Zimbabwe is all set to visit Pakistan next month for a limited-overs tour that is scheduled from October 20. Keeping the whole bio-secure bubble in place along with other Covid-19 protocols, both the teams will be facing each other. According to the reports by ESPNCricinfo, Zimbabwe Cricket chairman Tavengwa Mukuhlani has confirmed by saying “hopeful we will be cleared to travel to Pakistan and that an official announcement would be made shortly”.
While the schedule is being formulated, Pakistan Cricket Board is in talks with ICC and ECB about how long the quarantine period should be for the players. Post the Covid-19 outbreak, England was the first cricket board in the world to host an international series, going on to play West Indies, Pakistan, Ireland and Australia. Taking cues from the tour, PCB is formulating the line of action to successfully host the upcoming matches.
Reportedly, there has been decline in the number of Covid cases in Pakistan in August which led to this decision. However, the uncertainty that has surrounded the arrangement of international cricket matches in the country over the past decade means that one needs to wait and watch until a final call is taken on the same.
Not much has been disclosed regarding the whereabouts of the tournaments. However, there have been talks of conducting ODI series in Multan after 12 years, along with T20Is in Rawalpindi.
Written by Anjali Jha. Follow Anjali on Twitter today.
Already engrossed in administrative turmoil, Cricket South Africa (CSA) will see their ODI sponsor Momentum part ways with the board as their contract concludes on April 2021. Though the company is breaking all possible ties with the men’s cricket team, they will continue to finance the women’s side until 2023.
In addition to ODIs, they are pulling out their association with the franchise one-day cup and the national club championships. The company’s role in development programs like Momentum Friendship Games, eKasi challenge and the U-13, U-15 and U-17 school’s weeks will cease to exist too.
Carel Bosman is the head of sponsorships at Momentum. In an ESPNCricinfo report, he mentions, “We will continue our dialogue with CSA to keep them accountable to do the right thing. We all want to see a governing body that is run professionally and ethically, and one that considers all stakeholders to the game.”
After the revelations of financial mishandlings dating back to last December that the CSA decided against making public, Momentum had issued a half six-condition ultimatum to the cricket board. They had asked the association to organize a forensic audit into its functioning. It had also vouched for the appointment of an independent lead auditor for the proceedings. Furthermore, the president Chris Nenzani and vice-president Beresford Williams had been instructed to step down from their respective roles in accordance with this final proposition.
Earlier, Standard Bank had decided against sponsoring the Test team of the country in the light of these events. Last week, the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) had ordered CSA and its staff to step aside. This has effectively created a vacuum with respect to cricket administration in the country. South African cricket is already undergoing tumultuous times on the financial front. CSA had apparently evaluated a deficit of US$39.77 million in the previous year, and hence the departure from Momentum is arguably going to make things even more complicated for now.
Written by Anjali Jha. Follow Anjali on Twitter today.
Rashid Khan dreams of lifting the T20 World Cup in the coming years considering the nation’s talent. Afghanistan Cricket Board, which was formulated in 1995, got ICC affiliation in 2001 and in 2017 received full ICC Membership status, which includes Test cricket. After becoming the face of this budding team, Khan has influenced the country’s cricket and has garnered a lot of recognition across the globe.
Even in his IPL matches where he represents the Hyderabad team, his bowling pace has inspired alot of youngsters back home. Coming from a humble background and having instability in the country saw a lot of tough times in his sport career. “It feels amazing to be someone who is changing the life of youngsters. To be someone who is helping change their mindset and plans about what they want to become in the future,” Rashid told to R Ashwin on his YouTube show DRS with Ashwin.
Rashid has played a key role in changing the face of the game in Afghanistan. “The biggest dream of the whole country was to be called a Full Member team and to play a Test game,” Rashid said. “That was something which we were all hoping and praying for, the whole country, and we were not expecting that to happen as soon as it did. When you’re playing a Test game against India in India, it’s more than a dream for everyone.
Recalling his first Test match in India, Rashid said that it took time for them to sink into that feeling of playing a red-match game as everything felt surreal. “When we were playing against you guys in our first Test game, we didn’t know what we were doing. Everyone was just counting – I’m going to be the first one to hit a four, the first one to hit a six, the first one to take a single. Everyone was just so excited to play the first game and to get to the ground and do his best. It wasn’t the best game for us, but there were so many things we learned”, he said.
However, now that they have achieved full ICC status, the star legspinner feels they have full potential to lift the ICC T20 World Cup as they are not at short when it comes to talented players. “I think the biggest achievement [for Afghanistan] should be, right now, what the team is looking for, what the country is expecting is, to win the T20 World Cup, because we have all the skills, talent, and we just need to have that belief in ourselves that we can do it. Talent-wise we are so good, we have the spinners, we have the fast bowlers, we have the batting skills as well. But what took us down in that Test was our experience against big teams, because we didn’t play enough cricket with them”, he said.
The next T20 World Cup is scheduled to be played in India in October-November 2021. Meanwhile, Rashid Khan will be playing in the IPL in UAE for Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Written by Anjali Jha. Follow Anjali on Twitter today.
IPL 2020 Squad Analysis written by Sridhar Bhamidi
Sridhar is part of the Flashscore Cricket team. You can follow their live ball-by-ball commentary for all international cricket and the IPL. Check them out on Facebook and Twitter.
As the cricketing world comes to terms with the new age order post COVID-19, the 12-year old Indian Premier League (IPL) promises a rebirth in 2020.
Such is the pull of ‘brand IPL’ that even the ICC T20I World Cup had to give way. Now, while that is a contentious decision that will keep buzzing for some time to come with murmurs of dissent over the BCCI’s financial muscle, such is the necessity of the IPL for the BCCI’s coffers that the 13th edition is now being played in the UAE from September 19 to November 10. Dubai, Sharjah, and Abu Dhabi will reverberate (quite literally, in empty stadiums) with IPL action.
One new dimension this year is that captains and team management will have their hands full keeping the players focused amid the strict regulations that mean each team will stay in a bio-bubble. That could mean that the captain’s role will be even more vital than normal in this season of many unknowns.
CHENNAI SUPER KINGS
IPL 2020 Squad Analysis: MS Dhoni to lead CSK to success?
Close your eyes and say ‘Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK). There is a strong chance of you visualising Chepauk Stadium full of the ‘Yellow Army’, a smiling MS Dhoni parading his oldies, or a spin-heavy team choking their opponents. As the only team to make it to every IPL playoffs, CSK are the darling of the Indian cricket masses, thanks largely to MSD and the fact that they won three titles and reached the finals on five other occasions.
The blitz around Suresh Raina’s departure has been a googly for MSD’s side. Raina (5,368 IPL career runs) was their glue at no.3 with a consistency (39 50+ scores in 189 matches) only few can match. His absence puts even more strain on MSD (4,432 IPL runs, Avg. 42.20), who was their only player to score 400+ runs last season.
CSK continue to retain the core of their side, which could be a boon or bane. The oldies like Shane Watson and Dwayne Bravo still pack a punch, while Deepak Chahar and Josh Hazlewood could be irksome with their accuracy. The addition of Piyush Chawla – one of the only four bowlers to take 150 IPL wickets – could be a masterstroke.
Without doubt, the CSK of 2020 have many variables egging us to back a punt on them missing the playoffs. But with MSD in the saddle, expect the unexpected from the most consistent team in IPL history.
Key player: Dhoni – for his man-management skills.
Key domestic player: Deepak Chahar
Key overseas player: Dwayne Bravo
Young player to watch: R Sai Kishore – the left-arm spinner from Chennai who was the leading wicket-taker in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2019/20.
Dark horse pick: Sam Curran
Prediction: Will they, won’t they? They just might not make the playoffs. Others think they will – catch the CricBlog official predictions here!
DELHI CAPITALS
IPL 2020 Squad Analysis: Can Shreyas Iyer lead his team to glory?
Forget the Royal Challengers, Delhi Capitals (DC) are the quintessential underachievers of the IPL. The franchise that has never qualified for an IPL final and has finished bottom of the pile a record four times, DC don’t provide enough hope for even their most ardent fans. However, the way they reached last season’s playoffs and how they remain one of the best Indian-centric IPL teams, make us wonder if this is going to be ‘that’ year!
Shikhar Dhawan (521 runs, Avg. 34.73, SR 135.67), Rishabh Pant (488 runs, Avg. 37.53, SR 162.66), and captain Shreyas Iyer (463 runs, Avg. 30.86, SR 119.94) all finished in the top-ten batsmen last season. Kagiso Rabada (25 wickets, ER 7.82) was just one wicket off the ‘Purple Cap’ despite playing at least five games less. The addition of Ajinkya Rahane adds steel to their batting, while Marcus Stoinis, Alex Carey, and Shimron Hetmyer add excitement in the overseas segment.
Nonetheless, the bowling looks a little light with only Ishant Sharma and Ravichandran Ashwin among the known names. Sandeep Lamichhane is an exciting presence, but the balance of selections might go against him. DC will be desperate for Indian back-up bowlers like Avesh Khan and Lalit Yadav to pull their weight. Nonetheless, this is an exciting unit that could go all the way under mentor Ricky Ponting if they play their cards right.
Key player: Ravi Ashwin (for his mankading – okay, we are kidding)
Key domestic player: Rishabh Pant
Key overseas player: Shimron Hetmyer
Young player to watch: Prithvi Shaw
Dark horse pick: Marcus Stoinis
Prediction: Playoffs
KINGS XI PUNJAB
IPL 2020 Squad Analysis: KL Rahul is an Orange Cap contender.
Ever heard of a King without a kingdom? Or, a King who’s a pauper? Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) are just that with 12 years of failure baggage full with inconsistency and inept campaigns. Only two playoff performances, while finishing sixth to eighth in seven of the 12 IPL seasons, KXIP have all the traits of a club that should, if they could, be relegated!
Yet this season’s auction could potentially change things. Ravichandran Ashwin was let go (bad move), but big players like Glenn Maxwell (1,397 career IPL runs, SR 161.13), Sheldon ‘Salute’ Cottrell, Chris Jordan, and James Neesham have been added. What’s impressive is the addition of Ravi Bishnoi – the Indian U-19 leg-spinner with a mean googly and a meaner leg-break.
Then of course is the change in management, with Anil Kumble roped in as the coach, Jonty Rhodes as the fielding coach, and Wasim Jaffer as the batting coach. Captain KL Rahul had a stellar season last year (593 runs, Avg. 53.90, SR 135.38) and will look to forge another explosive opening partnership with Chris Gayle (490 runs, SR 153.60 last year).
But just when it seems more rosy for KXIP, comes the bad news. The seam department looks thin, the spin cupboard looks bare, and good death bowlers look absent: KXIP leak 8.42 runs per over which is the worst ER among all active teams. That said, for the first time in many seasons, KXIP have a balanced unit (at least on paper) ready for anointment. Can they live up to expectations for a change?
Key player: Karun Nair – the glue between an explosive top-order and a fragile middle.
Key domestic player: KL Rahul
Key overseas player: Glenn Maxwell
Young player to watch: Ravi Bishnoi
Dark horse pick: Sarfaraz Khan – his last six FC innings scores: 301*, 226*, 78, 25, 177, and 6 (latest).
Prediction: Outside top-four
KOLKATA KNIGHT RIDERS
IPL 2020 Squad Analysis: Dinesh Karthik to lead KKR to a strong season?
Six playoffs in the last nine seasons including two titles and only one wooden spoon in IPL history, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have so much going for them. Add to that the purchases of Pat Cummins, Tom Banton and Eoin Morgan, not to mention Brendon McCullum appointed as head coach, this season’s KKR side is absolutely buzzing.
Andre Russell had an explosive IPL 2019 (510 runs @ SR 204.81, 11 wickets) and is expected to play up the order. Our prayers are with the bowling fraternity, especially if Sunil Narine also gets going (SR 166.27 and ten wickets in 2019). Shubman Gill remains one of the best batsmen of his generation, while Dinesh Karthik (3,654 runs, Avg. 27.06, SR 129.80) remains an under-rated cricketer.
Bowling has a lot of variety too with Russell and Narine complemented by Kuldeep Yadav (39 career IPL wickets). There’s Lockie Ferguson too, while the young Indian bowling contingent of Prasidh Krishna, Sandeep Warrier, Shivam Mavi, and Kamlesh Nagarkoti makes one drool in anticipation.
That remains KKR’s biggest concern too. While the first playing XI is impeccable, the Knight Riders do not have a strong bench. With dark clouds over Mavi and Nagarkoti – both of whom have missed an entire season – there seems to be more questions than answers for KKR.
Key player: Andre Russell
Key domestic player: Shubman Gill
Key overseas player: Pat Cummins
Young player to watch: Kamlesh Nagarkoti
Dark horse pick: Tom Banton
Prediction: Playoffs
MUMBAI INDIANS
IPL 2020 Squad Analysis: More success for Mumbai Indians?
Defending Champions Mumbai Indians (MI) follow a very interesting template. Beginning in 2013, MI have won every alternate season (2013, 2015, 2017, 2019) and by that logic they won’t be winning this edition. Yet, only a brave man would bet against Rohit Sharma’s men delivering the title again this season.
Not having proper back-up for the first XI has been a negative for MI, but not this season. Adding Chris Lynn and Nathan Coulter-Nile has given MI solid bench strength. The real deal, of course, is captain Rohit Sharma (4,898 career IPL runs, Avg. 31.60, SR 130.82). His calm leadership resonates through the side and that makes MI special.
Kieron Pollard (2,755 runs, SR 146.77) remains one of the strongest hitters around and can be destructive on his day. For every Hardik Pandya (career IPL SR 154.78) who is a maverick with the bat, MI have a Suryakumar Yadav (1,548 runs, Avg. 28.14) who is an epitome of patience.
While all this gives them an edge, bowling makes MI the real class deal. Jasprit Bumrah (82 IPL wickets, ER 7.55) is probably the best Indian bowler of this format, while Trent Boult (38 wickets) brings finesse. Questions remain over the lack of quality spinners, although Rahul Chahar (13 wickets in IPL 2019, ER 6.55) promises to fill that gap. Losing Lasith Malinga is a big blow, but the MI camp remains calm over how they want to go about their business.
MI represent those rare sporting teams which look stronger as you dig to find their loopholes. With a strong captain leading from the front, it will be a modern miracle if they fail to reach the playoffs, complete (of course) with a traditional slow start.
Key player: Rohit Sharma
Key domestic player: Suryakumar Yadav
Key overseas player: Kieron Pollard
Young player to watch: Rahul Chahar
Dark horse pick: Quinton de Kock (529 runs, Avg. 35.26, SR 132.91 in IPL 2019)
Prediction: Playoffs
RAJASTHAN ROYALS
IPL 2020 Squad Analysis: Steve Smith will lead RR in IPL 2020.
How do you describe Rajasthan Royals (RR)? The descendants of ‘Uncle Scrooge’? The quintessential ‘Money ball’ in IPL? Or, the smart cookies who paid attention in their strategy classes? A bit of all, may be, and a perfect example of how sporting franchises should be run!
All that aside, the inaugural winners of the IPL have struggled to replicate their off-field success on the field. The Royals are yet to qualify for the playoffs since that Season 1 win, finishing sixth or seventh in five of their last nine seasons. Pinched by that record, probably, the Royals went all out in the auction and were the busiest franchise. Steve Smith is retained as captain and should enjoy his idiosyncrasies at the crease.
Robin Uthappa was purchased from the auction to add experience, but the Royals ooze style and panache. Sanju Samson had three excellent seasons scoring 300+ runs every time. Jos Buttler (1,386 IPL runs, Avg. 35.53, SR 150.81) is every captain’s dream while the battery of young Indian players – Shreyas Gopal (20 wickets in 2019, SR 7.22), Mahipal Lomror, Mayank Markande, Riyan Parag etc – see the Royals cover all the bases.
However, questions remain over Ben Stokes’ availability, which will throw a huge gap in the Royals’ playing XI. Jofra Archer shot to fame with this format and should fancy his chances while Jaydev Unadkat, Oshane Thomas and Tom Curran provide the right mix. Then there are players like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Riyan Parag who can be exceptional on their day.
Will the Royals make it to the playoffs? Hard to see them achieve that, especially if Stokes is unavailable.
Key player: Shreyas Gopal
Key domestic player: Sanju Samson
Key overseas player: Steve Smith
Young player to watch: Yashasvi Jaiswal
Dark horse pick: Riyan Parag
Prediction: Outside top-four.
ROYAL CHALLENGERS BANGALORE
IPL 2020 Squad Analysis: Joy for RCB in IPL 2020?
Change is the only constant in the world, but for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) fans, ‘hope’ is the only constant. They start every season with the premise ‘Ee sala Cup Namade’, loosely translating to ‘the cup is ours this season’. That, however, remains the closest they have been to the cup! The three-time runners-up have finished eighth in two of the last three seasons and have failed to reach the playoffs in five of their last seven attempts!
Still, they can’t be ruled out of the reckoning. How can you, when a side boasts Virat Kohli – the highest run-getter in tournament history (5,412 runs, Avg. 37.84, SR 131.61) – and one of the best all-round players in IPL history in AB de Villiers (4,395 runs, Avg. 39.95, SR 151.23)! To add steel to their backroom, RCB added Mike Hesson as the ‘Director of Cricket’ and Simon Katich as the new head coach.
RCB’s auction purchases haven’t been bad either. Aaron Finch (287 T20s, 9,039 runs, Avg. 36.15, SR 143.65) has been a great addition not just as a gun opener, but also for his leadership skills. Chris Morris might not be an IPL great (SR 157.62, 69 wickets), but is a more-than-useful all-rounder. Adam Zampa could prove to be a versatile replacement, especially with the spin-heavy UAE tracks.
However, death bowling has remained their trouble area over the seasons and might continue this season too. Dale Steyn is roped in to address that, but RCB has a history of putting big scores on the board – with the ball that is! Young Indian batsmen are another area of concern, although Devdutt Padikkal could be an answer to that. Overall, RCB look well-balanced on paper and before a ball is bowled, but then that is exactly how they look every season!
Key player: Virat Kohli – he has come out fitter and faster after the Covid-19 break and looks hungry as ever.
Key domestic player: Yuzvendra Chahal
Key overseas player: AB de Villiers
Young player to watch: Devdutt Padikkal
Dark horse pick: Josh Philippe
Prediction: Outside top-four.
SUNRISERS HYDERABAD
IPL 2020 Squad Analysis: David Warner is an incredible IPL batsman.
Like the city they represent, the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SH) side are a relaxed ‘nawaabi’ unit (royal term). But don’t get fooled by that exterior, because the Sunrisers are one of the fiercely competitive units of the competition. Four consecutive playoff performances later, the Hyderabad-based team are looking to repeat the trophy-winning run of 2016.
David Warner returns as the captain and the diminutive Australian loves the IPL (4,706 runs @ Avg. 43.17, SR 142.39). Manish Pandey is an IPL veteran now (130 matches, 2,843 runs, Avg. 29.30, SR 120.82) to be counted as SRH’s main man. Warner’s partner-in-crime Jonny Bairstow (445 runs, Avg. 55.62, SR 157.24) will be gunning for yet another season of blazing starts.
That’s where, unfortunately, the train stops. SRH do not have the required batting depth which has often been their nemesis. Vijay Shankar has never ventured out of the ‘promising’ bracket and that casts a shadow over his efficiency. Local Indian youngsters like Virat Singh, Priyam Garg, and the hard-hitting Abdul Samad were added in the auction and SRH have high hopes for them.
Regardless, bowling retains the cutting edge thanks to the presence of proven IPL performers. Rashid Khan (55 wickets, ER 6.55) is a mean machine no one wants to face, while Bhuvneshwar Kumar (117 matches, 133 wickets, ER 7.24) gives flexibility of controlling either end of the innings. The addition of Mitchell Marsh and Fabian Allen gives them options in the all-round category. All in all, SRH have a squad that can make a dash for the playoffs look easy and settled. Beyond that, when squad depth comes to the fore, they could be found out.
Key player: DavidWarner
Key domestic player: Bhuvneshwar Kumar
Key overseas player: Rashid Khan
Young player to watch: Abdul Samad
Dark horse pick: Fabian Allen
Prediction: Playoffs.
Verdict
This season promises to be one of the most open seasons of all time in the IPL, as every team has a chance of making it to the playoffs. The famous yin-yang Chinese theory (couldn’t resist the Chinese connection to an Indian tournament) promises to be a constant accomplice in this tournament.
Playing in front of empty stadiums and far away from home is a big challenge in itself, even if you consider bio-secure bubbles a constant in the new world order, as mental health could be a concern that every team needs to address. As a fan, sit in your own bubble at home and enjoy the action! Let the IPL begin!
IPL 2020 Squad Analysis written by Sridhar Bhamidi
Sridhar is part of the Flashscore Cricket team. You can follow their live ball-by-ball commentary for all international cricket and the IPL. Check them out on Facebook and Twitter
England batting legend Kevin Pietersen has pinpointed Shubman Gill and MS Dhoni as two players to watch out for in the upcoming IPL 2020 tournament.
Pietersen, previewing the tournament for Betway, said he can’t wait to see Gill in action. Indeed, Gill has been earmarked for greatness at a young age, and is set to get an extended run at the top of the order for Kolkata Knight Riders. Gill, an Orange Cap contender, averages over 47 in six innings as an IPL opener.
“One that I can’t wait to see again is Shubman Gill, who plays for Kolkata Knight Riders,” said KP, who believes Gill should have been in India’s World Cup squad. “He is a young opening batsman who I thought was very unlucky to miss out on the India squad for the World Cup in England after a brilliant 2019 IPL. He averaged more than 30 as a 19-year-old during that competition.”
“I think he’s definitely somebody that we will be watching on our television screens for a long time.”
Shubman Gill is one to watch.
Pietersen will also be keeping a close eye on CSK captain MS Dhoni. Dhoni, who recently retired from international cricket, has a vital role to play as a leader in IPL 2020, given the challenges that CSK face with COVID-19 and player withdrawals.
“Mahendra Singh Dhoni announced his international retirement a few weeks ago, so it’s going to be interesting to see how he goes in this competition,” wrote KP, who then went on to see that his extended break would either be a positive or negative for Dhoni. “But, after this long break from cricket, and everything that’s been associated with it, it’s difficult to know how he will be feeling. It might have refreshed him and set him up positively, or it might have had a negative influence on his game. I don’t think it will be somewhere between the two.”
Gill and Dhoni were two key talking points out of five for Kevin Pietersen. You can catch his full IPL preview here, which includes two teams he is watching closely.
Cricket games have always been the centre of attraction for every cricket fan. We all have tried cricket games at least once in life, from that Nokia cricket game to nowadays android games.
There are tons of cricket games on the Play Store which might confuse you from picking the best out. So I’m presenting you here top 5 well known and engaging cricket games for android available on play store. The graphics and feel of the following games are so addictive that a true cricket fan can’t resist it.
5. Stick Cricket
Top 5 Cricket Games for Android Users: Stick Cricket
At number five we have Stick Cricket. This is one of the most popular mini cricket games in the world with over 10 million downloads.
It’s a very easy game to play but hard to master. Its simple interface contains only two buttons to bat. One for offside shots and another for leg-side shots.
Top 5 Cricket Games for Android Users: Stick Cricket
Different modes are available in the game. World domination mode (where you’ve to compete with 14 countries), World Cup mode and Slog the Stars mode.
This 21 Mb game could be your good time pass particularly if you hate bowling to the opponent.
Top 5 Cricket Games for Android Users: CSK Battle of Chepauk 2
The official cricket game of one of the best T20 teams, Chennai Super Kings. You are going to love this if you are a real CSK fan.
The game comes with good graphics and exciting music, which would keep you engaged. Control of the game is too easy. Timing of swipe is the key to success.
Top 5 Cricket Games for Android Users: CSK Battle of Chepauk 2
Five exciting modes to play:
Super Over
Super Matches
Super Multiplayer
Super Chase
Super Slog
Each and every mode of the game gets you the feel of batting for your favourite team CSK. Get ready to conquer the Chepauk stadium.
3. WCC 3 (Early Access)
Top 5 Cricket Games for Android Users: WCC3 (Early Access)
I put at number three the third version of WCC by Nextwave multimedia. This is one of the most realistic cricket games. Early Access of the game is available on play store and has already been downloaded over a million times.
Full motion-captured cricket actions of batting, bowling and fielding. To make it more realistic professional commentary has been added. English commentary by Australian cricket legend Matthew Hayden and Hindi by India’s popular cricketer and top commentator Aakash Chopra.
Top 5 Cricket Games for Android Users: WCC3 (Early Access)
Top 5 Cricket Games for Android Users: Real Cricket 20
The second game in the chart is none other than the well known and popular android game, Real Cricket 20. The tagline of the game itself says “it’s not CRICKET if it ain’t REAL.”
This game strives to provide the most authentic and complete cricketing experience to the cricket lovers.
Top 5 Cricket Games for Android Users: Real Cricket 20
Some of the main features are:
Save and share your thrilling match highlights.
Female commentary first time in a mobile cricket game.
Unique player faces and jersey and playing style.
Test matches, even with the pink ball under lights.
Authentic live stadiums including Mumbai, Pune, Cape Town, Melbourne, London, Dubai, Wellington and Kolkata.
At number one we have Google play store’s best game of 2015, 2016 & 2017. With many other awards, WCC 2 has been tagged as the editor’s choice game on the android play store. The game is also the most downloaded cricket game with over 50 millions of downloads.
‘World Cricket Championship 2’ has features that make it the most dynamic and versatile game in the world of mobile cricket.
Top 5 Cricket Games for Android Users: WCC2
Some of the main features are:
18 different international teams, 10 domestic teams, 42 different stadiums. TEST Cricket, Hot Events and more than 11 tournaments including World Cup, World T20 Cup, Blitz Tournament and ODI Series
Professional English and Hindi commentary with dynamic ground sounds
150 different batting animations and 28 different bowling actions
3D Wagon wheel with dynamic game data
Hawk-eye view for bowling summary & for LBW appeals
“It’s going to be strange”: Virat Kohli on playing the IPL without the fans
IPL 2020 is about to begin in a few days and this is the first time that the teams will be playing without the cheers of their fans. Due to the Covid-19 outbreak, IPL 2020 is taking place in UAE with the utmost precautions with playing within the bio-secure bubble norms. However, there is no denying that it’s going to be difficult for the players.
Also read: 5 big predictions for IPL 2020
“The atmosphere of an IPL T20 match is super pumped up and it also translates into the performance of a team. I won’t deny the fact that it’s going to be strange initially. Of course, it’s going to be new, just the echo of a ball hitting the bat I haven’t heard it in like 10 years”, said Virat Kohli in a video interview for Royal Challengers Bangalore Fans, YouTube channel.
“Playing Ranji Trophy cricket in 2010 is the last time I experienced it. So, for 10 years I haven’t had a game where I am not hearing the crowd but look again I would go back to the thought that it’s not like we haven’t done this before. So it’s important to remember that rather than saying that for 10 years I am used to this now; so I can’t do that. When you have an option, choose an option where you don’t just take your attention to the past experience. Because back then also you performed for the love of the game so focus on that. The crowd factor will definitely play a part, but when you are in the game doing what we do the best, so the instincts will kick in”, he said.
Will Virat Kohli finally lift the IPL Title in 2020?
Another change that the new IPL rules talks about it there will no hi-five no celebrations where two players touch each other. Kohli mentioned that the bio-bubble is being respected in other matches as well, such as England vs Australia, and therefore the players from the same bubble do celebrate.
“I think that the players have celebrated after taking a wicket because they belong to same bubble, but yes after the wicken is taken and you mellow down a bit and new batsman comes then we need to stop ourself. So, basically its more of a balance. And as sensible people we need to keep these things at check”, he added.
Written by Anjali Jha. Follow Anjali on Twitter today.
After playing a key role in the England-Australia ODI match, Jofra Archer might not be a part of the Big Bash League in Australia. The bio-secure bubble is affecting the mental stability of the players and Archer has spent around 87 days in the bubble.
Citing these reasons, the fast bowler is seriously considering skipping the BBL. The quarantine norms are quite a strict and he had a four-day rest between the Test series and just five days in between T20I series and a week’s isolation at Emirates Old Trafford.
“I love my Hobart [BBL] family but I think I need to spend some time with my real family as well. When the year turns, we’re going to be back in a bubble in the UAE and India or somewhere. Family time is really important especially when you’re in the bubble and you can’t see them physically. So any time I get I try to spend with them”, he said to ESPNCricinfo.
Archer had broken the bio-secure protocol when the team was traveling between the Ageas Bowl and Emirates Old Trafford, and he took a detour to his flat in Brighton.
“I’ll tell you, it has been mentally challenging,” Archer said. “We’ve been in here for 16 weeks or something like that. I think it is going to be more rare going home or being normal again. Here has become the new norm. We’ll just have to adjust again when we get some time off. The time I spend bowling with the white ball is a lot less than in Test cricket. You can’t run in the whole day. It is actually impossible to run in the whole day bowling at 90mph. If you can show me someone who does it then fair play. I’ve not seen any bowler who bowls 90mph do it for a whole day”. according to ESPNCricInfo reports.
This news puts further pressure on Cricket Australia, who are currently involved in full on negotiations with free-to-air broadcaster Channel 7 on the make up of the Aussie summer. The BBL’s perceived lack of quality and international stars by Channel 7 will gain further momentum if more players choose to avoid another bubble.
Jofra Archer will fly to UAE on Thrusday to join the IPL after the final ODI between England and Australia.
Written by Anjali Jha. Follow Anjali on Twitter today.
Bangladesh tour of SL in some doubt due to quarantine disagreements | Bangladesh tour of Sri Lanka hits roadblock.
The Covid-19 protocol is creating obstacles in Bangladesh’s World Test Championship series against Sri Lanka, that is scheduled to be held in late October. Initially, Sri Lanka Cricket has issued a notice saying that players need to quarantine for seven days after landing in the island. However, they have now increased it to 14 days and this clause is not acceptable by the BCB president Nazmul Hassan. Hassan said that it won’t be possible for the players to stay in a closed vicinity for that long.
“We cannot play World Test Championships with these terms and conditions, until their letter yesterday, both boards were having discussions along the lines of a seven-day quarantine. But now their terms and conditions are nowhere near those discussions, and neither are they anything close to what other countries hosting cricket in the pandemic are doing. There are three or seven-day quarantines in those places where the players can either train among themselves or use the gym”, said BCB president.
Sri Lanka’s sports minister Namal Rajapaksa took to Twitter to explain his stand and said, “As we all know the COVID19 pandemic is still at large globally, prevention measures are a high priority. However, given the significance of #cricket in the region, I have asked OfficialSLC to consult the Covid task force and reconsider the BCBtigers matter”, he said.
Bangladesh tour of SL has hit a roadblock.
The Bangladesh players were scheduled to leave for Colombo on September 27, as the first Test is to begin on October 23. Hasan has been complaining about how SLC isn’t allowing Bangladeshi players to train in the nets until their 14-day quarantine is up, which will give Bangladesh just a week or two to fully prepare for the three-match Test series.
“Seeing that they started domestic cricket, we informed the SLC that we are coming with a big squad so that we can have our training camp there. But they will not allow us to train when our players have been inactive for seven months. They won’t even let us take net bowlers and neither are they going to provide us with any net bowlers. How can we play World Test Championship without any training? So it is not possible for us”, he said accoridng to ESPNCricinfo.
So, it now remains to be seen what comes of this, and what it means for the tour.
Written by Anjali Jha. Follow Anjali on Twitter today.
ENG vs AUS 3rd ODI Preview Dream11 Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | ENG vs AUS 3rd ODI Dream11 Prediction | England vs Australia 3rd ODI Key Players | Old Trafford Manchester Pitch Report
Had you stopped watching the second ODI when the home side was reeling at 149/8, you would have been in shock at the result. The same applies when the tourists were sitting pretty at 144/2, requiring 4.50 an over to seal the series. So, the fact that this series comes down to a decider is remarkable.
England’s amazing comeback in the second ODI was another episode in their summer of comebacks. And The Barmy Army’s Twitter admin was loving it. After international cricket made a comeback in July, England came from behind to beat West Indies 2-1, achieved a remarkable Test win from the dead against Pakistan, and snatched victory from the jaws of defeat twice – one each in T20I and ODI cricket – against Australia. So, if you believe that England have the psychological advantage heading into this third and final ODI, you may very well be right.
Jofra Archer is all over David Warner. Australia’s middle order, despite saving the team first up, still has significant question marks about it. Adil Rashid is bowling as well as he ever has, and Eoin Morgan well and truly knows that no game against Australia is complete until those final runs are hit. England have not lost an ODI series at home since losing 3-2 to Australia in 2015, and they will be out to keep this record alive. They have a great chance of doing so, given the mental advantage they possess over the old enemy.
Where to for Australia? Captain Aaron Finch was as shocked as anyone post-match, at a loss to explain what on earth happened in the second ODI. Their collapse of 7/23 is another scene in a horror movie that is Australia’s tendency to collapse over the past few years, particularly away from home, across formats. This goes hand-in-hand with poor bowling at the death, offering a buffet of half trackers and half volleys, with Adil Rashid and Tom Curran helping themselves to crucial runs on a sluggish track. So, after an excellent display first up, can Australia put the second game behind them and leave England with an ODI series win?
Jofra Archer is having a series to remember. He has taken six wickets in two ODIs (3/57 and 3/34), and has dismissed David Warner four times in five games across the ODIs and T20Is.
Chris Woakes was absolutely outstanding in the second ODI, as he and Archer inspired a collapse. He is coming off 3/32 with the ball, as well as an important 26 with the bat.
Steve Smith is expected to return in this game, and he will be crucial to Australia’s chances.
Smith and Aaron Finch have the potential to set up the innings for Australia. Finch has 1,342 runs at 49.70 in 29 ODIs vs England, and has scored 214 runs in five matches on this tour (46, 40, 39, 16 and 73).
Is this the game where Jason Roy fires? He was looking good in the second ODI (21 off 22 balls), before getting run out. Roy has a good record vs Australia, averaging 45.68 in 19 ODIs against them.
Eoin Morgan will have an important role to play in managing the middle overs for England. He is the highest ever run-scorer in England-Australia ODIs, with 1,929 runs at 41.04.
Will both Mitchell Marsh (avg. 37 in 15 ODIs vs England) and Glenn Maxwell (avg. 37.60 in 23 ODIs vs England) play? Given they saved Australia in the first ODI, chances are they will, and will be key to Australia’s hopes.
Third-time lucky for Jos Buttler this series? England’s star keeper-batsman has been out for 1 and 3, so it will be interesting to see how he bounces back.
Adil Rashid vs Adam Zampa will be another great battle to watch on the slow Manchester surface. Zampa has been superb, with combined figures of 7/91 in 20 overs this series (4/55 and 3/36). Rashid has the most wickets of any currently player in England-Australia ODIs (41 in 23 matches).
Josh Hazlewood so far this series: 10-3-26-3 and 10-2-27-1. He has bowled superbly.
Mitchell Starc is coming off his best haul so far this tour (2/38). His partner in crime, Pat Cummins, has been underwhelming (1/74 and 1/56). Can the star pacer bounce back?
Stats and Facts
The team batting first has won the past eight ODIs at Manchester.
England have won the past two bilateral ODI series vs Australia (4-1 and 5-0, both in 2018).
Sam Billings performs brilliantly when England chase. His last three scores in ODI run-chases: 67* (54), 46* (61) and 118 (110).
Surprisingly, Joe Root and Steve Smith have underwhelming records in England-Australia ODIs. Smith averages 33.23 in 30 ODIs, and Root 28.43 in 27 ODIs.
David Warner has been dismissed by Jofra Archer in four of five matches on this tour. Warner now averages below 30 (29.63) in 23 ODIs vs England. Can he deliver in the series decider?
Jonny Bairstow averages 52.11 in seven ODIs on this ground, despite a duck last game. Jofra Archer has taken three wickets in each of his three ODIs on this ground.
ENG vs AUS 3rd ODI Preview Dream11: Steve Smith to make the difference for Australia?
Possible Playing 11
Steve Smith had passed a concussion test ahead of the second ODI, but was left out as a precaution. He should be ready to go for this game, and will likely replace Marcus Stoinis.
Australia also have decisions to make regarding their middle order and death bowling. Will Josh Philippe or Matthew Wade come in? What about Kane Richardson or Riley Meredith? Given this is a decider, Australia might look to persist with the current personnel.
Australia: 1. David Warner, 2. Aaron Finch (c), 3. Steve Smith, 4. Marnus Labuschagne, 5. Mitchell Marsh, 6. Alex Carey (wk), 7. Glenn Maxwell, 8. Pat Cummins, 9. Mitchell Starc, 10. Adam Zampa, 11. Josh Hazlewood
England dropped Moeen Ali for the second ODI. Given his replacement, Sam Curran, took an excellent three-wicket haul, chances are he will be left out again. Also, Tom Curran, who bowled at an economy rate of 2.80 and scored a crucial 37, could keep his place depending on Mark Wood’s fitness.
England: 1. Jonny Bairstow, 2. Jason Roy, 3. Joe Root, 4. Eoin Morgan (c), 5. Jos Buttler (wk), 6. Sam Billings, 7. Chris Woakes, 8. Sam Curran, 9. Adil Rashid, 10. Tom Curran/Mark Wood, 11. Jofra Archer
Old Trafford Manchester Pitch and Weather Report
It will be a different pitch used in this game, after the same track was played on in both the first and second ODIs. However, given quite a bit of cricket has been played on the square this season, another slowish pitch can be expected in this clash. It remains to be seen if the bounce, which was inconsistent last game, is consistent this time.
The weather forecast looks good once again for this clash.
Dream11 Prediction
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ENG vs AUS 3rd ODI Dream11 Prediction
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ENG vs AUS 3rd ODI Dream11 Prediction
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Match Prediction
Bat first, and get 250 on the board. This could be the key to victory on a ground where setting a score reigns supreme. This will be particularly important for Australia, who have looked shaky on every occasion where they have chased a score this tour.
