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Brisbane Heat vs Sydney Sixers Preview + Dream11

Charbel Coorey
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Brisbane Heat vs Sydney Sixers Preview + Dream11

Brisbane Heat vs Sydney Sixers Preview + Dream11

Happy New Year!

2018 has gone. 2019 has come. One thing that remains the same is plenty of cricketing action.

Brisbane Heat will play just their third game of BBL08, and their first since December 22. With the race for the top four already looking tight, the time is now for the Heat to pick up their first win of the season. Their top heavy batting lineup, as well as lack of depth with their bowling, remains a concern, but they come up against a side that can’t stop collapsing at the top. Will it be a Happy New Year’s Day for Brisbane Heat on the Gold Coast?

Sydney Sixers picked up a huge win at Marvel Stadium vs Melbourne Renegades a few nights ago, but not before another top order collapse. The Sixers were reduced to 25/3, following on from their poor starts against Perth Scorchers, Sydney Thunder and Melbourne Stars. However, their bowling is looking pretty good, and against a side that relies plenty on its top order, an opportunity for two straight wins awaits.

Key to a Brisbane Heat win

Brisbane Heat have had a good break over Christmas and Boxing Day, which has allowed them to “review the two games and look at some options for the Sixers” in the words of coach Daniel Vettori. James Pattinson returns, and will be key in targeting a Sixers’ top order that is misfiring. Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Josh Lalor will also have a key role to play, and so too Ben Cutting and Mitch Swepson against a Sixers’ middle order that has proven capable of staging recoveries. With the bowling an achilles heel of the Heat for a few years, the time is now to deliver to get their BBL08 campaign up and running.

Of course, Chris Lynn will be of huge importance with the bat, but what support will he get? The Heat crumbled early in their last game against the Hurricanes, with Ben Cutting giving them hope of an unlikely victory with some fine late hitting. The dependence on individual brilliance continues to hurt the Heat, and if they lack partnerships again, it is hard to see them winning.

Brisbane Heat vs Sydney Sixers Preview + Dream11 Cricket Blog CricBlog Cricket Preview
Brisbane Heat vs Sydney Sixers Preview + Dream11: Chris Lynn will be key once again

Key to a Sydney Sixers win

It is no longer a secret that the Sixers’ top order is out of touch. That they have won two games out of four given they have lost at least three powerplay wickets in three games is remarkable. They are playing with fire at the moment, given that T20 games are rarely won with poor batting powerplays, and need to start firing at the top to gain momentum in BBL08. Joe Denly hasn’t yet fired, young Jack Edwards hasn’t replicated NSW form and Moises Henriques hasn’t built on starts. Will this be the day?

Also, the Sixers have bowlers who can pick up regular wickets to hurt the Heat’s progress. Chris Lynn is a key man, and Steve O’Keefe will likely be used against him. However, can the Sixers get the better of the Heat’s potential game changers such as Brendon McCullum, Joe Burns and Ben Cutting? If so, the pressure on Lynn intensifies, and the Sixers have an excellent avenue to victory.

Brisbane Heat vs Sydney Sixers Preview + Dream11 Cricket Blog Cricket Preview CricBlog
Brisbane Heat vs Sydney Sixers Preview + Dream11: Sean Abbott has a fine record vs Heat

Predicted Playing XIs

Brisbane Heat have made two changes to their squad. James Pattinson and Alex Ross come back in. Pattinson will surely play, and Ross is a chance to play ahead of Sam Heazlett.

Brisbane Heat possible XI: 1. Brendon McCullum, 2. Max Bryant, 3. Chris Lynn (c), 4. Joe Burns, 5. Alex Ross, 6. Jimmy Peirson (wk), 7. Ben Cutting, 8. Mitch Swepson, 9. James Pattinson, 10. Mujeeb Ur Rahman, 11. Josh Lalor

For Sydney Sixers, Greg West replaces Lloyd Pope in the 13-man squad. Ben Manenti was superb on debut, and is expected to line up again.

Sydney Sixers possible XI: 1. Jack Edwards, 2. Joe Denly, 3. Daniel Hughes, 4. Moises Henriques (c), 5. Jordan Silk, 6. Josh Phillipe (wk), 7. Tom Curran, 8. Sean Abbott, 9. Steve O’Keefe, 10. Ben Dwarshuis, 11. Ben Manenti

Dream11 Prediction

New Year’s Eve game wasn’t the best. Time for an improvement! Below is my Dream11 Team with a few pointers.

Brisbane Heat vs Sydney Sixers Preview + Dream11 Cricket Blog Cricket Preview CricBlog
Brisbane Heat vs Sydney Sixers Preview + Dream11
  • Josh Phillipe has been a disappointment for Sixers so far this season. Jimmy Peirson has shown better form.
  • Daniel Hughes and Jordan Silk have been two of the Sixers’ better players in BBL08.
  • Max Bryant offers good value, given his ability to get the Heat off to a good start.
  • Tom Curran captains my side, with Ben Cutting VC.
  • All four bowling options are wicket taking options, especially on a slow track. Sean Abbott has 14 wickets in his last four games against Brisbane Heat. James Pattinson against a fragile Sixers top order is a good option.

Stats and Facts

  • This is the second BBL game to be played at Gold Coast’s Metricon Stadium.
  • Sydney Sixers bowled Brisbane Heat out for 73 in the last meeting. Sean Abbott took 4/11.
  • Sydney Sixers have won seven of eight meetings against Brisbane Heat.
  • Brisbane Heat have lost their last six BBL matches.

Prediction

Brisbane Heat have shown the kind of deficiencies that had me predicting them to finish last.

I’m backing the Sydney Sixers to win this one, despite their shaky top order. Given their excellent record against the Heat, and solid bowling unit on slow pitches, Sixers will win.

Thanks for reading!

Brisbane Heat vs Sydney Sixers Preview + Dream11

2018 Test Team of the Year

Charbel Coorey
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0
2018 Test Team of the Year

2018 Test Team of the Year

2018 has come and gone (very quickly). It is time to have a look back at the best performers in Test Cricket in the calendar year, which is a very tough ask given the number of excellent performers.

Who gets in your side?

1. Dimuth Karunaratne (Sri Lanka) – 743 runs at 46.43

Dimuth Karunaratne was unlucky to miss out on last year’s Test side, but this year he makes it. He was especially brilliant in the series against South Africa, scoring 356 runs in two Tests. He scored just the single century, but he was consistent, and deserves to be in the XI.

2. Dean Elgar (South Africa) – 661 runs at 36.72

Tom Latham scored 658 runs at a much better average of 59.81, but that doesn’t tell the full story.

Dean Elgar scored some of the toughest runs you’ll see in 2018, including his 86* on a brutal Johannesburg pitch vs India, 141* against Australia in Cape Town and 50 on a tough Centurion pitch against Pakistan. Remove Tom Latham’s 264* against Sri Lanka on a flat Wellington pitch (excellent innings, of course), and his figures drop to 394 runs at 35.82. Both Latham and Elgar struggled in Asia this year, but Elgar’s gritty runs gets him the nod.

CricBlog Test Team of the Year 2018 Cricket Opinion
2018 Test Team of the Year: Dean Elgar carried his bat on a tough Johannesburg pitch vs India

3. Kane Williamson (New Zealand) – 651 runs at 59.18

It is a shame New Zealand played just seven Tests this year, but Kane Williamson was magnificent in just about all of them. His superb performances in the UAE was the highlight, delivering a great series win for the Black Caps against Pakistan. All class.

4. Virat Kohli (c) (India) – 1,322 runs at 55.08

Virat Kohli captains the best XI of 2018. This is, in my opinion, Virat Kohli’s best ever year. It began with critics highlighting his need to score away from Asia, especially in England. He was superb in both South Africa and England, topping the run charts in both those series, played in bowler-friendly conditions. He is also on the brink of delivering a first ever series win for India in Australia. A great year.

CricBlog Test Team of the Year 2018 Cricket Opinion
2018 Test Team of the Year: Virat Kohli was absolutely outstanding.

5. AB de Villiers (South Africa) – 638 runs at 53.16

Henry Nicholls (658 runs at 73.11) and Babar Azam (616 runs at 56.00) are extremely unlucky to miss out here. However, AB de Villiers can’t be left out. He was arguably the difference for South Africa against India, and played a huge role in helping the Proteas beat Australia 3-1. He was absolutely superb in bowler friendly conditions. We miss having him in international cricket.

6. BJ Watling (wk) (New Zealand) – 355 runs at 35.50

The man for a crisis. Again, it’s the really tough runs that wins it for me. New Zealand were 36/5 in pursuit of England’s 307 in the second Test in March/April, and Watling made a resolute 85 to get New Zealand on an even keel. New Zealand were 72/4 in the third and deciding Test against Pakistan, and Watling batted 250 balls for his 77 to help get New Zealand to 274. Solid as always, Watling is arguably the best keeper-batsman in Test Cricket.

Tim Paine was solid this year in a tough one for Australia (493 runs at 35.21), Rishabh Pant has had a solid start to Test Cricket (537 runs at 38.35) and Jos Buttler played mostly as a batsman (superb 760 runs at 44.10).

7. Pat Cummins (Australia) – 44 wickets at 19.97

The competition for bowling places is incredible in the 2018 Test Team of the Year. It truly was the year for the bowlers. Pat Cummins gets in at number seven, as he is so capable of batting in that position. He has been Australia’s standout bowler, taking 44 wickets at under 20, bowling beautifully against South Africa and India, after storming home to top the wicket taking charts in the Ashes at the start of the year.

8. Kagiso Rabada (South Africa) – 52 wickets at 20.07

The world’s premier fast bowler. We all know how brilliant he is at home, as he played a key role in series wins over India and Australia. However, he also bowled well in difficult conditions for seamers in Sri Lanka, taking eight wickets in two Tests at 23.84.

CricBlog Test Team of the Year 2018 Cricket Opinion
2018 Test Team of the Year: Kagiso Rabada continues to be brilliant.

9. Nathan Lyon (Australia) – 49 wickets at 34.02

Nathan Lyon had an off-colour tour of South Africa, but his performances in the UAE (where he outbowled Yasir Shah) and India at home have been excellent. He picked up the man of the match award in Perth after nearly guiding Australia home in Adelaide.

10. Mohammad Abbas (Pakistan) – 38 wickets at 13.76

An absolutely extraordinary year from Mohammad Abbas. He was man of the match in Pakistan’s great win at Lord’s in May, and then followed it up with a fine display of seam bowling on flat UAE tracks against Australia. He is likely to be fit for the second Test against South Africa, and he can cause havoc on seaming pitches.

11. Jasprit Bumrah (India) – 48 wickets at 21.02

What an introduction to Test Cricket. This man is yet to play a Test in India, but has already put a marker down as a mainstay in the India side for years to come. His relentless accuracy and pace has been a feature of his bowling, and it is easy to see why India missed him so badly in the first two Tests against England earlier this year. A fine bowler.

Players unlucky to miss out on the 2018 Test Team of the Year:

Tom Latham: As mentioned, Latham was considered, but pipped at the post.

Kusal Mendis: The only player, along with Virat Kohli, to reach 1,000 runs for the year. However, substandard series against South Africa and England means he just misses out.

Joe Root: 948 runs with lots of starts. Finally broke his century drought.

Cheteshwar Pujara: Having a fine series against Australia, but wasn’t at his best in South Africa and England.

Henry Nicholls: Incredibly unlucky to miss out. A fine year from a much improved cricketer.

Babar Azam: Really finding his feet as a Test cricketer.

Jason Holder: Arguably the unluckiest to miss out. His figures are absolutely outstanding, and includes a 50 and five-wicket haul in India. However, home series against Sri Lanka and Bangladesh on seamer friendly tracks has no doubt helped boost his figures, meaning he misses out to players with consistent performances against higher ranked sides.

Dilruwan Perera: Superb year for Perera, finishing with 50 wickets. Excellent home series against South Africa and England. However, his away stats (12 wickets at 60.91) hurt his chances.

Yasir Shah: The fastest man to 200 Test wickets. Really unlucky to miss out after a fine series against New Zealand.

James Anderson: A fine year for Anderson, showing his class again in England. Just the one wicket in two Tests in Sri Lanka, though, so not enough to get in over the other seamers.

Ishant Sharma and Mohammed Shami: Part of India’s fine pace trio, but the other seam bowlers had slightly better consistency.

Trent Boult: Another fine year for the New Zealand seamer, with the highlight running through England in March.

So, one of the toughest “Test Team of the Year” articles one can hope to write.

It was truly a bowlers’ year, with a number of fine performances lighting up the format.

As always, feel free to leave a comment! Here’s to a great 2019.

Thanks for reading!

2018 Test Team of the Year

Adelaide Strikers vs Sydney Thunder Preview + Dream11

Charbel Coorey
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Adelaide Strikers vs Sydney Thunder Preview + Dream11

Adelaide Strikers vs Sydney Thunder Preview + Dream11

The New Year’s Eve clash at the picturesque Adelaide Oval. A night to always look forward to.

Adelaide Strikers return home after a tough trip to Perth, where they were exposed to fast and bouncy conditions at Optus Stadium. It is now two defeats on the trot for the defending champions, and now come up against one of the most improved sides. The batting has been a bit of a let down so far in BBL08, and with a few other sides going well, it is time for the Strikers to get going.

Sydney Thunder are indeed one of the most improved sides in BBL08. They too are coming off a defeat, against the still undefeated Hobart Hurricanes, in a game they could have easily won. Jos Buttler continues to defy logic with his white ball form, and his battle against Alex Carey could go a long way to deciding the game. Can the Thunder handle the pressure situations a little better?

Key to an Adelaide Strikers win

Adelaide Strikers’ start was the stuff of nightmares in Perth. Alex Carey has been run out two games in a row, and the Strikers need him to deliver in a game that contains arguably the best keeper batsman in white ball cricket. Jake Weatherald is yet to replicate his form from the back end of last season. Colin Ingram has passed 30 once in his last 12 T20 innings. It is time for the top order to fire in the New Year’s Eve clash against a Sydney Thunder side keen for an improved bowling performance than they showed in Hobart. Then, the middle order can play with greater freedom.

Also, can the Strikers attack get the better of the Thunder top order? Jos Buttler is the key wicket early, along with Shane Watson and Joe Root, who are yet to properly fire in BBL08. Billy Stanlake bowled well in Perth, and needs to find game-to-game consistency. With the likes of Michael Neser, Ben Laughlin, Peter Siddle and the best T20 bowler Rashid Khan, the Strikers have the resources to pick up regular wickets and contain the Thunder lineup.

Adelaide Strikers vs Sydney Thunder Preview + Dream11 Prediction Cricket Blog Cricket Preview CricBlog
Image credit: Getty. Adelaide Strikers vs Sydney Thunder Preview + Dream11: Alex Carey will be looking to get back into form after two run outs.

Key to a Sydney Thunder win

Jos Buttler held the innings beautifully against Hobart Hurricanes, but who else will step up? Shane Watson and Joe Root are yet to get going, and with Callum Ferguson, Jason Sangha and Daniel Sams all showing promising form at one point or another, the Thunder need a cohesive batting performance to put pressure on an Adelaide side looking to arrest a bit of a slide.

However, arguably the biggest area for improvement for the Thunder is in their bowling. They were unable to break through early against the Hurricanes, and need to in Adelaide, as well as execute a lot better in the pressure death overs. Daniel Sams had a bad day, but should be backed to bounce back. Fawad Ahmed also needs to have the impact he did against the Sixers, with Chris Green providing tight overs. Sam Rainbird, a good find so far for the Thunder, will be key also in picking up wickets for his side. A cohesive bowling effort is needed, just like the batting, as two or three poor overs can swing the result.

Adelaide Strikers vs Sydney Thunder Preview + Dream11 Cricket Blog CricBlog Cricket Preview
Adelaide Strikers vs Sydney Thunder Preview + Dream11: Jos Buttler and Daniel Sams remain key for the Sydney Thunder

Predicted Playing XIs

Peter Siddle returns to the Adelaide Strikers squad. Legspinner Liam O’Connor also returns. In very sad news, Rashid Khan’s father passed away, but he has said he will like to play this one.

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

Sydney Thunder have named an unchanged squad. One change they might make is Gurinder Sandhu for the struggling Nathan McAndrew.

Sydney Thunder XI: 1. Jos Buttler (wk), 2. Shane Watson, 3. Callum Ferguson, 4. Joe Root, 5. Jason Sangha, 6. Daniel Sams, 7. Chris Green, 8. Gurinder Sandhu, 9. Sam Rainbird, 10. Jono Cook, 11. Fawad Ahmed

Dream11 Prediction

An exciting clash to round out 2018. Below is my Dream11 Team with a few pointers.

Adelaide Strikers vs Sydney Thunder Preview + Dream11
  • Alex Carey’s two run outs have hurt my prediction as Carey as leading run scorer in BBL08! Even though Carey is a great option, how can Buttler be ignored?
  • Jono Wells has been in decent form and offers good value.
  • Matthew Short played a fine knock in his last game at Adelaide Oval.
  • Daniel Sams had a bad game against Hobart Hurricanes, but is still a fine option.
  • Rashid Khan will play (confirmed by Adelaide Strikers).
  • Ben Laughlin gets the nod because of his wicket taking potential at the death.

Stats and Facts

  • Head-to-Head: Strikers 5, Thunder 3
  • Adelaide Strikers have never lost a New Year’s Eve clash in BBL (five matches).
  • Jos Buttler has two fifties in a row.

Prediction

Promises to be an exciting clash.

Both sides are very capable of getting an important victory, but I believe Adelaide Strikers will get a win in a tight game.

Thanks for reading!

Adelaide Strikers vs Sydney Thunder Preview + Dream11

Australia vs India 3rd Test Player Ratings

Charbel Coorey
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Australia vs India 3rd Test Player Ratings

Australia vs India 3rd Test Player Ratings

Forget Rishabh Pant. Can Tim Paine offer a babysitting job to a few of his teammates?

Australia’s top order yet again flopped, displaying technique and temperament so off point that flipping the batting line up might actually work out better. They can learn a thing or two from Pat Cummins, but the silver lining from Australia’s defeat, as well as Arsenal’s thrashing at the hands of Liverpool, is that there are great meme opportunities.

Australia vs India 3rd Test Player Ratings Cricket Blog CricBlog Cricket Opinion
Australia vs India 3rd Test Player Ratings: Pat Cummins has been the standout.

Congratulations to India for retaining the Border Gavaskar Trophy. Their first innings batting came under nearly as much scrutiny from Ricky Ponting as Kerry O’Keeffe’s commentary from cricket fans, but they ensured Australia didn’t bat when the pitch was at its absolute best. Mayank Agarwal, Cheteshwar Pujara and Virat Kohli ground the Aussies down really well, and the excellent bowling attack showed why its considered one of the most improved in the world.

Didn’t expect the rubbish Daily Telegraph to know that.

Australia vs India 3rd Test Player Ratings Cricket Blog CricBlog Cricket Opinion
Australia vs India 3rd Test Player Ratings: This has aged very well.

In this article, each player will be rated out of ten. As always, feel free to leave a comment!

Australia:

Kerry O’Keeffe: Thought it was a decent idea to laugh at India’s First Class competition when Australia have Mitchell Marsh batting at six. Also had a laugh about Indian names as he couldn’t pronounce Cheteshwar and Jadeja. If he’s so knowledgeable as a pundit, he better show it! 0

Marcus Harris: Not sure what was worse – Harris’ second innings shot or the fact that Mark Waugh thought he was unlucky. Pushing out in front with hard hands against a turning ball is loose technique, not bad luck. 3

Aaron Finch: We understand how India fans felt when KL Rahul and Murali Vijay walked out to bat. Looks out of his depth as Test opener does Finch. Will he succeed at number six with the ball turning and reversing? Not sure. Front pad as big as Shane Watson’s. 1

Usman Khawaja: Usman Khawaja was supposed to top the run scoring charts and lead Australia to victory. Where is he? 4

Shaun Marsh: Repeat of second Test rating. Death. Taxes. Shaun Marsh doing just enough to keep his spot. Victim of a superb slower ball by Jasprit Bumrah that would have had all viewers oohing and aahing at its beauty. 5

Travis Head: Not sure if any motorsport companies will be looking at Travis Head. Just can’t seem to get past start. Second innings dismissal in particular as a result of technique. Driving away from the body, no footwork and head not over the ball. 4

Mitchell Marsh: Everyone deserves a 437578th chance. Australian fans have about as much faith in Mitch Marsh as Virat Kohli has in his lower order. His second innings shot showed why. How long do Australia keep persisting with him? Fair effort with the ball on day one, but that’s about it. 2

Australia vs India 3rd Test Player Ratings Cricket Blog CricBlog Cricket Opinion
Australia vs India 3rd Test Player Ratings: Australian selectors are desperate for Mitch Marsh to repay the faith…

Tim Paine: It is time Paine asks some of his top order to babysit full time. Here is lovely poem for the Australian captain that Rishabh Pant could use for Sydney:

“Excellent with his words, gave us a laugh, but like his teammates couldn’t get past start.” 4

Patrick Cummins: Absolutely outstanding. Australia’s standout performer by an absolute mile. Never stopped trying. Each one of his teammates should thank him for his effort and learn from it. Bat and ball. 10

Mitchell Starc: When discussing the best bowling attack in the world, can we say the best is one that includes a misfiring Mitchell Starc? Not swinging the new ball like we know he can. No, it’s nothing to do with sandpaper, but rather, wrist position. It’s the new ball. 3

Nathan Lyon: Nathan Lyon’s most quiet Test of the series to date. 1/150. Toiled hard to keep an end tight. 3.5

Josh Hazlewood: His MCG record didn’t improve much. Still not quite at his best. 4

India:

Ravi Shastri: Dropped KL Rahul, Murali Vijay and Umesh Yadav. Ravi got a 10 from me in Perth. Here, a big zero! 0

Hanuma Vihari: Bounced out by Pat Cummins twice. Vihari has potential, but he needs to improve against the short ball if he wants to be successful in all conditions. 2

Mayank Agarwal: Superb debut from a talented player. Some absolutely brilliant catching, too. Not bad from someone who made a triple hundred against a bunch of “canteen staff”. Time for Australia to focus more on commentary quality. 8

Cheteshwar Pujara: First innings hundred that ground Australia into the dirt. Patience is his middle name. Out for a second innings duck, but the game was won by then. 9

Virat Kohli: Back soreness for the Indian captain, but ended his magnificent 2018 as captain of India’s first ever victory in a Boxing Day Test in Australia. Excellent patience for his 82. Like Pujara, was out for a second innings duck, but the result was set in stone. 8

Ajinkya Rahane: Needs runs in Sydney to keep his place assured. For me, he is doing just enough to keep his place in the team. Like Shaun Marsh for Australia. 4

Rohit Sharma: Hurt Australia at a key stage in the first innings, getting India over 400. Good contribution. Hitman fans happy everywhere. 7

Rishabh Pant: Tim Paine was always going to get some back. Pant was on fire behind the stumps, but not so much with the gloves, with a few chances going down. With two 30s and three dismissals, it was a decent outing. 6.5

Ravindra Jadeja: Showed why India missed him in Perth. Wasn’t at his best in the second innings, but always asked enough questions by keeping things simple. Bowling into the rough. Does he get ahead of Ashwin if India play one spinner in Sydney? 7

Australia vs India 3rd Test Player Ratings Cricket Blog CricBlog Cricket Opinion
Australia vs India 3rd Test Player Ratings: A superb Indian pace trio.

Mohammed Shami: Part of the excellent India pace trio. Asked questions right throughout the Test, with the highlight his second innings ball to Usman Khawaja. “Ricky Ponting was hurting after that one”, said Shami after the Test (not quite). 7

Ishant Sharma: “Worst seamer to tour Australia” is what the media carried on about before the series. For anyone with any cricket knowledge, his improvement over the last two years is there to see. 7

Jasprit Bumrah: What an addition to India’s side. Absolutely outstanding. Nine wickets in the Test, pipping an awesome Pat Cummins to the man of the match award. Deservedly so. Opened the game right up for India on the third day with the best ever figures for an Indian at the MCG. The slower ball to get Shaun Marsh was a thing of beauty. Absolutely relentless. 10

Congratulations India on a very strong performance in the Boxing Day Test.

It is their first win ever in a Boxing Day Test in Australia, it was well deserved. The Border Gavaskar Trophy stays with India, but now attention turns to whether they can win their first Test series down under.

They look odds on favourites to, unless Australia can pull something out of the hat.

Thanks for reading!

Australia vs India 3rd Test Player Ratings

Hobart Hurricanes vs Perth Scorchers Preview + Dream11

Charbel Coorey
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0
Hobart Hurricanes vs Perth Scorchers Preview + Dream11

Hobart Hurricanes vs Perth Scorchers Preview + Dream11

Tasmania served up arguably game of the tournament so far on Friday. We are in for another game of the tournament contender just 48 hours later with perennial achievers Perth Scorchers in town for a big clash in Launceston.

Hobart Hurricanes now sit pretty as the only undefeated team in BBL08 after Melbourne Renegades capitulated vs Sydney Sixers. Sydney Thunder pushed them all the way on Friday, but the Hurricanes held their nerve to nail a big chase. D’Arcy Short has two fifties in three games in BBL08, Matthew Wade is in fine form, and the Hurricanes’ middle order packs a punch. Will they make it four from four?

This game is also significant as Cameron Bancroft makes his comeback to professional cricket. His nine month suspension for ball tampering is over. Perth Scorchers will welcome back his services with open arms, as they are in need of greater consistency with the bat, especially at the top. The Scorchers got their BBL08 campaign up and running with a comfortable win against Adelaide Strikers on a spicy Optus Stadium pitch, but will they crash the party in Launceston?

Key to a Hobart Hurricanes win

Matthew Wade and D’Arcy Short have been central to Hobart Hurricanes’ excellent start to BBL08. They have provided strong starts to enable the rest of the lineup to play with greater freedom. Against a good Perth Scorchers attack, a strong start is crucial given the risk of exposing the middle order too early. With the likes of Ben McDermott, George Bailey and James Faulkner, the Hurricanes pack some punch in the middle order, and can maxmise this strength with another solid opening stand.

Uncharacteristically, though, Jofra Archer was off the mark against Sydney Thunder, which was undoubtedly the key in Hobart having to chase nearly 200. Archer will be key in exposing a Perth lineup not at its best yet, with support from Riley Meredith, Clive Rose, James Faulkner and Johan Botha, who have all shown promising form. However, the fielding must improve, with the Hurricanes embarrassing at times in front of their own fans. The Hurricanes have it in them to create chances, and must take them against good opposition.

Hobart Hurricanes vs Perth Scorchers Preview + Dream11 Prediction Cricket Blog CricBlog Cricket Preview
Image credit: Getty. Hobart Hurricanes vs Perth Scorchers Preview + Dream11: Matthew Wade is in superb form.

Key to a Perth Scorchers win

The Scorchers leveraged off their strength – bowling – to blow Adelaide Strikers away on Boxing Day. However, conditions aren’t expected to be as seamer friendly in Launceston, so significant onus is on the batsmen to have a good outing. Cameron Bancroft will make his return with his nine month suspension over, and will be challenged to hit his straps straight away. More is expected also of Michael Klinger who has started BBL08 slowly, as well as the likes of Will Bosisto, Ashton Turner and Hilton Cartwright in giving the Scorchers a big total.

But, in conditions that won’t be as seamer friendly as Perth, what can the Scorchers attack offer? The battle between Jason Behrendhorff and the Hurricanes’ opening pair could be crucial to the result, as well as how effective the remaining members of the pace attack are in executing their skills to keep the Hurricanes side as quiet as possible. This is arguably the game that the Scorchers can announce their arrival in BBL08, and it will be a big challenge.

Hobart Hurricanes vs Perth Scorchers Preview + Dream11 Prediction Cricket Blog CricBlog Cricket Preview
Hobart Hurricanes vs Perth Scorchers Preview + Dream11: Cameron Bancroft is back from suspension

Predicted Playing XIs

Hobart Hurricanes have named an unchanged squad. They will also likely name an unchanged XI.

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

Cameron Bancroft comes into the Perth Scorchers squad and could take the gloves. Sam Whiteman is also a chance of playing after missing the last match with illness.

Perth Scorchers: 1. Cameron Bancroft (wk), 2. Michael Klinger, 3. Will Bosisto, 4. Ashton Turner (c), 5. Hilton Cartwright, 6. David Willey, 7. Ashton Agar, 8. Nathan Coulter-Nile, 9. Jhye Richardson, 10. Andrew Tye, 11. Jason Behrendhorff

Dream11 Prediction

Stars on show in both sides. Below is my Dream11 Team with a few pointers.

Hobart Hurricanes vs Perth Scorchers Preview + Dream11 Prediction Cricket Blog CricBlog Cricket Preview
Hobart Hurricanes vs Perth Scorchers Preview + Dream11
  • Hobart Hurricanes’ opening pair will come up against the strong Perth attack, and I believe it is a risk picking both Wade and Short. Wade makes my side as picking Bancroft over him is a risk given his lack of cricket.
  • Matthew Wade scored 71 off 45 balls in his last game vs Scorchers.
  • D’Arcy Short is the big player to miss out. Will it be his off day against the Perth Scorchers’ attack? I think so.
  • Michael Klinger is due runs, and might benefit from the slower Launceston track.
  • Ashton Agar, David Willey and James Faulkner will be key on the slower track.
  • Jason Behrendhorff has been in fine form in the powerplay overs. AJ Tye’s variations could suit the Launceston pitch. Jofra Archer is the Hurricanes’ star bowler, and is always in with a shout for wickets.

Stats and Facts

  • Hobart Hurricanes are the only undefeated team in BBL08 (three wins).
  • Hobart Hurricanes knocked Perth Scorchers out of BBL07 with a huge win in the semi final.

Prediction

What a fine clash this promises to be.

Perth Scorchers are still indeed one of the favourites for the BBL08 title, and I back them to take this one out in a close match off the back of their bowlers.

Thanks for reading!

Melbourne Renegades vs Sydney Sixers Preview + Dream11

Charbel Coorey
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0
Melbourne Renegades vs Sydney Sixers Preview + Dream11

Melbourne Renegades vs Sydney Sixers Preview + Dream11

A side that has won both its games up against a side that has lost its last two.

Remember Melbourne Renegades? A week is a long time in a T20 competition, and they will play their first game since December 23 when they beat Adelaide Strikers away from home. The Renegades’ have made a superb start to the season, dispatching the two tournament favourites Scorchers and Strikers in successive matches, and come up against a side struggling for form.

That side is Sydney Sixers. Their top order has crumbled three times in as many games, with the middle and lower order left with plenty to do. It all worked out for them against the Scorchers, but they were deservedly thrashed by Sydney Thunder and strugglers Melbourne Stars. Can the Sixers get things right on what is expected to be a slow Marvel Stadium track?

Key to a Melbourne Renegades win

The Renegades’ allrounders have been absolutely superb so far in BBL08. Mohammad Nabi and Daniel Christian have performed with both bat and ball, reducing the pressure on both the frontline batsmen and bowlers. Those two will be key again in maintaining the pressure on the Sixers’ batting lineup right throughout the innings, as well as provide crucial middle order solidity. However, can the likes of Cameron White and Tom Cooper fire with the bat to propel the Renegades even further?

Also, will the Renegades seamers enjoy life as they did against the Scorchers? Usman Shinwari Khan, Kane Richardson and Jack Wildermuth took a combined 7/53 off 11 overs in that match, and with the Sixers struggling at the top, the setting is set for another good outing with the ball.

Melbourne Renegades vs Sydney Sixers Preview + Dream11 Cricket Blog CricBlog Cricket Preview
Melbourne Renegades vs Sydney Sixers Preview + Dream11: Skipper Tom Cooper is in need of runs

Key to a Sydney Sixers win

Sydney Sixers have fallen to 30/3, 56/6 and 70/6 respectively in each of their three games, which has been the core of their problems. Joe Denly is yet to fire the way he did at the end of BBL07. Moises Henriques has 26 runs in three innings. Jack Edwards is yet to replicate his form for New South Wales. Here, the top order must deliver against a well-drilled Renegades attack to pave the way for the likes of Jordan Silk, Daniel Hughes and Tom Curran to play with freedom.

Also, can the Sixers put pressure quickly on the Renegades’ middle order? Sam Harper and Cameron White made starts for the Renegades in their last game. These two players are key wickets, along with the out of form Tim Ludeman and Tom Cooper. In Ben Dwarshuis, Steve O’Keefe, Sean Abbott and Tom Curran, the Sixers have wicket taking potential. However, will they score enough runs?

Predicted Playing XIs

Melbourne Renegades have named their 13-man squad.

Melbourne Renegades: 1. Sam Harper, 2. Tim Ludeman (wk), 3. Cameron White, 4. Tom Cooper (c), 5. Beau Webster, 6. Mohammad Nabi, 7. Daniel Christian, 8. Jack Wildermuth, 9. Cameron Boyce, 10. Kane Richardson, 11. Usman Shinwari Khan

Sydney Sixers have brought back Lloyd Pope for Greg West in their 13-man squad.

Sydney Sixers: 1. Joe Denly, 2. Jack Edwards, 3. Daniel Hughes, 4. Moises Henriques (c), 5. Jordan Silk, 6. Josh Phillipe (wk), 7. Tom Curran, 8. Sean Abbott, 9. Steve O’Keefe, 10. Ben Dwarshuis, 11. Lloyd Pope/Ben Manenti

Dream11

Allrounders galore? Below is my Dream11 Team with a few pointers.

Melbourne Renegades vs Sydney Sixers Preview + Dream11
  • Josh Phillipe has disappointed so far for Sydney Sixers. Tim Ludeman is not in the best form, but his potential as opener is worth going for.
  • Moises Henriques is due for runs, and Daniel Hughes has been in decent form. Cameron White also makes my side.
  • Daniel Christian is my captain. Mohammad Nabi and Steve O’Keefe are good options on a slow Marvel Stadium pitch.
  • Kane Richardson and Usman Shinwari were excellent at Marvel Stadium in their opening game, taking five wickets between them.
  • Sean Abbott and Tom Curran offer good variations with the ball, as well as potential runs with the bat.

Stats and Facts

  • Head-to-Head: Melbourne Renegades 4, Sydney Sixers 3
  • Last time they met: Melbourne Renegades beat Sydney Sixers by eight wickets.
  • Melbourne Renegades are one of two undefeated sides in BBL08, along with Hobart Hurricanes.

Prediction

Was unsure of Melbourne Renegades at the beginning of BBL08, but they have made an excellent start.

Sydney Sixers, on the other hand, whilst possessing a talented squad, have played very poorly.

Melbourne Renegades to win this one.

Thanks for reading!

South Africa vs Pakistan 1st Test Player Ratings

Charbel Coorey
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0
South Africa vs Pakistan 1st Test Player Ratings

South Africa vs Pakistan 1st Test Player Ratings

Pakistan “now bat better outside the UAE than in the UAE” said coach Mickey Arthur.

By the end of day two, he was having honest (elite?) conversations with his senior batsmen. Cricket equipment was even rumoured to be thrown across the dressing room.

All it took was two days. Two completed innings in no time. A massive opportunity slipped, which has been the theme of Pakistan in Test cricket recently.

After not even three days, Ramiz Raja was on commentary nowhere near as joyful as he was in Zimbabwe earlier this year. He has called for changes in personnel.

South Africa vs Pakistan 1st Test Player Ratings Cricket Blog CricBlog Cricket Review
South Africa vs Pakistan 1st Test Player Ratings: Mickey Arthur was furious…

However, amid the Pakistan struggle, no credit should be taken away from South Africa. Their second day onslaught, led by the superb Duanne Olivier blew Pakistan away harder than Mickey Arthur blew up. Olivier hit Pakistan harder than poor Arthur hits his head with those famous head-in-hand moments, and was deserved man of the match as South Africa took a 1-0 series lead.

But, if the Perth pitch gets an “average” rating, what does this one get? In a strange match where both captains bagged pairs, each player will be rated out of ten. As always, it is a light-hearted review of the match!

South Africa:

Dean Elgar: Finished the game with an ice-pack on the arm. Fought very hard on a brutal Johannesburg pitch against India in January, and ends 2018 with a fighting 50 on a tough pitch to help get the Proteas home. Saurabh Shinde tweeted perfection about Elgar. 6

Aiden Markram: Pakistan have a target. South Africa will be hoping they don’t have another Aaron Finch. Markram has to be extra careful about balls coming into his pads, and ensuring he isn’t stuck. An LBW candidate? 2

Hashim Amla: Questions were rife about Hashim Amla’s form in the first innings. Bounced back with a fine unbeaten second innings half century. 6

Theunis de Bruyn: So much potential with de Bruyn. Thought he could match Pakistan’s soft dismissals with his own on the third day. Brilliant catch on day one to see the back of Azhar Ali. 4

Faf du Plessis: My Dream11 Vice Captain bagged a pair. No Christmas presents from Faf for this cricket fan. Gets one point for his catches. And the fact he’s winning captain. 1

Temba Bavuma: Pocket dynamo. Crucial first innings half century kept South Africa right in the game. 7

Quinton de Kock: Three catches and a vital 45 that helped South Africa gain a lead. 7

Keshav Maharaj: As quiet as a mouse at times, but that’s a given on a pace bowler’s paradise. Bowled pretty well in the second innings to help Faf du Plessis rotate his quicks. 3

Kagiso Rabada: Wickets are a given with this guy. But, some of his strokeplay in the first innings was sublime. New batting coach for Pakistan? 8

Dale Steyn: Became South Africa’s all-time leading Test wicket-taker. A legend. Bowled with good pace right throughout the Test despite a below average first innings display. Scored important runs as night watchman. This man still has plenty to offer. 7

Duanne Olivier: No Vernon Philander. No Lungi Ngidi. No problem. This man was brought in as a replacement, but led the attack. Hustled Pakistan with pace and aggression at all times. South Africa have a gem, but when will his next Test be? An excellent bowler. A brilliant performance. 10

South Africa vs Pakistan 1st Test Player Ratings Cricket Blog CricBlog Cricket Review
Photo credit: Christiaan Kotze/AFP. South Africa vs Pakistan 1st Test Player Ratings: Duanne Olivier took 11 wickets in a superb performance.

Pakistan:

Imam-ul-Haq: Really classy second innings half century. When he was bowled, it was almost as if he knew what was coming afterwards… 6

South Africa vs Pakistan 1st Test Player Ratings Cricket Blog CricBlog Cricket Review
Photo credit: Christiaan Kotze/BackpagePix. South Africa vs Pakistan 1st Test Player Ratings: Imam was distraught. Olivier thrilled.

Fakhar Zaman: Fakhar might have had a sleepless night after picking out the only man on the leg side boundary on a bowling paradise. What a way to get out. Twin 12’s. Won’t get 12/10 from me, though. 3

Shan Masood: One of the lesser experienced players, but arguably the player who showed greatest temperament. Out in very unlucky fashion in the first innings, and quickly ran out of partners in the second. Looked very composed. A couple of the others could learn a thing or two. 7

Azhar Ali: One of the “soft” dismissals coach Arthur was fuming about. Start in the first innings, but Pakistan need more from Azhar. 4

Asad Shafiq: A 2018 Test record about as attractive as his second innings shot. His only saving grace will be if Haris Sohail is out of the second Test, too. Otherwise, Mickey Arthur might physically throw him to the bench. 1

Babar Azam: “How did Pakistan get to 181?” I was asked. One answer. Babar Azam. This man is subject to Twitter arguments that often “cross limits”, but there is little doubt that he is finding his feet in Test Cricket. 7

South Africa vs Pakistan 1st Test Player Ratings Cricket Review Cricket Blog Cricket Player Ratings CricBlog
South Africa vs Pakistan 1st Test Player Ratings: Babar Azam stepped up in the first innings

Sarfraz Ahmed: Pressure rising as high as Mickey Arthur’s blood pressure. Would Sarfraz be in the side if he wasn’t captain? His form certainly doesn’t warrant it. His coach has every reason to be frustrated. Fans, too. He is not delivering with the bat or as captain. This could very be his last series as Test captain. It should be. 0

Mohammad Amir: Four first innings wickets. Most pleasing was his ability to move the ball at pace. Will be a key part of the Pakistan effort to level the series. 8

Hasan Ali: Good in some moments, not so in others. Will there be reason for “boom” for Pakistan this series? Can he take all ten wickets? Who knows. 6.5

Shaheen Shah Afridi: Had moments where his inexperience showed, but there is little doubt this kid is a special bowler. Pace, height and accuracy. He has it all. Will Pakistan manage him properly? 8

So, Pakistan didn’t quite bat better than in the UAE.

They didn’t have much to beat, either, given they couldn’t chase 176 from 130/3 or bat 70 odd overs on a good track to save a Test. There is much to ponder for Pakistan.

Also, there are things to ponder for South Africa. Victory for them doesn’t mean it was a perfect performance, with their batting needing improvement.

What will the second Test hold?

Thanks for reading!

South Africa vs Pakistan 1st Test Player Ratings

Hobart Hurricanes vs Sydney Thunder Preview + Dream11

Charbel Coorey
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0
Hobart Hurricanes vs Sydney Thunder Preview + Dream11

Hobart Hurricanes vs Sydney Thunder Preview + Dream11

Yesterday, it was the battle of the last-start losers. Today, it is the battle of two of the three undefeated teams so far in BBL08.

Hobart Hurricanes were clinical as they dispatched Melbourne Stars on Christmas Eve. Their bowling, which is arguably a concern, stepped up to restrict a dangerous Stars’ line up on paper, just as they did to Brisbane Heat two days earlier. D’Arcy Short has two Man-Of-The-Match Awards from as many outings, and is already threatening to take Hobart Hurricanes on a similar run to the final as they did in BBL07. Will they keep the undefeated run going in BBL08?

Another side that has impressed is Sydney Thunder, who sit top of the BBL08 table. Like the Hurricanes, the Thunder dispatched their opponent on Christmas Eve, with Sydney Sixers the recipients. Jos Buttler has hit form early in the tournament, backed up by a middle order and spin attack that is performing admirably so far. Blundstone Arena presents a different challenge given the good batting track and small boundaries, which is something the Thunder need to overcome if they are to continue improving their record against the Hurricanes.

Key to a Hobart Hurricanes win

D’Arcy Short has indeed been excellent for the Hurricanes, but Jofra Archer has led the attack brilliantly so far. Archer has been able to extract movement and bounce that no other bowlers have, which renders him vital to the Hurricanes’ chances again. Riley Meredith came to the fore with an economical spell against Melbourne Stars, along with D’Arcy Short who took two wickets to prove himself as a handy bowling option. However, can the likes of James Faulkner, Johan Botha and Clive Rose show better consistency?

On the batting front, Matthew Wade and D’Arcy Short will be key again at the top. Wade continued his strong form against the Stars, which paved the way for the likes of Ben McDermott and George Bailey to cruise to the target. The same tonight is what the Hurricanes will be keen for, and given the top order have been in good form in either BBL or Shield Cricket, another strong start is a good possibility.

Hobart Hurricanes vs Sydney Thunder Preview + Dream11 Prediction Cricket Blog CricBlog Cricket Preview
Hobart Hurricanes vs Sydney Thunder Preview + Dream11: D’Arcy Short has two man of the match awards in as many games in BBL08. Image Credit: Getty

Key to a Sydney Thunder win

That the Thunder have won both their games with neither of Shane Watson or Joe Root firing is mighty encouraging. In the past, the Thunder have relied on one or two players to fire, but the likes of Callum Ferguson, Daniel Sams and Jason Sangha have been solid in the middle order. The key for the Thunder would be to see off Jofra Archer without damage, and then take advantage with a hard-hitting batting lineup throughout the innings.

Also, what impact will the spinners have in Hobart? Spotless Stadium in Sydney often assists spin bowlers, but night time in Hobart will be a different challenge. Can the likes of Chris Green, Fawad Ahmed and Jono Cook keep Hobart’s batting lineup quiet? What about the Thunder pace attack, led by Daniel Sams? How well Sams bowls plus the support he gets will be key to whether the Thunder leave Tasmania with a win.

Hobart Hurricanes vs Sydney Thunder Preview + Dream11 Prediction Cricket Blog CricBlog Cricket Preview
Hobart Hurricanes vs Sydney Thunder Preview + Dream11 : Jos Buttler and Daniel Sams have been excellent so far in BBL08. Image Credit: Getty

Predicted Playing XIs

Hobart Hurricanes have named an unchanged squad for this match. Expect them to play the same team as per their clash with Melbourne Stars, despite two failures for Alex Doolan.

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

Sydney Thunder have one change with Arjun Nair coming into the squad. However, expect the Thunder to also play with an unchanged XI, despite Nathan McAndrew’s poor outing with the ball vs Sixers.

Sydney Thunder: 1. Jos Buttler (wk), 2. Shane Watson (c), 3. Callum Ferguson, 4. Joe Root, 5. Jason Sangha, 6. Daniel Sams, 7. Chris Green, 8. Nathan McAndrew/Gurinder Sandhu, 9. Sam Rainbird, 10. Jono Cook, 11. Fawad Alam

Dream11

Will it be a night for the batsmen? Below is my Dream11 Team with a few pointers.

Hobart Hurricanes vs Sydney Thunder Preview + Dream11 Prediction Cricket Blog CricBlog Cricket Preview
Hobart Hurricanes vs Sydney Thunder Preview + Dream11
  • Jos Buttler hit 81 off 43 balls the last time he played Hobart Hurricanes. He is my captain.
  • D’Arcy Short hit 97 off 63 balls the last time he played Sydney Thunder. He is my vice captain.
  • James Faulkner gets the nod over George Bailey due to his bowling capabilities.
  • Joe Root is due a score, and the good batting conditions could see him fire. He gets the nod over Shane Watson, who has to be picked with caution as he has to come up against Jofra Archer right away.
  • Jason Sangha offers great value and Daniel Sams is a must.
  • Jofra Archer is also a must. Riley Meredith, Fawad Ahmed and Chris Green are all in good touch, and offer good value.

Stats and Facts

  • Head to Head: Played: 8, Hobart Hurricanes 6, Sydney Thunder 2
  • Sydney Thunder have won two of the last three meetings.
  • Daniel Sams has hit 62 runs at a strike rate of 193.75 in BBL08. He also has six wickets.

Prediction

This should be an exciting clash between two good sides.

I will pick Sydney Thunder to pick up a good victory away from home, led by their spinners and solid top order effort from the English lads.

Thanks for reading!

Hobart Hurricanes vs Sydney Thunder Preview + Dream11

Sydney Sixers vs Melbourne Stars Preview + Dream11

Charbel Coorey
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0
Sydney Sixers vs Melbourne Stars Preview + Dream11

Sydney Sixers vs Melbourne Stars Preview + Dream11

Two sides who were poor in their last game.

Sydney Sixers, courtesy of Tom Curran and Sean Abbott, were saved from absolute embarrassment in the Sydney Smash against Sydney Thunder. The Sixers struggled to handle Jos Buttler, followed by the Thunder spinners, of which the Stars possess with quality. After a fine first up win against Perth Scorchers, the Sixers will be looking to get back to winning ways after Christmas.

Melbourne Stars, last season’s bottom-placed team, have done nothing yet to suggest they will indeed have an improved season. Their batting is supposed to be their strong suit, but they were at least 20 short in good batting conditions in Hobart on Christmas Eve, and desperately need to kickstart their campaign. Will their big guns fire against the Sixers?

Key to a Sydney Sixers win

Early wickets has been a problem for the Sixers in BBL08. Being reduced to 30/3 (vs Scorchers) and 56/6 (vs Thunder) won’t win you too many games, but the Sixers sit with one win arguably due to Jordan Silk and Daniel Hughes’ record partnership in their tournament opener. Apart from two separate partnerships in two games, including Abbott and Curran against the Thunder, the Sixers have been poor with the bat, and need a lift from the top order if they are to win this one.

Also, can the bowlers inflict more misery on the Stars? Tom Curran burst into form with the ball with 3/27 vs the Thunder, and he, along with the likes of Steven O’Keefe (five wickets in BBL08), Sean Abbott and Ben Dwarshuis will be key in restricting the Stars good lineup on paper. The wickets of Glenn Maxwell, Nick Larkin and Dwayne Bravo could be particularly important tonight.

Sydney Sixers vs Melbourne Stars Preview + Dream11 Prediction Cricket Blog CricBlog Cricket Preview
Sydney Sixers vs Melbourne Stars Preview + Dream11: Tom Curran was superb against Sydney Sixers

Key to a Melbourne Stars win

Will Melbourne Stars become the next perennial underachiever in BBL cricket?

Without a title despite making the top four seven times, the Stars now face a fight for form. Their performance in Hobart exemplified a side in doubt, struggling on their way to just 155 on a good batting pitch and small outfield. With their pace bowling failing to make an impact so far, so much onus is on their batting to deliver at the SCG. Ben Dunk must deliver, Peter Handscomb returns, Nick Larkin’s good form is something the Stars want to see continue, and Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis and Dwayne Bravo can fire in the middle order to give the Stars a chance. This is certainly not a bad side on paper, but the time to deliver is now.

However, are the bowlers capable of restricting the Sixers early like the Scorchers and Thunder were able to? Scott Boland showed some good signs against Hobart, but Jackson Coleman continues to be all over the place. The Stars could bring in Jackson Bird for some control, which can pave the way for Adam Zampa and Sandeep Lamichhane to continue their good form. On an SCG pitch that might suit spin, those two will be crucial to the Stars’ chances, especially given how poorly the Sixers played Fawad Ahmed three nights ago. Will they be able to cause a regular fall of wickets?

Sydney Sixers vs Melbourne Stars Preview + Dream11 Prediction Cricket Blog CricBlog Cricket Preview
Picture: Phil Hillyard. Sydney Sixers vs Melbourne Stars Preview + Dream11: Glenn Maxwell played very well at the SCG last season

Possible Playing XIs

Sixers Academy spinner Ben Manenti is in the Sixers’ squad for this clash, replacing Lloyd Pope.

Sydney Sixers: 1. Jack Edwards, 2. Joe Denly, 3. Moises Henriques (c), 4. Daniel Hughes, 5. Jordan Silk, 6. Josh Phillipe (wk), 7. Tom Curran, 8. Sean Abbott, 9. Steve O’Keefe, 10. Ben Dwarshuis, 11. Ben Manenti

Peter Handscomb returns to the Melbourne Stars squad after being dropped from the Test side. He replaces Travis Dean.

Melbourne Stars: 1. Ben Dunk (wk), 2. Nick Larkin, 3. Peter Handscomb, 4. Glenn Maxwell (c), 5. Marcus Stoinis, 6. Dwayne Bravo, 7. Evan Gulbis, 8. Adam Zampa, 9. Sandeep Lamichhane, 10. Scott Boland, 11. Jackson Coleman/Jackson Bird

Dream11

Two good sides on paper go head-to-head. Below is my Dream11 Team with a few pointers.

Sydney Sixers vs Melbourne Stars Preview + Dream11 Prediction Cricket Blog CricBlog Cricket Preview
Sydney Sixers vs Melbourne Stars Preview + Dream11
  • Ben Dunk inspires little confidence. His record at Hobart is excellent, but even then he couldn’t step up. With Zampa and Lamichhane to play a key role, expect Josh Phillipe to still get a good batting opportunity at six.
  • Nick Larkin has been in fine touch, and will likely open the batting with Travis Dean left out.
  • Glenn Maxwell (C) hit 84 off 47 balls at this ground last year.
  • Joe Denly scored 72 last time he played the Stars. Moises Henriques, an experienced player, is due.
  • Tom Curran (VC) and Sean Abbott are wicket takers and possible run scorers, too. Steve O’Keefe, Adam Zampa and Sandeep Lamichhane are key bowlers on the SCG pitch on what will be a warm night.

Stats and Facts

  • Sydney Sixers have won their last three games against Melbourne Stars.
  • Sandeep Lamichhane has taken five of Melbourne Stars’ nine wickets.
  • Tom Curran took 3/27 and scored 62 against Sydney Thunder.

Prediction

Melbourne Stars have lost 13 of their past 15 BBL matches, but something tells me tonight will be their night.

Led by Glenn Maxwell, Nick Larkin and Sandeep Lamichhane, the Stars will win in an upset.

Thanks for reading!

Sydney Sixers vs Melbourne Stars Preview + Dream11

South Africa vs Pakistan 1st Test Preview + Dream11

Charbel Coorey
-
0




South Africa vs Pakistan 1st Test Preview + Dream11





By Abdul Shakoor – @AbduShakoor_





The third of three Boxing Day Tests. A great day for cricket fans.





A tough series against South Africa awaits, following a series loss against New Zealand that might have disturbed the morale of Pakistan. Against a side that’s number three on the ICC ranking in the longer format, Pakistan, under the under pressure Sarfraz, may face difficulties in setting up against the South Africans. However, the warm-up match win was a big positive and confidence-booster for them, and need to replicate that form.





Mohammad Amir, after being dropped for barren spells, was being advised to play domestic cricket. Atiq uz Zaman, his domestic coach, is confident about Amir as he bagged some wickets in the domestic matches. Pakistan will need his services very much as Muhammad Abbas has carried a shoulder injury. Muhammad Abbas is in his rehab, and will miss the first Test which is a blow, but might be played in the second Test according to PCB’s press release.





Will South Africa prove to be too good for Pakistan at home, as Dale Steyn looks to capture a great record?




Key to a South Africa win





Aiden Markram, Dean Elgar and Hashim Amla will be very important in South Africa’s top order to help set a platform for the Proteas. Their ability to score big can take the game away from Pakistan’s reach if they see the new ball well, which can then provide the likes of Faf du Plessis and Quinton de Kock with greater freedom.





South Africa will miss Lungi Ngidi and Vernon Philander’s for this Test. Philander has been sensational with his great tight-length bowling that has accounted for many in home conditions. However, they still are in a strong position as Steyn and Rabada’s pace is a tough prospect to handle. Rabada will surely be testing out Pakistan batsman with his vicious bouncers, and Steyn with his beautiful away swingers. Rabada has got 46 wickets in Tests this year with a good average of 20, and Steyn is very close to becoming South Africa’s all-time Test leading wicket taker.





Also, Keshav Maharaj is second best in the wickets column for South Africa in 2018. Duanne Olivier has been called up in the squad who has a decent collection 17 wickets in 6 outings. South Africa still have the resources to trouble Pakistan, and its about getting it all right on the day.




Key to a Pakistan win





Pakistan is under the pump for a series loss in their rented home – UAE. With Muhammad Hafeez rightly calling his retirement the best thing after his dry innings barring the comeback century, Imam ul Haq has to step up alongside Fakhar Zaman.





However, Pakistan’s middle order is key. The likes of Azhar Ali, Asad Shafiq, Babar Azam and skipper Sarfraz will be crucial to weathering the South African pace storm. South Africa is not the kind of team one fan get easily away with giving small trails and targets, that too on their soil, so the Pakistanis need to play with as tight techniques as possible, ensuring the bat face is straight.





Also, Mohammad Amir has to deliver big and prove his worth as a big-match player. He hasn’t been in the wickets column for a long time and will be looking to get a wicket or too in his opening spell. Hasan Ali has to support his fellow and carry on his good bowling from the other end and Shaheen Shah Afridi impressed at times on his debut. Can they, along with Yasir Shah, give the Proteas batsmen a hard time?




Dream11







Stats and Facts




  • In their last five encounters Pakistan has only won one.



  • Kagiso Rabada has got the most wickets (46) in 2018 by pacers followed by Mohammed Shami (44).



  • Aiden Markram has got the most runs for South Africa this year (660).



  • Dale Steyn needs one wicket to become South Africa’s all-time leading Test wicket taker.



Prediction





Some thunderstorms are expected throughout the Test, and there is little doubt Pakistan will face their own little storms, too.





However, it won’t all be one way traffic as Pakistan have the bowling to trouble South Africa’s batting. But, given the strength of South Africa at home, back them to win this.





Thanks for reading!





Preview by Abdul Shakoor – give him a follow at @Abdushakoor_!





South Africa vs Pakistan 1st Test Preview + Dream11

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