Malan, 4. Joe Root (c), 5. Ben Stokes, 6. Jonny Bairstow, 7. Jos Buttler (wk), 8. Ollie Robinson, 9. Mark Wood, 10. Jack Leach, 11. James Anderson

MCG Pitch Report and Weather

The 2017/18 Boxing Day Test was a forgettable one, with just 24 wickets falling on a very flat MCG surface. Since then, the groundstaff have worked very hard to produce good surfaces, with a lively surface expected for this clash.

“The last few years have been different to what it was before that,” said Scott Boland during the Sheffield Shield match vs NSW earlier this year. “There’s a bit more grass on it now, much better carry, especially for day two. Sometimes you rock up here and it looks like a one-day wicket.”

Sunny conditions are forecast right throughout the Test, but with mild temperatures. The temperatures will barely exceed 20 degrees celsius on day one.

Dream11 Prediction

Option 1:

Ashes 2021/22 3rd Test: AUS vs ENG Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | AUS vs ENG 3rd Test Dream11 Prediction | Australia vs England 3rd Test Key Players | MCG Pitch Report
Ashes 2021/22 3rd Test: AUS vs ENG Dream11 Prediction

Option 2:

Ashes 2021/22 3rd Test: AUS vs ENG Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | AUS vs ENG 3rd Test Dream11 Prediction | Australia vs England 3rd Test Key Players | MCG Pitch Report
Ashes 2021/22 3rd Test: AUS vs ENG Dream11 Prediction

Fan2Play Prediction

Base Team:

  • Wicket-keepers: Alex Carey
  • Batsmen: Steve Smith, David Warner, Marnus Labuschagne
  • All-rounders: Joe Root
  • Bowlers: Pat Cummins

Match Prediction

Australia should be too strong once again, particularly if they get runs on the board batting first.

5 things India must do to beat South Africa

Tarkesh Jha
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0
5 things India must do to beat South Africa

Cricket News: 5 things India must do to beat South Africa | 5 things India need to do to win their first ever Test series in South Africa

The Indian Test team scaled several heights in the past few years, including a fantastic performance on English soil in 2021 and successive series victories in Australia.

They had a disappointing tour to New Zealand in 2020, but have previously emerged victorious over there. It’s only South Africa that India has fallen short of conquering so far, despite coming ever so close in both 2010/11 and 2017/18.

Now, the Virat Kohli-led side has headed to take on the Proteas with a wonderful chance of doing something that no Indian Test team has done earlier. Let us elaborate on five things that the team might have to do in order to script history in the coming month.

How India can beat South Africa this time around

1. Maintain consistency in playing XI

India has went for a horses-for-courses approach in recent times, altering their playing XI according to the circumstances and challenges in hand. The method has arguably delivered mixed results and there have been adverse reactions to the same depending upon the result.

Neither the approach from the side has been consistent with regards to this factor nor have the masses reacted fairly to it every time. The better way to deal with it might be to maintain some sort of stability in terms to the choices made in the playing XI. It will be quite difficult for the players to adapt to the circumstances straightaway and they need to be backed adequately to derive the required results from them.

2. Beware of South Africa’s new guns

South Africa has perhaps historically never lacked profound cricketing talents over the years.

Though they have not really gelled well as one would have liked in recent times, individually most of the players do seem to have a very high career ceiling. Marco Jansen’s has pace to burn from a 6 foot 8 inch frame, Duanne Olivier has returned back to be a formidable bowler from his county spell whereas Beuran Hendricks brings the left-arm angle to the mix in addition to the proven talents of Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi.

In the absence of the batting bigwigs, Aiden Markram, Keegan Peterson and Rassie van der Dussen will be looking to make the most of the series whereas Dean Elgar will be a tough nut to crack especially whilst donning the captain’s hat. Needless to say, play down the home side’s abilities at your own peril!

3. Go with an extra batter

Cricket News: 5 things India must do to beat South Africa | 5 things India need to do to win their first ever Test series in South Africa
5 things India must do to beat South Africa: Play Rahane and Shreyas Iyer together.

In recent times, India has preferred to play Ravindra Jadeja at number six and go with four specialist bowlers from number eight onwards. This allowed the side to play the spin duo of Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin along with three frontline pacers. However, in South Africa, the team could very well do with the cushion of playing an extra batsman.

The conditions over there are hostile for batsmen and the side will perhaps prefer the assurance of some additional runs on the scorecard. Moreover, India now has a top-tier bowling attack that can almost guarantee taking 20 wickets in any given situation. Rather than opting for all-rounders who offer something in all departments, the need of the hour might be to trust the specialists in the unit, keeping the playing XI balance into consideration.  

4. Take up more responsibility amongst the batsmen

The Indian bowlers have been majorly responsible for the team’s terrific dominance overseas in recent times. However, they seem to be taking the limelight away from an equally prolific batting unit in recent times. While either situation augurs well for the overall fate of Indian cricket, the management will be hoping for the batsmen to step up to the challenge and be at their level best in the series against the Proteas.

The core of the batting order has performed well in South Africa previously, whereas the younger crop has it in them to make a mark this time around. If the team manages to strike the right balance straightaway, it will be up on the batsmen to tackle the challenges appropriately and give the bowling unit enough to play with. Whether that happens or not, might end up playing a major role in the eventual outcome of this contest.

5. Exploit the opening when you crack them

Openings that can be exploited don’t come across often in such difficult contests. After knocking the door continuously, an opportunity presents itself merely once or twice throughout a match and it is upon the team in question to optimise that situation completely.

In the past, the Indian team perhaps used to let go of such chances more than they would have wanted to, which included the failure to clean up the opposition’s tail-end and not putting up a frail fight with the willow after the chips went down. But, that mentality has changed in recent times.

India is arguably more ruthless with the ball against the opposition’s tail-enders and Kohli’s own bowlers have shown tremendous character and talent with the bat in the recent tours of Australia and England. South Africa will maybe put the biggest batting challenge in front of them and they will have to be properly prepared to take it down, time and again. 

Written by Tarkesh Jha. Follow Tarkesh on Twitter

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