Pakistan wrist-spinner Yasir Shah believes that Pakistan doesn’t have an inexperienced side. He also hinted that Pakistan may play another spinner in the XI if needed as he feels that wickets in England may favour the tweakers in the months of July-August.
“I think we need to look at the pitches before deciding. Obviously, the tracks in England during July-August tend to assist spinners,” Yasir Shah said.
The leg-spinner was confident about the Asian side’s chances in the Test series.
“Hopefully, we should be able to compete well. The preparation has been good so far. We’ve arrived one month early and so, there is a lot more time left. When we came in 2016, we had a two weeks’ camp in Southampton. So we’re accustomed to the tracks over there. We also played an ODI there. Yes, spinners do enjoy the conditions there. We hope to make use of that,” the 34-year-old added.
Pakistan is unbeaten in England since 2010, and Yasir Shah was a part of those sides. He also showered praise on spin bowling coach Mushtaq Ahmed
“It’s a challenge I’m looking forward to. On our 2016 tour, I was able to do well and fortunately, Mushy (Mushtaq Ahmed) was there at that time too. He used to keep telling me what to do. His experience of playing in England and county cricket has helped me a lot. I had to endure a lot of struggles. There was a fracture and returning from such an injury was tough for me. Recovery and form was tough. But I gained confidence steadily and the rhythm started to return. Over here, the practice has been good and Mushy has been constantly giving me tips on areas to improve.”
Shah was impressed with the training facilities and food arrangements in England.
“It’s a different feeling (bio-secure environment) and I’m trying to focus extensively on my preparations. It’s been over a week here in England and I must say that the food arrangements have been really good. We’ve been given meals as recommended by our physio. Of course, I do miss home-cooked food but given the situation across the world, going out isn’t an option.”
Yasir also said that the players will find it difficult to play in front of empty stands.
“It will be definitely be tough to play without crowd support. We’ll miss it for sure. We did play a few PSL games in front of empty stands and it’s never ideal. But given the current scenario, there isn’t much you can do.”
The England-Pakistan Test series is scheduled to begin on August 5 at Old Trafford.
Ireland will arrive in England later this month for three ODIs against the world champions. England will then move straight onto the Test series against Pakistan.
In a continuation of what is a very unique time for cricket, England will be forced to name separate squads for the ODIs against Ireland and Tests against Pakistan.
Ireland were supposed to be playing in England in September, but this has been pushed forward. The Ageas Bowl in Southampton will be the venue for the three ODIs, to be held from July 30 to August 4. The next day (August 5), England’s first Test against Pakistan will begin in Manchester.
England and Pakistan will then move to Southampton for the second and third Test matches, starting on August 13 and 21 respectively. They will return to Manchester for T20Is at Old Trafford on August 28, 30 and September 1.
Ireland’s visit to England is a big boost for them
England will need to brace for a busy period coming, with Australia also set to tour in September. However, CEO Tom Harrison was not getting complacent.
“Confirmation of these matches against Ireland and Pakistan is another important step for our game as we begin to safely stage international cricket again but also to minimise the impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had, and will continue to have, on cricket at all levels,” Harrison said.
Harrison then also spoke about ensuring the women’s game is high on the agenda, as well as the Australia-England series later this year.
“It must be reiterated that there is still much work for the ECB and the cricket network to do as we try to plot a path through this pandemic. Chief amongst our priorities is to build on our commitment to support and grow women’s cricket and at the elite level discussions continue to progress to determine the best and safest way to host a tri-series against India and South Africa.
“We also continue to explore options for our England men to play white-ball series against Australia this summer and hope to have news on those series soon.”
Harrison was also very thankful to Cricket West Indies, Pakistan Cricket Board and Cricket Ireland for their efforts in helping get cricket back up and running.
“We owe a significant debt of gratitude to the players, staff and administrators of the Cricket West Indies, Cricket Ireland, and the Pakistan Cricket Board for their willingness and co-operation to get international cricket back up and running and allow these matches to be staged.
“Sports fans across the world will benefit as international cricket returns to our screens while it will also provide much-needed financial aid at all levels of cricket in England and Wales as we aim to withstand the challenges in front of us.”
Pakistan’s tour of England looked in doubt a few weeks ago as 10 players tested positive. However, nine have since tested negative, with three to meet with the squad in England.
Australian players have been asked to start training and prepare for the limited overs series in England, which is all set to be held in September. According to reports in the The Daily Telegraph, the 2020 T20 World Cup is all set to be postponed.
“Cricket’s World Cup is set to be officially postponed this week as Australia’s players are told to start preparing for comeback battle against England,” the Australian media outlet reported.
Australian players to prepare for England
With the World Cup all set to be postponed by the ICC, the Indian Premier League may well happen during the September-November window. “The ideal scenario would be they could go straight from the England limited overs series to wherever the T20 league is held in Middle East or Asia”, the report added.
“Training for return to action in September is strongest indication yet that Aaron Finch’s troops will head to the UK for a limited overs tour in bio-security bubble building up their workloads for a return to play in September and players have been told to start preparing for another date with the Old Enemy.”
Australia’s tour is yet to be confirmed, with details to come in the near future. The imminent postponement of the T20 World Cup is disappointing, but having 16 teams in quarantine, plus the significant second wave of COVID-19 in Victoria, it is very difficult to stage it this year.
Haider Ali, Kashif Bhatti and Imran Khan have been cleared to join the Pakistan Cricket team in England after they tested negative for COVID-19 for the second time. Out of the 10 players that tested positive, nine of them have been cleared to play.
Six Pakistan players were allowed to fly to England, as they were tested negative for the 2nd time. Only one player, Haris Rauf, has not yet recovered from the disease although PCB says that he is asymptomatic. The three Pakistan players will fly out along with Mohammad Imran and Malang Ali, who are the masseurs of the team.
Haider Ali confirmed he tested negative for COVID-19
The Pakistan side have started training Worcester where they are in a bio-secure bubble. The teams are in quarantine but are allowed to practice at the training ground. After the completion of the mandatory quarantine period, the teams will be shifted to Derbyshire’s The Incora County Ground on July 13 where they will play 2 Intrasquad practice matches.
The Governing Council (GC) of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is considering options to host the tournament overseas later this year as Sri Lanka, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and New Zealand have offered to host it, a BCCI official was quoted saying by the PTI.
“Staging the event in India has to be the first choice. But, in case it is not safe to have it, then we will look at the overseas options. UAE, Sri Lanka and New Zealand have also offered to host the IPL,” a senior BCCI official said.
Earlier this year, the IPL was postponed due to the widespread of the coronavirus pandemic in India. The tournament can be held during the late September-November window as the ICC T20 World Cup is all set to be postponed till 2022.
Also read: Brijesh Patel says IPL outside India a possibility
Among the three countries, Sri Lanka is the most feasible option financially, and with the timings. New Zealand is the safest, considering the pandemic situation with 0 Covid-19 cases in the country but with a 7 and a half hour time difference it is unlikely that it will be played down under. However, UAE will be the most likely option considering that the IPL was previously hosted in the country back in 2014. The timings will not be an issue in case the tournament is hosted in the middle-east.
The Indian Premier League has been played overseas a couple of times. In 2009, the entire tournament was shifted to South Africa owing to the 2009 general elections, while in 2014, the first half was shifted to UAE due to 2014 general elections.
“We will sit down with all stakeholders (broadcaster, teams, etc) and take a call. The safety of the players is paramount. There will be no compromise on that,” the official said.
The IPL GC meeting date will be declared soon. The issue of the Chinese title sponsors is also due to be discussed by the council.
Neil Manthorp, legendary South African cricket journalist and broadcaster, revealed both his favourite and worst South African moment against the Aussies since readmission. Speaking on the Cricket UnfilteredPodcast, Manthorp engaged listeners with his terrific storytelling.
“There have been lots [of great moments],” said Manthorp. “But nothing, nothing tops the Boxing Day Test match in 2008. I love the MCG; I’m an absolute ‘G tragic. But, you know, coming off the back of the opening win in Perth, chasing 414, it was the history. There are so few mountains to climb in international cricket… you know, so few records that haven’t been broken, but South Africa have been trying to win in Australia for a century. 11 tours. Never won in Australia.”
Manthorp then spoke fondly of that famous Boxing Day Test, recollecting just how well South Africa fought back from a seemingly hopeless position to seal the series 2-0.
“I think Australians have probably forgotten just how far behind South Africa were in that Boxing Day Test match,” said Manthorp. “South Africa were still 10 runs behind [the follow on mark] when they lost their seventh wicket. They were looking at the follow on. So, to win by lunch time on day five was incredible. So, yeah, that’s definitely, definitely my favourite moment.
JP Duminy played a memorable knock in the MCG Boxing Day Test of 2008.
There have been lots of others ones that have been enjoyable for different reasons; of course you have Graeme Smith coming out to bat in the third Test match, so that’s my favourite series. To win for the first time in Australia was amazing.”
Manthorp was then asked to recollect his worst moment by Australian journalist and Cricket Unfiltered host Andrew Menczel. Two came to mind. The first, the Australia vs South Africa New Years’ Test in 2002.
“You really don’t need to ask me that, do you? Because you already know the answer,. I’ll confirm it,” joked Manthorp. “I’ll give you a couple of near misses. There’s the New Years’ Test match in 2002 when Australia were absolutely dominant. South Africa were hopless.
Australia batted first. They made the usual 550. Things were going reasonably well for South Africa. Herschelle Gibbs and Gary Kirsten were batting, and I was sharing an apartment with the great Crash Craddock (Australian cricket journalist) and I’d decided that I was going to invite everyone around for a curry that night,” recalled Manthorp.
“So, I popped out to buy some ingredients and I was only gone a couple of hours. I wanted to get ready; it was going to be a late finish and I was going to be cooking. So, I went out and I got the ingredients to make the curry that evening.”
But, then it all went horribly wrong. And Manthorp won’t ever forget it.
“And, when I got back into the SCG, I thought all was well, because Herschelle Gibbs was still batting!” recalled Manthorp. “But, South Africa had been bowled out in a session and followed on in my absence! So, I just thought ‘we shouldn’t be here’; it was just humiliating”.
Then, Manthorp went on to mention his worst moment – one that will resonate with many South African fans.
“It was the World Cup Semi Final in ’99,” said Manthorp in a more serious tone. “That was when my skin felt like it belonged to somebody else. It was a completely out-of-body experience, that was. It took many years to get over that.”
You can catch thefull interview with Neil Manthorp on the Cricket Unfiltered podcast, available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Google Podcasts.
Sourav Ganguly, former Indian captain, believes that T20s have reinvented cricket and he would have loved to play more in the format. In an interview with Indian opener Mayank Agarwal for the BCCI website, the BCCI President talked about the NatWest Trophy Final and the ICC 2003 World Cup.
Although Ganguly didn’t represent India in T20Is, he did play the Indian Premier League while plying his trade and captaining the Kolkata Knight Riders and Pune Warriors India.
“T20 is very important. I would have changed my game. It’s the licence to keep swinging and keep hitting. I would have loved to play T20, although I did play for the first five years of the IPL. I think I would have enjoyed T20,” he said.
Ganguly also spoke about the historic 2002 Natwest Trophy Final and his iconic reaction post the game.
“It was a great moment. We all got carried away, but that’s what sport is. When you win a game like that, you celebrate even more. That was one of the great cricket matches I have been part of,” he said.
“The Natwest had its own charm. When you win in England, on a Saturday at the Lord’s, it’s a remarkable feeling. It’s a packed house. I am sure you will get to play Test cricket in England when we travel to play five Tests…and it’s a remarkable experience.”
Sourav Ganguly spoke fondly of a classic match (Natwest Final 2002)
Ganguly feels that getting to the World Cup Final was a great achievement.
“Getting to the World Cup, winning every game hands down except Australia, I thought, was a great achievement.”
He spoke fondly about both the Natwest Trophy and the 2003 WC Final but abstained from comparing both the matches.
“Both have their own place. The World Cup final has a special place; we got smashed by Australia. They were the best team in that generation.”
Ganguly spoke as the BCCI continues to work on all options to stage the IPL in 2020, even overseas.
Babar Azam, the captain of Pakistan’s limited overs side, said that he is keen on learning the art of captaincy with the presence of legends in the dressing room itself. He is confident that Pakistan will return to form in T20Is and do well, if and when the T20 World Cup is held.
“If the World Cup is held according to schedule, I’m confident that our team will do well in it,” as there is uncertainty over the future of this year’s T20 World Cup due to the coronavirus pandemic.
“As a professional cricketer I hope that the T20 World Cup is held according to schedule. As Pakistan’s captain I would really want that the World Cup is not delayed as it will be my first World Cup as skipper. But it’s up to the authorities to decide,” Azam added.
Pakistan were on top of the T20I rankings for thee years before the slipped down, due to poor performances in 2019 as they won only one out of the 10 matches they played in the format.
“Yes, we did lose a few matches and our ranking has unfortunately gone down. What happened is that we did some experimentation and tried out several players. We are now sure about the combination, which includes both youth and experience. I’m confident that we will do well in the T20 series against England and improve our ranking.”
Confident our team will do well in the T20 World Cup: Babar Azam
Ahead of the England tour, Pakistan team management has roped in several legendary names like Waqar Younis, Younus Khan and Mushtaq Ahmed in addition to Mishbah ul Haq who is the head coach. Babar Azam, who has only captained in five T20Is so far, is very keen on learning the art of captaincy from these stalwarts and he believes their presence in the dressing room will benefit the players immensely.
“I and other players will benefit immensely from their presence. They are four of our greatest legends. They have loads of experience. It’s our duty to learn from them and I’m sure all of us will do that … I’m keen to learn the art of captaincy from them.” the 25 year-old said.
The skipper showered praise on the former coach, Mickey Arthur and the current coach.
“Mickey really supported me. He gave me confidence. He rated me highly even when I was very much a newcomer. He backed me all the time. The best thing about him was he had great trust in my abilities. I must add that Misbah bhai is no different. He really backs me and has confidence in me. It really helps when your coach trusts you.”
Pakistan will play England only later this month but Azam is happy that they are getting more time for preparation.
“When you don’t play cricket for three months it does make a difference. But the good thing is that we have one extra month to prepare ourselves for the Tests,” he explained. “I was pleasantly surprised to see each and every boy was fit. That’s a good start.
“The next part is to play and practise as much as we can because the more you practise the better you get. We have lined up a series of training sessions and practice matches so I’m sure by the time the Test series begins we will be ready for it.”
ENG vs WI 1st Test Dream11 Preview Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | ENG vs WI 1st Test Dream11 Prediction Today | England vs West Indies 1st Test Preview Dream11 | ENG vs WI 1st Test Key Players | Southampton Pitch Report
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It’s back. The fans won’t be present, but it’s back. Players can’t shine the ball in ways they are used to, but it’s back. Bio-secure environments are a necessity at the moment, but it’s back. Sanitisers, focus on hygiene and social distancing are the norm, but it’s back.
International cricket, after a four-month hiatus, is back. And isn’t it sweet relief to cricket lovers all over the globe.
England will be without their beloved home fans, often their 12th man in home Tests. A year on from moments etched in English cricket history such as the World Cup Final and Headingley Test, England, and cricket in general, face a whole other challenge. The star man of last summer, Ben Stokes, will lead his country for the first time in the absence of Joe Root, as England look to make a positive start to life after the COVID-19 break.
Could the absence of crowds give West Indies an edge? Coach Phil Simmons believes so, stating clearly that the Windies are out to not only compete, but retain the trophy after beating England at home last year. However, England in England is a completely different challenge, and with inexperience right throughout their side, their key players must step up.
ENG vs WI 1st Test Dream11: Ben Stokes will lead England for the first time.
Key Players to Watch/Key Stats
Shai Hope is crucial to West Indies’ chances. He was superb on his last Test tour in 2017, scoring 375 runs at 75.00, headlined by a superb century to seal a stunning chase of 322 at Headingley.
However, his last two years in Tests have been poor (averages of 20.23 and 19.75 in 2018 and 2019 respectively). So, can he come good now?
Joe Root is out of this Test, so onus is on the England openers to make a good start.
Dominic Sibley is set to play his first home Test. He has had a solid start to his career, with 362 runs at 40.22 in six matches, including 133* earlier this year in South Africa.
Rory Burns, who scored a respectable 380 runs at 38.00 in last year’s Ashes, will partner him. Burns will be out to improve on his record of 145 runs at 24.16 vs West Indies.
Kraigg Brathwaite had a solid tour of England in 2017: 3 Tests, 283 runs, avg. 47.16. Can he make an impact in this series?
Ollie Pope is certainly one to watch for England. He top-scored in the second innings (Team Buttler) in the recent warmup game, and had a superb series vs SA earlier this year (266 runs, avg. 88.66).
Of course, how can we leave out Ben Stokes? England’s star all-rounder has hit 1,090 runs since the beginning of 2019 (avg. 47.39) and 30 wickets (avg. 32.60).
On the opposing side, Jason Holder will be crucial for West Indies. Since West Indies’ 2017 tour of England, Holder has transformed himself into one of the finest all-rounders in world cricket.
Holder has taken 57 Test wickets at an average of 17.58 since then. In addition, he plundered a superb double century against England in the West Indies last year.
James Anderson is back in England’s Test setup. He has the ninth-most Test wickets in England-West Indies Test matches (82) at a superb average of 22.15. In 2017, he blew West Indies away with 19 wickets at 14.10.
Kemar Roach has taken 71 wickets at an average of 21.28 since August 2017, which is better than the likes of James Anderson and Trent Boult over the same period. Also, he has 42 wickets in 10 Tests vs England (avg. 26.59).
Stuart Broad still has plenty to offer at home, with his 2019 Ashes campaign (23 wickets, avg. 26.63) proof of that. Jofra Archer (home avg. 20.27) and Chris Woakes (home avg. 23.45) are both good options for England.
ENG vs WI 1st Test Dream11: Shai Hope will be key for Windies.
Stats and Facts
The first Test match at the Rose Bowl in Southampton took place in 2011. England have won two of the three Tests at the ground (latest vs India in 2018 by 60 runs).
Jos Buttler scored a crucial 69 in the second innings of that match in 2018.
The first innings scores at the ground read: 184, 569/7 dec. and 246. The team batting first avoided defeat in all three Tests (two wins, one draw).
Possible Playing XI
England will persist with Joe Denly at three, despite the promising performances of Dan Lawrence and James Bracey in the Team Buttler vs Team Stokes warmup match.
Also, England have a call to make regarding their attack. Chris Woakes, Jofra Archer, James Anderson, Mark Wood and Stuart Broad are all in the squad for this Test, but two will likely make way. There are whispers that Broad will make way in this Test, with England to rotate in the coming Tests. Another option is to leave Crawley out and bat Woakes at seven.
England Possible XI: 1. Rory Burns, 2. Dominic Sibley, 3. Joe Denly, 4. Zak Crawley, 5. Ben Stokes (c), 6. Ollie Pope, 7. Jos Buttler (wk), 8. Chris Woakes/Jofra Archer, 9. Dom Bess, 10. Stuart Broad/Mark Wood, 11. James Anderson
Shimron Hetmyer, Darren Bravo and Keemo Paul made themselves unavailable for this tour. So, West Indies could go with Jermaine Blackwood at five to give them extra batting depth, with three pace options including skipper Jason Holder. Or, they could go with Oshane Thomas for that pace factor.
West Indies Possible XI: 1. Kraigg Brathwaite, 2. John Campbell, 3. Shamarh Brooks, 4. Shai Hope, 5. Jermaine Blackwood, 6. Roston Chase, 7. Shane Dowrich (wk), 8. Jason Holder (c), 9. Rakheem Cornwall, 10. Kemar Roach, 11. Shannon Gabriel
Rose Bowl Southampton Pitch Report and Conditions
The Southampton track had something in it for both seamers and spinners in the last Test at the ground, in 2018. With spinners enjoying success at the ground (i.e. Moeen Ali), both sides should look to play a spinner. Also, with tight measures around maintaining the ball, expect the pitch to have some assistance for the bowlers, particularly early in the Test.
The forecast for Southampton is a chance of some showers on days one and two.
Dream11 Prediction
Option 1:
ENG vs WI 1st Test Dream11 Prediction
Option 2:
ENG vs WI 1st Test Dream11 Prediction
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In worrying news coming out of Sri Lanka on Sunday, Sri Lankan batsman Kusal Mendis has been arrested over a car accident, whereby a 64-year old man has tragically died.
The incident took place in Horethuduwa, Panadura at around 5:30am local time. According to reports, Mendis, driving an SUV, had a collision with a cyclist. Details are yet to emerge of Mendis’ state of mind, as well as how the incident unfolded.
The victim was a local resident who sustained serious injuries and tragically passed away as he was being admitted to hospital.
Mendis, who is in police custody, will be examined by a doctor. According to ESPNCricinfo, Mendis will appear before the Panadura magistrate – likely in the next 48 hours – while police conduct an investigation to determine what caused the tragic incident.
