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ENG vs WI 3rd Test Preview Dream11 Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

Charbel Coorey
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ENG vs WI 3rd Test Preview Dream11 Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

ENG vs WI 3rd Test Preview Dream11 Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | ENG vs WI 3rd Test Dream11 Prediction Today | England vs West Indies 3rd Test Preview Dream11 | ENG vs WI 3rd Test Key Players | Old Trafford Pitch Report

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It’s been quite the rollercoaster, hasn’t it?

After a superb display in the opening Test, West Indies came crashing back down to earth with a poor performance at Old Trafford. However, take nothing away from England, who, led by the superb Ben Stokes, reliable Stuart Broad and fighting Dom Sibley, levelled the series in style even with a day plus lost to rain.

Now, a series is on the line. The Windies have enjoyed success over England in recent times, so will need to bring that belief to the fore. England, with a series against Pakistan to come, will be looking to gain further points in the World Test Championship. Both sides have improvement in them, but both also have things going for them, which certainly gives this match an unpredictable feel.

Who will take out the series?

Also read: Twitter reactions from the 2nd Test: Full praise for Ben Stokes

Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

  • Who other than Ben Stokes? If you thought his 2019 was good, his 2020 is right up there as well. Since the beginning of the year, Stokes is averaging 76.50 with the bat and just 20.29 with the ball.
  • His performance at Old Trafford (254 runs, three wickets) is the first time in history that an England player achieved 250+ runs and 3+ wickets in the same Test.
  • Now, Stokes is the number one ranked all-rounder in Tests. This has to hurt for Jason Holder, who will be keen for a big game. Despite a quiet game in the second Test (one wicket), Holder still posed a threat. His 61 wickets since the start of 2018 at 15.54 makes him one to watch, as always.
  • Kraigg Brathwaite continues to perform well in England. In five Tests in the country, Brathwaite has scored 439 runs at 43.90, with three fifties and a century.
  • Dom Sibley showcased his incredible patience in the second Test. His 372-ball 120 was his second career hundred, achieved in his eighth Test. It will be interesting to see if he can back it up with another big effort.
  • Joe Root made two starts in the second Test – a picture of his career over the past few years. However, his record at Old Trafford is still superb: Six Tests, 640 runs, avg. 71.11.
  • Shamarh Brooks is coming off two half centuries in the second Test (68 and 62). Can he build on it?
  • Jermaine Blackwood (55) showed he is capable of producing runs in the second innings, as he did in the first game. However, West Indies’ strong performer was Roston Chase, who took a five-for in the first dig, along with a half century.
  • Will James Anderson and Stuart Broad play together for the first time this series? Both have strong records at Old Trafford: Anderson 28 wickets at 21.78 and Broad 24 wickets at 26.16.
  • Also, Broad is coming off a superb performance in the second Test (3/66 and 3/42).
  • Has Kemar Roach finally turned a corner? After going wicketless for over 60 overs this series, he ended up taking four wickets in the second Test.
  • It remains to be seen if Shannon Gabriel will be fit for this Test. If he is, it will be interesting to see how he bounces back after a tough second game.
  • Rakheem Cornwall could make a return to the Windies team, and will be one to watch on what is expected to be another dryish pitch.
ENG vs WI 3rd Test Preview Dream11 Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | ENG vs WI 3rd Test Dream11 Prediction Today | England vs West Indies 3rd Test Preview Dream11 | ENG vs WI 3rd Test Key Players | Old Trafford Pitch Report
ENG vs WI 3rd Test: Ben Stokes is playing beautifully.

Stats and Facts

  • The trend of high first innings scores at Old Trafford continued. England’s 469/9d was slightly above the average first innings score of the previous five Tests: 425.4.
  • England have lost just two Tests at Old Trafford since 2001. Their loss against Australia last year was their first defeat at the ground in 12 Tests.
  • Eyes will be on Shai Hope, if he plays. His struggle in Tests has continued. He averages just 19.28 since the start of 2019. Zak Crawley will be keen for a better game, after two failures last match.

Possible Playing 11

With England boasting excellent depth in their seam bowling stocks, they have more key decisions to make in the decider. Head coach Chris Silverwood vows to pick the strongest attack, so does that mean Anderson, Broad and Archer? Also, the head coach has backed Jos Buttler and Dom Bess, which suggests they both could play.

England: 1. Rory Burns, 2. Dominic Sibley, 3. Zak Crawley, 4. Joe Root (c), 5. Ben Stokes, 6. Ollie Pope, 7. Jos Buttler (wk), 8. Dominic Bess, 9. Jofra Archer, 10. Stuart Broad, 11. James Anderson

Shannon Gabriel looked out of sorts in the second Test, after a man-of-the-match display at Southampton. He looked to be struggling physically, which might mean he misses out in this Test. West Indies could look to bring in Rakheem Cornwall, given that the Old Trafford track did provide turn. Also, Windies have a decision to make regarding the out-of-form Shai Hope and John Campbell.

West Indies: 1. John Campbell, 2. Kraigg Brathwaite, 3. Shai Hope, 4. Shamarh Brooks, 5. Roston Chase, 6. Jermaine Blackwood, 7. Shane Dowrich (wk), 8. Jason Holder (c), 9. Rakheem Cornwall/Shannon Gabriel, 10. Alzarri Joseph, 11. Kemar Roach

Old Trafford Manchester Pitch Report and Conditions

This will be the second Test at the ground, four days after the completion of the previous match. Expect the track to be similar to that of the first Test, where it will be key for the teams to use the new ball well. Plus, the dry nature of the pitch will allow spin.

Unfortunately, though, there is a chance of rain throughout the Test, which has the potential to significantly impact the match.

Dream11 Prediction

Looking for more fantasy cricket tips for this match? Check out our special article here.

Option 1:

ENG vs WI 3rd Test Preview Dream11 Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | ENG vs WI 3rd Test Dream11 Prediction Today | England vs West Indies 3rd Test Preview Dream11 | ENG vs WI 3rd Test Key Players | Old Trafford Pitch Report
ENG vs WI 3rd Test Dream11 Prediction

Option 2:

ENG vs WI 3rd Test Preview Dream11 Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | ENG vs WI 3rd Test Dream11 Prediction Today | England vs West Indies 3rd Test Preview Dream11 | ENG vs WI 3rd Test Key Players | Old Trafford Pitch Report
ENG vs WI 3rd Test Dream11 Prediction

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Match Prediction

The weather forecast doesn’t look particularly promising, which might result in a draw. However, if you are able to get momentum as a bowling side, you can make great inroads, as England showed last game.

England start this match favourites and look a good pick to win the series.

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Boult does not train at Bay Oval as a precautionary measure

Sarthak Karkhanis
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Boult does not train at Bay Oval as a precautionary measure

Ace New Zealand pacer Trent Boult didn’t train on day two of New Zealand’s (both men and women) cricket camp at Mount Maunganui. The North New Zealand players are in the middle of the camp at the Bay Oval from July 19 which will continue up to July 24.

Trent Boult was unwell and was absent as a precaution. “I think he’s just tired from his eight overs bowling at us yesterday. Obviously, with what’s going around, you’ve got to be a bit smart around things like that. Hopefully, he’s fine and raring to go tomorrow,” Ross Taylor jokingly said.

As cricket resumes post the coronavirus pandemic, New Zealand is conducting six national camps for its players; three each in Northern and Southern islands. The first half of the north camp is attended by Kiwi internationals like Colin de Grandhomme, Ross Taylor, Jeet Raval, Mitchell Santner, Tim Seifert, Tim Southee, Trent Boult and Neil Wagner along with White Ferns star cricketers like Anna Peterson, Katie Perkins, Lauren Down, Holly Huddleston, Hannah Rowe, Rosemary Mair and Natalie Dodd. While the second half will consist of the likes of Lockie Ferguson, Martin Guptill, Kyle Jamieson, Jimmy Neesham, Will Somerville and Will Young.

“Geographically, with the way things are set out, we’ve got more [players training] on the North Island. We split this camp into two for that reason. For now, it’s a temporary [tented] structure, we’ve got two nets. The bigger structure will come in next year. We want to make sure we maximise our time with the guys, give them every opportunity over three days, and then we have the second group coming in later in the week,” said bowling coach Shane Jurgenson while explaining the reason of the division of the camp into two parts.

 “We’re trying to adjust to potential new rules, in my department, with the bowling. We’ve got to look after the ball in a different way now, we’ve got to come up with some new deliveries. So this week’s been a good starting point,” Jurgenson added.

Written by Sarthak Karkhanis. Follow Sarthak on Twitter today.

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ENG vs WI 2nd Test: Twitter reactions as Stokes leads England fightback

Charbel Coorey
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ENG vs WI 2nd Test: Twitter reactions as Stokes leads England fightback

ENG vs WI 2nd Test: Twitter reactions as Stokes leads England fightback

Thought Stokes’ 2019 was pretty good? His 2020 aint too shabby either.

The coronavirus-enforced break has had no impact on Stokes, as the world’s premier all-rounder goes from strength-to-strength. Stokes’ numbers in 2020, after his superb all-round display at Old Trafford, have soared to new heights. His batting average is a measly 76.50, while his bowling average is a measlier 20.29, as his numbers are finally beginning to accurately depict the impact he has on matches.

ENG vs WI 2nd Test: Stokes is on fire.

What also helped England was the small matter of adding Stuart Broad to their Test XI. For a home Test. It is supposed to be a given, but wasn’t so at Southampton, as Broad joined many England fans in anger and frustration at his ommission. The 34-year-old was at his best in this Test, producing a game-changing spell on the fourth evening that was appreciated from all corners.

After Dominic Sibley sucked the life out of West Indies on the opening two days, the Windies gave us a timely but unfortunate reminder as to why they are where they are in the Test rankings. A mature, patient and disciplined display at Southampton was followed up by quite the insipid performance at Old Trafford, resorting to time-wasting tactics early on day five that showcased their poor mindset.

Now, the series heads to a decider. England are favourites, but given the inconsistencies both sides have shown, anything can happen.

Ben Stokes – best cricketer in the world?

The praise was huge for Ben Stokes, and rightly so. He is now the world’s number one ranked all-rounder in Test cricket. But, if you need more evidence of his ability, here’s one hell of a Twitter thread for your pleasure.

Pretty handy to have Stuart Broad back in the side

Stuart Broad was outstanding, again showcasing just how dangerous he is with momentum behind him. He produced a classic Broad spell on the fourth evening, taking 3/1 in 14 balls to get England believing they could win. And win they did, led by Broad again on the final day.

Not the best outing for West Indies

Things got pretty bad for the West Indies after tea on the fourth day. Despite the wonderful efforts of Dom Sibley (372 balls) and Ben Stokes, Windies started well with the bat until a batting collapse led to a whole-team collapse.

The action resumes at Old Trafford on Friday for the third Test. After a poor performance, West Indies will be looking to fight back. England will be looking to continue the momentum.

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Mohammad Amir to join Pakistan squad in England

Sarthak Karkhanis
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Mohammad Amir to join Pakistan squad in England

Pakistan speedster Mohammad Amir is all set to join the Pakistan cricket team in England, as a replacement for Haris Rauf, who tested positive for COVID-19. Amir, who earlier pulled out of the tour owing to personal reasons, approached Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to rejoin the team after the birth of his second child.

“As part of the process, both Amir and Mohammad Imran (Masseur at the National High Performance Centre) underwent Covid-19 tests on Monday and require two negative tests to be eligible to travel to the United Kingdom. If their first tests return negative, they will be moved to a bio-secure environment in Lahore where their second tests will be conducted on Wednesday, with the expected departures over the weekend,” stated the PCB’s media release.

“The departure of Shoaib Malik to England has been delayed until the second week of August after India extended the ban on international flights until 31 July, which, in turn, has delayed a planned family reunion. When Shoaib Malik will join the squad for the T20I series, which starts on 28 August in Manchester, the team management will release a player,” the press release added.

“Especially keeping in view white-ball cricket and T20 cricket, he (Amir) is a very experienced bowler and after consulting with the captain, we thought it would be right to bring Amir into the squad and it will definitely improve the strength of our squad,” Misbah said on Amir joining the squad in England. 

“Very unfortunate with Harris Rauf. He has been with the squad and we are waiting for him to recover, but unfortunately, he has been repeatedly tested positive,” Misbah added.

“Rohail will stay with the squad till Amir joins us and I’m sure Rohail will gain a lot of experience by being among the guys as we have two wicket-keepers (Rizwan and Sarfaraz) in the squad already. Shoaib Malik will join the squad a little later as he needs to spend some time with the family post 31st of July. We will make sure he has enough time – at least two weeks – to be ready ahead of the T20I series. Once Malik comes in, we will decide on whom we can release as we can only have 29 players in the squad,” Misbah concluded.

Amir, who tested negative, has to undergo a couple of negative tests more before in joins the bio-secure bubble in England.

Written by Sarthak Karkhanis. Follow Sarthak on Twitter today.

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ICC T20 World Cup officially postponed due to COVID-19

Charbel Coorey
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ICC T20 World Cup officially postponed due to COVID-19

After months of speculation, the ICC has finally made a decision on the T20 World Cup, postponing the tournament until October-November 2021. The news comes as a disappointment to cricket players and lovers, particularly those of associate nations, as a global tournament is one to always look forward to.

Earlier this year, CA chairman Earl Eddings said that the tournament going ahead in 2020 was “unrealistic” and “very, very difficult.” More recently, Australia were reportedly told to prepare for the limited-overs series in England – one that Ashley Giles is “quietly confident” about – as the T20 World Cup was set to be postponed.

The main concern about hosting the tournament in 2020 was bringing the 15 other teams over, and having them quarantine appropriately ahead of a global event. Also concerning is the significant spike in cases in Victoria, as well as fears of a second wave in New South Wales.

Future of ICC Men’s Events

In Monday’s meeting, the ICC board agreed on three windows for men’s events.

First of all, the next two T20 World Cups will be played in October-November 2021 and 2022 respectively. However, it is still undecided as to which country – Australia or India – will host the events, as India was pencilled in to host the 2021 edition.

Second, the 2023 ODI World Cup has been pushed back from February-March to October-November that year, as the ICC wants more time to complete the qualification process for the event. The ICC ODI League, originally set to start in May 2020, was the qualification pathway for the tournament. However, it is been put on hold as cricket came to a halt due to the pandemic.

Door opens up for IPL 2020 to take place

The September-November 2020 window is now available for the IPL to take place. One always felt that the IPL was more likely to go ahead than the T20 World Cup this year, especially given the financial losses that the BCCI would incur if the tournament doesn’t go ahead.

Also read: 3 reasons why the IPL was always likely to go ahead this year

Last week, the BCCI stated that the tournament is likely to go ahead in the UAE, due to the COVID-19 situation in India. President Sourav Ganguly has always stayed firm on trying to get the IPL going ahead this year, after it was postponed indefinitely after being originally postponed to April 15 (from March 29).

The BCCI have written to the Indian government granting permission for the tournament to go ahead. Now that the T20 World Cup has been postponed, all planning can be catered to staging the tournament in the September-November window.

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Steve Bucknor speaks about infamous 2008 Sydney Test

Charbel Coorey
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Steve Bucknor speaks about infamous 2008 Sydney Test

Former ICC umpire Steve Bucknor has spoken out about the infamous 2008 Sydney Test between Australia and India.

The match is well known for its incredible finish, where Michael Clarke took three wickets in an over to seal a late win for Australia. However, the match is also well known for other reasons. First, the spate of poor decisions, particularly against India, after which then skipper Anil Kumble questioned whether the match was played in the spirit of the game. Second, the “monkeygate” spat between Andrew Symonds and Harbhajan Singh.

Steve Bucknor spoke about the match in an interview with Mid-Day, stating he made two mistakes across the five days. “I made two mistakes in the Sydney Test in 2008. Mistake one, which happened when India were doing well, allowed an Australian batsman to get a hundred. Mistake two, on day five, might have cost India the game,” Bucknor said.

Steve Bucknor chats with Mark Benson in 2008 Sydney Test

However, Bucknor defended his performance, stating that two mistakes across five days should not cause such criticism. “But still, they are two mistakes over five days. Was I the first umpire to make two mistakes in a Test? Still, those two mistakes seem to have haunted me,” continued Bucknor.

“You need to know why mistakes are made. You don’t want to make similar mistakes again. I am not giving excuses but there are times when the wind is blowing down the pitch and the sound travels with the wind. The commentators hear the nick from the stump mic but the umpires may not be sure. These are things spectators won’t know.”

The first mistake Bucknor referred to was when Andrew Symonds edged behind to an Ishant Sharma delivery, only for Bucknor to give it not out. Symonds was 30 at the time, with Australia tottering at 134/6. In the end, Symonds smashed an unbeaten 162, as Australia set an imposing first innings score of 463. The second was his decision to give Rahul Dravid out caught behind, when his gloves were clearly tucked behind his pads.

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Tests or T20s: Why we should not compare Tests and T20s

Robin Rounder
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Tests or T20s: Why we should not compare Tests and T20s

Tests or T20s? There is a mixed opinion about this question among the cricket fanatics. Some say Test cricket is in danger due to the growing popularity of its youngest brother, while you also hear opinions that T20 is not cricket.

You can find some heated conversations in the cricket community on social media, especially on Twitter, regarding this. Fans often compare these two forms of the game and are often tagged as “Nostalgia Merchants” or “IPL Era Kids” depending on their preferences.

But do we really need to compare them? Can’t we enjoy all the formats of the beautiful game we love? After all, both formats are completely different and important. Let’s get into it and see how diverse our beautiful game is and why we should rise above this favoritism of formats and enjoy our cricket.

T20s: A Complete Package

Players throwing themselves on the field. Boundaries flying. Close encounters. Super overs. And more. This is T20 cricket for you. It attracts a lot of viewers, especially the younger audience, due to its fast-paced and action-packed nature.

Let’s get deep into T20s:

T20 globalizes the game:

Many associate and non-Test playing countries prefer playing T20s. A total of 16 teams participated in the 2016 World T20, including six associate members along with the top 10 sides. Oman gained their international status in that tournament and it was also their first-ever ICC tournament.

T20s, as mentioned, are action-packed and fast-paced. It is the favorite format of many people, thus attracting viewers around the globe. Teams like Spain, Germany, Portugal, France, Italy, etc. participated in the 2018-19 ICC T20 WC European Qualifiers, which is a great sign as more and more teams are playing the game.

Tests or T20s: Why we should not compare Tests and T20s | Key reasons why we shouldn't compare cricket's two opposite formats
Tests or T20s: Countries like Belgium are playing cricket via T20

More Opportunities

After the success of IPL and the rapid growth of T20s, every country has its own T20 league which provides a great platform for players to showcase their talent and learn from the best of the game. Also, the players benefit financially.

Players like Jasprit Bumrah, Yuzvendra Chahal, Hardik and Krunal Pandya, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Qais Ahmad, Josh Phillipe, Tom Banton and many are the finds of T20 who have burst into the international circuit through T20 leagues and are rated very highly by the experts.

Also read:

Changed the Dynamics

T20 has absolutely changed the way cricket was played. There was a time when 250-260 was a good total in ODIs, whereas now Rohit Sharma alone has three ODI double centuries. It’s about time that we’ll witness a total of 500+ in ODIs.

Thanks to freaks like AB de Villiers, different kinds of shots that no one ever thought of are very common in the modern era. While it’s more exciting as fans, this has made bowlers suffer too. Players are stronger, they prioritize their fitness over anything. Teams hire special coaches and fitness trainers. The level of fielding has touched another level. T20 has revamped the style of cricket and it certainly needs a different skill set.

Tests or T20s: Why we should not compare Tests and T20s | Key reasons why we shouldn't compare cricket's two opposite formats
Tests or T20s: Rohit Sharma knows how to get the massive scores.

T20s are very competitive and unpredictable

The World T20 has been played six times. India, Pakistan, England, Sri Lanka, and Windies (twice) have emerged victorious. Windies and Sri Lanka, whose performances in Tests have not been that good, have won the Title. At the same time, it’s very surprising that Australia, five-time champions of the 50-over WC, are yet to win a T20 WC.

Tests: The Beauty of Cricket

Now let’s talk about the elder brother.

Test cricket is the charm of the game. It reminds us how beautiful the game we love is; arguably the pinnacle of cricket. The purest form of cricket. Despite the rapid growth of the T20s, the popularity and demand for Test Cricket is a great sign for the game.

Test of Character

Test cricket tests the character of an individual. It tests you physically as well as mentally. Batting for hours saving your wicket or bowling 30-40 overs to get wickets isn’t as easy as it sounds. It tests your grit, determination, and willpower, and the reward is always fruitful.

Not everyone is successful in Tests, especially when players are so used to playing limited-overs format. Test cricket demands patience and mental toughness. Test specialists like Cheteshwar Pujara, Dean Elgar, Marnus Labuschagne, Mohammad Abbas, and Ishant Sharma have their own significance in the T20 era. Jason Roy, who’s a gun LOI batter, hasn’t had a great start to his Test career.

Bangladesh has been playing as a full member for a long time now. They are an excellent limited-overs side but have not performed well in Tests. One reason for teams being successful in LOIs and not in Tests is the completely different skillset required, i.e. outsmarting a batsman rather than relying on a big shot to get them out.

Also read: 9 Test records that will be very hard (or impossible) to beat

Tests or T20s: Why we should not compare Tests and T20s | Key reasons why we shouldn't compare cricket's two opposite formats
Tests or T20s: Marnus Labuschagne’s Test performances have caught the eye of many

Exciting and rollercoaster of emotions

You must have heard that Test cricket is boring, but a batter battling it out on the fifth day to save the Test match is something else. So too Virat Kohli vs James Anderson in typical English conditions.

Kusal Perera’s magical 153* against South Africa, Ben Stokes’ heroics against Australia at Headingley in the 2019 Ashes, the 2005 Ashes Series and many more examples are there to prove that Test Cricket is as exciting as any other format. Two strong teams battling it out in sessions for five days can’t be compared to anything.

Comparing Tests and T20s is like comparing Chicken Butter Masala with Chicken Kebab despite knowing that both are very different, but at the end of the day are the varieties of the same thing. Similarly, Tests or T20s are forms of cricket and both are unique in their own way which, as fans, we should respect.

Written by Robin Rounder. Follow Robin on Twitter today.

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IPL 2020 likely to be played in UAE, between September & November

Charbel Coorey
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IPL 2020 likely to be played in UAE, between September & November

IPL 2020 is likely to be played in the UAE, as the BCCI continues to work on all possible options to stage the tournament. The BCCI has tentatively locked in September 26-November 7 as the window for the tournament.

According to reports, the BCCI is awaiting final confirmation from the ICC that the T20 World Cup will be postponed. Also, the BCCI have written to the Indian government granting permission for the tournament to go ahead, should the World Cup be postponed.

All signs are pointing towards postponement, as Australia have reportedly been told to prepare for England, as well as the CA chairman previously stating that the World Cup is “unlikely” and “very, very difficult”.

On Friday, the BCCI’s Apex Council discussed the possibility of staging the entire tournament in the UAE. It is understood the BCCI’s preference is to hold some or all of the tournament in India, but given the COVID-19 situation, the UAE seems a safer option.

In April, the UAE wrote to the BCCI stating their willingness to host IPL 2020. “We are ready to fully support the IPL if it chooses to come and play in the UAE,” Mubashshir Usmani, ECB secretary, told ESPNcricinfo earlier this year.

“We will provide all the support concerning the protocol and government permission required to host the IPL. We are waiting for written confirmation from BCCI.”

Should the tournament go ahead in September, franchises will be required to arrive in the UAE at least a month in advance to get enough training and to cater for any quarantine measures implemented by the UAE government.

Also, November 7, the date of the Final, has been put in place so the Indian national team has enough time to travel to and prepare for the Test series in Australia, scheduled to begin on December 3. However, eyes are firmly on Melbourne and parts of Sydney, as south-east Australia is experiencing a second wave of COVID-19 cases.

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Indian attack will bowl out any team cheaply: Swann

Sarthak Karkhanis
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Indian attack will bowl out any team cheaply: Swann

Former England off-spinner Graeme Swann feels that the Indian pace attack led by Jasprit Bumrah has the capability to bowl any team out.

“I thought it was incredible and I said at the time, this Indian team right now would bowl out any team in the world cheaply with this bowling attack. The way they’re bowling right now, and I stand by that it’s incredible,” said Swann.

The bowling trio of Jasprit Bumrah, Ishant Sharma and Mohammad Shami has been impressive in the recent past in countries like West Indies, Australia, England and South Africa.

Also read: Mohammed Shami says Indian attack the best in the world

Swann was also critical of England’s exclusion of star and experienced bowler Stuart Board.

“England were playing the Ashes, they wouldn’t have watched it. We were there and that was an Indian team, an Indian bowling attack in unbelievable form. Jasprit Bumrah was in incredible form in that series.I think England underestimated the West Indies, even subconsciously, and they picked the wrong team. England got their team selection wrong by dropping Stuart Broad. I will keep banging on about this. England blunted their whole bowling attack by not playing Stuart Broad,” he said on Sony Ten’s Pit Stop.

The off-spinner was all praise for Stuart Broad and his career over the years.

“I think he will forgive me for this, I’m not calling Stuart Broad a donkey, but remember, there is such a thing called donkey’s work in a Test match. A fast bowler who can bowl 25 overs a day on the spot, never bowl a bad ball, day in day out, same pace — that is Stuart Broad. He is the foil for James Anderson.”

He also believes that the return of regular captain Joe Root will enhance England’s chances in the second Test.

“That will strengthen the team, obviously. Yeah but then again, he’s in the same boat and has not played cricket for a long time. I think there is massive pressure now. They want to pick Stuart Broad now. That puts a lot of pressure on Stuart as well. He normally responds to pressure well. I don’t worry about Stuart,” he said.

Written by Sarthak Karkhanis. Follow Sarthak on Twitter today.

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Reasons why Bangladesh trio turned down CPL offers

Sarthak Karkhanis
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Reasons why Bangladesh trio turned down CPL offers

The Bangladeshi trio of Mushfiqur Rahim, Mustafizur Rahman and Tamim Iqbal were offered to play the Caribbean Premier League, but turned their respective offers down due to different reasons. The CPL is scheduled to start on August 18 in Trinidad and Tobago.

“One of the team approached me. But because of our domestic season Dhaka Premier League might start soon, I opted not to go,” Tamim was quoted by Cricbuzz. The Dhaka Premier League was supposed to be held in March but is postponed due to the spread of coronavirus pandemic. The DPL might be played in mid-August.

Mahmudullah has skipped the league due to personal reasons.

“I have played in the CPL previously and have always enjoyed my experience there. The offer I got from CPL was very good for me. I was very close to signing with one of the teams but my family is my main concern, and they are also worried about me travelling during this time,” he said.

While left-arm pacer Mustafizur has been a part of various leagues in the past but CPL feels that the national camp may begin anytime.

”I don’t know when our country’s domestic and national cricket will start again. If the corona’s intensity and severity decrease and the situation return to normal, the postponed tour or home series could start again now. I do not know when and without knowing it, if I sign a contract to play in the CPL, then it can be a big problem. My country is first priority and has to play for the country. But if I give my words to the CPL team, then they will also have a problem. If they don’t get me in the right place after making a deal with me, then they will have problem and so I said no,” Mustafizur said.

It will be the first T20 league to begin to post the COVID-19 break and includes top stars like Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, Ross Taylor, Chris Lynn among others are all set to grace this year’s edition.

Written by Sarthak Karkhanis. Follow Sarthak on Twitter today.

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