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Aaron Finch and Steve Smith on track for T20 World Cup

Charbel Coorey
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Aaron Finch and Steve Smith on track for T20 World Cup

Cricket News: Aaron Finch and Steve Smith on track for T20 World Cup | Star batsmen Finch and Smith expected to be fit for T20 World Cup

Australia’s star batsmen Aaron Finch and Steve Smith are on track to be fit for the T20 World Cup. Both are feeling quite positive in their recovery from respective injuries, with focus on trying to deliver Australia’s first T20 World Cup title in a couple of months’ time.

Smith, who is recovering from an elbow injury, said last month he would prioritise the Ashes if forced to make a choice. However, he is tracking well according to skipper Aaron Finch due to the fact he isn’t overworking his elbow in batting practice. Also, Smith is reportedly set to make a return via next month’s IPL.

Finch is undergoing rehab after recent knee surgery. The Australian captain felt niggling pain in pre-season camp in Brisbane, before getting worse during the tour of West Indies. He had surgery almost immediately after completing two-week quarantine in Melbourne, which gives him the opportunity to be fit right before the showpiece tournament.

Despite the 10-week recovery timeframe and his wife due to give birth to their first child just before the World Cup, Finch is optimistic that his experience will serve him well in the UAE.

Aaron Finch and Steve Smith on track to feature in T20 World Cup

Australia are set to name their squad for the tournament in the coming days. Finch is confident of being available and making an impact.

“I’m confident of that (being fit for the World Cup),” said the Australian captain.

“It will be come down to pretty minimal match practice which I think being older and being around for quite a while plays into my hands a bit, having (previously recovered from) some injuries where you don’t have a lot of lead time into a series.

“I think that will help me. The surgery went as well as it could have and I’m walking around with no pain, which is the most important thing at this stage.”

The skipper also touched on Steve Smith’s fitness. Just as he was optimistic about his situation, he was also optimistic about Smith’s recovery from the elbow problem.

“It seems to be going really well. I know that he’s been building up his batting time over the last couple of weeks – I know that would have been difficult to have a time limit on his net times,” Finch said on Wednesday in his interview with cricket.com.au.

“He’s going really well”, Finch continued. “The last time I spoke to him he wasn’t having any pain batting so that was a real positive. He’s going to be such an important part of our campaign.”

Cricket News: Aaron Finch and Steve Smith on track for T20 World Cup | Star batsmen Finch and Smith expected to be fit for T20 World Cup | Cricket News | Australia Cricket News

Australia have lost 5 straight T20I series

Australia will certainly be hoping Finch and Smith are available to shore up the batting. The Aussies lost 8-2 across recent tours of West Indies and Bangladesh, which included their lowest-ever T20I score of 62 in the fifth and final T20I against the Tigers.

Australia have lost their last five T20I series, with significant concerns about the batting depth. The addition of Finch and Smith gives Australia a much better chance of competing for the T20 World Cup trophy.

60% capacity likely in IPL 2021 phase 2 – reports

Charbel Coorey
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60% capacity likely in IPL 2021 phase 2 – reports

Cricket News: 60% capacity in IPL 2021 phase 2 – reports | Times of India reports that stadiums will be filled to 60% capacity in the UAE

The second stage of IPL 2021, which is set to begin on September 19 in the UAE with a showpiece fixture between Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings, is likely to host crowds.

If it does indeed go ahead, it will be the first time that crowds will be present at an IPL tournament since 2019. IPL 2020, won by Mumbai Indians and also hosted in the UAE, went ahead behind closed doors. The first half of IPL 2021 was also conducted behind closed doors but was soon postponed due to the COVID-19 situation in India.

Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) keen to host fans in stadiums for IPL 2021 phase 2

According to reports, the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) are working with the Board of Cricket Control in India (BCCI) and the UAE government to host matches at 60% capacity. Gulf News reported that ECB secretary Mubashir Usmani is working at gaining consent via protocols to ensure a safe environment for fans and players in these times of the pandemic.

“As hosts, ECB will work closely with the authorities to seek approval on what protocols need to be followed. This includes fan attendance. We will then discuss it with the BCCI as well as the ICC to assess their spectator requirements. We want our expat and Emirati sports-loving fans in the UAE to be able to watch the action from the stands,” said Usmani.

The remaining 31 matches of IPL 2021 will be played across the span of 27 days, with the final to take place on October 15. Soon after the IPL, the T20 World Cup will also take place in the UAE. With plenty of cricket to be played at Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah, it will be interesting to see how the pitches will play in the showpiece international tournament.

Ranked: Top 5 players from 2nd England vs India Test

Nash Sant
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Ranked: Top 5 players from 2nd England vs India Test

Cricket News: Ranked: Top 5 players from 2nd England vs India Test | Ranking the top 5 players from ENG vs IND Lord’s Test

Lord’s, the Home of Cricket, was gatecrashed by a superb Indian team. The test was perfectly set up from an Indian perspective with the Day 1 partnership between KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma after being sent in with Kohli (as usual) losing the toss. Rahul again showcased his second-coming as a Test cricketer and has certainly sealed that spot along with Shara for the near future.

But what ensued on the third evening and what followed it was something that surprised fans and the cricketing world. After a barrage of bouncers by Jasprit Bumrah aimed at England’s number 11 James Anderson, there were some words exchanged as the players walked off the field. Much was said on social media about the tactic used by India to a number 11, but hey, it is Test match cricket.

On day four, everyone knew the tempers were high and both teams were on edge from the get-go. England struck early with wickets of Rahul, Sharma and Kohli to leave India reeling at 55/3. Fortunately for India, the under-pressure Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane steadied the ship and put on a vital 100-run partnership before falling to Wood and Ali respectively.

The crucial Rishabh Pant showed little resistance on day five, but the real and unexpected blow to England came via Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah. At the end of day four, and after Pant’s dismissal, England looked all set to clean India’s tail quickly. But, Shami and Bumrah had other plans.

As soon as they walked out, something switched for the England bowlers and their bizarre fielding and bowling tactics left a lot to be desired. In the end, Shami went on to score a 50 supported by Bumrah (34*) and India set a target of 272 in 60 overs for England. The stage was set on the last day and Indian bowlers reaped the rewards of putting in the efforts on a slow day five pitch and snapped a victory from what looked like a sure defeat 24 hours earlier.

Top 5 players from 2nd England vs India Test at Lord’s

5. Cheteshwar Pujara/Ajinkya Rahane

Two out-of-form batters who were potentially playing for their spots in the team. Pujara and Rahane certainly showed that class always shines through. That brilliant 100-run stand for the fourth wicket, before Pujara succumbed to an unplayable delivery from Wood, paved the way for India to post a respectable and almost unachievable target on day five. Only time will tell whether this innings will do any good for their confidence in the next few innings, but Indian fans will be mighty pleased with their effort.

4. Mohammed Shami/Jasprit Bumrah

This was definitely the match-changing partnership for India. Coupled with their bowling prowess, Bumrah and Shami did not let the English batters breathe at all, nor did they let the English bowlers breathe with a partnership that included some Pollard-esque shots but also some Pujara-esque defence.

Shami got a 50 – his second in Tests – while Bumrah supported him from the other end with a well-made 34. But it was Bumrah’s slower ball to Robinson that will be etched in the memory of the cricket fans for a long time. Magnificent performances.

3. Mohammed Siraj

India have found a new gem in the fast bowling department. In only his seventh Test match, the fire Siraj showed throughout the Test match and his career to date adds so much quality to the already power-packed bowling lineup.

He can bowl the one that jags back and also the one that just nips away. He grabbed an 8-for in the Test, but most importantly, he was always steaming in no matter what time of the day it was. Siraj has certainly shown the world what he is capable of.

2. Joe Root

The only reason Joe Root isn’t ranked first is due to his captaincy flaws on the fifth day. If it wasn’t for his brilliant batting, England would have lost the Test on day four itself. He paved the way for a perfect day five finish with a sublime 180 in the first innings with some support from Bairstow (57). It was due to that partnership that England ended achieved a lead. Joe Root is in sublime form this year and India need to find a way to get rid of him early.

1. KL Rahul

Carrying on his form from the first Test, Rahul got his name on the Lord’s honours board with a masterful 129 on day one in tough batting conditions. His 126-run partnership with Rohit Sharma at the top gave India a platform and helped them put a respectable total on the board. All Indian fans would be backing KL Rahul to maintain his current run of form in the next three Tests.

Written by Nash Sant. Follow Nash on Twitter today.

England slammed for “poor”, “bizarre” tactics

Charbel Coorey
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England slammed for “poor”, “bizarre” tactics

Cricket News: England slammed for “poor”, “bizarre” tactics | Spotlight on England and Joe Root after poor tactics against Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami

When England dismissed key man Rishabh Pant early on day five, the home side became clear favourites to take out a fascinating Lord’s Test match.

However, England saw their chances evaporate within 40 minutes, courtesy of having mistaken Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah for prime Vivian Richards and Sachin Tendulkar. One-dimensional bowling, questionable field placements and a poor overall mindset gave India a massive boost, as they went on to win the match by 151 runs.

No one could have believed that India would win by such a margin given Pant was dismissed with the lead standing at 167. England then fell into the trap of returning serve to Bumrah in particular, after the India fast bowler peppered James Anderson with bouncers on the third evening.

The overuse of the bouncer, in conjunction with up to six fielders in boundary-saving positions, allowed Bumrah and Shami to rotate strike with ease. With every passing run, England’s chances of victory diminished further, which was a major waste given the position they were in thanks to Joe Root’s fine hundred and excellent bowling before the Bumrah-Shami stand.

England captain Joe Root takes responsibility

When questioned in the post-match presentation, skipper Joe Root said, “A lot on my shoulders, as captain you take responsibility, tactically we could have done things differently – we went from a position where we could win to being behind.”

England were shellshocked by the time it was their turn to bat. They had worked so hard to put the game in their grasp, but they let go of that advantage in almost an instant. Both England openers were out for a duck for the first time ever in a home Test, and the home side was always playing catch up.

India, in such a pumped up mood, are hard to stop. And England had no answers.

Fans, pundits slam England tactics

The likes of Michael Vaughan and Geoffrey Boycott led the chorus of discontent among England fans, as the Indian supporters lapped it up. Shane Warne described the tactics as “horrible.”

Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami, though capable, have not scored runs on a consistent basis at Test level. In fact, India’s tail was seen as a major point of concern ahead of this series. So, for England to show so much respect with numerous fielders out on the boundary was quite the scene.

Twitter reactions to famous India win vs England at Lord’s

Charbel Coorey
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Twitter reactions to famous India win vs England at Lord’s

Cricket News: Twitter reactions to famous India win vs England at Lord’s | Twitter erupts as India script famous win over England at Lord’s

Much like the first Test that was ruined by classic English weather, opinion was split as to who would claim a 1-0 series lead heading into the final day of a riveting Lord’s Test.

Most believed that India’s chances depended a lot on the talented and dangerous Rishabh Pant. And rightly so, given that he was the only recognised batsman left among out-of-form tailenders.

However, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami, who played key roles with the ball, produced an extraordinary partnership to completely sap England’s chances of victory. In addition, they shifted momentum their team’s way, with England looking mentally shot by the time they came to bat.

For the first time in England’s Test history, both their openers were dismissed for a duck in the same innings of a home Test. Despite fight from the likes of Jos Buttler, Joe Root’s wicket before tea put England right up against it.

India’s magnificent attack was too good for England’s brittle batting. Mohammed Siraj scriped another chapter in a beautiful story that is his cricketing rise, taking four wickets with shouts and screams that could be heard from Mumbai.

Skipper Virat Kohli put his batting worries aside to lead his team via fire and fight that England simply couldn’t cope with. “Super proud of the whole team, the way we stuck to our plans, being put in our performance with the bat was outstanding. Pitch didn’t offer much on first three days. But the way we played in the second innings, under pressure, from Jasprit and Shami was outstanding. We thought with 60 overs to go we could have a crack, and they were outstanding. A bit of tension on the field really motivated us to finish the game,” said Virat in the post-match presentation.

On the other side, Joe Root remained as positive as he could be, and recognised the errors in tactics during the crucial 9th wicket partnership. “You’re always trying to find ways to deal with things like that [dressing room nerves], we couldn’t see out the day which was frustrating but a lot of cricket to play and we’ll come back hard. A lot on my shoulders, as captain you take responsibility, tactically we could have done things differently – we went from a position where we could win to being behind,” said Root.

Twitter reactions as India script famous win vs England at Lord’s thanks to super efforts by Bumrah, Shami and Siraj

Pick a spinner no matter the conditions – Shane Warne

Charbel Coorey
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Pick a spinner no matter the conditions – Shane Warne

Cricket News: Pick a spinner no matter the conditions – Shane Warne | Shane Warne says it is vital to pick a spinner no matter the conditions

Leg-spinning great Shane Warne has once again reiterated the importance of playing a spinner in a Test match regardless of the conditions. Warne, who boasts an incredible 708 Test wickets and is the greatest spinner ever in the eyes of many, took to Twitter to express his view after Moeen Ali dismissed Ravindra Jadeja with a peach of a delivery.

Such a tweet increases attention on India’s decision to leave the great Ravichandran Ashwin out of their side for the Lord’s Test. Hindsight is a wonderful thing, but with dry conditions forecast throughout the Test, and a pitch devoid of a lot of grass, Ashwin would have been tough to handle.

This is especially the case considering how good Ashwin was on less spin-friendly wickets in Australia, even in the first Test where India lost handsomely.

Shane Warne tweets: Spin to win

Warne loves to see spin dominate, and he was quick to pounce after Moeen dismissed Jadeja with a beauty. With uneven bounce and turn on offer ahead of the final day, an extra spinner in both sides may be just what the doctor ordered.

It’s certainly what Warne wishes to see.

Warne tweeted, “A spinner turning the game !!!! Surprise surprise, this is why you always play a spinner no matter what the conditions ! Remember you don’t pick a team just for the first innings. Spin to win.”

“Defies belief. Incredible bad omission by India (Ashwin)”

With Ashwin sitting on the sidelines, questions were always going to be ask why a great bowler is left out given the conditions. Some of the responses include “England must have been laughing,” “rubbish decision” and “did not pick their best spinner”.

Twitter reactions as West Indies beat Pakistan in all-time thriller

Charbel Coorey
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Twitter reactions as West Indies beat Pakistan in all-time thriller

Cricket News: Twitter reactions as West Indies beat Pakistan in all-time thriller | Twitter reactions to West Indies beating Pakistan by 1 wicket

What a Test match. A low-scoring thriller. A terrific advertisement for the longest, most pure form of the game.

West Indies beat Pakistan by one wicket in a classic. Kemar Roach and player of the match Jayden Seales held their nerve to nail a 17-run partnership to see the home side over the line. Roach in particular was outstanding in the second innings of the game, taking 3/30 with the ball before scoring a memorable 30 not out to send the Windies camp into delirium.

Skipper Kraigg Brathwaite was full of praise for his team, speaking about their never-say-die attitude. He pointed to how hard the Windies batsmen have been working, and this came to fruition in pressure moments in both innings.

“Remarkable Test. We never lost hope. It was truly amazing. I thought Pakistan bowled really well. It is about patience – who has more patience will come out on top. It will be a different pitch [for the second Test]. The bowlers did a fantastic job. They were a little tired at times too. We have been working hard as a batting group. Blackwood has been hungry for runs, especially at his home ground [here]. It was a good cricket pitch, and had something for the pacers and value for runs,” said the West Indies captain.

At 16/3 and then 114/7, Pakistan looked good to claim victory. After Mohammad Rizwan’s amazing catch to reduce the home side to 151/9, Pakistan were favourites again. However, they were left to rue key missed chances, leaving Pakistani players, staff and fans heartbroken.

Skipper Babar Azam spoke about those missed chances in the post-match interview. This is yet another loss from Pakistan in a winning position overseas, after losing to England and New Zealand over the past year. He praised his batsmen for their fight and patience, but admitted the dropped catches were costly.

“This is the beauty of Test cricket. We put in a good effort with the bat. The bowlers then restricted them before our bowlers took the wickets. Again, in the second innings, we fought with the bat and the bowlers hit back. It was swinging and seaming throughout in the second innings. But we were patient, and our attempt to stitch together partnerships. Our bowlers were really good, especially Abbas and Shaheen. Had we taken those dropped catches, the result could have been different,” said Babar.

Twitter reactions as West Indies beat Pakistan in all-time thrilling Test

Australia & England cricketers cleared to play 2nd half of IPL

Charbel Coorey
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Australia & England cricketers cleared to play 2nd half of IPL

Cricket News: Australia and England cricketers cleared to play in the second half of IPL 2021 ahead of the T20 World Cup in UAE | Australia & England cricketers have been cleared to play in IPL 2021 before T20 World Cup

Australia and England cricketers are set to be available for the second half of IPL 2021. Cricket Australia (CA) and England Cricket Board (ECB) this weekend paved the way for its IPL contingent to be available for the second half of the tournament, set to restart on September 19.

According to The Telegraph UK and Cricbuzz, the ECB granted a no objection certificate (NOC) to pave the way for the English players to be available for the tournament. This comes after previous doubts regarding the participation of the English contingent given their international schedule. However, England’s tour of Bangladesh has been postponed and a second-string squad is expected to travel to Pakistan.

Australia will be desperate for their experienced cricketers to hit form ahead of the showpiece tournament. The eight players who made themselves unavailable for the West Indies and Bangladesh tours, including David Warner, Steve Smith and Glenn Maxwell, had to watch on as Australia were humbled 4-1 in both countries. This included a record-low of 62 all-out against Bangladesh.

“No doubt it’s their best preparation to be in those exact conditions, playing in probably the strongest domestic T20 tournament in the world,” said Delhi Capitals coach Ricky Ponting.

However, Pat Cummins won’t be available for phase two of the tournament due to the impending birth of his first child.

Cricket News: Australia and England cricketers cleared to play in the second half of IPL 2021 ahead of the T20 World Cup in UAE | Australia & England cricketers have been cleared to play in IPL 2021 before T20 World Cup
Australia & England cricketers cleared to play 2nd half of IPL: Pat Cummins will miss IPL 2021 phase 2

CSK CEO states availability of Australia and England cricketers in IPL 2021 phase 2

In a recent interview, Chennai Super Kings CEO Kasi Vishwanathan confirmed that neither CA or ECB had any objections to their players’ participation in the tournament.

We have got a call from the IPL office and have been informed that the boards have no objection to their players’ participation. It is now up to the players. Our Australian and English players (Jason Behrendorff, Sam Curran, Moeen Ali) are available,” said Vishwanathan.

Franchises and squads begin to arrive in the UAE for IPL 2021 phase 2 preparation

The second phase of IPL 2021 is all set to resume in the UAE on September 19, with the final scheduled for October 15. The BCCI worked round the clock to reschedule the tournament after the raging COVID-19 surge in India forced its postponement in April. Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians, two of the most successful IPL teams, have reached the UAE to begin their preparations.

Twitter reactions to glorious Joe Root 180 vs India

Charbel Coorey
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Twitter reactions to glorious Joe Root 180 vs India

Twitter reactions to glorious Joe Root 180 vs India | Twitter reacts to outstanding Joe Root 180 vs India in the Lord’s Test

Like last week, Joe Root headlined a riveting day of Test cricket. As has been the case in 2021, Root struck another glorious century that put England in the lead in the Lord’s Test against India.

On a Saturday of a Lord’s Test – one of the great days on the England cricketing calendar – Root produced a masterclass fitting of his ability. His footwork was as sublime as it is light, pressing both forward and back in a nonchalant manner. India’s margin of error was so small, with any width dealt with through the offside, and the legside boundary in action whenever the Indians strayed even just a little too straight.

Indeed, this was a special innings for Joe Root. He went past 9,000 Test runs – the second youngest to do so behind fellow Englishman Alastair Cook. No other England player has made more 150+ scores than Root’s 11. Also, Root’s Test average is now back over 50 in a year where he has struck 1,244 runs in 10 Tests at an average of 69.11.

The absence of Ben Stokes left a hole in England’s middle order that Root has filled well past its brim. Root in this form gives England a genuine shot at overturning their 3-1 defeat to India earlier in the year, with another beautifully poised Test match for fans to enjoy.

Here are some of the Twitter reactions to another masterful Joe Root innings.

Why Zak Crawley has struggled in Tests: technique analysis

Debashish Sarangi
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Why Zak Crawley has struggled in Tests: technique analysis

Analysing the technical issues of Zak Crawley | Looking at why Zak Crawley has struggled at Test level: an analysis of his technique

Regarded as one of England’s very promising talents, Zak Crawley came to the English Test side along with other young players during their transition period. He was initially tried as an opener and eventually went on to impress everyone by playing a marathon knock of 267 batting at number three against Pakistan in the summer of 2020.

But, things have gone horribly wrong for the youngster since. The left arm orthodox spinners bossed him in the twin tours of Sri Lanka and India in the subcontinent. Further, he was found to be clueless against the potent fast bowling attacks of New Zealand and India recently at home. As a result, Haseeb Hameed replaced him in the second Test against India.

There are certain technical issues with Crawley that have been central to his struggles. In this article, I am going to mention the reasons why he has found the going difficult against the fast bowlers, with analysis of his footwork both before the delivery is delivered and at point of impact. Here we go.

Lack of forward stride

Zak Crawley does not have a proper forward stride. Instead, he has a gentle trigger movement of the front foot. The trigger movement starts mostly when the bowler is about to deliver or just after it (image 1) and ends abruptly with the front foot facing cover/extra cover when the ball has travelled a certain distance (image 2).

Analysing the technical issues of Zak Crawley | Looking at why Zak Crawley has struggled at Test level: an analysis of his technique
Image 1 – lack of forward stride
Analysing the technical issues of Zak Crawley | Looking at why Zak Crawley has struggled at Test level: an analysis of his technique
Image 2 – front foot facing cover/extra cover

In addition, and crucially, his back foot does not move at all (images 3 and 4). So, when he finishes his trigger movement, he comes into a certain position from where he can’t move either his front foot or back foot. Therefore, his feet are planted.

Analysing the technical issues of Zak Crawley | Looking at why Zak Crawley has struggled at Test level: an analysis of his technique
Image 3 – back footy doesn’t move at all
Analysing the technical issues of Zak Crawley | Looking at why Zak Crawley has struggled at Test level: an analysis of his technique
Image 4 – back foot stuck

In such a position, if he gets a much fuller ball on the stumps, he just brings his bat down and makes connection with it (image 5). But, if he gets a delivery in the ideal length pitched on or around the off stump, he can’t cover the movement as his feet are already stuck. So, there exists a gap between his bat and pad. As a result, the ball finds the outside edge if it leaves him (image 6) and takes the inside edge (image 7) or traps him in front of the stumps if it nips back into him (image 8).

Image 5 – playing the straight half-volley with ease.
Image 6 – outside edge exposed
Image 7 – inside edge exposed
Image 8 – LBW candidate

Similarly, if the bowler bowls a full delivery much outside the off stump inviting him for a drive, he accepts it by playing with hard hands away from his body as he can’t go towards the pitch of the ball and gets caught behind (images 9 and 10).

Image 9 – wide slash outside off-stump
Image 10 – wide slash outside off-stump

Crawley’s dismissals

In England’s series defeat against New Zealand in June 2021, Neil Wagner and Tim Southee made Crawley drive away from his body. He was dismissed thrice in this manner as his feet were planted, which prevented him to reach the pitch of the ball (images 4, 9 and 10).

In the second Test, Matt Henry was able to bring the ball back into him from a good length and trapped him in front of the stumps (image 8). In the first innings of the first Test against India, Siraj brought the ball back in and found his inside edge (image 7), while in the second innings Bumrah found the outside edge of his bat by taking the ball away from him (image 6).  

Why is Crawley vulnerable against short balls coming at high pace?

As I have already mentioned, he doesn’t move his back foot. Ideally, the front foot should press the body backwards while playing a rising short ball. But, in Crawley’s case, his front foot doesn’t press his body backwards and he uses only his height while playing these types of deliveries.

So, if the bowler doesn’t have great pace and doesn’t get enough bounce, he manages to pull the ball off the front foot (image 11). But in the opposite case, he doesn’t get enough time to react as his weight doesn’t get transferred to his back foot and finds himself in a very awkward position (image 12). Sometimes, his back foot completely leaves the ground while defending the short balls (image 13).

Image 11 – pulling the ball off the front foot
Image 12 – getting into awkward position vs pace

His only advantage is his height, but I don’t think he can survive only on the basis of that against the quick bumpers on tracks having pace and bounce. So his body will definitely be targeted by the bowlers sooner or later. That’s an additional disadvantage on his side.

These are the technical shortcomings I have found in Zak Crawley’s batting. He has age on his side and he definitely can work on these areas. I hope he makes a grand comeback with a more compact technique.

What are your thoughts?

Written by Debashish Sarangi. Follow Debashish on Twitter today.

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