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IPL Auction 2020: 5 Players MI Can Target for IPL 2020

Robin Rounder

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December 1, 2019 at 12:02 am

IPL Auction 2020: 5 Players MI Can Target for IPL 2020 | How could the MI squad look like for IPL 2020 season? | 5 Players Mumbai Indians can buy for IPL 2020

This article is part of an IPL Auction series, where we explore each team! Have a look at who the seven other teams could buy:

IPL defending champions Mumbai Indians has a very balanced squad with all boxes checked. It was very, very difficult to find five players that will make an impact for MI in IPL 2020.

But, after much deliberation, here we are with the top five players Mumbai can buy in this auction:

5. Yashasvi Jaiswal

Yashasvu Jaiswal is a hard-hitting batsman. He is the youngest to score a double hundred in List-A cricket, doing so at the age of 17. He scored 203 runs from 154 balls, which included 140 runs in boundaries (17 fours and 12 sixes)!

Mumbai can look to buy him as a backup for their Indian batsmen as this young man has the potential and is a star in the making.

IPL Auction 2020: 5 Players MI Can Target for IPL 2020 | How could the MI squad look like for IPL 2020 season? | 5 Players Mumbai Indians can buy for IPL 2020

4. Virat Singh

The current form of Ishan Kishan is quite poor, which is a concern for MI. They can add Virat Singh as a backup for him. Virat plays for Jharkhand; the same team Ishan plays for in the domestic matches. He is also a left-hander and has scored 343 runs from 10 matches with an average of 57.

To go with his batting, he can bowl some leg-spin, too. He is the perfect backup for Ishan Kishan.

3. Pankaj Jaiswal

Hardik Pandya suffered a back injury during the Asia Cup last year and was stretched off from the field. He had further complications this year, but is now recovering well and training. However, MI can look for someone as a backup, in case.

Now, not many of you may have heard of Pankaj Jaiswal. He is an explosive all-rounder who plays for Himachal Pradesh. Made his name after scoring the second-fastest half-century in Ranji Trophy, scoring 63 off just 20 balls which included four fours and seven sixes against Goa in 2017. He bats with a whopping strike rate of 193.4 in T20s in 37 matches and has also bagged 55 wickets in the same no. of matches played.

Although he has been released by Mumbai this year, but he can be a good backup for Pandya seeing his hitting abilities and that too they can have him very cheaply.

2. Chris Green

Chris is one of the most underrated T20 bowlers. He is a genuine wicket-taker in powerplays and can take wickets in bulk. MI often employ an extra spinner on slow wickets, which is where Green can come in. He is a right-arm offie and with him included, MI will have all kinds of spinners in their squad.

Also, he is a handy batsman down the order. Overall, he can be a great asset for the men in royal blue.

1. Tom Banton

Tom Banton made his name after being the second highest run-scorer in the recently concluded English T20 Blast. He is an explosive T20 opener and performed exceptionally well in the T10 League, too. With Ewin Lewis now traded from MI, he is the perfect replacement for him.

MI and CSK also enquired about his availability from Somerset and that shows that Mumbai might look to pick him.

So these were the five players for MI in our Auction series. Anyone you’d change or add?

Written by Robin Rounder. Follow Robin today on Twitter.

This article is part of an IPL Auction series, where we explore each team! Have a look at who the seven other teams could buy:

Thanks for reading!

6 Underrated Bowlers in Test Cricket 2019/20

Charbel Coorey

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November 29, 2019 at 9:49 pm

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6 Underrated Bowlers in Test Cricket 2019/20 | 6 Underrated Bowlers in the World Right Now | Most Underrated Bowlers in Cricket

Test cricket is blessed with some fantastic, exciting pace bowlers. Australia’s Pat Cummins, India’s Jasprit Bumrah, South Africa’s Kagiso Rabada and England’s Jofra Archer headline this excitement among cricket fans across the globe.

However, there are bowlers that don’t quite get the mention they deserve in the Test bowling conversation. This article will explore six underrated bowlers in Test cricket, talking not only to their records, but also what they offer their respective teams.

6. Mohammad Abbas (Pakistan)

High pace gets fans and commentators excited, and journalists and bloggers typing away at incredible speeds.

Batsmen? Well, they are often quaking in their boots.

However, skill is just as important, and Mohammad Abbas has it in spades. Barely 130km/h, Abbas has made a superb impact in Test cricket. Focused on impeccable line and length, Abbas has succeeded in conditions ranging from England to the UAE, currently boasting 75 wickets at an average of 20.76.

Despite his slower pace, it would be a disservice to exclude Abbas from the pace bowling conversation.

6 Underrated Bowlers in Test Cricket 2019/20 | 6 Underrated Bowlers in the World Right Now | Most Underrated Bowlers in Cricket — Mohammad Abbas is a treat to watch at his best.

5. Jason Holder (West Indies)

Looking at the bowling rankings, Holder sits in third. So, the question might be “how is he underrated?”

Similar to Abbas, Holder doesn’t possess the pace others do. So, he doesn’t often come to mind in the pace bowling conversation. However, Holder’s rise in the past few years has been remarkable, using his height to great effect.

At the end of West Indies’ first Test in the UAE in October 2016, his bowling average had risen to 49.69. Since then, he has averaged 20.65, bringing his overall average down to 27.26. Better, he has 10 wickets in two Tests in India in that time; a place where opposition pace bowlers often struggle.

4. Kemar Roach (West Indies)

Kemar Roach’s overseas numbers (average 37.60) often works against him. However, it needs to be remembered that injuries and issues in Windies’ cricket have not helped.

Roach’s record of 193 wickets in 56 Tests at 27.13 is nothing to be scoffed at. More, he 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.

3. Mohammed Shami (India)

India fans know just how good this guy is. However, does the rest of the world know, too?

Mohammed Shami has played a key role in India’s pace bowling revolution of the past few years. He has averaged less than 27 in each of the past four years, including a superb haul of 33 wickets at 16.66 in 2019. Even more impressive is his magnificent second innings record (88 wickets at 21.98), in situations where spinners are expected to cause the damage.

He is a fantastic bowler.

2. Tim Southee (New Zealand)

It is incredible that some people still question why Tim Southee is in New Zealand’s team. Sure, he has lost some pace, but we have all lost count of the number of times he has chipped in with crucial wickets.

As recently as November 2019, Southee initiated an England collapse that got New Zealand into the game. A few months earlier, he delivered a superb spell in the subcontinent; in a must win game against Sri Lanka. With 256 Test wickets at under 30, it is time more give Southee the credit he deserves.

Southee has been an excellent bowler for New Zealand

1. Neil Wagner

As of May 2020, Neil Wagner is ranked second among Test bowlers in the world.

When you think of New Zealand bowlers, the aesthetic Trent Boult comes to mind. However, Wagner, a bowler around 130km/h, has an incredible ability to hurry batsmen. His value to the New Zealand team cannot be understated, and is indeed a key reason why they sit second in the Test rankings.

He will get something out of any pitch. He will run in all day. Among all pace bowlers since his debut, no one has bowled more unbroken spells of 10 overs or more. Incredibly, 34.67% of his deliveries are bowled in unbroken spells of seven overs or more. His strike rate of 52 puts him in the top 20 of all time. Like Southee, the number of crucial wickets for his team are in abundance.

In December and January 2019/20, Australia and rest of the cricketing world realised just how fantastic Wagner is. He bowled with his heart and soul in difficult circumstances, finishing with 17 wickets at 22.76 in three Tests. He picked up both Steve Smith and David Warner four times each in the series.

A superb competitor.

Thanks for reading!

AUS vs PAK 2nd Test Preview Dream11 Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

Charbel Coorey

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November 28, 2019 at 10:12 pm

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AUS vs PAK 2nd Test Preview Dream11 Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | AUS vs PAK 2nd Test Prediction Today | Australia vs Pakistan 2nd Test Dream11 Prediction

For all their unpredictability, their seemed to be an eerie predictability about Pakistan in Brisbane: Controversial selections, periods of good batting followed by collapses, and loose bowling.

However, positives emerged in the wreckage of an innings defeat; most notably Babar Azam’s breakthrough away ton, along with resistance from Asad Shafiq and Muhammad Rizwan.

Australia enjoyed the perfect start to the home Test summer. The bowlers led the way with persistence and focus, never losing their cool in warm conditions and a good batting track. And, somewhat inevitably, David Warner marked his return home in familiar fashion, along with Marnus Labuschagne building on his fine Ashes series in the best way.

With India so far ahead in the World Test Championship, Australia need to keep the pace.

Key to an Australia win

Overcast skies, pink ball and a drier Adelaide track is on the menu. So, movement in the air and off the pitch, particularly under lights, will be what the Aussie pace trio will be after. So, if conditions are good for batting during the day, it is important the Australians produce a repeat of Brisbane.

Babar Azam is the man they are after. However, Shan Masood’s resistance is something they’d like to break early, as well as Azhar Ali, Asad Shafiq and Muhammad Rizwan. With Pakistan showing the capability of losing quick wickets, the onus is on Australia to get the better of their best players.

Also, Steve Smith will be out for runs after a rare failure; so rare that he finished the lowest scorer in Australia’s batting effort in Brisbane. With the likes of Warner, Burns and Labuschagne in excellent touch at home, Australia’s top four can bat Pakistan out of the game.

AUS vs PAK 2nd Test Preview Dream11 Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | AUS vs PAK 2nd Test Prediction Today | Australia vs Pakistan 2nd Test Dream11 Prediction — AUS vs PAK 2nd Test: Smith to win battle vs Yasir Shah?

Key to a Pakistan win

To compete, Pakistan need more runs. Their score of 240 in Brisbane, after surviving the first session, was disappointing. So, Pakistan must put together effective partnerships consecutively to build a strong total, avoiding the loss of wickets in clumps and exposing Yasir Shah too soon.

Shan Masood and Azhar Ali showed enough in Brisbane to be positive about. As did Babar, Asad Shafiq and Muhammad Rizwan. Can Pakistan come together as a batting unit and produce the goods across two innings?

Also, building pressure with the ball is key. The expected selection of Mohammad Abbas will help with that, given his relentless line and length. Plus, his ability to move the ball could be profound with the pink ball, which calls for effective support from his teammates. Can Pakistan get the better of Australia’s top four?

Possible Playing 11

Australia are likely to stick with the same team that won the first Test.

Australia: 1. David Warner, 2. Joe Burns, 3. Marnus Labuschagne, 4. Steve Smith, 5. Travis Head, 6. Matthew Wade, 7. Tim Paine (c & wk), 8. Pat Cummins, 9. Mitchell Starc, 10. Nathan Lyon, 11. Josh Hazlewood

Pakistan will make changes. Imam-ul-Haq is set to return as opener, with Azhar Ali to move to three. Haris Sohail will miss out. Also, Mohammad Abbas is set to play in place of Imran Khan, and Muhammad Musa a chance to come in for Naseem Shah, who is likely to be rested.

Pakistan: 1. Shan Masood, 2. Imam-ul-Haq, 3. Azhar Ali, 4. Asad Shafiq, 5. Babar Azam, 6. Muhammad Rizwan (wk), 7. Iftikhar Ahmed, 8. Yasir Shah, 9. Shaheen Shah Afridi, 10. Muhammad Musa, 11. Mohammad Abbas

Pitch and Conditions

A dry pitch is expected in Adelaide, which brings Nathan Lyon and Yasir Shah into the game, even with the pink ball. But, some showers are predicted right throughout the Test.

Stats and Facts

Australia have won 13 consecutive Tests vs Pakistan at home.
David Warner and Steve Smith both average in excess of 50 at the Adelaide Oval.
Nathan Lyon enjoys Adelaide: 8 Tests, 45 wickets, average: 26.04.
Mitchell Starc (22 wickets at 19) and Josh Hazlewood (22 wickets at 20) also enjoy bowling at the ground.
Top four wicket-takers in day/night Tests: Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Yasir Shah and Nathan Lyon.
Top three run-scorers in day/night Tests: Azhar Ali, Steve Smith and Asad Shafiq.

Dream11 Prediction

Option 1:

Option 2:

Match Prediction

Weather permitting, Australia will likely have too much for Pakistan at home. But, expect Pakistan to have some good moments.

Thanks for reading!

NZ vs ENG 2nd Test Preview Dream11 Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

Charbel Coorey

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November 28, 2019 at 6:14 pm

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NZ vs ENG 2nd Test Preview Dream11 Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | NZ vs ENG 2nd Test Prediction Today | New Zealand vs England 2nd Test Dream11

Brilliant New Zealand.

After all, who could be surprised at their fantastic effort in the first Test? They have been outstanding in Test cricket over the past three years, somewhat debunking the view that rankings don’t always provide an accurate representation of the best teams.

An accurate view of England, however, remains their struggles overseas. This time, they had the pace and aggression of Jofra Archer. A new look batting lineup. The confidence of a good Ashes campaign; bar the presence of Steve Smith, who many believe is the best since Bradman.

However, for the fifth time in three years, England lost an overseas Test by an innings after scoring over 345 in their first dig. With the Hamilton track expected to provide more assistance than Mount Maunganui, it is down to Joe Root and his bowlers to lead the way to salvage the series.

Key to a New Zealand win

There will be no Trent Boult for New Zealand. However, their effort without him on the final day in Mount Maunganui highlighted New Zealand’s depth and quality. The superb Neil Wagner, wily Tim Southee and likely inclusion Matt Henry will have key roles to play, given that Colin de Grandhomme, crucial in the first Test, will also be out.

Also, it must be a great feeling to have BJ Watling to fall back on when in a sticky situation. The best Test keeper-batsman in the world was at it again in Mount Maunganui, after the top order flattered to deceive a little. Indeed, this is an area for New Zealand to improve, particularly against a potentially-tired attack, led by Latham, Williamson and Taylor.

NZ vs ENG 2nd Test Preview Dream11 Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | NZ vs ENG 2nd Test Prediction Today | New Zealand vs England 2nd Test Dream11 — NZ vs ENG 2nd Test Preview Dream11: BJ Watling is a superb cricketer.

Key to an England win

The Kookaburra ball is England’s biggest enemy. Perhaps an even bigger enemy than Australia. Their 201-over stay in the field brought back memories of their struggles overseas in the past few years, with the seamers in particular unable to provide impact with the Kookaburra ball.

Stuart Broad was ineffective. Jofra Archer toiled for over 40 overs. Sam Curran needs to find movement in the air. Also, with such a short turnaround between Tests, Jack Leach might have a crucial role to play in holding up an end, so the seamers can be rotated.

So, Joe Root needs to manage his bowlers well. Along with producing more with the bat. His average as captain has crept below 40, with 2019 itself yielding a paltry average of 28. For a player of his class, Root needs to deliver more, along with the rest of the batting lineup that gave away a number of starts in Mount Maunganui.