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South Africa vs Pakistan 5th ODI Preview Dream11

Charbel Coorey

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January 29, 2019 at 6:27 pm

South Africa vs Pakistan 5th ODI Preview Dream11

It was a terribly one-sided Test series. South Africa were in control from start to finish, romping to a 3-0 win. The ODI series had to deliver to add a competitive feel to Pakistan’s tour, and it has, despite a very lopsided fourth ODI.

South Africa not only lost their first ever Pink ODI, but were thrashed in a disappointing display. Concerns about their batting will always linger given their susceptibility to the collapse, which was on show at The Wanderers, bowled out for 164 after sitting relatively pretty at 119/2. They need a big response in Cape Town to win the series and avoid losing their second straight ODI series at home to Asian opposition. Can they bounce back quickly?

What about Pakistan? They took more wickets in a rampant display in Johannesburg than their previous three games combined, stepping up with the series on the line. The left-arm duo of Shaheen Shah Afridi and Usman Khan Shinwari were brilliant as the Pakistanis were not impacted by the loss of their skipper Sarfraz Ahmed to a four match ban. The batsmen then boosted their confidence a little further, and there is little doubt that Pakistan will take the field in Cape Town a very confident unit. Can they win the series from 2-1 down?

South Africa vs Pakistan 5th ODI Preview Dream11 SA vs PAK 5th ODI Preview Dream11 Prediction — South Africa vs Pakistan 5th ODI Preview Dream11 – Can Shoaib Malik lead Pakistan to a series win?

Key to a South Africa win

The Proteas have done well setting platforms in this series, but their inability to take advantage has been concerning. They were on track for strong totals in Port Elizabeth and Johnnesburg, only to underwhelm. Interestingly, when they have lost early wickets, they recovered well enough to win in Durban. However, they have yet to put together the complete display.

Can Quinton de Kock overcome his troubles against left-arm seam and play a substantial knock? He was out for a duck at The Wanderers, and has to put the pressure on Pakistan’s bowlers in a crunch game. Each of Hashim Amla, Reeza Hendricks, Faf du Plessis and Rassie van der Dussen have looked good in this series, and you feel at least two or three of those players must make strong contributions to enable South Africa to launch towards the end. For that to happen, David Miller, short on batting time, has to deliver to boost South African confidence in a World Cup year.

Also, can the Proteas get the better of Pakistan’s top order a’la Durban? They dismantled Pakistan that day through effective use of the short ball, but have lacked penetration since, picking up eight wickets across two matches. Dale Steyn and Kagiso Rabada have a key role to play in dismissing the in-form Imam-ul-Haq and Babar Azam to help set the game up for the Proteas. With those two key man out, South Africa can then look to target Pakistan’s middle order that might find it difficult to rebuild. Will it be South Africa’s day?

Image Credit: Getty Images. South Africa vs Pakistan 5th ODI Preview Dream11 – Will Faf du Plessis fire in the final ODI?

Key to a Pakistan win

Pakistan’s template for strong scores has been set. Imam-ul-Haq has been rock solid for the most part this series, and if he and Fakhar Zaman can deliver a strong start as they did in the fourth ODI, South Africa might begin to feel the pressure. With Babar Azam and Mohammad Hafeez also in good form, Pakistan have the resources to enable a strong launch with wickets in hand, which is crucial in a decider. Pakistan’s top four, bar Fakhar Zaman, have been mostly excellent this series, and need to be once again to deliver series victory.

Also, can the left-armers create more havoc for the Proteas? Shaheen Shah Afridi started superbly for Pakistan in Johannesburg, backed up by Amir, with the job then finished emphatically by Usman Khan Shinwari. These three will be key again in getting the better of South Africa’s top order to increase the pressure on those batting lower. With Shadab Khan and Imad Wasim bowling relatively tightly this series, Shoaib Malik can hope to execute a well-rounded bowling performance that doesn’t give the Proteas a chance to properly get going. Will Pakistan get the better of the openers? What about the likes of Faf du Plessis, Reeza Hendricks and Rassie van der Dussen? It is all to play for in the series decider.

Image credit: OfficialCSA. South Africa vs Pakistan 5th ODI Preview Dream11 – Will Imam-ul-Haq deliver again?

Possible Playing 11:

It will be interesting to see if South Africa make changes for a crunch game. Instinct suggests they could replace Andile Phehlukwayo with Dwaine Pretorius or Wiaan Mulder, who is now in the squad. Other than that, no significant changes should be expected.

South Africa Possible Playing 11: 1. Quinton de Kock (wk), 2. Hashim Amla, 3. Reeza Hendricks, 4. Faf du Plessis (c), 5. Rassie van der Dussen, 6. David Miller, 7. Andile Phehlukwayo/Dwaine Pretorius/Wiaan Mulder, 8. Kagiso Rabada, 9. Dale Steyn, 10. Beuran Hendricks, 11. Imran Tahir

For Pakistan, the possible change before the last game, apart from Sarfraz, was Shan Masood for Fakhar Zaman. However, Zaman played his most significant knock of the series, so Pakistan should stick with the same team.

Pakistan Possible Playing 11: 1. Imam-ul-Haq, 2. Fakhar Zaman, 3. Babar Azam, 4. Mohammad Hafeez, 5. Shoaib Malik (c), 6. Mohammad Rizwan (wk), 7. Shadab Khan, 8. Imad Wasim, 9. Mohammar Amir, 10. Usman Khan Shinwari, 11. Shaheen Shah Afridi

Dream11 Prediction

Quinton de Kock has been out cheaply to left-arm bowling in each of his last three dismissals in ODIs (excluding run-outs). Mohammad Rizwan has been in excellent form for Pakistan’s A and Emerging sides in the lead up to this series.
Hashim Amla has an underwhelming record at Newlands, scoring 191 runs in seven matches.
Reeza Hendricks and Rassie van der Dussen have been good for South Africa this series, with Faf du Plessis on the verge of a big score.
Imam-ul-Haq and Babar Azam have been Pakistan’s best batsmen this series, scoring 263 and 171 runs respectively.
Usman Khan Shinwari and Shaheen Shah Afridi combined for six wickets in the last match.
Keep an eye out for more news on South Africa’s allrounder for this clash. With Wiaan Mulder drafted into the squad, there is a chance Andile Phehlukwayo won’t play.
Imran Tahir has a decent record at Newlands, taking eight wickets in five matches.

Stats and Facts

Pakistan won their last ODI at Newlands, beating South Africa by 23 runs in 2013.
South Africa have never lost to Pakistan in a bilateral ODI series at home.
Both Usman Khan Shinwari and Shaheen Shah Afridi have taken two wickets per match so far in their ODI careers. Shinwari has 22 wickets in 11 matches, and Afridi has 18 in nine matches.

Match Prediction

A really tough one to predict.

South Africa remain a good side at home, and I picked them to take out the series in Johannesburg. However, Pakistan are looking a confident side right now, and I have a sneaky feeling they will take out this series in a close one.

Should be a good match.

Sydney Sixers vs Adelaide Strikers Preview Dream11

Charbel Coorey

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January 29, 2019 at 8:18 am

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Sydney Sixers vs Adelaide Strikers Preview Dream11

BBL08’s second game on Tuesday sees an in-form side up against a badly out-of-form one.

Sydney Sixers play their fourth home game in a row after a long run of away matches, and they are finding their feet nicely at the business end of the season. They have thrashed their opponents in their last two games, including top of the table Hobart Hurricanes in one hell of a performance last week. The way they have bounced back from their own thrashing at the hands of the Renegades is cause for encouragement, and they have an opportunity to continue the good form.

Adelaide Strikers have fallen off the rails, struggling badly with the ball in particular in recent matches. The reigning champions are now only an outside chance of making the BBL08 finals, currently sitting four points outside the top four with a game in hand. They have lacked venom and threat in recent matches, and must turn this around tonight if they are to make a late run to the finals.

Total cricket? More like total rubbish. West Indies vs England 1st Test Player Ratings!

Key to a Sydney Sixers win

Sydney Sixers have found the perfect position for Josh Philippe. He has found his home as opener, taking the Hurricanes apart in an incredible performance a week ago. With the Sixers susceptible to top order collapses in BBL08, Philippe will be key again, along with the likes of Daniel Hughes and Moises Henriques (both in need of runs), as well as the in-form James Vince. Can the Sixers set a strong platform against an attack struggling for impact at the moment?

Also, the Sixers’ attack is finding its feet nicely ahead of the finals. Sean Abbott and Steve O’Keefe enjoy bowling at the SCG, and have an opportunity to pounce against a Strikers’ top order that has struggled for fluency in recent matches. Ben Dwarshuis is threatening to take more wickets, and with Tom Curran showing his capabilities in BBL08, he too will be key at all stages of the innings. Can the seamers set a platform for spinners Lloyd Pope and Ben Manenti in making the Strikers force the pace?

Image Credit: Getty Images. Sydney Sixers vs Adelaide Strikers Preview Dream11 – Can Josh Philippe fire again?

Key to an Adelaide Strikers win

The Strikers have really struggled for penetration with the ball, taking a total of just two wickets in their last two matches. In fact, they now hold the record for most overs without a wicket in BBL history, going over 30 overs between successes, dating back to their game against Sydney Thunder on the 13th of January. Against a Sixers side that has shown to lose wickets at the top, the likes of Michael Neser, Billy Stanlake and Rashid Khan will be crucial in the early overs, with Ben Laughlin also a player who must rediscover his wicket taking mojo in the middle and death overs. However, the return of Peter Siddle can be a huge boost that gives the Strikers important control and wicket taking ability, with Siddle excellent in BBL cricket over the past couple of seasons.

Also, the concern for the Strikers is that their batting is also subpar. Their last three totals read 97, 154/5 and 121, which places significant onus on the top order to deliver. Alex Carey has hit a bit of a wall, but has a key role to play in getting the Strikers off to a good start along with Jake Weatherald. With the likes of Colin Ingram and Jono Wells in decent touch, can the Strikers defy recent form and pick up a strong total?

Sydney Sixers vs Adelaide Strikers Preview Dream11 Prediction — Image credit: Getty Images. Sydney Sixers vs Adelaide Strikers Preview Dream11 – Can Colin Ingram deliver for the Strikers?

Possible Playing 11

Sydney Sixers have named the same squad from their impressive win against Hobart Hurricanes.

Sydney Sixers Possible Playing 11: 1. Daniel Hughes, 2. Josh Philippe (wk), 3. James Vince, 4. Moises Henriques (c), 5. Jordan Silk, 6. Tom Curran, 7. Sean Abbott, 8. Steve O’Keefe, 9. Ben Dwarshuis, 10. Ben Manenti, 11. Lloyd Pope

Adelaide Strikers have received a boost with Peter Siddle back in the squad.

Adelaide Strikers Possible Playing 11: 1. Alex Carey (wk), 2. Jake Weatherald, 3. Jake Lehmann, 4. Colin Ingram (c), 5. Jono Wells, 6. Matthew Short, 7. Rashid Khan, 8. Michael Neser, 9. Peter Siddle, 10. Ben Laughlin, 11. Billy Stanlake

Dream11 Prediction

Alex Carey was man of the match in his last match vs Sydney Sixers at the SCG. However, his form of late has been a little patchy. Josh Philippe at the top of the order has worked wonders, knocking off 86* in his last match.
James Vince is in excellent touch, scoring two 70+ scores in a row.
Colin Ingram has been the Strikers’ best batsman in recent matches. He has scored 277 in his last seven knocks, averaging over 46.
Jake Lehmann batted at three in the last match, scoring 40.
Sean Abbott enjoys playing against Adelaide Strikers, taking six wickets in his last three matches against them.
Ben Laughlin has struggled for wickets at times in BBL08, but has four wickets in his last two matches vs Sydney Sixers. Peter Siddle is also an option worth going for.

Stats and Facts

Adelaide Strikers have won three of their last four matches against Sydney Sixers, but lost the previous meeting in BBL08.
Seven different Sydney Sixers’ batsmen have scored half centuries in BBL08, including Josh Philippe, James Vince and Jordan Silk.
Sydney Sixers have three of the top five wicket takers in BBL08 – O’Keefe (16), Abbott (16) and Curran (15).

Match Prediction

The return of Peter Siddle could prove to be a big boost for struggling Adelaide Strikers.

However, Sydney Sixers are looking a confident unit at the moment, and I will back them to pick up a win that further cements their place in the top four.

Thanks for reading!

Hobart Hurricanes vs Brisbane Heat Preview Dream11

Charbel Coorey

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January 28, 2019 at 10:49 pm

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Hobart Hurricanes vs Brisbane Heat Preview Dream11

If “one-sided” comes to mind when you look at this game, you’re not alone. However, T20 cricket can offer surprises, and the Heat will be hoping to cause one as they look to keep their keep their campaign alive.

To do that, they will have to get past top of the table Hobart Hurricanes. The Hurricanes return back to Hobart after a run of away trips to Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide and Sydney over the past couple of weeks. A beautiful Tuesday afternoon greets the top of the table side, who will be looking to bounce back after a heavy defeat to Sydney Sixers. Will the Hurricanes prove too strong?

Brisbane Heat’s season is now officially on life support. Their last three games have been very underwhelming, reaching peak disappointment in their last game against the Stars, where they made some incredibly poor decisions. Their bowling, often the weaker side of their game, held their own nicely in Melbourne, but then it was their batting that was the major letdown, failing to chase 134. With nothing short than four wins from four games needed to possibly sneak into the finals, the Heat have to put on a big showing against BBL08’s front runners.

Total cricket? More like total rubbish. Light hearted West Indies vs England Player Ratings.

“No more Cheteshwar Pujara!” Australia vs Sri Lanka 1st Test Player Ratings.

Key to a Hobart Hurricanes win

Hobart Hurricanes’ top order was at it again nicely at the SCG last week, with Matthew Wade once again leading the way. He and D’Arcy Short will be key against a Heat attack known to struggle, and will look to dominate just as they did in the game against the Strikers a week ago. They can cause serious damage, along with Caleb Jewell, Ben McDermott and George Bailey, who have all had good moments in recent matches. If the Hurricanes don’t allow the Heat to get a foothold in the game early with the ball, they have the resources to take full advantage. Will the batting fire once again?

However, the bowling struggled against the Sixers, possibly due to the impact of a number of matches right across Australia in a short space of time. Jofra Archer has the opportunity to hit his best form at the right time of the season to create an even stronger partnership with Riley Meredith, who will be looking to bounce back after one of his more difficult outings last time out. With James Faulkner still solid at the top, and Johan Botha announcing his immediate retirement, the Hurricanes are in need of early wickets to dismantle the Heat’s batting effort, which relies significantly on its top three as the last match showed. Will the Hurricanes return to winning ways?

Hobart Hurricanes vs Brisbane Heat Preview Dream11 Prediction — Image credit: Getty Images. Hobart Hurricanes vs Brisbane Heat Preview Dream11 – Will Wade and Short dominate again?

Key to a Brisbane Heat win

The Heat can hope their old strategy comes to fruition in this clash, but they simply must deliver a consistent performance right across the match. They were good in spurts against the Stars, especially in the middle overs to restrict a good batting lineup to 134. Can the likes of Mujeeb ur Rahman, Josh Lalor and Brendan Doggett get early wickets to get a foothold in the game? Can Ben Cutting help also in limiting D’Arcy Short and Matthew Wade to get a shot at the likes of McDermott and Bailey as early as possible? In a must win game in good batting conditions, the bowlers need to hold their own.

However, while there were good moments for the Heat, there were also some very dumb ones. It is no secret that the Heat need their top three to fire. Max Bryant threatened to go really big against the Stars, and needs to deliver a fast start again, this time with greater output from Brendon McCullum and Chris Lynn. The “Bash Brothers” combined for just 13 runs in the last match, with Lynn out to an awful shot for a duck, and if the same occurs in Hobart, the Heat can kiss their season goodbye. However, if they do fire, can the middle order take advantage? These are questions the Heat must answer positively in this match.

Possible Playing 11

Johan Botha has retired, replaced by Cricket Tasmania rookie Jarrod Freeman. He is a good chance of making his debut.

Hobart Hurricanes Possible Playing 11: 1. Matthew Wade (c & wk), 2. D’Arcy Short, 3. Caleb Jewell, 4. Ben McDermott, 5. George Bailey, 6. Simon Milenko, 7. James Faulkner, 8. Jarrod Freeman, 9. Jofra Archer, 10. Clive Rose, 11. Riley Meredith

Brisbane Heat have retained the same squad from their game against the Stars. They could stick with the same XI, too.

Brisbane Heat Possible Playing 11: 1. Max Bryant, 2. Brendon McCullum, 3. Chris Lynn (c), 4. Matthew Renshaw, 5. Alex Ross, 6. Jimmy Peirson (wk), 7. Ben Cutting, 8. Josh Lalor, 9. Brendan Doggett, 10. Mitchell Swepson, 11. Mujeeb ur Rahman

Match Prediction

Stats and Facts

Hobart Hurricanes beat Brisbane Heat in the Gold Coast’s first ever BBL match earlier this season.
Brisbane Heat are winless in their past three games.
A win for Hobart Hurricanes will just about sew up a finals place.

Match Prediction

Picking Brisbane Heat in this match is one brave pick. Can’t see them winning.

I predict Hobart Hurricanes will win off the back of a solid all-round display, ending the Heat’s season in the process.

Thanks for reading!

Why not have a laugh? Light hearted West Indies vs England 1st Test Player Ratings!

Hobart Hurricanes vs Brisbane Heat Preview Dream11

Perth Scorchers vs Melbourne Renegades Preview Dream11

Charbel Coorey

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January 28, 2019 at 2:20 pm

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Perth Scorchers vs Melbourne Renegades Preview Dream11

This is well and truly it.

Perth Scorchers, the pre-tournament favourites, are now on their last legs. Sitting six points outside the top four, with four games remaining, this is officially must win territory. They have a game in hand over today’s opponents, and must beat them to keep their faint playoff hopes alive. Victory was snatched from them by the magnificent Callum Ferguson last week, after James Faulkner took it from them at the death in the match previous. Can they overcome the disappointment and get a win today?

However, perhaps some good news for the Scorchers is that the Melbourne Renegades are due for a loss. They have been on a win-loss-win-loss pattern in their last five games, winning their previous match against Sydney Thunder. Their batsmen struggled on a slow Marvel Stadium pitch, but whenever the Renegades have looked like they are no chance in BBL08, they have often defied logic. Will they end the Scorchers’ season in conditions they might very well enjoy?

Key to a Perth Scorchers win

The Scorchers’ batting was a significant problem for them earlier in the season, but they have been in the runs in recent matches. However, their bowling has flattered to deceive, conceding 170+ scores in each of their three matches, including to lose twice in a row in heartbreaking fashion. AJ Tye continues to struggle at the death, so the onus is on the likes of Jason Behrendhorff and Nathan Coulter-Nile to pick up early wickets to allow the Scorchers a strong shot at the Renegades’ middle order. The key for the Scorchers will be to overcome any onslaughts from the Renegades through good planning and execution.

Also, can the Scorchers get in the runs again? Shaun Marsh, despite having plenty of luck, made a strong return to BBL cricket against the Thunder. He will be crucial at the top, along with Cameron Bancroft who has had a couple of low scores in a row. With the Renegades priding themselves on strong middle overs bowling, the Scorchers need a strong start to give their middle order a platform to counter the Renegades allrounders in those key overs. With Ashton Turner and Mitch Marsh also key, can the Scorchers get the better of the likes of Kane Richardson, Mohammad Nabi and Harry Gurney at the top to set up their innings well?

Perth Scorchers vs Melbourne Renegades Preview Dream11 Prediction — Image credit: Getty Images. Perth Scorchers vs Melbourne Renegades Preview Dream11 – Can Ashton Turner deliver today in a crucial game?

Key to a Melbourne Renegades win

The Renegades’ batting lineup is reflective of their inconsistency in BBL08. They have either been very good, or quite poor, with the latest effort a decent effort vs Sydney Thunder after a low score vs the Stars. The Scorchers side is one that is low on confidence, so the key for the Renegades will be to get to the death overs with wickets in hand to take on an attack that has struggled in this period in recent games. Aaron Finch has shown some good form in his BBL08 campaign so far, and will be crucial at the top, along with Cameron White and Tom Cooper who have also shown some decent form of late. Can they set up a strong platform for the allrounders?

Also, Kane Richardson leads the wicket taking chart in BBL08, so he will be crucial in getting the better of the Scorchers’ lineup. The Scorchers will be calling on their top order to deliver the goods in their do-or-die clash, so if Richardson can stall that progress, you get the feeling that the Renegades could well be on their way to victory. Harry Gurney has been strong in the death overs so far this tournament, so if the bowling attack puts on a collaborative display that leaves the Scorchers with too much to do at the death, it will be a strong position for the Renegades to be in.

Melbourne Renegades vs Hobart Hurricanes Preview + Dream11 Prediction — Image credit: Getty Images. Perth Scorchers vs Melbourne Renegades Preview Dream11 –

Possible Playing 11

Perth Scorchers have named an unchanged squad for this clash, with Michael Klinger perhaps likely to be left out of the XI again.

Perth Scorchers Possible Playing 11: 1. Shaun Marsh, 2. Cameron Bancroft (wk), 3. Mitchell Marsh (c), 4. Ashton Turner, 5. Hilton Cartwright, 6. Nick Hobson, 7. Nathan Coulter-Nile, 8. Matt Kelly, 9. Andrew Tye, 10. Usman Qadir, 11. Jason Behrendhorff

Melbourne Renegades have made one change to their 13-man squad, bringing in Joe Mennie for Jon Holland.

Melbourne Renegades Possible Playing 11: 1. Aaron Finch (c), 2. Mackenzie Harvey, 3. Sam Harper (wk), 4. Tom Cooper, 5. Cameron White, 6. Mohammad Nabi, 7. Daniel Christian, 8. Jack Wildermuth, 9. Cameron Boyce, 10. Kane Richardson, 11. Harry Gurney

Dream11 Prediction

Stats and Facts

Perth Scorchers have won eight of nine meetings against Melbourne Renegades, with their only loss coming earlier this season.
Kane Richardson leads the BBL08 wicket taking chart with 18.
Ashton Turner is the only Perth Scorchers batsman to score more than 200 runs in BBL08 (306).

Match Prediction

Perth Scorchers start this match as favourites, even though they can’t seem to buy a win at the moment.

Home ground advantage is always crucial for the Scorchers, but I predict Melbourne Renegades will win this game off the back of a solid batting effort, despite their inconsistency of late.

Thanks for reading!

New Zealand vs India 3rd ODI Preview Dream11

Charbel Coorey

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January 28, 2019 at 12:37 am

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New Zealand vs India 3rd ODI Preview Dream11

Thumping in first ODI. Thumping in the second.

Nothing has gone right for New Zealand in this highly-anticipated ODI series. They needed things to go right in the second ODI, but from the first ball where Rohit Sharma edged through a vacant first slip region, the Black Caps were always playing catch up. A total of 324 is perhaps one they would have taken when India’s top three looked on song, but they once again lost far too many wickets too quickly. Can they keep the series alive?

The perfect scenario awaits India. A win here gives them the series, and the luxury of having captain Virat Kohli resting from two dead rubbers. The Indians were good in their recent series in Australia, but they have gone to another level here, dismantling a good New Zealand side twice. Hardik Pandya returns, and India’s top three look in ominous touch, with no sign of holding up. With the bowlers also on song, will they prove too good for the third time in a row?

Key to a New Zealand win

New Zealand have been unable to get early wickets, in conjunction with losing too many wickets of their own up top. This has put them on the back foot from the get go, and they are finding out the hard way that India are a tough side to catch. Trent Boult, Lockie Ferguson and Doug Bracewell have to get the better of at least two of India’s top three, limiting deliveries too wide and too straight in a display that has to be of both discipline and venom. It is a tough ask, but if New Zealand are to stay alive in this series, they they need to have a shot at India’s middle order as soon as possible.

Also, seven of New Zealand’s top eight reached double figures on Saturday, with just one half century. That was number eight Doug Bracewell, with the game well and truly over, which places significant onus on the top four of Guptill, Munro, Williamson and Taylor to deliver. Martin Guptill had a lot of luck, but only managed a score of 15, highlighting his struggles, along with the remaining three who just haven’t seemed in the best of control. They simply must deliver on the third ODI, putting New Zealand in a position where the likes of Colin de Grandhomme (or Mitchell Santner) and Doug Bracewell can launch. Can the Black Caps get through the opening burst from Kumar and Shami unscathed? How well will they play the wrist spinners? With the series now on the line, they’ll have to play very well.

New Zealand vs India 3rd ODI Preview Dream11 Prediction — Image credit: AFP. New Zealand vs India 3rd ODI Preview Dream11 – Can Kane Williamson lead NZ to a win?

Key to an India win

Apart from a little flat spot in the death overs, India were near perfect in the second ODI. Their top three, especially the openers, set up a really strong platform, in which MS Dhoni was able to play with freedom. The form of Ambati Rayudu, despite his 47, still remains a bit of a worry, but the more freedom he’s allowed to play with thanks to the top three, the better. A fruitless opening 10 overs or so for New Zealand can have further doubts seep through into the minds of a side that has been beaten soundly two games in a row. Will India’s batting fire once more?

Also, if India can get better of New Zealand’s top four, they will again pile the pressure on the likes of Tom Latham and Henry Nicholls to play the rebuilding role. The Indians just haven’t given New Zealand anything to feast on this series, and the test here will be displaying the same discipline and consistency from match to match. There is a lot to like about the structure of India’s bowling attack in a World Cup year, and with Hardik Pandya back, they can lay down another big marker with Jasprit Bumrah still to return.

New Zealand vs India 3rd ODI Preview Dream11: Virat Kohli is on track for a rest with India 3-0 up. The perfect scenario.

Also read: Looking for a bit of a laugh? West Indies vs England 1st Test Player Ratings!

Possible Playing 11

Does Mitch Santner come back? What about Tim Southee? There is a lot to think about for New Zealand.

New Zealand Possible Playing 11: 1. Martin Guptill, 2. Colin Munro, 3. Kane Williamson (c), 4. Ross Taylor, 5. Tom Latham (wk), 6. Henry Nicholls, 7. Mitchell Santner/Colin de Grandhomme, 8. Doug Bracewell, 9. Ish Sodhi/Tim Southee, 10. Lockie Feguson, 11. Trent Boult

Hardik Pandya is back for India, and will slot in the XI in place of Vijay Shankar. India will field a near full-strength side, with Jasprit Bumrah to return in the next series.

India Possible Playing 11: 1. Rohit Sharma, 2. Shikhar Dhawan, 3. Virat Kohli (capt), 4. Ambati Rayudu, 5. Kedar Jadhav, 6. MS Dhoni (wk), 7. Hardik Pandya, 8. Kuldeep Yadav, 9. Bhuvneshwar Kumar, 10. Mohammed Shami, 11. Yuzvendra Chahal

Dream11 Prediction

Stats and Facts

India have won their last four ODIs, beating Australia twice and New Zealand twice.
India have taken 345 wickets in the middle overs (10-40) since World Cup 2015. This is the most of any side.
New Zealand have not lost three straight matches in the same series at home in nearly seven years (March 2012).

Match Prediction

New Zealand’s two losses shouldn’t make anyone forget the talent they have in their side.

However, India are on another level at the moment. On form and confidence, India will win and take the series with two games to spare.

Thanks for reading!

Also read: Looking for a bit of a laugh? West Indies vs England 1st Test Player Ratings!

New Zealand vs India 3rd ODI Preview Dream11

West Indies vs England 1st Test Player Ratings

Charbel Coorey

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January 27, 2019 at 8:13 pm

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West Indies vs England 1st Test Player Ratings

If England were “reinventing” the way Test cricket was to be played, then no side in world cricket will even want to look at the playbook. “Total cricket” turned into total rubbish, as England’s media now can’t wait till the next Test to try find ways to over-hype their players.

Spare a thought for the England fans.

Fights to Barbados might cost $600-$1,000. Accommodation? $70-$120 a night. Seeing England lose by 381 runs? Priceless.

Make no mistake, England were superb in Sri Lanka. They played good cricket, and deserved to win. However, England have come crashing down like a kid being driven past McDonald’s by his parents, then being told there is food at home. There seemed to be complacency, and perhaps blaming of the lack of quality cricket beforehand, but there is no doubt that England should be performing better than that. Total cricket not only turned into total rubbish, but also “parallel cricket”, where England were kind enough to allow a double century by a bowling all-rounder, then an eight wicket haul by a batting one.

https://twitter.com/imsgshinde/status/1088874457148477440

West Indies vs England Player Ratings: That’s right!

However, no credit should be taken away from West Indies. This is a side decent at home, and is hellbent on keeping the misery going for England on these shores. When England last won a Test series in the Caribbean, Nokia was the top phone brand, Facebook had just started and Usher’s “Yeah” was the top song worldwide.

Now, the Windies have an absolute gem of a captain, Jason Holder, who continues to show why he is fast becoming the world’s best allrounder. Test cricket in the Windies is on life support at times, but he brings it to life. Couple that with a fighting Windies’ effort with the bat in the first innings, and Kemar Roach’s magnificent spell with the ball, and Jason Holder’s men have every reason to believe they can keep England’s waiting for another series win in the Caribbean.

Below are my player ratings for a match where West Indies won by their third biggest margin ever. Watch out, England!

West Indies

Kraigg Brathwaite: IPL franchises won’t be licking their lips, but as a Test enthusiast, it was great to see Brathwaite show some of his best fighting spirit. Enabled a strong start on day one. He is capable of delivering more, and the Windies will be hoping he does. 7

John Campbell: Held his own in his debut Test, delivering more in one match than Kieran Powell did in his last three. Would have been filthy to get out to a horrible ball in the second innings. But then again, any of the England batsmen might have got out to the same ball. 6

Shai Hope: First innings half century bringing back fond memories of his fine exploits against England in 2017. Again, the Windies will be happy with his fighting effort, and will be hoping for more in the next Test. 6

Darren Bravo: A performance not quite befitting of his surname. Darren might want to forget this comeback of his, and start again. It has been an underwhelming run of scores in all formats dating back to the India and Bangladesh tours, and it continued on his Test return. 1

Roston Chase: Below is an image of Roston Chase working as hard as he did to dismiss England’s batsmen. Scored a half century and took an eight-wicket haul. Schooled England on the Test’s final day, taking more wickets in one innings than he did in his previous 11. How nice of England to help him return to form. A brilliant performance. 9.5

Shimron Hetmyer: Hetmyer 81. England 77. Exciting strokeplay is something we have become accustomed to with Hetmyer, and he was excellent in this Test. Created more pain for England, which will win him fans in Australia, for sure. 8

Jason Holder: The all-rounder Ben Stokes wishes to be? What a cricketer this man is. Rally around the Holder! West Indies missed him badly when he was out injured, and it was easy to see why. He is arguably the world’s best Test allrounder right now, delivering with bat and ball time and time again. If Shimron Hetmyer is winning fans over in Australia, Holder is a man to be celebrated on Australia Day weekend. Magnificent double century that completely flattened England. Absolutely dominant. 10

"Jason Holder!!??" "Roston Chase!!??" The ignorant bewilderment from some English pundits and ex-players at two superb cricketers performing well is as embarrassing as the defeat itself.
— Pavilion Opinions (@pavilionopinion) January 26, 2019

West Indies vs England 1st Test Player Ratings – “How could they do this to us?!”

Shane Dowrich: Followed up a duck with a century, part of the third-highest seventh wicket stand in Test history. Magnificent. 8.5

Kemar Roach: Kicked-off the massive onslaught. England were on track for a bit of “total cricket” at 35/1, before Kemar Roach put that term to bed. Superb performance that set up the match for his side. Was loose in the second innings, but who cares? 9

Alzarri Joseph: Asked questions, when required. Key words: when required. Joseph cursing England’s batsmen for not allowing him to bowl a little more than he did. 7

Shannon Gabriel: You might struggle to find a better love story than Shannon Gabriel and no balls. However, he constantly asked questions of England’s batsmen, and will be a key figure in this series. 6.5

Also Read: Enjoy these player ratings articles? Here is Australia vs Sri Lanka 1st Test Player Ratings!

England

Rory Burns: Exciting second innings half century, but you get the feeling bowlers will back themselves to target his front pad. Someone for the England media to focus on? 6.5

Keaton Jennings: Credit to Keaton Jennings. He manages to keep his job after failing most times than not. We would all love that luxury in our lives. If Jennings drives a car as he attempted to drive the cricket ball in this match, then everyone please get off the road. 2

Jonny Bairstow: Bairstow is a player whose technique has been compromised a little by he and England’s rise in ODI cricket. No doubt about it. Getting bowled more often than England’s media gets carried away. OK, not quite. 4

Joe Root: The England’s skipper’s front pad is a beautiful offering for any bowler. Jason Holder obliged in the first innings, as he completely outplayed his opposite number. Couldn’t make Shannon Gabriel pay for taking his wicket off a huge no ball in the second innings, delivering slip catching practice. Didn’t pick Stuart Broad, picked Adil Rashid over Jack Leach and surrendered meekly. A Test full of niceties by Root. 2

Ben Stokes: Four wickets in the first innings, and like England’s fans, that’s where the joy ended. 5

Jos Buttler: Caught in the eye of a huge storm in the first innings. Victim of a great catch at midwicket in the second. Jos will put this one behind him and try to get the better of the Windies in the next Test. 3

Moeen Ali: Pillows, marshmellows, Moeen Ali’s dismissals. Three of the softest things in 2019 so far. Bagged a pair. An ordinary outing. Moeen must hate Barbados. 2

Ben Foakes: Mighty impressive in Sri Lanka, but got a taste of what Test cricket can do to you. Should he bat a little higher? 2

Sam Curran: Of the belief that Sam Curran works well as a third frontline seamer, behind James Anderson and Stuart Broad. In the side for his lower order batting, but if the batting effort is as soft as pillows, then what’s the point? Will be hard to see him playing the next Test. 2

Adil Rashid: Pedestrians walking throughout Barbados had a bigger impact on this Test than Rashid. This was a disgraceful selection by England. Jack Leach was crucial to England’s success in Sri Lanka, so they pick an inconsistent legspinner who worked well off the back of Leach in Sri Lanka. There is no doubt that Jason Holder and his men will protest on the streets asking for Rashid to get another chance. 1

James Anderson: Broke his drought of 300 balls without a wicket in fine style. Excellent first innings effort. Slept well on the first evening, and then was hit by a storm along with his teammates. 7.5

So, one of the most incredible Tests has come to an end.

18 wickets fell on day two, with none on day three. It was as remarkable as the Windies’ performance, completely thrashing England which will make it interesting to see how the tourists respond.

Thanks for reading!

Also Read: Enjoy these player ratings articles? Here is Australia vs Sri Lanka 1st Test Player Ratings!

West Indies vs England 1st Test Player Ratings

South Africa vs Pakistan 4th ODI Preview Dream11

Charbel Coorey

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January 27, 2019 at 3:41 pm

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South Africa vs Pakistan 4th ODI Preview Dream11

Just like that, the series is on the line in the annual Pink ODI event in Johannesburg.

Rain went South Africa’s way in Centurion, and arrive in Johannesburg with a perfect 100% record in Pink ODIs. That their top four set up a brilliant platform in a challenging run chase is cause for encouragement, and have another opportunity to build on it today. Their bowling and fielding needs to improve, though, and with a World Cup fast approaching, the time is now to focus on becoming as best-drilled as possible and settle on a style of play.

Pakistan also had their moments in Centurion, even though their bowling lacked the penetration it had in Durban. Apart from the Durban clash, where they took five relatively early wickets, Pakistan have taken just four wickets in the remaining 83 overs, which includes a run out. Onus is on the bowlers to deliver early wickets, as well as on the batsmen to build on their Centurion effort. With the Johannesburg pitch expected to be hard and flat, an opportunity for runs awaits.

Also read: Funny take on Australia vs Sri Lanka! 1st Test Player Ratings.

Key to a South Africa win

South Africa have had a number of amazing moments in Pink ODIs, with AB de Villiers lighting up the Wanderers on numerous occasions. However, with AB retired, South Africa need to continue putting together cohesive batting displays, after a fantastic effort in Centurion by the top order after an outing in Durban they’d rather forget. Afternoon rain can be expected in this clash, so a good start becomes even more crucial to compete in the D/L scenario. Hashim Amla and Quinton de Kock will be key again in nullifying Pakistan’s seamers, and with Reeza Hendricks, Faf du Plessis and Rassie van der Dussen all showing some good form this series, South Africa will be looking to build strong starts as a habit leading into the World Cup.

Also, Kagiso Rabada hasn’t quite been at his best this series, but possesses a fine record at Johannesburg. Will he bounce the Pakistanis out? Can Beuran Hendricks continue on from his promising debut in Centurion? What about the impact of the wrist spinner and pace bowling all rounder? South Africa need a more polished bowling effort than on show in the last ODI, where they also dropped a number of chances. If they are on song today, they might just have too much for Pakistan.

South Africa vs Pakistan 4th ODI Preview Dream11 Prediction — Image Credit: Getty Images. South Africa vs Pakistan 4th ODI Preview Dream11 – Hashim Amla has a fine record in Pink ODIs.

Key to a Pakistan win

Imam-ul-Haq has been impressive this series, notching up a fine century in the last match. However, a problem for Pakistan is that they have been one down early in all matches, with Fakhar Zaman struggling. Whether Zaman gets another chance or Shan Masood is drafted in, Pakistan need a strong start, as Babar Azam and Mohammad Hafeez are in good enough form to capitalise. With Shoaib Malik, Shadab Khan, Sarfraz Ahmed and Imad Wasim all capable of getting a move on, the Pakistanis need a strong platform, otherwise the series could be as good as gone.

Also, as mentioned, Pakistan’s bowlers have been a little short of wickets this series. They are yet to take a full innings’ wickets in three matches to date, and need to make inroads into South Africa’s top order to further test a middle order that has been a little short of time at the crease so far this series. Shaheen Shah Afridi has the ability to take wickets at the top, as he did in Durban, and needs to be backed up a little better by the likes of Shadab Khan and Mohammad Amir, who weren’t at their best in the last game. Can the Pakistanis get the better of South Africa’s top order and build from there?

Possible Playing 11:

Imran Tahir could come in from Tabraiz Shamsi, who was disappointing at Centurion. Andile Phehlukwayo, after a fine outing in Durban, should get another run after a disappointing outing in the third ODI.

South Africa Possible Playing 11: 1. Quinton de Kock (wk), 2. Hashim Amla, 3. Reeza Hendricks, 4. Faf du Plessis (c), 5. Rassie van der Dussen, 6. David Miller, 7. Andile Phehlukwayo, 8. Kagiso Rabada, 9. Dale Steyn, 10. Beuran Hendricks, 11. Imran Tahir

Will Pakistan persist with Fakhar Zaman? He continues to struggle since his huge series against Zimbabwe last year. Shan Masood could come in. Sarfraz Ahmed is still awaiting the ICC’s verdict, so he is set to play. Also, Imad Wasim’s strong lower order batting will be hard to ignore.

Pakistan Possible Playing 11: 1. Imam-ul-Haq, 2. Fakhar Zaman/Shan Masood, 3. Babar Azam, 4. Mohammad Hafeez, 5. Shoaib Malik, 6. Sarfraz Ahmed (c & wk), 7. Shadab Khan, 8. Imad Wasim, 9. Hasan Ali, 10. Mohammad Amir, 11. Shaheen Shah Afridi

1 like = $1 for Fakhar Zaman's ticket back to his favourite place.#SAvPAK #SAvsPAK pic.twitter.com/tm13huhcKW
— CricBlog (@cric_blog) January 25, 2019

South Africa vs Pakistan 4th ODI Preview Dream11: It has been a tough time for Fakhar

Dream11 Prediction

Stats and Facts

South Africa have played six Pink ODIs, winning all of them.
Pakistan were South Africa’s first ever opponents in the Pink ODI in 2013.
Imam-ul-Haq became the second fastest player to 1,000 ODI runs, behind teammate Fakhar Zaman.

Match Prediction

Hopefully the rain stays away for this one, as it promises to be an exciting clash.

However, at a ground and in a game where South Africa have a fine record, I back them to win and take the series.

Thanks for reading!

South Africa vs Pakistan 4th ODI Preview Dream11

Melbourne Stars vs Brisbane Heat Preview Dream11

Charbel Coorey

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January 27, 2019 at 8:48 am

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Melbourne Stars vs Brisbane Heat Preview Dream11

BBL action returns after a two day break, and it is another important game in the race to the finals. However, will it be another one-sided game?

Melbourne Stars have rediscovered their groove, winning their past two matches. This has coincided with the return of their Australian ODI representatives, and led by Marcus Stoinis, finishing too strong for the Renegades and Strikers respectively. Stoinis has been picked in the Australian Test squad for the second Test against Sri Lanka starting Friday, but he will play this one, and could possibly miss no games for the Stars if he is not selected for the Test. Can he lead the Stars to a third straight win?

Brisbane Heat are now in must-win territory. They sit four points outside the BBL08 top four, but have two games in hand, which gives them a chance to put pressure on other challengers, including the Stars. However, their last two performances have been disappointing, luckily picking up a point against Sydney Thunder and then getting annihilated by Sydney Sixers in Sydney. They have had a week to prepare for this one, so they have to hit their straps right away in a huge week ahead.

Key to a Melbourne Stars win

Marcus Stoinis has been unstoppable for the Stars, leading them brilliantly with both bat and ball. The Stars would have also been encouraged by Ben Dunk’s form against Adelaide Strikers, and the opening combination will again be key against the Heat. Like the Strikers, the Heat have their bowling issues, so an opportunity awaits for the Stars top three, which includes the in-form Peter Handscomb, to set up a strong platform for the likes of Glenn Maxwell, Nic Maddinson and Dwayne Bravo to launch.

A strong batting display puts significant pressure on the Heat’s batsmen to deliver. Brisbane Heat have often crumbled like a house of cards when their top three haven’t stepped up, and the onus will be on the Stars’ bowlers to get the better of the likes of Brendon McCullum and Chris Lynn. Marcus Stoinis has also led brilliantly with the ball, taking 10 wickets in his last four, but the Stars have bowled well as a unit in recent games, and the same is needed to get the better of the Heat. Can the likes of Liam Plunkett and Dwayne Bravo stay in the wickets? Can Jackson Bird and Adam Zampa deliver at key stages of the innings? Sitting one point outside the top four, the Stars must deliver.

Melbourne Stars vs Brisbane Heat Preview Dream11 Prediction — Image Credit: Getty Images. Melbourne Stars vs Brisbane Heat Preview Dream11: Marcus Stoinis has been unstoppable in recent matches.

Key to a Brisbane Heat win

The need for Brisbane Heat’s top three to perform can immediately come to mind, but their bowlers have to deliver in this one. Marcus Stoinis will be the crucial wicket at the top, given he has been central to everything good for the Stars in recent matches. Josh Lalor is coming off a five-wicket haul against the Sixers, so he will be key in thwarting the Stars’ progress, along with the likes of Mujeeb ur Rahman, Brendan Doggett and Ben Cutting to put pressure on the Stars’ middle order to try set a platform.

However, if the top three indeed don’t deliver, it is lights out for the Heat. Brendon McCullum, Max Bryant and Chris Lynn combined for 29 runs against the Sixers, of which 27 were scored by Brendon McCullum, which led to 98 all-out. These three will be key in setting a platform for the likes of Matt Renshaw, Jimmy Peirson and Ben Cutting – three players who must perform in a crucial game. Can Brisbane Heat get the better of Melbourne Stars’ in-form attack?

Possible Playing 11

Dan Worrall comes back to the Stars squad after injury. He could come into the XI for Tom O’Connell. Otherwise, there shouldn’t be too many surprises.

Melbourne Stars Possible Playing 11: 1. Marcus Stoinis, 2. Ben Dunk, 3. Peter Handscomb (wk), 4. Glenn Maxwell (c), 5. Nic Maddinson, 6. Dwayne Bravo, 7. Evan Gulbis, 8. Liam Plunkett, 9. Adam Zampa, 10. Jackson Bird, 11. Tom O’Connell/Dan Worrell.

Matt Renshaw comes into the Heat squad, replacing Sam Heazlett.

Brisbane Heat Possible Playing 11: 1. Max Bryant, 2. Brendon McCullum, 3. Chris Lynn (c), 4. Matthew Renshaw, 5. Jimmy Peirson (wk), 6. Ben Cutting, 7. Matt Prestwidge, 8. Josh Lalor, 9. Brendan Doggett, 10. Mitchell Swepson, 11. Mujeeb ur Rahman

Dream11 Prediction

Marcus Stoinis has scored 235 runs and taken 10 wickets in his last four BBL matches.
Glenn Maxwell scored a half century against Brisbane Heat at the MCG last season. Nic Maddinson has struggled for form since his return.
Chris Lynn is fourth highest scorer in BBL08 with 319, and possesses a strong record at the MCG. His last two innings on the ground: 63* (46), 56 (24).
Mitch Swepson has picked up man of the match in his last two matches at the MCG vs Stars, with six wickets in his last three games there.
Adam Zampa is wicketless against the Heat at the MCG in his last two games.
Liam Plunkett has nine wickets in four BBL matches.

Stats and Facts

Brisbane Heat have a terrific record against Melbourne Stars, winning their last five games against them.
Marcus Stoinis has the highest batting average of BBL08 (67.25).
Melbourne Stars could move from fifth to second depending on their margin of victory.

Match Prediction

Melbourne Stars have struggled against Brisbane Heat in recent seasons. However, I am backing them to turn this record around and beat the Heat today.

Thanks for reading!

Australia vs Sri Lanka 1st Test Player Ratings

Charbel Coorey

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January 26, 2019 at 10:01 pm

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Australia vs Sri Lanka 1st Test Player Ratings

Went to grab a drink? You missed a couple of wickets.

Felt like checking what was happening in the New Zealand v India ODI series? Pat Cummins had 10 wickets.

Blinked? You missed it.

Australia, the world’s number six Test side has swept aside Sri Lanka inside three days. Rivals England are having a horror Test in Barbados, and Cheteshwar Pujara has long left Australia (Tim Paine is certainly happy), making it a pretty happy Australia Day. The bowlers dominated, as expected, tearing through Sri Lanka twice as they miss Angelo Mathews like the deserts miss the rain. What was also not unexpected was Mitchell Starc’s struggles, as well as no Australian reaching a century. The Canberra Test is Australia’s last chance to keep a 133-year record exactly that, and improve more with the bat as the performance still left a little to be desired.

The last time where no Australian batsman scored a Test century in a home season (where more than one Test was played) was in 1886/87.#AUSvSL #AUSvsSL
— CricBlog ✍ (@cric_blog) January 25, 2019

Australia vs Sri Lanka 1st Test Player Ratings: Can one Aussie make a century in Canberra?

However, Sri Lanka barely made it over 100 themselves. It was an awful display. It most certainly wasn’t the quickest of Gabba pitches, with the Sri Lankans falling numerous times to loose drives as Australia pitched the ball up nicely. The millions of flies across very hot Australia were sure to provide greater resistance in annoying humans than the Sri Lankan batsmen, who have a whole lot of work to do if they wish to be competitive in the second Test starting on Friday.

Below are my player ratings for the first Test. As always, it is a light-hearted review on the play gone by!

Australia

Marcus Harris: In Canberra, Sri Lanka might look to bowl Dimuth Karunaratne and Niroshan Dickwella first up to Marcus Harris, let him fly to 30, and then get him out. It’s not often a player looks so good at the start of his innings, and then is not able to carry on. Another start unconverted. 6

Aussie batsmen getting a start then running back to the pavilion.#AUSvSL #AUSvsSL pic.twitter.com/BB8vW8aokD
— CricBlog ✍ (@cric_blog) January 25, 2019

Australia vs Sri Lanka 1st Test Player Ratings: Marcus Harris running back to the pavilion.

Joe Burns: Addressing the full length ball moving away is crucial for Joe Burns if he wants to get on the plane to England. Because, guess who will be targeting him come Ashes time? Burns will look to deliver with the bat in Canberra, after taking some nice catches in Brisbane. 4

Australia vs Sri Lanka 1st Test Player Ratings: When you spot a little weakness

Usman Khawaja: Usman’s UAE heroics seem a really long time ago. He has unfortunately been one of the summer’s biggest letdowns, which hurt Australia against India but no so much here. Trying to cut a straight ball perhaps isn’t a sign of a lack of confidence. It’s just muddled thinking. 2

Marnus Labuschagne: Reached Australia’s highest Test score of the summer (before Head did), and fell with a century in sight. Labsuchagne possesses a solid technique, but the question will be how hungry he will be for Test runs. With a FC average of 33 (and closer to 40 over the last couple of years), those questions are still asked loudly. The signs are positive, though. 8

Travis Head: Australia’s new co-vice captain (whether you like that or not) had a few nervy moments early, but settled in pretty well. Also missed out on a century with three figures in sight, but his partnership with Marnus Labuschagne really took the game away from Sri Lanka. 8

Kurtis Patterson: Looked promising on debut, and would have loved to have had more support from the middle-lower order. An absolute blinder of a catch on the third day to dismiss Dilruwan Perera. 6

Tim Paine:

Australia vs Sri Lanka 1st Test Preview: Look who’s happy!

A golden duck for the skipper. Was victim of a very good ball, but would like some runs in Canberra after a barren last few innings. Led his side well, but the opposition didn’t offer too much. 2

Patrick Cummins: Absolutely outstanding. Got Australia off and running on the first day, and never looked back. Looked pretty keen for a trip to the beach on Australia Day, completely ripping through the Sri Lankans on the third day. Finished with 10 wickets. 10

Mitchell Starc: Find someone who looks at you the way Mitchell Starc looks at tailenders. Unfortunately, Starc was all over the place, picking up just two wickets in the Test, and those were numbers eight and nine. Reached 200 Test wickets, but should he play in the second Test? 2

Mitchell Starc pitch map today so far.#AUSvSL #AUSvsSL pic.twitter.com/c058uTIvX7
— CricBlog ✍ (@cric_blog) January 24, 2019

Australia vs Sri Lanka 1st Test Player Ratings: Mitchell Starc’s pitch map.

Jhye Richardson: An absolutely outstanding debut. Bowled with excellent pace, targeting the stumps and the outside edge of the Sri Lankan batsmen. Highlight was his great ball to Kusal Mendis in the first innings. Superb stuff, and has to be picked again in Canberra. Australia certainly have found a gem. 9.5

Nathan Lyon: Found turn and bounce, and bowled well. Sri Lanka feared him so much, even with the bat, that they even used up a review on him! 7

Sri Lanka

Dimuth Karunaratne: Raised hopes of a fighting first innings effort. Wasn’t to be. At least he didn’t get out to an out-of-form Mitchell Starc, right? 3

Lahiru Thirimanne: Snicko went off after the ball passed his bat in the second innings, which made for an unlucky dismissal. Showed more character than most of his teammates. “Marais Erasmus used the Snicko as an excuse to get the game finished early and head to the beach for an Australia Day barbecue”, an annoyed Thirimanne said. 5

Dinesh Chandimal: Dinesh Chandimal is now proudly sponsored by “Squared Up”. Did cop a brute of a delivery in the second innings in just his second ball, but the Sri Lankan captain has to deliver in Canberra. 1

Kusal Mendis: A total of 15 runs for the next Mahela Jayawardene. In all seriousness, Mendis certainly has plenty of talent, but if he is to reach his potential at Test level, he has to show greater consistency away from home. Victim of a beauty from Jhye Richardson in the first innings, but his second innings waft was reflective of a player who perhaps had his mind elsewhere. Ugly. 1

Roshen Silva: A player that Sri Lanka would have had an eye on to perform in this game, but the Australian slip fielders will be ready to pounce when he walks to the crease in Canberra. 1

Dhananjaya de Silva: Feet stuck in cement at times. In Australia, your footwork has to be precise, and de Silva needs to get things right ahead of the second Test. 2

Niroshan Dickwella: Plenty of entertainment from Dickwella, playing some extraordinary shots in both innings. “I wouldn’t mind the top order doing their job”, said Dickwella. “I want to be helping the team reach 300+, not 100.” 7

Dilruwan Perera: Bowled well for the most part after getting struck on the thumb. The Canberra track might offer some turn in its debut Test, and Perera will be crucial for Sri Lanka with both bat and ball. Will dream about Usman Khawaja. 4

Suranga Lakmal: This man is always capable of such incredible spells, like we saw in Kolkata vs India in 2017 and New Zealand in Sri Lanka’s previous Test. His performance here was excellent, displaying the fight that some of his teammates need to show as well. Moved the ball nicely. 9

Dushmantha Chameera: An economy rate of 4.24 in eight matches. Very respectable in this day and age…. in ODI cricket. This is Test cricket. Again loose at times, when Sri Lanka are crying out for consistency. 3

Lahiru Kamara: Massive blow with Kamara out of the Canberra Test with a hamstring injury. Bowled with good pace, and looked good when pitching the ball up fuller. Will be a miss for Sri Lanka. 6

So, a happy Australia Day indeed for Australia, with the chance now to pick up their first series win in any format since the Sandpaper Gate.

Can Sri Lanka put together a better fight than the Gabba Test? On the evidence we saw, unlikely.

Thanks for reading!

Australia vs Sri Lanka 1st Test Player Ratings

New Zealand vs India 2nd ODI Preview Dream11

Charbel Coorey

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January 25, 2019 at 11:39 pm

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New Zealand vs India 2nd ODI Preview Dream11

A thrashing. An absolute thrashing. Was it an aberration, or something deeper? How could a meeting between world number two and three be so one sided?

New Zealand have to rectify things, and fast. As fantastic as India were in Napier, New Zealand were poor, highlighted by their muddled thinking and plethora of soft dismissals. The fireworks and excitement expected by fans right across the globe turned out to be a damp squib, and the second ODI is now a test of their resolve. They have been fantastic in recent years in home ODIs, but it’s not often they cop a battering so bad that a break in play because of the sun was their best moment of the day. Can they bounce back in beautiful Mount Maunganui?

No credit should be taken away from India. As was the case in Australia, the Indians were right on point from the outset, giving New Zealand very little to pounce on. Mohammed Shami was absolutely outstanding, becoming the fastest Indian to 100 ODI wickets, with India then picking up further reward after selecting both wrist spinners that any side in the world would rip your arm off if offered one. The batsmen then faced the sun as their biggest challenge, giving the New Zealand bowlers little encouragement for the second ODI, sealing a huge win. Can India make it 2-0?

Key to a New Zealand win

The silver lining for New Zealand after a such a disappointing performance is that they can test their ability to bounce back. With a World Cup looming, any opportunity for character building is one to be cherished.

To bounce back, New Zealand’s batmen have to be far better than they were in Napier. Martin Guptill and the now under pressure Colin Munro must get the better of Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Mohammed Shami to ensure New Zealand have some sort of platform when about to face up to India’s wrist spinners. A strong opening stand (or at least a significant contribution from one of the openers) reduces the pressure on Ross Taylor and Kane Williamson, both of whom let the pressure get to them somewhat in the first ODI. Those two will be crucial in getting New Zealand to a position where they can launch in the death overs, giving freedom to the likes of Tom Latham, Henry Nicholls and Mitchell Santner to go for it.

On the bowling front, it is unfair to judge New Zealand’s bowlers on the first game, with such a small total to defend. However, the template for success, whilst huge, is clear. Getting the better of India’s top three will be crucial, and if Tim Southee and Trent Boult can find movement up top, Williamson might be inclined to attack a little more. Both Lockie Ferguson and Doug Bracewell bowled encouragingly in Napier, so if New Zealand can get the better of the powerplay period, the Black Caps have the resources to keep the pressure on India. Will it be a day where India’s middle order is tested? From New Zealand’s perspective, it just about has to be.

New Zealand vs India 2nd ODI Preview Dream11 Prediction — Image credit: AFP. New Zealand vs India 2nd ODI Preview Dream11 – Kane Williamson has warned against knee-jerk reactions

Key to an India win

India’s bowling attack looks a well-oiled machine, but the challenge is repeating the consistency they showed in Napier. The partnership of Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Mohammed Shami is talked about almost as highly as India’s opening batting combination right now, as they have set the tone beautifully in each of their four ODIs across Australia and New Zealand. The key question is whether they can get the better of New Zealand’s openers again, giving Kohli the opportunity to attack and introduce his wrist spinners against Williamson and Taylor looking to set a platform. India, just as the case in Napier, will look to continue testing New Zealand’s ability to keep the scoreboard ticking, and if the home side can’t get going, they might very well rip through their middle order again.

One area they will want to improve on is their catching, but if they don’t give New Zealand the chance to launch, say hello to 2-0.

Also, India would be very encouraged by Shikhar Dhawan’s fifty in Napier. He has been a little under par in ODIs dating back to the West Indies series at home. However, a player of his ability can’t be counted out. He will be key at the top, along with Rohit Sharma, in blunting Boult and Southee which can lift the pressure on New Zealand. We all know what Virat Kohli can do, and if India’s top three has a strong outing, India’s middle order is playing well enough in recent times to take advantage. A huge opportunity awaits to lay down another marker.

Possible Playing 11

Can’t see New Zealand panicking too much after one game, but one change they could make is bringing in Ish Sodhi. He took five wickets in two games against Sri Lanka at Mount Maunganui recently. Possibly Tim Southee to make way after Doug Bracewell played well in Napier?

New Zealand Possible Playing 11: 1. Martin Guptill, 2. Colin Munro, 3. Kane Williamson (c), 4. Ross Taylor, 5. Tom Latham (wk), 6. Henry Nicholls, 7. Mitchell Santner, 8. Doug Bracewell, 9. Tim Southee/Ish Sodhi, 10. Lockie Ferguson, 11. Trent Boult

It is very unlikely that India will experiment this soon. They have the chance to later in the series with Virat Kohli rested for the final two ODIs.

India Possible Playing 11: 1. Rohit Sharma, 2. Shikhar Dhawan, 3. Virat Kohli (c), 4. Ambati Rayudu, 5. MS Dhoni (wk), 6. Kedhar Jadhav, 7. Vijay Shankar, 8. Bhuvneshwar Kumar, 9. Mohammed Shami, 10. Kuldeep Yadav, 11. Yuzvendra Chahal

Dream11 Prediction

Stats and Facts

New Zealand have won three and lost three of their six ODIs at Mount Maunganui.
India have won three ODIs on the bounce.
Kuldeep Yadav’s figures of 4/39 were the second best by an Indian spinner in New Zealand, behind Anil Kumble’s 5/33.

Match Prediction

I will put my hand up and say I tipped New Zealand to win the first ODI.

However, it is hard to go past India after such an impressive performance on Wednesday. They are looking a good unit at the moment.

Thanks for reading!

New Zealand vs India 2nd ODI Preview Dream11

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Australia

Sri Lanka

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