India’s opening conundrum: Do they stick with KL Rahul?
Written by Sparsh Telang. Twitter: @_cricketsparsh
Team India’s hiccups in Test cricket (overseas) begin from the very top of the order itself. The openers, who are given the task of providing the team with a solid start upfront, setting a firm foundation for the batsmen to come in subsequently, have failed abominably over the past 24 months.
The Rahul-Agarwal partnership
On paper, Mayank Agarwal and KL Rahul were the two talented openers expected to flourish this time around. Indeed, cricket is not played on paper, but on cricket pitches. And, when it is played on these pitches, the Indian openers have appeared rather anxious.
Having scored just 86 runs in five innings (including the Sydney Test) at an average of 17.20, Rahul and Agarwal in partnership have been deplorable. Although, opening the innings is not an easy assignment. The bowlers are fresh with the new-ball in hand, receiving some additional aid from the pitch. There is very little time for the batsmen to settle down, comprehend how the pitch is acting, and savvy the intentions of the bowler. There is a very little margin of error for openers in red-ball cricket, and that is what makes it more disappointing that KL Rahul hasn’t been able to convert his starts in the West Indies.
Will KL Rahul reach his potential?
However, KL Rahul could score 101 runs in his four stints at the crease, right as enraged fans want him to be thrown out of the team. On the other hand, Mayank Agarwal as well didn’t deliver as per our presupposition, as he could only manage 80 runs in four innings.
Albeit, unlike KL Rahul, Agarwal is just four Test matches old. He debuted in Australia, against a fiery bowling unit comprising Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc, and had left a mark by scoring 195 runs at 65.00.
India’s opening conundrum: Mayank Agarwal couldn’t quite have the series expected of him in West Indies.
While Agarwal would surely be persisted with, the brouhaha for KL Rahul’s replacement has become even more clamorous, as the question arises – Who is Agarwal’s next opening partner?
Persist with KL Rahul: There have been enough promising signs
In my opinion, KL Rahul, who has four Test tons away from
home, does have the potential and flair to survive in overseas conditions. Even
though he
didn’t score many runs in this series, in comparison to the series in England
last year, Rahul appeared healthier with his footwork this time around. He is technically sound; is aware of where
his off-stump lies and knows how to defend good deliveries right under his
eyes, close to his body.
Rahul is merely 27 and has a lot of cricket up in front of him. If he makes a few adjustments to his game and dedicates himself like Virat Kohli did after 2014, he indubitably can thrive into a renowned all-time great Indian batsman.
What makes Jasprit Bumrah so special? A look at the pace bowling phenomenon that is Jasprit Bumrah
Jasprit Bumrah has it on a string. In Antigua, the first Test of India’s 2019 tour of West Indies, India’s premier bowler had the inswinger on point to the left handers. Just days later in Jamaica, he had the ball going the other way, with minimal change in action or body position.
Like Antigua, he’s too good for the West Indies batsmen. Poor John Campbell and Darren Bravo are caught behind the wicket having not done too much wrong. After Bravo is dismissed, it is pure chaos. The ball cannons into both Shamarh Brooks and Roston Chase’s front pads. Most, including Bumrah, thought the hat-trick ball to Chase was heading down the legside. However, Virat Kohli decided to review with great effect, with Bumrah becoming the third Indian to take a Test hat-trick. In just his 12th Test.
This West Indies side will certainly not be the last team to fall victim to this man. A man who is still just 25 years of age. It can be easy to forget that Bumrah only entered the Test scene in January 2018, after bursting onto the scene as an excellent white-ball bowler in 2016. Since then, he has added such a dimension to India’s side that they have become a real threat on the road. India’s tour of West Indies has not made for competitive cricket, but can you blame the Windies with Bumrah in this sort of form?
So, what makes this guy so special? I will do my best to explain what makes this bowling phenomenon – part of a number of excellent fast bowlers going around in Test cricket – so brilliant.
What makes Jasprit Bumrah so special?
His incredible adaptability to the situation and conditions
Whatever the format, whatever the situation, Jasprit Bumrah always seems to come through with flying colours. Whether it is the nervy death overs of an IPL Final, India’s very tight World Cup win over Afghanistan or a Test match bowling spell, Bumrah has the tactical nous and skill to execute his plans according to what his team and the conditions require. If his team need yorkers, he can nail six in a row. Are hard lengths are the need of the hour on a slow pitch? He can deliver. If India need to tie batsmen down, Bumrah can provide relentless over after over on end. Any tight run chase or period of play requires an in-depth understanding of how many overs Bumrah has left, and how batsmen will go about trying to play him. What an asset for India to have.
His pace surprised batsmen when he burst onto the scene. After all, his run-up and action are so unorthodox that no coach could have ever thought of instilling this technique into youngsters. But, it takes more than just pace to survive across formats. Bumrah has perfected things in such a short amount of time that he holds the mantle of India’s best ever fast bowler. It can be considered a big call as the likes of Kapil Dev, Zaheer Khan and Javagal Srinath were excellent bowlers for India, but Bumrah has had an impact that is unimaginable. In away Tests, where India have so often struggled, Bumrah has five-wicket hauls in South Africa, England, Australia and West Indies. This is in combination with 103 wickets in 58 ODIs at less than 4.50 an over and 51 wickets in 43 T20Is at less than seven an over.
Indeed, when he finally plays a Test in India, you can be sure he will bowl perfectly to the conditions, again.
Incredible thinker, to go with his skill and control
A sign of a great bowler is when they can get you out regularly without you having done much wrong. This applies to this West Indies side, of which their 2-1 win over England earlier in 2019 seems a distant memory. They have tried to play Bumrah late, but the late swing at pace leaves batsmen hoping the ball misses bat and edge, automatically putting them in survival mode. After all, how do you attack late swing on the perfect length at searing pace?
Jasprit Bumrah’s hat-trick was truly special. According to CricViz, each ball swung more than the one previous, which can make it very easy for the ball to miss both bat and stumps.
So, how did Bumrah ensure that more swing still brought about wickets? Answer: pitching the ball up fuller.
Bumrah is the third Indian to take a hat-trick in Test cricket.
Each delivery he bowled was fuller and swung more than more the previous ball. Exquisite control and accuracy from the champion fast bowler. #WIvIndpic.twitter.com/EAuyGKVA1h
Darren Bravo was done in by a beautiful away swinger, just days after one of the most lethal in-swinging deliveries sent his off-stump cartwheeling back to Mumbai. Surely Bravo had that in mind, so was covering his off-stump as best he could. So, what did Bumrah do? Start one from middle, forcing Bravo to play, catching the edge of his blade. This was 7.1m from the stumps.
Then entered Shamarh Brooks, playing in just his second Test. Indeed, if Brooks is judged harshly on his debut series, it will be considered one of the great injustices. With Bumrah’s outswinger to the left-handers on a string, India’s pace phenomenon knew that the inswinger to the right-hander will need to be fuller to bring bowled or LBW into the equation. As the graphic by CricViz above shows, the same ball to Brooks as Bravo would have been hitting the right-hander too high, whilst going down the legside. So, Bumrah pitched the ball full, with his late swing accounting for both Brooks and Roston Chase to complete his hat-trick.
This was magnificent thinking. When you combine pure skill and cricketing brains, as Bumrah also regularly shows in white-ball cricket, you have a once-in-a-lifetime talent.
Humility to know he can improve, belief he can do it
Jasprit Bumrah’s unorthodox bowling style is not the only reason why he is not the typical fast bowler. Cricket is filled with instances of great fast bowlers yapping away. Dennis Lillee wouldn’t stop. Neither would Dale Steyn or the great West Indies pacers of yesteryear. The likes of Glenn McGrath, Mitchell Johnson and James Anderson would never shy away from the odd chat, too.
But, Bumrah just goes about his business. A true smiling assassin, he burst onto the scene in 2016, exceeding everyone’s expectations in terms of how far he could come in such a short space of time. Crucial to this has been his ability to constantly evolve his game. Apart from yorkers, hitting hard lengths and generating pace from flat surfaces – as was the case at the MCG in 2018, Bumrah has perfected an array of deliveries. From the subtlety of his slower ball to the threat of his newly-perfected out-swinger, Bumrah never settled for being as good as he was when he entered the scene. He always wanted to improve.
And it shows. With his natural angle coming into the right-hander, India and Bumrah knew that an out-swinger could be a game-changer. However, with it comes risk. What if it mucks up his action? What if it ruins his in-swinger? Such adjustments require belief, and Bumrah has it in spades.
Enjoy and cherish this man, India fans. He is your greatest ever fast bowler.
SL vs NZ 1st T20I Preview Dream11 & MyTeam11. Sri Lanka vs New Zealand 1st T20I Preview Dream11 & MyTeam11 Prediction
Sri Lanka Test captain Dimuth Karunaratne, after his side’s loss in the 2nd Test, criticised his side for confusing ‘freedom’ with swinging at every ball.
Now, Sri Lanka have the freedom to go big with the return of T20I Cricket. With the World T20 just over a year away, both they and New Zealand have the opportunity to fine tune their preparations, despite key players rested and different conditions to what will be encountered in Australia. This is a chance for players to stake a claim, and a big performance will hold them in a great stead.
Key to a Sri Lanka win
Sri Lanka have lost eight of their past nine T20Is. Their inconsistency in the format closely mirrors that of their ODI fortunes between the beginning of 2017 through to the World Cup. However, with the likes of Niroshan Dickwella, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Perera and Dasun Shanaka in their ranks, Sri Lanka have the talent to win all three stages of their batting innings. Can they overcome New Zealand’s mix of youth and experience?
Also, Sri Lanka have an opportunity to witness one of their favourite sons – Lasith Malinga – after his retirement from ODIs in July. He is set to play on in T20Is until next year’s World Cup, and Sri Lanka will want more of those lethal yorkers that slow scoring rates and pick up wickets. However, who will support him? Can the likes of Isuru Udana cause trouble on a Pallekele track likely to have some pace and bounce? Who will put their hand up as the spinners in home conditions?
SL vs NZ 1st T20I: Lasith Malinga is back in Sri Lanka colours.
Key to a New Zealand win
Colin Munro returns to his most favoured format. His 27-ball 48 in the recent tour match highlighted the danger he presents in T20s, and his battle with Lasith Malinga could be crucial to the result. A number of other players also have an opportunity to perform with Kane Williamson rested, including the likes of Tom Bruce and Tim Seifert, along with the experienced Martin Guptill and Ross Taylor.
Also, can Scott Kuggeleijn back up his 4/19 in the tour match? His ability to hit big down the order and bowl effective overs renders him a potentially excellent option for New Zealand going forward. A hard-hitting Sri Lanka lineup will be a good test for him, along with skipper Tim Southee and Lockie Ferguson, of whom plenty still depends on, despite the good balance in New Zealand’s attack.
SL vs NZ 1st T20I: NZ had a good outing in the warm-up.
Pitch and conditions
The Pallekele track often provides some assistance to seamers, especially under lights. Also, there is a chance of thunderstorms, given the climate at this time of year.
Possible Playing 11
Sri Lanka will likely have to choose between two wristspinners – Wanindu Hasaranga and Lakshan Sandakan. Also, it remains to be seen if Kusal Mendis gets a run.
New Zealand also have a wristspin conundrum. Ish Sodhi or Todd Astle?
New Zealand: 1. Martin Guptill, 2. Colin Munro, 3. Tim Seifert (wk), 4. Tom Bruce, 5. Ross Taylor, 6. Colin de Grandhomme, 7. Mitchell Santner, 8. Todd Astle/Ish Sodhi, 9. Tim Southee (c), 10. Seth Rance, 11. Lockie Ferguson
WI vs IND 2nd Test Preview MyTeam & Dream11. West Indies vs India 2nd Test Preview MyTeam11 & Dream11 Prediction
With an Ashes Test for the ages taking place in Headingley, something special needed to happen in Antigua to capture attention. The result certainly wasn’t as nail-biting as Ben Stokes’ heroics, but Jasprit Bumrah produced swing bowling that is worth the price of admission or staying up late at night to watch a fine bowler in action.
West Indies started the first Test well, but that is where the joy ended. They couldn’t take their chances, then punished by Ajinkya Rahane first up, before India’s seamers ran riot. Attention will be on whether the batsmen can inspire a fightback to get the Windies on the board in the World Test Championship, with another big test awaiting.
India were clinical. Apart from their shaky start on the first morning, they controlled the Antigua Test. Their pace attack certainly makes them a team to watch in the World Test Championship. With their middle order showing fine form, it is up to the top four to produce the complete performance in Kingston.
Key to a West Indies win
West Indies’ run drought at the top of the order has been their Achilles heel. Their bowling was central to their five wins in 2018 – the highest score by any side in those matches being England’s 246 in Barbados. West Indies’ batting average of 23.46 is only ahead of newcomers Ireland and Afghanistan, which puts onus on the top order to stand up. The likes of Kraigg Brathwaite and Darren Bravo possess the experience in the top four (that averages just 21.96 in Tests since 2018), with talent aplenty in the middle order. Can the Windies overcome the new ball and convert their stars as opposed to Antigua?
However, the Windies have positives to take out of their heavy loss in the first Test. Kemar Roach was superb – another episode in his magnificent run of form that has catapulted him alongside some bowling greats. Shannon Gabriel was outstanding up front in Antigua, and with Keemo Paul back, the Windies will be hoping for more control as opposed to Miguel Cummins. Can the Windies make inroads into India’s top order again, this time backed up by taking their chances to put further pressure on India’s middle order?
WI vs IND 2nd Test: What impact will Kemar Roach have?
Key to an India win
Jasprit Bumrah won significant praise from Windies’ legends. His 5/7 in Antigua saw him become the first bowler from Asia to take a five-wicket haul in South Africa, England, Australia and West Indies – another reason why he is arguably the best bowler in world cricket right now. He will be a handful again, and with Ishant Sharma and Mohammed Shami also in good touch, India will be seeking inroads into West Indies’ shaky top order.
Also, which opener will make a big step to cementing their spot? Mayank Agarwal suffered his first underwhelming Test match, and KL Rahul continued to waste starts. With Kemar Roach and Shannon Gabriel in good touch, another good test awaits the openers, with Cheteshwar Pujara also keen to get in the runs. With Ajinkya Rahane finding form after a lean couple of years and Hanuma Vihari justifying his selection, a strong start from India might be too much for the Windies to come back from.
WI vs IND 2nd Test: Will Kohli go big this time?
Pitch and conditions
There is a chance of some afternoon thunderstorms throughout the Test. Like Antigua, conditions are expected to be hot and humid. In relation to the pitch, Sabina Park usually has something in it for everyone – there has been a mix of low and big totals in the past three Tests at the venue. This includes India’s 500/9 in 2016. However, the pitch for this Test has plenty of grass on it, which can make bowling first an option.
Possible Playing 11
Keemo Paul is back, and could replace Miguel Cummins if the Windies choose not to pick specialist off-spinner Rahkeem Cornwall. Also, Shane Dowrich is out again due to an ankle injury.
West Indies: 1. Kraigg Brathwaite, 2. John Campbell, 3. Shamarh Brooks, 4. Darren Bravo, 5. Shimron Hetmyer, 6. Shai Hope (wk), 7. Roston Chase, 8. Jason Holder, 9. Keemo Paul/Rahkeem Cornwall, 10. Kemar Roach, 11. Shannon Gabriel
The last meeting between India and West Indies at Kingston ended in a draw. KL Rahul, Ajinkya Rahane and Roston Chase scored centuries.
Kemar Roach averages 26.95 in Test Cricket, better than the likes of Trent Boult, Morne Morkel, Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Johnson and Stuart Broad.
West Indies top four average 21.96 in Tests since 2018. Numbers 5-8 average 32.61 in the same period.
West Indies have not won a Test against India since 2002 (22 Tests).
Match Prediction
It is a big ask for West Indies to turn around such a big defeat. Their best bet is to bat first and get a score circa 300 to put pressure on India. Otherwise, India should win.
Disclaimer: This article contains a sponsored third-party link where CricBlog has received compensation in the form of a fee.
Article sponsored by MyClubtap: Create your own Fantasy Teams for your own club/league games!
Fantasy Cricket is a huge market. With T20 leagues and international cricket rife all year round, the world of fantasy cricket is an everyday phenomenon. Fans can choose their own teams for the chance to win money, depending on the contest they pick and investment they make.
Indeed, the numbers are staggering. Dream11, a leading fantasy sports platform in India, has over seven crore users (70+ million), with plenty of contests on a daily basis. India legend MS Dhoni is Dream11’s brand ambassador, with the platform now forming strong associations with the IPL and the 2019 Cricket World Cup.
MyTeam11, also based in India, is a growing platform, with India legend Virender Sehwag the brand ambassador. MyTeam11 has had 15 million+ downloads of its app, focused on delivering the best fantasy sports experience to sports lovers. It is also forming strong associations, sponsor of India’s 2019 tour of West Indies.
In this article, we will compare MyTeam11 and Dream11 cricket platforms, with a verdict as to which platform might be the better option for you.
Discover: Dream11-like Fantasy Cricket for your own Cricket Club or League! Check out MyClubtap today.
MyTeam11 vs Dream11
There are some crucial differences between MyTeam11 and Dream11. We will explore these in the following section. These can give you an idea of which platform you might prefer to play on a regular basis.
Key talking points
Regular vs Safe Play
The major difference between the two platforms is the deadline times.
In February 2019, Dream11 made the decision to move its deadline time from one hour before a match to its official start time. This was met with both praise and criticism. Those praising the decision believed there would be a more level playing field. Those against it argued that a key skill factor is removed, and teams might be too similar. Regardless of the differences in opinion, Dream11 went ahead with their big change and have stuck by it since.
MyTeam11, on the other hand, offers both “regular” and “safe” play. If you choose regular, the deadline time will be an hour (or 90 minutes) before play. The safe option has the deadline time at the start of the match. This caters for players who prefer either/or, rather than just the one option Dream11 provides, regardless of key audience interests.
MyTeam11 vs Dream11: Dream11’s decision in early 2019
MyTeam11 vs Dream11: MyTeam11 offers safe vs regular
Team Composition
Also in 2019, Dream11 made a decision where you have more flexibility in how you can create your XI. For example,
You can select up to four wicketkeepers in your XI. In MyTeam11, you can only select one.
You can pick anywhere between 3-6 batsmen in your XI. In MyTeam11, your limit is 3-5 batsmen. This is the same for bowlers.
You can pick anywhere between 1-4 allrounders in your XI. In myTeam11, your limit is 1-3 allrounders.
This was brought in place by Dream11 to increase the chances of more variety between different teams. Indeed, this could be a factor that helps you decide which platform you’d rather play.
Discover: Dream11-like Fantasy Cricket for your own Cricket Club or League! Check out MyClubtap today.
Point scoring system
Each platform offers 2x points for your captain and 1.5x points for your vice-captain. Also, both Dream11 and MyTeam11 has different scoring for Test, ODI, T20 and T10.
Also, in September 2019, Dream11 made some key changes in its points scoring, doubling all previous points. For example, Dream11 now offers 1 point per run scored (previously 0.5), which is now the same as MyTeam11 (1 point per run). Also, Dream11 has now rewarded bowlers more for taking wickets, putting the platform close to MyTeam11 in this regard. For a breakdown in points scoring, the links are below:
Dream11 has more users as it is a more established platform. This means competition is greater in smaller and grand leagues. MyTeam11 can be a good way to earn winnings, given that the number of users is currently lower than Dream11.
Verdict
Ultimately, your decision comes down to what you are after in a fantasy platform.
If you love regular play – where the deadline is before the toss – then MyTeam11 is a great option for you. This is also depending on whether you like the more traditional team composition, where you have one wicketkeeper, 3-5 batsmen, 1-3 all-rounders and 3-5 bowlers. However, if you love the team composition aspect of Dream11, along with its safe play, then it is still very easy to enjoy Dream11.
Thanks for reading!
Discover: Dream11-like Fantasy Cricket for your own Cricket Club or League! Check out MyClubtap today.
Ashes 2019 3rd Test: Forget Joel Wilson. Australia had a horror last hour
James Pattinson pins Stuart Broad with a pinpoint yorker. Even better for Australia, Broad, as often the case, can’t help but waste a review. He’s plumb. Even better for Australia, it was just the second ball of the 116th over, meaning Pattinson had four balls to seal the win against number 11 Jack Leach. England were still 73 runs away. Six more than their whole first innings score of 67.
None of the four balls were great deliveries. Three were dug into the pitch, with the only full ball a legside delivery that Leach was able to prod away past short leg. This was the beginning of a wretched final hour for Australia, that makes you wonder how journalists, with supposed knowledge of the game, would produce such an article as the one below for what is supposed to be one of Australia’s trusted, credible media outlets.
I refuse to link to link to this article. It doesn’t deserve views from fans who can see things in the bigger picture. Did Wally Mason wake up, see one thing and then decide to write a full article?
Ashes 3rd Test: Forget Joel Wilson, Australia had a horror hour: Gutter journalism
As an Australian, it is clear Tim Paine and co have no one but themselves to blame for this defeat. It happens. Mistakes are made. But, to claim Stokes’ heroics shouldn’t count is gutter journalism and an embarrassment to those who put pride in their work.
Australia didn’t handle the pressure well and fans should not put the sole blame on a single umpiring decision. The final hour of mayhem tells the full story.
Lack of variation with the ball
Take nothing away from Ben Stokes. Australia’s woes were the result of the pressure he created – another chapter in the amazing ‘Summer of Stokes’. However, for a Test side to get it so wrong with the Ashes beckoning is a major blow.
76 runs were scored in the last 10 overs of the match. Ben Stokes was outstanding, but the lack of variety and thinking with the ball was a significant reason Australia lost the game. Setting deep fields for beast-mode Stokes is no problem, but the plethora of length and short balls to enable him to free his arms is cause for more frustration than Joel Wilson, who everyone knows is out of his depth. Remember, the man has made incorrect decisions both ways this series.
Then we go to Jack Leach. Across his 17 deliveries, you might count one or two from the seamers that pitched in line and were going to hit the stumps. Mitchell Starc was a name on the lips of many, but James Pattinson showed he can nail a yorker. Pat Cummins is the world’s number one Test bowler. Josh Hazlewood had nine wickets for the match. Surely Australia had enough quality to execute yorkers? It wasn’t to be.
Ashes 3rd Test: Forget Joel Wilson, Australia had a horror hour: Try something!
Missed run out #1: Throw to the wrong end
When you think of a missed run out in this manic hour of play, Nathan Lyon springs to mind. However, there was another missed opportunity by the Australians.
With 40 still needed for victory, Ben Stokes knocked one into the legside, looking to come back for two. He slipped, so was always behind the eight-ball running to the danger end. Instead, the throw from Marcus Harris at square leg went to the bowler’s end with Jack Leach all-but-certain to make his ground, instead of the keeper’s end where Stokes was in trouble.
It wasn’t the best day for Harris. With 17 runs to get, Stokes sliced a wide Pat Cummins delivery down to third man. In a moment that reminds us of Simon Jones in Edgbaston in 2005, Harris dived forward, got his hands under the ball but couldn’t cling on. It was not an easy catch, but these are the ones you work for as an international cricketer.
Blame Joel Wilson solely? No.
Australia’s horrible waste of their final review
Why blame an umpire for getting decisions wrong when Australia’s use of review has been nothing short of horrendous all series? Tim Paine’s poor use of DRS came back to haunt Australia badly, choosing to desperately review a decision that was nowhere near close to out. Eight runs were needed at this stage, and my cricket group chat was going off at this point, with the worry that Australia could live to regret such a lack of composure in pressure situations.
Ashes 3rd Test: Forget Joel Wilson, Australia had a horror hour: Yes, Australia reviewed this.
So, why are corners of the media putting Ben Stokes down, pinning their attention on one umpire call when Australia thought the above LBW shout could be out? Justin Langer rightly lamented Australia’s poor use of DRS. Paine also refused to blame the umpire for the defeat. So, can we instead focus on improving what’s in our control?
Australia have taken nine reviews in the field across the three Test matches to date. Eight have been struck down, with none upheld in their favour. This is coupled with reviews they didn’t take, such as Rory Burns’ LBW in the first innings at Edgbaston when he was on 21. He went on to make 133.
This is the time to back Australia to get it right in Old Trafford. But, to blame Joel Wilson solely? No.
For all of Ben Stokes’ heroics, he is prone to being involved in run outs: he has been involved in 17 in his Test career. Out of those 17, 14 have ended with his partner run out, including Jos Buttler on Sunday. It should have been 15, with England also showing signs of panic in the tightest of finishes.
With two runs left to win, Stokes reverse swept Lyon straight to short third man. Jack Leach took off, but Stokes was not interested. The throw was lobbed back to Lyon, only to fumble it and send everyone into a frenzy. Tim Paine and David Warner, both about to run to Lyon to celebrate a one-run win, quickly turned back and went back to their positions. How many more opportunities could they waste? What caused minds to be so muddled when precision and calm was the need of the hour?
Blame Joel Wilson solely? No.
Ashes 3rd Test: Forget Joel Wilson, Australia had a horror hour: Lyon’s costly fumble.
As if matters couldn’t get worse, the next ball saw Lyon pin Stokes in front off an attempted sweep. Joel Wilson gave Stokes the benefit of the doubt, but the replays showed three reds.
But, looking at what occurred before Wilson’s decision suggests Tim Paine and his men have no one to blame but themselves for this defeat. After all, Joel Wilson has made mistakes for both sides this series (i.e. Joe Root had to keep reviewing against Wilson’s decisions when batting at Edgbaston), so it was very silly to burn a review just to see if you might get lucky.
Ashes 3rd Test: Forget Joel Wilson, Australia had a horror hour: The final nail in the coffin.
Now, all Australia can do is focus on rebounding well ahead of the fourth Test next week in Old Trafford. After such a defeat, it will be interesting to see what mental state they will be in as the Ashes remain up for grabs.
It is the first match of England’s much-awaited World Cup campaign. This was the one they truly believed they would win. After all, they had been the best ODI side since their embarrassing exit at the 2015 Cricket World Cup. Jonny Bairstow is out on the first ball he faces, and while England recovered well, the slow nature of The Oval pitch meant hard work, rather than hard hitting, was the need of the day.
Ben Stokes delivered immediately. His 79-ball 89 propelled England to 311, which proved far too much for South Africa. But, that is not before one of the best catches of all time, along with two wickets, that made this Stokes’ day.
But, surely no one could have predicted what was to come next in England’s huge summer.
Standing tall during England’s World Cup worries
England’s World Cup campaign hit a roadblock halfway through; a surprise among British pundits and commentators who really rate their side. Their shock loss to Sri Lanka blew the group stage wide open, before a game against high-flying Australia at Lord’s which again ended in disappointment.
The one man to step up for England across those two games was Ben Stokes. He took them to within 20 runs of victory after a middle order collapse against Sri Lanka, only to be left stranded on 82*. Against Australia, he held things together after a top order collapse, outdone by a classic Mitchell Starc yorker for 89.
In both losses, we saw a man determined to fight right until the end.
England got their act together, winning their final two group games against India (where Stokes made a whirlwind 79) and New Zealand respectively to qualify for the Semi Finals. After brushing aside Australia in their Semi Final, it all came down to a Final against a New Zealand side that defended a modest total against more favoured India.
And that’s exactly what England faced in the Final. It was never going to be straightforward. The longing taste for success in ODI World Cups was never going to be spoon-fed. Certainly not against an excellent tactician in Kane Williamson and superb all-round bowling attack that New Zealand possess. Indeed, England’s top order found that out quickly.
But, given Stokes’ magnificent efforts throughout the World Cup, you always felt England were a chance as long as he was in. Nothing could faze him. He could bat through storms. However, a World Cup Final needed him to go up to another level, as England’s batting lineup was under attack from New Zealand’s armoury of talented bowlers in a pressure-cooker situation. The kind Australia crumbled in at Headingley. He gave himself a chance to get England home even when he could barely run anymore.
It was a performance for the ages, even with Trent Boult’s mighty ‘step-up’ on the boundary off Stokes in the penultimate over that meant a six instead England’s hopes dashed. There was luck involved, such as the six overthrows off his bat. But, none of that could have happened had he not fought through the tough periods. Sheer adrenaline and passion got him over the line. Every ounce of energy was spent in creating history. He achieved it, creating pandemonium in the stands and across the nation.
So, Stokes could then be mentioned in a list of players who produced gold in World Cup Finals – a list that includes Clive Lloyd, Wasim Akram, Aravinda de Silva, Ricky Ponting, Adam Gilchrist and MS Dhoni. For many players, such an achievement might mean a mental switch. Of course, it would be totally understandable if Stokes couldn’t quite deliver in a high-profile Ashes series so soon after an incredible effort in a showpiece event.
Ashes 2019 3rd Test: The Summer of Stokes: The man on everyone’s mind.
One of the great Test knocks
But don’t tell that to Ben Stokes. On the ground where England’s greatest all-rounder produced a performance for the ages nearly 40 years ago, Stokes wrote his own legacy with an effort that all at the ground and millions around the globe will never forget.
By the end of his 135*, even Tim Paine, not sure exactly what hit him, was in awe of Stokes. Kim Kardashian thought she could break the internet, but Test cricket like this has her covered any day.
So, what was the possibility of getting two freak matches, in cricket’s two most traditional formats, in the space of six weeks? That too after England’s horrendous first innings batting effort, of which Stokes’ dismissal typified England’s lackadaisical, muddled and complacent mindset after rolling Australia for 179? No one could have imagined the kind of drama days three and four could offer, after such dismal batting from both teams on the opening two days.
One man was at the centre England’s recovery. It began with his bowling on the second evening, which kept England in the fight. The two Joe’s – Root and Denly – then brought England back in contention after the openers – including the out of depth Jason Roy – were dismissed cheaply for the second time in the match. But, after Denly was dismissed for 50, Australia were back on top, and England could ill-afford to lose another one on the third evening. So, Ben Stokes played out 50 balls for two runs – a big “screw you” to anyone who dared complain about his scoring rate.
Ashes 2019 3rd Test: The Summer of Stokes – Ben Stokes fought hard with the ball.
So, England went into a big day of an Ashes chase so similar to that of Adelaide in 2017/18. Then, England needed 178 with six wickets in hand, with Joe Root at the crease. Here, they needed 203 with seven wickets in hand, with Root again at the crease overnight. However, the big difference this time was the presence of Stokes, who, if Australia couldn’t dislodge early, could very well bring it home.
That he did. The introduction of Jack Leach after wickets tumbled post-lunch on the fourth day sent Stokes into beast mode, displaying an unbelievable shift in gears, after which his first 82 balls yielded nine runs. One highlight in particular was his reverse sweep for six off Nathan Lyon, that had the vocal Headingley crowd truly believing. Towards the end, he could barely watch from the non-strikers’ end, but Jack Leach held his nerve better than Australia did.
“I didn’t really care”, said Stokes about reaching his century. “Personal milestones, especially in that sort of situation, mean absolutely nothing. There were still a lot more runs to get; I wasn’t bothered about how many I had.”
This gives quite the insight into what drives Stokes. The team. He treated his century as if it was just another delivery. After all, a record England run-chase was at stake. More importantly, they had to keep the Ashes alive. It was a display of self-belief, class and incredible concentration that no one who witnessed it would forget in a hurry. Indeed, it was so incredible that Australia crumbled, missing opportunity after opportunity that saw the urn dropped… for now.
Overall, though, this was a day for Test cricket. Ben Stokes gave it a massive shot in the arm in an innings that all Australians – even some of the rubbish media, should simply appreciate. I certainly do, as Stokes is one hell of a cricketer.
Ashes 2019 3rd Test: The Summer of Stokes – “Forget Australia’s mistakes”….
Hidden somewhat behind the extraordinary third Ashes Test, a tight, tense tussle was the need of the hour for Antigua to get the attention Headingley received.
It wasn’t the case, but that is not to say that there was no good cricket on show. Ajinkya Rahane’s rescue act and first century in 30 innings, Hanuma Vihari’s exploits and India’s significantly improved pace stocks have underlined why they are a side to watch out for in the World Test Championship.
In this article, I will rate each player out of 10 from India’s huge 318-run win, sealed on the fourth day.
West Indies
Kraigg Brathwaite: Brathwaite makes up one of the most contrasting opening pairs in world cricket. A patient player, Kraigg is capable of holding teams at bay. However, with India’s attack in this kind of form, it is a tough ask, but playing late and close to the body is well-advised. 3
John Campbell: Is John Campbell West Indies’ Jason Roy in Test Cricket? Campbell will need plenty of skill (and some luck) to overcome the likes of Ishant and Bumrah in this form with his style. 3
Shamarh Brooks: A baptism of fire for West Indies’ newest number three. Started promisingly in the first innings, before trying to cut Ravindra Jadeja off the stumps. Lesson learnt, right away. 3
Darren Bravo: After bursting onto the scene a decade ago, Bravo’s similarities to cousin Brian Lara were there for everyone to see. His career hasn’t gone down the same path as Lara, but even the great man might have had a hard time dealing with a fast, full, inswinger from Jasprit Bumrah. 3
West Indies v India 1st Test Player Ratings: What a sight!
Roston Chase: All effort. Everything Chase does is with 100% commitment. He carried the load as the sole spinner after Windies thought Miguel Cummins was the answer as the third seamer, along with a fighting 48 in the first innings. Can he go to the next level in the next Test? 7
Shimron Hetmyer: Has Shimron Hetmyer had the 2019 expected of him? You be the judge. 4
Shai Hope: Some of Hope’s cover drives are the best you’ll see. Sir Vivian Richards was in awe. However, when you are victim of a Jasprit Bumrah outswinger, you just have to accept it and move onto the next innings. 4
Jason Holder: The skipper joined the top seven in reaching double figures in the first innings. However, no one went on to even make 50. His control with the ball makes an attacking spinner a very viable option in the Windies’ side. 6
Kemar Roach: Super impressive with the ball. Indeed, Roach has been a joy to watch in Test cricket over the past few years, and this was no exception. Also, his hard-hitting with the bat on the fourth day ensured West Indies didn’t suffer a sub-100 humiliation. 8.5
Miguel Cummins: His two innings with the bat were as consistent as his bowling. His 45-ball duck was followed by a 22-ball 19, reflective of his mix of half vollies and trackers that the Indian batsmen feasted on. 2
Shannon Gabriel: Not sure if anyone will pay to watch Shannon Gabriel run around in the field, but he sure can send the ball down at good pace. Contributed to an excellent start to the match for West Indies. 6.5
India
KL Rahul: Name: KL Rahul. Job: Promising plenty, but not quite delivering his potential. 7
Mayank Agarwal: After an excellent start to his Test career in Australia, Mayank had his first failure. He has to learn from this experience – particularly his second innings shot. 3
Cheteshwar Pujara: India’s hero in Australia was quiet in this Test. His 29 runs in Antigua adds to his underwhelming record in West Indies, of which he will be looking to make right in the second Test. 4
Virat Kohli: West Indies have an avenue of opportunity against Kohli. Despite the Indian skipper’s improved second innings, his approach against the short ball on the first morning is something Jason Holder’s men can look to test in the next game. However, as always, Kohli will be up for the challenge. 6
Ajinkya Rahane: West Indies did so much right on the first morning. After all, they needed to target Rahane as early as possible, given his tough couple of years with the bat. However, Rahane showed his class, rescuing India out of trouble on the first day, and then driving him the advantage with a second innings hundred. Deserved man of the match. 10
West Indies v India 1st Test Player Ratings: Rahane was excellent.
Hanuma Vihari: The talk leading into the Test was whether Vihari or Rohit Sharma would win the number six spot. After an array of beautiful straight driving and excellent strike rotation, Vihari justified India’s selection. The Rohit fans on Twitter will have to remain patient… 8
Rishabh Pant: The man who called struggling Australian captain Tim Paine a “Temporary Captain” watched his bowlers cause carnage as carnage took place in Headingley. Five dismissals, including low grabs, indicate some improvement. His start with the bat in the first innings is something he would like to build on. 6
Ravindra Jadeja: Like the number six slot, India had a decision to make regarding their spinner. Thanks to Sanjay Manjrekar, Jadeja continued his excellent form with a half century and two wickets that swung the game further India’s way. 8
Ishant Sharma: Two incredible caught-and-bowled efforts from the big man headlined his 5-wicket haul. This game was another episode in Ishant’s much improved performances overseas. 9
Mohammed Shami: Outshone by Ishant and Bumrah, but one should hold no shame when that is the case. Shami still bowled well for the most part, underlining his wicket taking ability. 7
Jasprit Bumrah: Amid the Ashes carnage, there was also carnage in Antigua. Jasprit Bumrah, on his way to becoming India’s best-ever seamer (if he’s not there yet), produced some of the best swing bowling you will ever see, making it somewhat surprising anytime the Windies’ batsmen laid bat on his deliveries. We are blessed with some fantastic fast bowlers in world cricket right now, and Jasprit Bumrah is most certainly one of them. 9
In Test cricket history only 11 bowlers have the distinction of claiming a five or more wicket haul in an innings, while conceding less than 10 runs – four are from Australia, two each from Eng/SAf/WI and now one from India (Jasprit Bumrah)#IndvWI#IndvsWI#WIvInd
Ashes 2019: England v Australia 3rd Test Player Ratings. ENG vs AUS 3rd Test Player Ratings
2019 was supposed to be the year for white-ball cricket. Instead, we have witnessed two of the greatest Test knocks of all time within six months of each other, after Ben Stokes followed up Kusal Perera’s stunning effort in South Africa in February.
It was something we never thought we’d see again. But, don’t tell that to Stokes, who possibly topped Kusal’s effort, after the man played an incredible knock to help England lift the World Cup just six weeks ago. Indeed, a sign of a magnificent player is how well they shift through the gears, and Stokes displayed that to a tee, not caring how slowly he started, ensuring he kept England in the game until he went ballistic in a last wicket partnership where Jack Leach made the most important 1* in Ashes history.
In all honesty, how can any piece of writing from an ordinary fan be worthy in describing such a game? Test cricket was on display in all its glory and incredible unpredictability, after the first two days, marred by some awful batting, was followed up with two days of the most gripping action you never wanted to take your eyes off. After all, England won after scoring 67 and achieving their highest ever run chase in the same game. Couple that with Australia’s implosion in the final hour, including that review, which makes for talking points that will have you yapping until the next Test.
In this article, I will rate each player out of 10 in an incredible Test that kept the Ashes alive for England.
England
Rory Burns: England had to wear Australia down in the early stages of their big chase. Burns was a key player given he faced 500+ balls in the first two Tests alone. It wasn’t to be, though. 2
Jason Roy: Not sure if Jason Roy will wear anyone down in Test cricket. Both his technique and temperament failed him again, which gives England a decision to make as to whether he remains in the team. His second innings dismissal reflected a move on the dance floor rather than a defensive shot. 2
England v Australia 3rd Test Player Ratings: Totally off balance.
Joe Root: Root’s biggest contribution in the series after his second straight duck was claiming a dodgy catch in the Lord’s Test. However, he then produced a fighting knock to give England a sniff. Even though he would have liked to go on longer, he played a key role. But, like Tim Paine, Root has some captaincy improvements in him, including making better use of all his bowlers in his attack. 7
Joe Denly: It must have been a very proud moment for Joe Denly, top scoring for England in a Test innings. The problem was that it was with a score of 12, which painted a picture of just how big England’s turnaround was in the space of 24-48 hours. His partnership with Joe Root in the run chase began to turn the tide. 7
England v Australia 3rd Test Player Ratings: The only player to reach double figures.
Ben Stokes: It can be easy to forget that Ben Stokes produced an incredible bowling spell to go along with his unbelievable batting effort. Jofra Archer went down with cramp on the second evening, before Stokes entered the fray and took the two big wickets of Head and Wade that kept England in with a shout. What followed was the innings of a lifetime, keeping focus after running Jos Buttler out, executing some of the best hitting you’ll see in a pressure situation. That focus was most exemplified by the fact he didn’t celebrate his century. Not even a tiny raise of the bat. Move over George Costanza, it’s not the ‘Summer of George’. It’s the Summer of Ben Stokes. 10
Jonny Bairstow: Is Bairstow’s important stand with Stokes enough to keep him in the side? Missed chances behind the stumps plus a vulnerability on both inside and outside edge makes Ben Foakes a very tempting prospect for England, despite Foakes’ disappointing performances in the County Championship this season. 5
Jos Buttler: Buttler has not had a good 2019 when it comes to run outs. First, the Ashwin mankad in IPL 2019. Now, sold down the river by Stokes. Another quiet Test from England’s dynamic strokemaker. 2
Buttler has not had luck with run outs when batting in 2019.
England v Australia 3rd Test Player Ratings: Tough times for Buttler…
Chris Woakes: Woakes has not had quite the impact expected of him in this series. With James Anderson a live chance of returning in the fourth Test, is it Woakes who makes way? 4
Jofra Archer: It almost has to be Woakes who makes way. Because, how could you leave this guy out? Along with his tweets that predict the future, Archer has the ability to produce great spells. The man is right in with a chance of series top wicket taker, even having played one less Test. 9
England v Australia 3rd Test Player Ratings: Jofra has a tweet for everything.
Stuart Broad: No one can blame Broad if he goes to bed dreaming of David Warner. Headingley was another solid outing from Broad, who will be keen to have his partner in crime – James Anderson – back for the next Test. 7
Jack Leach: The most important 1* in Ashes history. Once again, Leach showed he’s too good to be at number 11, given he also scored 92 as night watchman in England’s win over Ireland last month. Credit goes to Leach, who always gets in behind the line of the ball. 7
Australia:
David Warner: Went past double figures for the first time in this series after the ball went past his bat numerous times. In tough conditions, Warner scored vital runs first up, but couldn’t follow it up in the second. Unlike his record vs Broad, his slip catching was superb. 7
Marcus Harris: Left-handed Cameron Bancroft? Harris got himself out after doing some hard grafting in the second innings. This was before a crucial (tough) dropped catch late on that would have meant the urn was retained for Australia. 3
Usman Khawaja: Continues to underwhelm. Since his incredible innings against Pakistan in the UAE last year, Khawaja has not done enough as Australia’s Test number three. 4
Marnus Labuschagne: He had some luck in the second innings, but no one can deny the man has character. After copping more blows on the helmet, he just kept going on about his work, surely winning a place in the XI when Steve Smith returns. Three innings, three fifties. That too in a low-scoring series. 9
Travis Head: Victim of two fine deliveries in this Test. The big question regarding Head is whether he can convert his starts to improve Australia’s dire record outside of the number four position in this series. 4
Matthew Wade: Tough luck in the first innings, but like Head, questions remain about Wade’s consistent ability to produce crucial middle order runs for Australia. His sheer weight of runs over the past 12-18 months made him a must-pick in the team. Now, he needs to show it again, provided Australia stick with him. 4
Tim Paine: Where do we start? After Paine got things wrong in the Lord’s Test, one wonders how he will get any sleep in the aftermath of this one. His use of review continues to reflect a horror story, coupled with his lack of runs. In a pressure-cooker situation, the captain needs to elicit calm. Paine didn’t, instead taking centre stage in Australia’s panic show in the final hour, where the lack of deliveries on the stumps – especially to Jack Leach – was a major blunder among others that included Nathan Lyon’s botched run out, a dropped catch and throwing the ball to the wrong end in another run out opportunity. 2
England v Australia 3rd Test Player Ratings: Did Paine drop the urn?
Pat Cummins: The series’ leading wicket taker and world number one bowler couldn’t quite get things right on the final day. 7
James Pattinson: 3/56 in 30 overs across two innings in a Test are superb figures. However, with Australia missing Mitchell Starc in the final stages, will it be James Pattinson who misses out in the next Test? 7
Nathan Lyon: The missed run out with two runs needed is a moment Lyon will never forget. A tough final day for Lyon, who always looked likely to get Australia home. 4
Josh Hazelwood: Before getting taken for 18 off a single, game-turning Ben Stokes over, Hazlewood was having a Test to remember. His nine wickets put Australia on the brink of victory. 9
… and breathe. One of the most incredible games in Test history – just six weeks after the best ODI in history, confirmed just why cricket is so amazing. It is not often any sport can create such a rollercoaster of emotions in a single game, but here we all are recovering after one hell of a match.
Now, there is the very real possibility of both Steve Smith and James Anderson returning for the next test. As if it couldn’t get better. Bring on Old Trafford.
WI vs IND 1st Test Preview Dream11 and MyTeam11 August 22 2019. West Indies vs India 1st Test Preview Dream11 Prediction and Regular MyTeam11 team
The third Test of a blockbuster Thursday – also including Sri Lanka v New Zealand and England v Australia – kicks off in Antigua. Both West Indies and India will kick off their World Test Championship campaigns, keen to continue the positive steps they have made in Test Cricket in the last 12-18 months.
West Indies have been mighty impressive in home conditions over the past year. A great series win over England in January followed a thumping win over Bangladesh in July 2018 after coming close to taking their series against Sri Lanka. Pace has underlined Windies’ efforts in the Caribbean, and this will be key again against a side looking to get back in the Test groove.
India, the world’s number one Test side, have made progress in matches away from Asia. The series scorelines could have been very different in South Africa and England last year, before they won impressively in Australia at the turn of the year. While Virat Kohli’s side starts this series as favourites, they will have to beware of the challenges the West Indies provide, which could make this match an interesting one.
Key to a West Indies win
West Indies have improved as a Test side since India’s last visit to the Caribbean in 2016. The likes of Shannon Gabriel and Jason Holder have come leaps and bounds since then, and when you couple this with the pace of Kemar Roach, who tormented Bangladesh and England at Antigua in his last two Tests, West Indies have a pace attack that can challenge India’s batting. With question marks over Ajinkya Rahane’s form over the last two years, as well as who will be India’s number six, inroads into India’s top four via sheer pace can hold the Windies in great stead.
However, West Indies will have to cope with India’s own pace threat. India’s pace stocks have contributed significantly to their better performances outside Asia in the last 18 months, with Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami and Ishant Sharma a threatening trio. So, who will stand up and be counted for West Indies? Kraigg Brathwaite can blunt the new ball, allowing the likes of Shai Hope, Darren Bravo and Shimron Hetmyer to get into their innings, with a very capable middle-lower order, including Roston Chase, Shane Dowrich and Jason Holder, able to contribute vital runs.
WI vs IND 1st Test: Can Kemar Roach cause problems?
Key to an India win
India’s relentless accuracy was a key feature in their maiden Test series win in Australia. Jasprit Bumrah barely let the Aussie batsmen breathe, supported well by the much-improved Ishant Sharma, whose fuller length can reap rewards in these conditions, too. With Mohammed Shami a genuine wicket-taker (only behind Bumrah and Lyon in Australia), India have a trio that can look to maintain pressure on the Windies’ lineup.
Also, Cheteshwar Pujara finally cracked the code of batting outside Asia. His record outside Asia previously raised eyebrows, given his patience and commitment to batting, which he then used to great effect to win man of the series in Australia. With Mayank Agarwal also impressing in that series, he will be tasked with overcoming Windies’ pace threat, along with KL Rahul, of whom the jury is still out on in terms of his prowess as a Test opener. With Virat Kohli a wonderful player to build on any platform, a strong performance from the top three allows the skipper to flourish, and so too the likes of Ajinkya Rahane and lower order.
WI vs IND 1st Test: Can Kohli have a big match?
Pitch and conditions
The weather forecast in Antigua looks mostly cloudy, with showers forecast for day three. Fast bowlers have enjoyed themselves at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua in recent years. Expect this track to have good pace and bounce, but perhaps to a lesser extent than was the case vs England, where the pitch was rated below average. According to ESPNCricinfo, there is said to be some scattering of grass, as well as a few damp spots which might make this a bowl-first track.
Possible Playing 11
Keemo Paul has been ruled out of the first Test, which means off-spinner Rahkeem Cornwall will almost certainly make his debut.
West Indies: 1. Kraigg Brathwaite, 2. John Campbell, 3. Shai Hope, 4. Darren Bravo, 5. Shimron Hetmyer, 6. Roston Chase, 7. Shane Dowrich (wk), 8. Jason Holder (c), 9. Rahkeem Cornwall, 10. Kemar Roach, 11. Shannon Gabriel
India have a decision to make over who bats at six, as well as who plays the role of spinner. Ravi Ashwin had an amazing series in West Indies in 2016, which could play in his favour.
MyTeam11 Prediction (Regular – deadline 1 hour before match begins)
Option 1:
WI vs IND 1st Test Preview MyTeam11
Option 2:
WI vs IND 1st Test Preview MyTeam11
Dream11 Prediction
Option 1:
WI vs IND 1st Test Preview Dream11
Option 2:
WI vs IND 1st Test Preview Dream11
Stats and Facts
Kemar Roach (42.8) and Shannon Gabriel (46.8) are in the top six in terms of strike rates for bowlers with a minimum of 50 wickets since India’s last tour of West Indies.
India have good memories of Antigua, winning by an innings and 92 runs in 2016. R Ashwin scored a century and took seven wickets, while Kohli scored a double ton.
Jasprit Bumrah is one away from 50 wickets in Tests.
Match Prediction
This promises to be an interesting Test, with both sides possessing capable pace bowlers. However, India look a better balanced side, which is why I think they will take out this Test.
