Twitter reactions to incredibly green pitch at Hamilton | Fans react on Twitter to green pitch for 1st New Zealand vs West Indies Test match
Cricket, or tennis?
Images of the Hamilton track for the first Test between New Zealand vs West Indies has generated quite the stir on social media. Of course, green pitches are the norm for Tests in New Zealand, but the surface at Hamilton is arguably the greenest seen in a very long time. Fans were wondering where the pitch is, if there even is a pitch, and whether it is the easiest decision for any captain to make at a toss in 2020.
However, pitches in New Zealand often ease by day two and three, making for nice batting surfaces. So, it was an important toss for the Windies to win, and will be looking to make inroads in a country where bowlers traditionally have the most success on day one. Here are some of the best Twitter reactions to the green pitch at Hamilton:
— ?FlashScore Cricket Commentators (@FlashCric) December 2, 2020
When you realise it’s the first test match between New Zealand and West Indies starting tonight and not the first day of Wimbledon! Not seen a wicket so green in a long while! ? #NZvWIpic.twitter.com/LHPX1yA2Ky
Can't can't wait for 3:30 AM Won't sleep tonight, don't wanna miss a single over. Green top, with quality pacers in both teams, should be a cracker of a contest.#NZvWI
CSA sets major transformation targets for 2022-23 | Cricket South Africa aiming for more tougher transformation targets
Cricket South Africa (CSA) is aiming to reach a major transformation target by 2022-23 season.
The target is to have more black African players in the team and leave place for four white players in the top XI. The board presented a list of suggestions to the sports minister, Nathi Mthethwa, that said, “the percentage of black African players required in the team is now 25% (up from 18% until the end of last season). Next season, 2021-22, the percentage increases to 27%, and in the 2022-23 season it sits at 33%. The number of players of colour required overall sits at 58% now and will increase to 63% by 2022-23”.
South Africa recently lost the bilateral T20I series with England at Newlands. After the match, South Africa head coach Mark Boucher said he was present at the transformation meeting and whole outline of the rules and regulations were explained in that meeting.
“I don’t know if that has been taken to the minister yet. It’s difficult for me to answer that. I think someone above me needs to answer that. If you look at the three black Africans, they are very good cricket players. It’s not up to me to answer this. I have got to select a team that I believe can do a job on the day and I do select that team along with Victor [Mpitsang] and Enoch [Nkwe]”, he said.
Rabada has been ruled out of the ODIs, making South Africa’s selection all the more difficult from both a team strength and transformation perspective. Ngidi, Phehlukwayo, and Junior Dala are the other black African bowlers in the squad, with Glenton Stuurman, Keshav Maharaj, and Bjorn Fortuin all players of colour. Among the batsmen, Bavuma, a black African player, and Hendricks are South Africa’s only options.
Written by Anjali Jha. Follow Anjali on Twitter today.
Channel 7 defames CA for being ‘terrified of BCCI’| Dispute between Channel 7 and CA continues to take ugly turn
The dispute between Cricket Australia and Seven West Media took an ugly turn as they have lodged “an affidavit with the court here in a pre-discovery action”.
According to PTI reports, Channel 7 suggested that the CA is ‘terrified’ by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and hence decided to change the summer’s cricketing schedule Down Under in order suit the richest cricket board in the world.
The media group and Australian cricket board was already at loggerheads from past few months regarding summer series. “With so much positivity around Australian cricket, it is disappointing that Seven West Media has again chosen to use the media to talk our wonderful game down,” Cricket Australia Interim CEO Nick Hockley fired back at Channel 7 in a statement issued on cricketworld.com.
India has visited Australia for a two-month long series, which features three ODIs, three T20Is and four Tests. “CA has maintained all along our commitment to delivering a thrilling summer of cricket … I’m proud to say we are doing just that. We remain confident in our contractual position. In the most challenging environment sport has faced, with the support of our friends at the BCCI, CA has ensured that the much-anticipated series with India can go ahead safely”, Hockley said in his statement.
Despite legal tussle, Channel 7 will cover the Australia vs India Tests. “CA has maintained all along with our commitment to delivering a thrilling summer of cricket … I’m proud to say we are doing just that. We remain confident in our contractual position. In the most challenging environment sport has faced, with the support of our friends at the BCCI, CA has ensured that the much-anticipated series with India can go ahead safely.”
Written by Anjali Jha. Follow Anjali on Twitter today.
Twitter reacts to record-breaking Virat Kohli reaching 12k ODI runs | Twitter reactions from fans and players to Kohli reaching 12,000 ODI runs
Indian Captain Virat Kohli touched a new milestone as he made the fastest 12,000 runs in ODIs, achieved in the India-Australia series. Kohli reached the mark in the third ODI match, where India is playing for pride after losing the first two matches, in a total of 242 innings. He broke Sachin Tendulkar’s previous record by an incredible 58 innings.
Post pandemic, India is playing it’s first international series and is currently on a five-match losing streak in ODIs after losing games against New Zealand in February and now two games in Australia. Though Kohli is riding high on a personal record-breaking match, his captaincy has been a matter of debate after back to back losses.
However, those issues have been put to the side at the moment to praise Kohli on such an incredible achievement. Kohli has joined five other players in reaching the mark, and netizens are celebrating, including legends applauding the 32-year-old player on his remarkable feat.
12000 RUNS FOR VIRAT KOHLI IN ODI CRICKET FASTEST PLAYER IN THE HISTORY OF CRICKET TO ACHEIVE THIS FEAT AND ONLY THE SECOND INDIAN In 61 lesser Innings than Sachin Tendulkar, Yes you read this Correct '61' ?? GREATEST OF ALL TIME pic.twitter.com/klX3Xg7AQ0
Virat Kohli completed 12,000 runs in ODI format, fastest ever – The freak – near to 60 average & strike rate over 90 – Consistency and greatness mixes together.
Virat Kohli is the fastest to reach 12,000 ODI runs and he achieved that in 61 lesser innings than Sachin Tendulkar. What a great of the game, proper dominator.@imVkohli G.O.A.T pic.twitter.com/UVl1jMtUZa
Another day, another batting record for King #Kohli ?? He becomes the fastest to reach 12000 runs in ODI cricket, in just his 242nd innings. Previous record holder was Sachin who took 300 innings to reach 12000 ODI runs#AUSvsIND#ViratKohli
"Virat Kohli Absolute genius. He's (Virat Kohli) very special player. He Comes out to bat everyone's Happy and appulse. And when see shots like that flow and middle of the bat. And his Shots just effortless and flying to the sky. He's just Special player."
Virat Kohli received some applause from Steve Smith at backward point as soon as his 12,000 ODI run milestone was announced on the big screen at the Manuka Oval #AUSvIND
At 32 years of age, and with a number of years still in front of him, many believe Kohli can reach Sachin Tendulkar’s overall record of 18,426 ODI runs. Given the way he’s going and the incredible consistency of the man, nothing is out of the picture.
Written by Anjali Jha. Follow Anjali on Twitter today.
Ian Chappell strongly against ‘switch-hitting’ tactics | Former Australia captain Ian Chappell strongly against switch-hit in cricket
Ian Chappell has opposed switch-hitting done by the Aussie batsman in the ongoing Australia-India ODI series. The former Australian captain condemned the “amazing skillful” tactics of players like Glenn Maxwell, calling it unfair.
“How can one side of the game, ie. the bowlers, they have to tell the umpire how they’re going to bowl. And yet the batsman, he lines up as a right-hander – I’m the fielding captain, I place the field for the right-hander – and before the ball’s been delivered, the batsman becomes a left-hander,” Chappell told nine.com.au.
Australia has won two games and secured their ODI win in the three-match series. Both the matches were a high scoring chase for India. Chappell asked the Indian team to revolt against this practice to the on-field umpire.
“I just can’t believe the players don’t arc-up about it. If I’m captain, I’m going to take the ball myself and I’m going to tell the umpire I’m bowling right-arm over [the wicket], and then I’m going to run in and bowl around. Obviously, the umpire‘s going to complain and I’m going to say, ’Well, you stop him (the batsman) doing something I think is totally unfair and I’ll stop doing something unfair’. If the administrators aren’t smart enough to change it, then my attitude always was, ‘Well, I’ll take the law into my own hands’”, he said.
In the recent past, Chappell has been very vocal about cricketing activities and usually rants about things that he doesn’t approve of. Earlier this year, Chappell suggested that the LBW laws be changed so LBWs can be given no matter where the ball pitches or hits the batsman. In this matter of concern, he also suggested a solution that could make the game fair for bowlers as well.
“It’s very simple … All you’ve got to say is that if the batsman changes the order of his hands or his feet [as the bowler runs in], then it’s an illegal shot. (But) if the batsman’s right-handed and wants to play switch-hit [in advance of the bowler running in], any bowler worth his salt will say, ‘Go for your life, mate, I’ll take my chances’. But when he completely becomes the opposite-handed batsman to what he faces up as, then it’s not fair. If he’s good enough to do it by excellent footwork or whatever other means he can devise, I don’t have a problem with it. But when it’s blatantly unfair, it annoys the hell out of me”, he added.
Written by Anjali Jha. Follow Anjali on Twitter today.
AUS vs IND 3rd ODI Preview Dream11 Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | AUS vs IND 3rd ODI Dream11 Prediction Today | Australia vs India 3rd ODI Key Players | Manuka Oval Canberra Pitch Report
The second ODI was almost a carbon copy of the first. India, as has been the case in ODIs in 2020, struggled for penetration in the powerplay overs. As a result, Aaron Finch and David Warner (who is now out of the series) set up a great platform. And, in the ultimate dose of deja vu, Steve Smith scored his second-straight 62-ball century. And fans were in awe of such a genius.
By the time India started their run chase, there was just too much to do. A required run rate of nearly eight an over from the get-go is mighty difficult, and Australia’s batting dominance is highlighted most by the fact that India have scored 308 and 338 this series, only to lose by a combined margin of 117 runs. So, the onus is on India’s bowling and fielding to improve significantly to avoid their first bilateral ODI series whitewash to Australia.
For the Aussies, it is about producing more of the same with the bat, despite David Warner’s injury. Aaron Finch’s form has been terrific, and with Steve Smith in such a mood, Australia can hope for another ideal situation where Glenn Maxwell comes in just at the right time to wreak havoc. Mitchell Starc’s form, like Jasprit Bumrah’s for India, is a concern, so a good performance by Starc and an Aussie win will seal a perfect series for the home side.
AUS vs IND 3rd ODI Preview Dream11: Virat Kohli has had success in Australia before.
Key Players to Watch/Key Stats
Two matches, two 62-ball hundreds. 1,116 ODI runs at an average of 65.64 and SR 105.88 against this opponent. Steve Smith simply loves playing against India.
Also, Smith has scored three half-centuries in three ODIs at Manuka Oval (total of 196 runs, avg. 98.00, SR 122.50).
Aaron Finch has hit a century and half-century this series (second-most runs with 174, avg. 87). Also, Finch enjoys batting in Canberra, with two centuries in four matches (overall average of 68.25).
Shikhar Dhawan and Virat Kohli are two of India’s linchpins. In India’s only ODI in Canberra to date, both Dhawan and Kohli struck centuries, back in 2016.
Dhawan’s last few scores in ODIs vs Australia: 117 (109), 74 (91), 96 (90), 74 (86) and 30 (23).
Marnus Labuschagne has put his hand up to replace Warner as opener. Whether he opens or bats four, one can back Labuschagne to continue his fine form. In fact, Labuschagne has made four 50+ scores in 11 ODIs, with an overall average of 42.36 and SR 92.09.
Hardik Pandya has been one of the big positives for India in a disappointing series so far. The hard-hitting right-hander is their leading run-scorer (118) and showed them the template to bowl effectively at the SCG (1/24 in four overs).
Another great positive for Australia has been the form of Glenn Maxwell. It is still barely believable that he didn’t hit a six in the IPL 2020, especially given he has slammed 108 runs at a strike rate of 225 so far this series.
Adam Zampa has taken 26 wickets in his last 12 ODIs. Overall, he has an impressive 26 wickets in 15 ODIs against India, including six in two matches this series. His economy rate of under six in a high-scoring series suggests he is hitting the right lengths consistently.
Josh Hazlewood has taken five wickets in two matches this series. Also, he has dismissed Virat Kohli twice, both caught in the mid-wicket region.
No bowler has taken more wickets in ODIs than Mohammed Shami’s 54 since the start of 2019. Can he and the struggling Jasprit Bumrah deliver powerplay wickets?
Mitchell Starc, like Bumrah, has been under par in ODIs in 2020. However, Starc enjoys playing at this ground, with seven wickets in three ODIs at Manuka Oval.
In the only ODI between Australia and India so far at Canberra, India were 277/1 chasing 349. With just 72 required in 75 balls, and Kohli and Dhawan each past 100, India then lost 9/46 to lose the match.
Aaron Finch scored a run-a-ball 107 in that same ODI. Steve Smith smashed 51 off 29 balls, and Glenn Maxwell had a field day too with 41 off 20 balls.
The great Virat Kohli needs 23 runs to reach 12,000 in ODIs. Sachin Tendulkar is currently the quickest to the mark at 300 innings. Kohli has currently played 241.
In 2019, Mitchell Starc took 27 ODI wickets at an average of 18.59. In 2020, he has taken 12 wickets at 54.25. Jasprit Bumrah is also struggling compared to last year, with three wickets at an average of 146.33 in 2020 compared to 25 wickets at 24.6 in 2019.
Yuzvendra Chahal has taken 1/160 in his 19 overs so far this series. Navdeep Saini hasn’t fared better, with 1/153 in his 17. With India choosing five bowlers (excluding Hardik), these figures are damning.
Possible Playing 11
David Warner is out with a groin strain, which has put him in doubt for the first Test starting on December 17. Either Matthew Wade or D’Arcy Short are likely to replace him at opener. Another option is promoting Marnus Labuschagne to opener and bringing in Cameron Green, but Finch spoke about left and right hand opening combinations.
Pat Cummins, who bowled nicely in the second ODI, has been rested for the remaining white-ball games. So, Sean Abbott, who has been excellent in Sheffield Shield cricket this season, is likely to come in.
Australia: 1. Aaron Finch (c), 2. Matthew Wade/D’Arcy Short, 3. Steve Smith, 4. Marnus Labuschagne, 5. Moises Henriques, 6. Alex Carey (wk), 7. Glenn Maxwell, 8. Sean Abbott, 9. Mitchell Starc, 10. Adam Zampa, 11. Josh Hazlewood
India have bigger headaches. The form of Yuzvendra Chahal and Navdeep Saini prompted Virat Kohli to turn to Hardik Pandya, who hasn’t been bowling in recent times due to his return from a back injury. So, India could look to bring in Kuldeep Yadav and Shardul Thakur/T Natarajan.
Historically, Canberra is a flat pitch. In fact, of all grounds to host at least five ODIs since 2000, Manuka Oval has the highest run rate (6.36). The average first innings score in the last five ODIs on this ground is a massive 355.2, with the team batting first going on to win all five matches. Australia have scored 348/8 and 378/5 in their last two ODIs on this ground (vs India and New Zealand in 2016).
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Match Prediction
Batting first could prove key in this match. Australia is playing much better cricket at the moment, so India will be keen to put runs on the board and defend. If Australia bat first, they will be hard to stop.
SA vs ENG 3rd T20I 2020 Preview Dream11 Possible 11 Pitch Report | SA vs ENG 3rd T20I Dream11 Prediction Today | South Africa vs England 3rd T20I Key Players | Cape Town Pitch Report
As the series returns to Newlands in beautiful Cape Town, can South Africa return to winning ways? The Proteas, who have fought hard in the two matches so far in this series, have ultimately been undone by England’s excellent batting depth.
This time, the Proteas will be after a better batting display, after regular wickets in the middle overs hurt their progress at Paarl. George Linde and Rassie van der Dussen’s late efforts ensured South Africa had something respectable to bowl at, but more will be expected from their top order.
For England, it’s been Jonny Bairstow and Dawid Malan who have steered the side out of sticky situations so far in the opening two games. Jason Roy’s lack of form is an area of concern, as it gets South Africa into the game early, so if he can find form here, it makes England all the more dangerous. Also, can the likes of Jos Buttler find their form along with a polished England bowling display?
SA vs ENG 3rd T20I 2020 Preview Dream11: Can Dawid Malan produce the goods again?
Key Players to Watch/Key Stats
Dawid Malan played a knock full of composure on a slow track at Paarl (55 off 40 balls). The number one T20I batsman now has nine 50+ scores in 18 T20Is – a superb record he will look to build on today.
Jonny Bairstow smashed 86* off 48 balls to guide England home in the first T20I, which was played on this ground (Newlands). The hard-hitting England right-hander possesses an excellent T20I record vs South Africa, despite a low score last game (337 runs, avg. 48.14, SR 156.01).
Can Quinton de Kock, currently South Africa’s leading T20I run-scorer vs England (272, avg. 38.85, SR 171.06), influence this game? The Proteas skipper has made two scores of 30 this series. Can he make another start and go on with it?
Faf du Plessis has the most runs of any current player in T20Is at Cape Town (235 runs, avg. 29.37, SR 129.19). He scored 58 (40) on this ground in the opening T20I.
It seems as though Jos Buttler is due to fire. Will today be his day? The dynamic keeper-batsman has struck scores of 7 and 22 this series, but is one of five players to score 300+ runs in SA-ENG T20Is (323 runs, avg. 29.36, SR 154.54).
Rassie van der Dussen is South Africa’s second-highest run-scorer this series (62), behind du Plessis. van der Dussen will be looking for an improved strike rate (currently 108.77), given he is spending time in the middle (total of 57 balls).
Ben Stokes scored an important 37 (27) at Cape Town earlier this series.
Lungi Ngidi has taken 12 wickets in five T20I matches against England this year. However, his economy rate of 12.75 was mighty costly in the last match at Paarl.
Chris Jordan has the most wickets in ENG-SA T20Is (14 in 12 matches). Sam Curran, who was superb recently for CSK in IPL 2020, took 3/28 on this ground a few days ago.
Jofra Archer was MVP in the recent IPL (20 wickets in 15 matches, econ. 6.55). He was excellent in the last T20I (1/18), so the question today will be whether he can take multiple wickets.
Similar applies to Kagiso Rabada, who has just the one wicket to his name in two matches this series. The Proteas need the leading wicket-taker of IPL 2020 (30 wickets in 17 matches) to deliver today.
Adil Rashid and Tabraiz Shamsi bowled beautifully at Paarl (five wickets between them), but can they transfer that form over to Newlands?
George Linde took 2/20 on this ground vs England earlier this series.
Stats and Facts
Head-to-head: Matches 21, South Africa 9, England 10, N/R 1, 1 abandoned.
England have won the last four T20Is against South Africa, all in 2020.
England have now won seven of their past eight T20 series. South Africa, on the other hand, have not won any of their last four series.
Eoin Morgan showed he can influence the game at number six. His 26* (17) was key in the second T20I. Morgan remains the current highest run-scorer in SA-ENG T20Is (385 runs, avg. 32.08, SR 147.50).
Jason Roy is struggling for form. He had a poor summer in ODIs, with scores of 24, 0, 1, 3, 21 and 0 against Ireland and Australia, followed by a two-ball duck in the first T20I and 14 (19) in the second T20I.
Possible Playing 11
Unfortunately for South Africa, Temba Bavuma has not fired as hoped so far this series, after a promising show vs England earlier this year (avg. 40+ in the three-match T20I series). So, Janneman Malan could come in. Also, Lungi Ngidi has been in the wickets, but his economy rate is a concern.
South Africa: 1. Quinton de Kock (c & wk), 2. Temba Bavuma/Janneman Malan, 3. Reeza Hendricks, 4. Faf du Plessis, 5. Rassie van der Dussen, 6. Heinrich Klaasen/Jon-Jon Smuts, 7. George Linde, 8. Lungi Ngidi/Lutho Sipamla, 9. Kagiso Rabada, 10. Anrich Nortje, 11. Tabraiz Shamsi
Eoin Morgan said he will resist the urge to experiment. However, someone like Moeen Ali could be handy on what will be a used Cape Town pitch.
England: 1. Jason Roy, 2. Jos Buttler (wk), 3. Dawid Malan, 4. Jonny Bairstow, 5. Ben Stokes, 6. Eoin Morgan (c), 7, Moeen Ali/Chris Jordan, 8, Sam Curran, 9, Jofra Archer, 10, Adil Rashid, 11, Mark Wood
Newlands Cape Town Pitch and Weather Report
A cool day is forecast in Cape Town (20 degrees celsius), with a chance of some showers during the day. The pitch will be the same one as the first T20I, where England chased down South Africa’s score of 179 with four balls remaining.
Dream11 Prediction
Option 1:
SA vs ENG 3rd T20I 2020 Dream11 Prediction
Option 2:
SA vs ENG 3rd T20I 2020 Dream11 Prediction
Match Prediction
South Africa have been close in the opening two T20Is, which should give them hope that they can get over the line here. However, England’s depth holds them in great stead, and should deliver another win.
Dawid Malan strikes superb 55 as England wins T20I series | World number one T20I batsman Dawid Malan seals series for England
England won the three-match T20I series by winning the first two games against South Africa. Dawid Malan, who is currently the top-ranked ICC T20I batsman, took the team beyond the finishing line in style. England had to chase 147 runs set by their hosts South Africa. Malan hit a crucial 55 runs in 40 balls with seven boundaries in his innings.
Captain Eoin Morgan and Malan compiled a partnership of 51 runs. Malan was awarded the Man of the Match award for his fine innings. “It was either the pitch or me, I struggled for timing early on. Changed when we had to put the foot down, but I found my intent in the end. Made my first-class debut here, nice to come home and win a game for England. We’ve got so many match-winners, over the last four-five years, players are used to getting over the line on the big stage”, he said in the post-match presentation.
Talking about his first rank in ICC cricket, Malan said that he tries to not think about that as it doesn’t guarantee runs or ensures selection in the team. “Everyone feeds off each other in our batting line-up. I’ll look back fondly when I’m done. Morgs changed the momentum, we dovetailed and it was nice to get a partnership going”, he said.
? Malan the man as ??????? seal series win over South Africa
Despite a tense finish in Paarl, England held on for victory to seal the series 2-0 with a game to play.
England lost three quick wickets as Shamsi claimed wickets of three hard-hitter – Jos Buttler, Jonny Bairstow, and Ben Stokes giving his team a fair start in the game. But Malan has his plans straight and stuck by his team until Ngidi took his wicket.
England and South Africa will meet again at Newlands for their third T20I.
Written by Anjali Jha. Follow Anjali on Twitter today.
Jasprit Bumrah is a champion & will come back – KL Rahul | India vice-captain KL Rahul says Jasprit Bumrah will bounce back after tough few matches
Indian vice-captain KL Rahul admitted that even though Jasprit Bumrah’s performance has been questionable, there is no doubt that he is a fiery player. In the post-match presentation, the vice-captain said, “Look, we all know Jasprit is quite fiery and he is very competitive on the field. And he has very high expectations of himself”.
India lost the second ODI against Australia on Sunday by 51 runs as Virat Kohli’s team had to chase 390. India’s bowling has been a matter of concern after the series loss, as top players like Shami and Bumrah have been failing to pick up wickets in the first 10 overs of the game. Talking about Bumrah’s performance, Rahul said that it’s about time a champion player like him, will come back and deliver wickets.
India had faced a series defeat against New Zealand last year too and it was Bumrah’s bowling that raised concerns as failed to pick any wicket in the bilateral series. In the series, he bowled 30 overs, gave away 167 runs at an economy of 5.56, and picked up zero wickets.
“New Zealand was a long long time ago. I am sure he sets the bar very high he means a lot to this team and to this set-up and we know the value of Jasprit. It is about time a champion player like that will come back and deliver and get wickets for us. You also have to understand that in New Zealand and Australia, the wickets are so good to bat on. You will see top bowlers not getting wickets [once in a while]. So that is acceptable,” Rahul said.
Supporting his captain’s thoughts about the opposition, Rahul too felt that the opposition played better cricket. “The mood in the camp has been, and is, still very positive. It is home conditions for them. We have played 50-over cricket after a long, long time so yeah still a long way to go on the tour. But we are doing a lot of things right. Just need to learn how to bowl better on such beautiful batting surfaces. That is learning. Not a lot we have done wrong. So we need to get better with our skills and execution and need to figure out what we can do on such wickets”, he added.
Written by Anjali Jha. Follow Anjali on Twitter today.
AUS vs IND White-Ball: David Warner out, Pat Cummins rested | David Warner ruled out of white-ball matches, and Pat Cummins has been rested
Australia sealed the ODI series with back-to-back wins against India at Sydney Cricket Ground.
But during the second match, David Warner picked up what looked a nasty groin strain, and has been ruled out for the remaining ODI and three T20Is. D’Arcy joins the squad as a replacement. Also, Pat Cummins have been rested for the next two matches due to a high workload in recent times, given he was in the England and IPL bubbles before this series. He will return for the Tests.
Most 100-run partnerships against India in ODIs:
? Gordon Greenidge & Desmond Haynes ➜ 6 ?? Aaron Finch & David Warner ➜ 5* ? ?? Mahela Jayawardene & Kumar Sangakkara ➜ 5
“Pat and Davie are critical to our plans for the Test series. Davie will work through his injury rehab and in Pat’s case it is important all of our players are managed well to keep them mentally and physically fit throughout what is a challenging summer. The priority for both is being fully prepared for one of the biggest and most important home Test series we have played in recent years, especially with World Test Championship points up for grabs”, said coach Justin Langer.
During India’s chase of 390 runs at SCG, Shikhar Dhawan hit a ball towards mid-off where Warner tried to save and drove for the ball. It took him a couple of minutes to gain his senses to stand back and went straight for the scanning.
Some bad news for Australia fans ?
David Warner has limped off the field after appearing to have hurt his groin while fielding in the second innings.#AUSvINDpic.twitter.com/8whmf2nEDD
India lost the game by 51 runs and it again highlighted the loopholes in the team’s bowling department. In the last couple of games, the bowlers have not picked a single wicket in the first 10 overs giving a completed packaged start for the opposition. Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah, two-star bowlers gave out 73 and 79 runs respectively and Saini and Agarwal’s economy was a perfect 10.
There is a lot of expectation when it comes to Bumrah’s bowling but the pacer has been struggling to perform in the current series Down Under. Though his IPL stats depict a different story, in International cricket he has taken only four-wicket in the last nine matches. Steve Smith was simply superb, but India need to deliver more.
India- Australia will play their third ODI on 2nd December.
Written by Anjali Jha. Follow Anjali on Twitter today.
