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Australia vs India 2nd Test Player Ratings

Charbel Coorey

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December 18, 2018 at 6:42 pm

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Australia vs India 2nd Test Player Ratings

“If he messes it up, it’s 2-0.”

– Virat Kohli, Perth 2018.

“If we mess up? It was 1-1 the moment you put your team list out.”

– CricBlog’s imaginary response to Virat Kohli as I become a couch potato.

Jokes aside, it was another excellent Test match in what is fast becoming a fine series. It was a tough pitch, but both sides were willing to dig in and have a red-hot go. Australia had to bounce back after Adelaide, and that they did, registering a strong 146-run win to deliver Tim Paine’s first Test win as captain. One area Australia had a clear advantage was the lower order batting, and it was a key factor in the match. Boxing Day can’t come quick enough, with a full house expected with the series all square.

Australia vs India 2nd Test Player Ratings Cricket Blog CricBlog Cricket Opinion — Australia vs India 2nd Test Player Ratings: Test Cricket the winner

Before then, though, it’s Player Ratings time. As always, it is a light hearted review of the Test gone by, and given the rollercoaster of emotions, a laugh or two is always welcome. I’ll try my best.

Each player will be rated out of 10. Enjoy!

Australia

Marcus Harris: India played from in front from day two in Adelaide. Australia then did from day one in Perth, thanks largely to Harris, playing in just his second Test. Delivered a great little one-liner to one-liner merchant Rishabh Pant on the fourth evening. Fast becoming a fan favourite. 8

Aaron Finch: Bodybuilders are getting jealous at the workout Finch’s front pad is getting. Two fighting knocks – a 50 on the first day and a crucial second innings opening stand with Harris when the Indian bowlers were on fire. Cleared of serious damage to his finger. 7

Usman Khawaja: Is there any bigger wake up call than getting out to Umesh Yadav? Khawaja responded well in the second innings with a crucial 72 in tough conditions. Confidence booster. He is off and running in the series. 7

Shaun Marsh: Death. Taxes. Shaun Marsh doing just enough to keep his place in the side. Out to two horizontal bat shots. Solid first innings effort. 5

Peter Handscomb: Plenty of technical work done in the winter. I’m waiting to see it. Took the controversial catch that saw the back of Virat Kohli in the first innings, and a great catch to dismiss Pant on day five. 3

Travis Head: “Murali Vijay thought he could be the only one to pull off an action replay in this series”, said Head. “I did pretty well to match him.” Two nearly identical dismissals to third man. Good fighting 50 in the first innings. 7

Tim Paine: Solid performance with bat from the Australian skipper. Crucial partnership with Usman Khawaja on the fourth morning. He stood up to Virat Kohli, and you could see the intensity of the Aussies lift. A good performance behind the stumps, too. 7

Patrick Cummins: All effort. The big wickets are around the corner for Cummins, who continues to do a fine job for the team. Dismissed Kohli again, albeit controversially. Copped a second innings grubber that had India really nervous. 6

Mitchell Starc: Can Shane Warne sledge Starc every game? The results of the sledges have been superb, with Starc putting a much improved performance in Perth. He will travel to Melbourne a little nervous, as the tweet below suggests… 8

Nathan Lyon: A spinner picked up man of the match in a Perth Test. A Test where India didn’t pick a specialist one. ‘Gaz’ was absolutely brilliant, picking up eight wickets, once again proving he is the world’s premier off spinner. Don’t @ me. His batting was also crucial in flattening India’s morale. 9

Josh Hazlewood: Bowled some absolute gems in this Test. The deliveries to KL Rahul and Hanuma Vihari (first innings) were particularly special. Like Starc, Hazlewood is hoping no changes are made to the India opening combination… 8

India

Ravi Shastri: Did Australia a big favour with his team selections. A 10 from me. 10

KL Rahul: Australia holds its breath. Will KL Rahul get another chance? Jokes aside, surely not. He needs to get domestic runs under his belt, as @imsgshinde put it here. In the meantime, I will leave you with a tweet for the ages from @Oye_Jahazi below. 0

Murali Vijay: “I know he’s your captain, but surely you can’t like him as a bloke”, said Paine to Vijay. Tried a booming Kohli-like cover drive to prove his love for his captain, only to get bowled. Four innings this series. Four dismissals playing a drive. 1

Cheteshwar Pujara: Leg side strangle and second innings snorter. The cricket gods weren’t smiling on Pujara in this Test, but remains a huge wicket for Australia. Batting 100+ balls on that Perth pitch is still a good effort. 4

Virat Kohli: I consider Kohli a knowledgeable man. He knows of all the recent buzzwords such as “Elite Honesty” and “smile together”, and wanted to push a few buttons and test Australia’s resolve. It didn’t end up working. He was made to eat his words. India were behind, much as a result of their team selection. Credit also to Australia. And, credit to Kohli for entertaining us with a truly brilliant first innings century. It was an unpopular opinion in some areas, but I said a year ago he’s the world’s premier batsman. His runs in tough conditions throughout 2018 has shown why. 8.5

READ: Six big predictions for Big Bash League 08 + Fantasy Tips!

Ajinkya Rahane: IPL auditions from Rahane at times throughout the Test. Felt an attacking approach was needed on this pitch. Shame for India that he couldn’t carry on from his starts. 6

Hanuma Vihari: Lots for India to be encouraged about. Why don’t India prioritise this guy in Tests over Rohit Sharma? One of the many questions I would have for Ravi Shastri if there ever is a #AskRavi session on Twitter or something. 6

Rishabh Pant: You know you have a long tail when you need to get in IPL mode when just six down. Highlight a huge 123m six. 5

Umesh Yadav: This is Umesh Yadav’s third tour of Australia. In this time, the only thing that has improved is deciding to ditch his man bun after he wore one. Picking him over Bhvuneshwar was joy to my eyes, as it was detrimental to India’s chances. It proved to be the case. 2

Mohammed Shami: Shami was the Pat Cummins of India. Bowling well without getting the big wickets throughout 2018. A first innings 0/80 would have been a disappointment to Shami, but that changed in the second innings, where he was bowling absolute fire. A strong six wicket haul. 7.5

Ishant Sharma: Like Shami and Bumrah, Ishant bowled some incredible deliveries. His improvement over the last couple of years is evident by how well he is getting the ball moving, both in the air and off the pitch. 8

Jasprit Bumrah: One of life’s great mysteries right now is how Jasprit Bumrah took just one wicket in the first innings. He took four for the game, which could have been a hell of a lot more. Former Australian batsman Ed Cowan said on Australian radio that Jasprit Bumrah, in 5-6 years time, could be considered the best fast bowler India have ever produced. It’s early days, but this guy has what it takes. 8

This Test had it all. Challenging pitch. Unbelievable bowling. Great batting efforts.

The controversial Virat Kohli dismissal in the first innings was absolutely crucial in the context of the game at that point. However, what ultimately hurt India the most was their team selection. They need to get that right in Melbourne.

Nonetheless, credit to Australia. They have leveled the series, setting the scene beautifully for a cracking Boxing Day Test.

Thanks for reading!

Australia vs India 2nd Test Player Ratings

Bangladesh vs West Indies 1st T20I Preview + Dream11

Charbel Coorey

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December 17, 2018 at 12:01 am

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Bangladesh vs West Indies 1st T20I Preview + Dream11

One wonders what a T20I series offers two sides looking forward to the 50-over 2019 World Cup. Most pressing is the need for both sides to improve their T20I records in 2018, as well as have more players step up more consistently.

Bangladesh deservedly won the ODI series 2-1, which was their sixth win in the last seven matches against the Windies in all formats. Series like these offer an opportunity for the likes of Liton Das, Soumya Sarkar, Mohammad Mithun and Mohammad Saifuddin to dictate matches, which is crucial for Bangladesh’s future. A good opportunity for further success awaits against a struggling Windies unit. Can Bangladesh continue their recent dominance?

West Indies were a one-man band in the ODI series. Shai Hope was the only player to put forward performances of substance, followed by Oshane Thomas, who was inexplicably rested for the deciding ODI. Such a decision perhaps highlights the Windies’ muddled thinking, in which only victories can be the solution. Will they find success on what has been a tough tour?

Bangladesh vs West Indies 1st T20I Preview + Dream11 Cricket Blog CricBlog Cricket Preview — Bangladesh vs West Indies 1st T20I Preview + Dream11: Shai Hope received very little support in the ODIs

Key to a Bangladesh win

Bangladesh stifled the Windies in each of their wins in the ODI series, restricting the tourists to below 200 both times. Early and regular wickets were the key, and will be key again in the T20I series against a side struggling for fluency. One key wicket is of the magnificent Shai Hope, but to get it, Bangladesh might need to get on top of the remaining members of the top seven as they did in the third ODI. Mehidy Hasan Miraz was superb, and was backed up well by the seamers. Can Bangladesh put on another clinical display in the field?

However, one area that Bangladesh have struggled with in T20Is is their batting approach. The Tigers have won just four of 13 matches in 2018, and much is owed to an all-or-nothing approach. The key will be how well Bangladesh rotate the strike, maximising the impact of any boundaries they hit. Liton Das continues to promise but under-deliver, Soumya Sarkar is in good touch up the order, and Bangladesh have their experienced players on deck. Can the batsmen light up Sylhet?

Photo by MUNIR UZ ZAMAN / AFP: Bangladesh vs West Indies 1st T20I Preview + Dream11: Shakib Al Hasan will be keen for a big game

Key to a West Indies win

If Shai Hope fails, who else will deliver? Shimron Hetmyer was one of the disappointments of the ODI series, but to be fair to him, everyone else bar Hope was poor. Evin Lewis, Denesh Ramdin, Nicholas Pooran and Carlos Braithwaite all return to the Windies setup, and all have a key role in overcoming a Bangladesh attack that has had success against every batsman except one in the limited overs leg of this tour. Will the Windies batsmen fire in their most preferred format?

Also, how well will the bowlers go? Oshane Thomas is due to return after being rested in a decider (go figure), and will partner Keemo Paul who was in the wickets in the ODIs. Bangladesh have struggled against Thomas’ pace, which needs to create an emphasis of powerplay wickets for the Windies’ spinners to then build on. The home side has a tendency to lose powerplay wickets in this format – can the Windies leverage off this effectively?

Possible Playing XIs

Mehidy Hasan Miraz will likely bat at eight in a Bangladesh side that will benefit from Shakib Al Hasan’s all-round capabilities.

Bangladesh: 1. Tamim Iqbal, 2. Liton Das, 3. Soumya Sarkar, 4. Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), 5. Shakib Al Hasan (c), 6. Mohammad Mithun, 7. Mahmudullah, 8. Mehidy Hasan Miraz, 9. Mohammad Saifuddin, 10. Rubel Hossain/Nazmul Islam, 11. Mustafizur Rahman

West Indies have a few different faces for the T20I series. Will it see a turnaround in fortunes?

West Indies: 1. Shai Hope, 2. Evin Lewis, 3. Darren Bravo, 4. Shimron Hetmyer, 5. Denesh Ramdin/Nicholas Pooran (wk), 6. Rovman Powell, 7. Carlos Brathwaite (c), 8. Fabian Allen, 9. Keemo Paul, 10. Khary Pierre, 11. Oshane Thomas

Dream11

Will the Windies be more competitive in the T20 format? Below is my Dream11 team with a few pointers.

The joys being able to choose Shai Hope and Mushfiqur Rahim in the same side, after both were wicket-keeping in the ODIs.
Shimron Hetmyer struggled against Mehidy, but he is due a score. Tamim Iqbal is a form player for Bangladesh, and is a good pick.
Will Soumya Sarkar hold his own against Oshane Thomas? I think so.
Shakib Al Hasan (c) and Carlos Brathwaite are my all-rounder options.
Mehidy Hasan Miraz was superb in the ODIs. Mustafizur Rahman, Keemo Paul and Oshane Thomas are all wicket taking options.

READ: Six big predictions for Big Bash League 08 + Fantasy Tips!

Stats and Facts

West Indies have lost their last five T20Is.
Bangladesh have won six of their past seven matches against Windies in all formats.
West Indies have won two of 12 T20Is this year. Bangladesh have four of 13.

Prediction

West Indies will be hoping for a change of fortunes in the change of formats. However, Bangladesh at home look too good a proposition.

Bangladesh to take a 1-0 series lead.

Thanks for reading!

Bangladesh vs West Indies 1st T20I Preview +Dream11

Six big predictions for Big Bash League 08 + key fantasy picks

Charbel Coorey

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December 16, 2018 at 12:49 pm

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Six big predictions for Big Bash League 08 + key fantasy picks

6 big predictions for Big Bash League 08 + key fantasy picks

The Big Bash League will have a full home-and-away season for the first time in its history.

Too much? Maybe. It remains to be seen whether fan engagement will still be at a high in February, when school is back in full swing.

Nevertheless, it promises to be an exciting tournament. There are few things more challenging than making predictions for a T20 tournament, as it is a format with great uncertainties. However, it was always worth a go, and it will be interesting to come back to this once the tournament is over!

Below are my six big predictions for Big Bash League 08 and key fantasy picks for each side, too. Feel free to leave a comment!

BBL 08 Prediction #1: Leading wicket taker – Rashid Khan (Adelaide Strikers)

Rashid Khan, the world’s best T20 bowler, lived up to the hype in BBL 07. He topped the wicket taking chart, along with Dwayne Bravo, and was key to Adelaide’s triumphant campaign.

Rashid continues to work wonders around the globe, taking 77 wickets in T20s after BBL 07. His accuracy and incredible know-how renders him a dangerous prospect for batsmen in this tournament.

Other strong candidates for leading wicket taker include Andrew Tye (Perth Scorchers), Ben Laughlin (Adelaide Strikers) and Jofra Archer (Hobart Hurricanes).

BBL 08 Prediction #2: Leading run scorer – Alex Carey (Adelaide Strikers)

Alex Carey has had a big 2018. He was instrumental in helping Adelaide Strikers lift the BBL 07 trophy, and is now Vice-Captain of the Australia T20I side.

Indeed, one of Carey’s main attributes is his composure and consistency. He can change gears really well, which is an important attribute to have in this format. The BBL is blessed with plenty of big hitters, but Carey is a player with great touch.

Other strong candidates for leading run scorer include Chris Lynn (Brisbane Heat), Ben McDermott and D’Arcy Short (Hobart Hurricanes), and Glenn Maxwell (Melbourne Stars).

BBL 08 Prediction #3: Team to watch out for – Melbourne Stars

Melbourne Stars had easily their worst ever season in BBL 07, finishing last.

However, they have too many good players to write off again. Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis are two dangerous white-ball all-rounders, and Ben Dunk is capable of firing after a poor season. Dwayne Bravo is an excellent addition to their side, which gives the Stars three dangerous all-round options. Sandeep Lamichhane, the Nepalese legspin sensation, will have an impact in the few weeks he’s here, and will be replaced by the capable Liam Plunkett when he leaves for the Bangladesh Premier League. Their seam attack could be of concern, but the likes of Scott Boland and Daniel Worran have been bowling very well in Shield Cricket.

Of course, the challenge will be to transfer that form into the shortest format of the game.

Also, the international calendar is kind to the Stars. Australia play three ODIs against India in January, which is likely to be the only time where Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis and Adam Zampa are missing. Personally, there is little doubt that the Stars will improve significantly on last year’s finish.

BBL 08 Prediction #4: Bottom placed team – Brisbane Heat

Brisbane Heat possess fine bating capabilities in Chris Lynn, Brendon McCullum, Joe Burns and Ben Cutting.

However, their bowling attack is of great concern. Despite possessing good players on paper such as James Pattinson (whose fitness will be key) and Afghanistan spin sensation Mujeeb ur Rahman, Brisbane’s lack of depth in the bowling department means their batting will have to fire every game.

Most telling is Brisbane’s inability to stem the flow of runs. Mark Steketee, Brendan Doggett, Josh Lalor and Ben Cutting combined for an economy rate of 9.15 last season.

Once again, Brisbane Heat look too batting heavy in this tournament, and will struggle as a result.

BBL 08 Prediction #5: Top four

The BBL’s top four, after a mammoth 56 games, can well and truly be considered the best four sides in the tournament.

BBL 08 top four (in no particular order):

Perth Scorchers
Adelaide Strikers
Sydney Sixers
Melbourne Stars

Perth Scorchers have made the finals every single season, and will be thereabouts again. Adelaide Strikers are the defending champions, and possess a quality side, even with Travis Head to be missing for most of the campaign.

However, two additions, possible a surprise to some, are Sydney Sixers and Melbourne Stars.

Sydney Sixers have lost Nic Maddinson, but have fantastic youth in their squad, including the brilliant Jack Edwards and Lloyd Pope. The Sixers’ mix of youth and experience, which also includes Joe Denly and Moises Henriques, will be key, along with their good spin attack which will be a danger especially in Sydney.

Also, the Stars, as mentioned, will be much improved.

In regards to the other teams, all have their strengths, but their weaknesses could hurt them. Sydney Thunder have Jos Buttler and Joe Root for the first part of the season, and, along with Shane Watson, the Thunder could be in the runs. However, their pace bowling stocks look a little thin. The same applies for Brisbane Heat. Hobart Hurricanes, last year’s finalists, look to be relying on moments of brilliance from players who need to find form again (i.e. D’Arcy Short). Melbourne Renegades will be without Aaron Finch and Marcus Harris for most of the season due to Test duty, and have lost Dwayne Bravo. The Renegades possess a decent attack, but do they have enough firepower with bat and ball to win games? Not so sure.

READ: 15 funny cricket tweets!

BBL 08 Prediction #6: Winner – Perth Scorchers

They say bowling attacks win you T20s, and Perth have a fine one.

Jason Behrendorff and Nathan Coulter-Nile return after missing last season with injuries. They will partner the likes of Andrew Tye, Jhye Richardson, Ashton Agar, David Willey and the impressive Usman Qadir.

The batting is one area that could be light, but the likes of Michael Klinger, Mitchell Marsh, Hilton Cartwright and the returning Cameron Bancroft are capable of delivering runs. Along with a good lower order, Perth will be very hard to beat in this tournament.

They will win BBL 08.

BBL 08 Dream11 + SuperCoach Fantasy Picks

Below are my key picks from each team, especially in the early part of the tournament as you put your teams together!

Adelaide Strikers: Alex Carey, Jake Weatherald, Colin Ingram, Rashid Khan, Ben Laughlin

Brisbane Heat: Chris Lynn, Brendon McCullum, Ben Cutting, Mujeeb Ur Rahman

Hobart Hurriances: D’Arcy Short, Ben McDermott, Jofra Archer, Matthew Wade

Melbourne Renegades: Tom Cooper, Cameron White, Mohammad Nabi, Jack Wildermuth

Melbourne Stars: Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Sandeep Lamichhane, Dwayne Bravo, Adam Zampa

Perth Scorchers: Mitchell Marsh, Ashton Turner, Jason Behrendhorff, Andrew Tye, Ashton Agar, David Willey

Sydney Sixers: Moises Henriques, Joe Denly, Sean Abbott, Lloyd Pope, Tom Curran

Sydney Thunder: Jos Buttler, Joe Root, Shane Watson, Fawad Ahmed, Chris Green

Thanks for reading!

Australia vs India 2nd Test: Will India beat themselves?

Charbel Coorey

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December 16, 2018 at 12:49 am

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Australia vs India 2nd Test: Will India beat themselves?

The pitch dominates the build up. It’s looking green. India get excited, and pick a specialist four-pronged pace attack. Heat expected throughout the Test? Doesn’t matter.

Did India get caught up too much in the hype? Yes. There is always a lingering worry for India fans now, despite the tourists being well placed at 172/3 in pursuit of Australia’s 326. Seeing India’s XI on day one was a huge surprise, and meant three key things.

Risk for reward?

India were prepared to risk playing Umesh Yadav, a bowler so fantastic on his day, but the element of “his day” not certain to be the case very often. Bhuvneshwar Kumar was brilliant in South Africa at the start of the year (where he was left out of the second Test), and this Perth pitch doesn’t require one to be of express pace to be effective. India were undoubtedly excited, and it showed in the first hour of the Test, displaying a lack of consistency not seen in Adelaide. That single hour has proved crucial, with Australia just about playing from in front ever since, despite excellent batting from India on day two.

Australia vs India 2nd Test: Will India beat themselves? – Umesh Yadav can be damaging, but just isn’t consistent enough.

No specialist spinner

Ravindra Jadeja had to play. India, on day one, were desperate for a change of pace in the heat. Shane Warne has always said that if the ball seams, it spins. Hanuma Vihari was introduced, and got one to spit up at Marcus Harris. But, in using a part-time option, Virat Kohli was prepared to give Australia crucial runs by placing point back on the boundary, offering scoring opportunities that weren’t there in Adelaide. Every run is crucial on a challenging pitch. What were the millions of fans thinking at that point?

Long tail

Perhaps most significant are the extra runs that India will almost certainly miss out on. Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Ravindra Jadeja not only help provide consistency with the ball, but also vital resistance with the bat. India is a side that knows all about wagging tails, so why place so little emphasis on your own? You only have to go back as far as The Oval in September where Ravindra Jadeja scored an unbeaten 86 against England. Now, even with India batting beautifully after restricted to 8/2, there is always the lingering thought in the back of everyone’s mind that the tail is too long, and that Australia will take a good lead into the third innings.

India trail by 154 with seven in hand. Even match?

Yes, usually. Here, not quite.

Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane, both batting absolutely beautifully, have the pressure of having to get India as close to Australia’s total as possible on a challenging track. According to CricViz, Australia bowled well enough to take eight wickets instead of the three. Next in is Hanuma Vihari, with just one Test under his belt, followed by Rishabh Pant, more of a T20 specialist. When a game is likely to swing significantly with the fall of a single wicket, the home side is one with their noses in front in this instance.

Umesh Yadav is listed at eight. India will have to bat last on this pitch which will take further turn than what Nathan Lyon is already extracting. The cracks will likely open up more for the seamers. Can Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane score significantly tomorrow to help get India to a significant lead?

It is absolutely necessary. India, from an Australian perspective, picked the right combinations. However, from an Indian perspective, it is risky, and mirrors some of their other selection eyebrow raisers in recent times.

India will need to hope that their team selection doesn’t come back to hurt them. Otherwise, the Boxing Day Test will begin with the series locked up at 1-1.

Thanks for reading!

Australia vs India 2nd Test: Will India beat themselves?

New Zealand vs Sri Lanka 1st Test Preview + Dream11

Charbel Coorey

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December 14, 2018 at 10:53 pm

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New Zealand vs Sri Lanka 1st Test Preview + Dream11

An insight into what the cricketing calendar is like.

Just one week ago, New Zealand achieved a magnificent overseas series win. They became just the second side to beat Pakistan in the UAE since it became their adopted home, which was a credit to Kane Williamson’s side, who are now building to something significant. They are back home to conditions Williamson describes as “polar opposite” to Abu Dhabi, and come up against a side whom its difficult to find anything positive for.

That side is Sri Lanka, who are smarting from a 3-0 series loss to an England side who were previously winless for over two years in overseas Tests. The consensus from Sri Lanka is that the seamers can render them competitive, but in a country where they have not won a Test in 12 years, their batsmen need to hold their own. The tourists do have experience in their ranks, but can they deliver a surprise in a series where they start as outsiders?

Key to a New Zealand win

Such is New Zealand’s confidence that only one change to the side is needed when transferring from Abu Dhabi to Wellington. Neil Wagner rejoins the New Zealand attack, replacing the superb Will Somerville, and has a combined 252 Test wickets with Trent Boult and Tim Southee at home in the last five years. Conditions are expected to suit seam at least in the first two days, and the Black Caps’ bowlers can certainly help set up victory. Can the pace attack get the better of Sri Lanka’s experienced men, namely Dimuth Karanuratne, Dinesh Chandimal and Angelo Mathews?

Also, how effectively can New Zealand counter Sri Lanka’s pace attack? Yes, New Zealand are favourites are at home, but adjusting to a home Test so soon after arriving home from the UAE grind is a challenge. Kane Williamson and Henry Nicholls were particularly brilliant in the UAE, with the latter in particular continuing his breakthrough 2018. These two, along with the excellent BJ Watling, will be key again, in conjunction with the likes of Jeet Raval, Tom Latham and Ross Taylor, who were underwhelming in the UAE.

Key to a Sri Lanka win

Sri Lanka’s bowlers have an opportunity to impress in this Test. Lahiru Kamara, Kasun Rajitha and and Suranga Lakmal possess some pace and the ability to move the ball, which will be key against a New Zealand side fresh back to New Zealand from the UAE. Sri Lanka have been fortunate enough to bowl first on green New Zealand pitches in the past, but failed to bowl with any penetration. Can they rectify that this time around?

Also, Dimuth Karunaratne, Dinesh Chandimal and Angelo Mathews have the task of keeping the New Zealand attack at bay. Sri Lanka come into this Test with a number of inexperienced batsmen in these conditions, so these three are key to their fortunes. Can they enable the likes of Kusal Mendis to perform well and give Sri Lanka a chance of competitive totals?

Predicted Playing XIs

New Zealand have named their XI. Neil Wagner comes in for Will Somerville, who missed out on the spinner slot to Ajaz Patel.

New Zealand: 1. Jeet Raval, 2. Tom Latham, 3. Kane Williamson (c), 4. Ross Taylor, 5. Henry Nicholls, 6. BJ Wating (wk), 7. Colin de Grandhomme, 8. Tim Southee, 9. Ajaz Patel, 10. Neil Wagner, 11. Trent Boult

Danushka Gunathilaka is expected to play after his 83 in the tour game. Suranga Lakmal and Lahiru Kamara are likely to take two of the three pace bowling spots. Dushmantha Chameera, Kasun Rajitha and Nuwan Pradeep are in line for the remaining spot.

Sri Lanka: 1. Dimuth Karunaratne, 2. Danushka Gunathilaka, 3. Dhananjaya de Silva, 4. Kusal Mendis, 5. Dinesh Chandimal, 6. Angelo Mathews, 7. Niroshan Dickwella/Roshen Silva, 8. Dilruwan Perera, 9. Suranga Lakmal, 10. Lahiru Kamara, 11. Kasun Rajitha/Dushmantha Chameera/Nuwan Pradeep

READ: 15 funny cricket tweets!

Dream11

New Zealand to dominate? Below is my Dream11 side with a few pointers.

Cricket Blog: New Zealand vs Sri Lanka 1st Test Preview CricBlog Cricket Preview — New Zealand vs Sri Lanka 1st Test Preview + Dream11: Dream11 Team

BJ Watling over Niroshan Dickwella.
Kane Williamson averages 91.88 in 12 innings against Sri Lanka. Captain him with confidence.
Ross Taylor and Henry Nicholls are good picks, with the latter in fine form. Also, Angelo Mathews took Sri Lanka out of the dumps in the tour game. He’s in good touch.
Dilruwan Perera will bowl lots of overs and will be a factor if the balll turns later in the Test.
New Zealand’s trio of pace bowlers are a good pick.

Stats and Facts

Henry Nicholls averages 63.57 in five Tests in 2018.
New Zealand have won their last five Tests against Sri Lanka.
New Zealand will become the no.2 ranked Test side in the world if they win the series 2-0.
Sri Lanka last won in New Zealand in 2006, which was at the Basin Reserve.

Prediction

Sri Lanka’s best hope lies in the fact that New Zealand are coming off a short turnaround.

However, expect New Zealand to have too much class against a side also struggling with some off-field distractions.

New Zealand to go 1-0 up.

Thanks for reading!

Bangladesh vs West Indies 3rd ODI Preview + Dream11

Charbel Coorey

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December 14, 2018 at 8:48 am

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Bangladesh vs West Indies 3rd ODI Preview + Dream11

For the second time in the last month, West Indies have unexpectedly leveled an ODI series 1-1 in Asia. Bangladesh were on track to win this series as comfortably as the Test series, but now we have a decider that neither of these two sides will want to lose.

You would have been very brave to predict Bangladesh would lose at the midway point of their innings. Tamim Iqbal, Mushfiqur Rahim and Shakib Al Hasan all hit half centuries, so that the Tigers couldn’t polish off their innings was disappointing. Bangladesh now face the pressure of possibly losing an ODI series at home to a lower ranked side, and need to win the key moments in Sylhet.

The brilliant Shai has kept West Indies‘ Hopes alive. One view on Hope is that he doesn’t realise how good he actually is, and on Tuesday, his magnificent 146* in a chase of 256 was one of the best innings of 2018. His strokeplay was simply sublime, and the Windies will be hoping he fires again, this time with more support from his mates.