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England vs India 2nd Test Player Ratings: An Angry Aussie

Charbel Coorey
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Oh boy. That was bad.

Spare a thought for me. If I went to get a drink from the fridge, I missed a wicket. Bathroom break? Missed a wicket, too. How about a quick look at Twitter? Three wickets.

Before the Test, and after the first day washout, I was thinking how to balance watching my EPL team Arsenal (yes, you can keep feeling sorry for me) in their opening game against Manchester City, whilst watching the Test match at the same time.

I didn’t need to bother.

This tour was supposed to be different for India. They were supposed to be an improved unit in foreign conditions under the leadership of Virat Kohli. Instead, we can all enjoy feeling a little younger, going back to 2011 and 2014, reliving those India tours of England.

To make matters worse, Virat Kohli now has back troubles. The timing is incredible, as he continues to carry this batting line up on his shoulders. Even ‘The Incredible Hulk’ would feel back pain.

Yes, conditions were difficult, and India copped the brunt of the clouds and rain. But, players of this calibre should not be pushing so hard at deliveries, or leaving gaps so big between bat and pad that you could drive a truck through it. It is asking for trouble against the swinging ball. Playing the ball late and under the eyes is something I thought India would do, and I’ve been left disappointed.

Why? Because England are our arch-enemy here in Australia, and they are cantering to a series win already. Credit to them – they won this game quicker than the blink of an eye. Almost quite literally. In less than two days of playing time, they blew India away, even while dropping quite a few chances in the slips. Incredible. Pakistan fans are absolutely rejoicing. The highly anticipated series, headlined by a Lord’s Test that looked like it could be played in warm, dry conditions, is screeching to an almighty halt.

In this cricket opinion piece, I will go through each player and rate them out of ten. I love doing this, but am a little heavy hearted that England are smiling. It’s not meant to be like this!

Warning: Savage Alert.

England:

Sun: Showed up when required, and disappeared when asked to. A 10/10 performance. 10

Clouds: As soon as James Anderson walks onto the field, the clouds know what to do! A 10/10 display, also. 10
Alastair Cook: Three innings, three beauties. My Arsene Wenger reference from the first Test still applies I guess, but Cook has to sort out his off stump. His bat is coming from an angle at the moment. Can he sort this out to resurrect his Test career that is close to being on life support (if not already)? 3

Keaton Jennings: Not even Shane Watson would have reviewed the one Jennings did. It was so bad that he did the work of the third umpire, giving himself out, walking off after one replay. Leave a review for when the team needs it, brother. 2

Joe Root: Joe Root was more square than Spongebob SquarePants. That back leg was given a big work out, coming around his body quite a bit when playing his shots. The leading edge was really worked out, too. I tweeted that had he batted on day two, he would have been out long before. Also, could have had a cup of coffee in the field, watching his bowlers cause mayhem. 4

Ollie Pope: A very promising debut. Looked good with the bat, especially compared to Root, and took a couple of neat catches. 6

Jonny Bairstow: Magnificent batting, filled with superb strokeplay. Bairstow’s limited overs form has stretched into the Test format, and would be kicking himself on missing a century in the manner he did. 9

Chris Woakes: Four wickets and a century. What a performance. Chris Woakes was dreaming of home conditions during a wretched Ashes tour of Australia, and it’s easy to see why! He is dynamite in these conditions. 10

Sam Curran: Another good contribution with the bat, and threatening with the ball. Small in stature, but giving India big nightmares. 7.5

Adil Rashid: Didn’t bat, didn’t bowl, but reminded me of possibly the greatest ever GIF when Ashwin skied one in the first innings. I’ll leave it up to you to rate him.

The great GIF Adil Rashid reminded me of!
Stuart Broad: Struggling ‘ABroad’, but man is he still fantastic in these conditions. A Broad special in the second innings, bowling a spell of 7-4-7-4, and now in the top ten wicket takers of all time. Just too good for India, here. 9

James Anderson: Nine in the Test, and he would have taken all 20 in very quick time if he was bowling on his own. The ‘King of Swing’ in England has now gone past 550 Test wickets, and has Glenn McGrath in his sights. 10

                                   

India


Murali Vijay: Somebody call the police. Inside and outside edge under severe attack. Victim of James Anderson’s mastery in the first dig. His hair is longer than his stay at the crease in this Test. Two great balls, unfortunately. A pair. 0

KL Rahul: Promised with a couple of nice strokes, even prompting my good Twitter friend @imsgshinde to predict he would score a second innings century! Damn, only missed out by 90. 1

Cheteshwar Pujara: From now on, India Test matches will feel incomplete without a Pujara run out. Displayed a bit of the fight we know of him in the second innings, but couldn’t deal with a big Broad inswinger. 2

Virat Kohli: Somebody check on the great man. Can he walk? He has a back injury, and I say it’s because of carrying the team in 2018. He has scored 27.22% of India’s runs across five Tests this year. He couldn’t go big at Lord’s, and look what has happened. Sold his mate Pujara down the river, which was not good. 4

Ajinkya Rahane: Pushing at the ball harder than a rugby player pushes in a scrum. Expected better from a class player, boasting a good record overseas… 4

Hardik Pandya: India’s second highest run scorer for the series so far. Yes, second highest. Cause for India fans to crawl up in a ball and start crying? I think so. 5



Dinesh Karthik: A return to the Test side worthy of a horror movie. Stumps are being targeted by England’s bowlers, and DK can’t quite handle it right now. Difficult times. 1

Ravichandran Ashwin: PROMOTE HIM TO NUMBER THREE. More impact with bat than ball in this Test. 5

Kuldeep Yadav: Conditions were totally conducive to seam bowling, but India took a gamble and picked Kuldeep. He didn’t deliver. Conditions were far from dry. He was on a hiding to nothing. 1

Mohammed Shami: Was threatening to get India back in the game on the third day. Then fell away. 5

Ishant Sharma: Bowled an absolute peach to Cook, but that’s where the good news ended. The only Indian to score a century in the match. 2

——

So, there we have it. Can we say goodbye to India coming back in the series? 
Surely.

They look all at sea against the swinging ball at the moment, and it will take a miracle of huge proportions to see them get something out of the series.

As much as it pains me to say… Full credit to England! Well played.

Sri Lanka vs South Africa 5th ODI Preview

Charbel Coorey
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A bigger sigh of relief than when Joe Root saw he won the toss in the Lord’s Test v India…

… OK. Not quite.

But, Sri Lanka avoided their fourth 5-0 loss in ODIs since the beginning of 2017, and broke a ten-game losing streak against South Africa. Talk about hitting two birds with one stone. Unfortunately, the rain breaks in the 4th ODI looked to be the most competitive periods of play in the series, but SL’s batting clicked amid the rain. The lower order starred, propelling the Lankans to a total that was just a little too much for South Africa, despite the shortened chase. They played the game as if there was no such thing as a dead rubber, and they need to do the same today. Any confidence boost is like gold for a team struggling in ODIs like Sri Lanka are, and Angelo Mathews is certainly happy…

For South Africa, like Sri Lanka, it is another chance to build towards World Cup plans. Of course, the pressure of this game compared to a World Cup game is miles apart, but winning for your country would be a very special feeling. Also, it is a chance for the back up bowlers to stake a claim again, after being carted around quite a bit in the 4th ODI, especially by Dasun Shanaka. With spots up for grabs, there is always lots to play for.

Key to a Sri Lanka win

If the Sri Lanka top order were running a race, they wouldn’t get past the “start” line. Once again, their performance was characterised by double figure scores that didn’t provide any real significance, except for Kusal Perera. Then, the lower order, namely Thisara Perera and Dasun Shanaka, were absolutely superb in propelling Sri Lanka from the depths of 195/6 to the heights of 306/7.
Will the top order have to rely on the lower order to get them out of jail again? They would be silly to. It’s time someone in the top four goes on to make a significant contribution to the cause.
Also, Sri Lanka didn’t give up in the field, which was encouraging. With seven to defend off the last over, they looked gone, but Suranga Lakmal displayed the fight-to-the-end mentality his team displayed. The same is required in the 5th ODI.

Key to a South Africa win

I joked in my 4th ODI Preview that all the Proteas had to do was show up.
Now, even though the series is won, they face a good challenge. Can they take the series 4-1, by beating a side that is looking to continue to grow in confidence?
In the 4th ODI, unlike the rest of the series, South Africa failed to ride home the advantage. This was with both bat and ball. When JP Duminy is your most economical bowler, the fact you got within three runs of victory is somewhat of a miracle. So, the other bowlers who are getting a run, namely Dala and Maharaj, need to bounce back well.

Possible teams

There are murmurs that Sri Lanka will bring in Kasun Rajitha in place of Lahiru Kumara.
Sri Lanka possible XI: 1. Upul Tharanga, 2. Niroshan Dickwella (wk), 3. Kusal Mendis, 4. Kusal Perera, 5. Angelo Mathews (c), 6. Dhananjaya de Silva, 7. Thisara Perera, 8. Dasun Shanaka, 9. Akila Dananjaya, 10. Suranga Lakmal, 11. Kasun Rajitha
South Africa will probably give the same side another chance.
South Africa possible XI: 1. Quinton de Kock (c & wk), 2. Hashim Amla, 3. Reeza Hendricks, 4. Heinrich Klaasen, 5. JP Duminy, 6. David Miller, 7. Wiaan Mulder, 8. Andile Phuhlukwayo, 9. Keshav Maharaj, 10. Junior Dala, 11. Lungi Ngidi

Stats and Facts

  • Sri Lanka broke a ten-game losing streak v South Africa.
  • JP Duminy is the leading run scorer for the series (215), and his runs have come at a strike rate of nearly 140.
  • Thisara Perera has been a shining light for Sri Lanka in ODIs in 2018. He averages 44.83 with the bat at SR of 137, along with 18 wickets at 18.61 in nine matches.

Prediction

Like the last game, I’m hoping this one will be close. There is some rain forecast, but hopefully not too much to wash out the game.
Tough one to predict, but I will go with South Africa to bounce back and take the series 4-1, mainly because I can’t trust the Sri Lanka top order to go big. We shall wait and see.

England vs India 2nd Test Preview

Charbel Coorey
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Image credit: AP

Wow. A first Test worthy of the big build up to this series. It didn’t disappoint.

Like a wonderful movie, the Test ebbed and flowed, and was the cause of a rollercoaster of emotions. Yes, IPL, BBL, CPL, BPL, PSL and the like have their entertainment value, but Test cricket is something else. So much so that both Joe Root and Virat Kohli batted for Test cricket in the aftermath of the first Test, and now I simply can’t wait for the second.

Despite Dawid Malan’s best efforts, England got over the line to take an important 1-0 series lead heading to Lord’s. Sam Curran dominated like very few could have predicted, and it was a collective effort by the bowlers to keep the pressure on Virat Kohli to score as many runs as he could for the Indian cause. With Ben Stokes, another star for England at Edgbaston, missing from this Test, whoever replaces him also needs to ensure they maintain the pressure on the opposition.

For India, there were positives, but plenty of concerns, too. Virat Kohli has scored well over a quarter of his team’s runs across four Tests in South Africa and England this year, so the question is who else is going to step up? Question marks remain over the top order, with the top three underwhelming, thanks mostly to disappointing shot selection. Also, India could go in with two spinners given the conditions in London lately, which will probably mean the inconsistent Umesh Yadav misses out.

Key to an England win

Apart from Virat Kohli at Edgbaston, the rest of India’s top seven batsmen combined for 172 runs at 14.33. If those numbers weren’t damning enough, Virat Kohli scored 200 runs on his own, and he wasn’t the only one dropped in the slips…
This represents significant opportunity for England. But, while the India skipper is the prize wicket, Joe Root and his men still need to focus adequately on who is in front of them, as India’s line up does have what it takes to perform well. Can England, led by Anderson, Broad and Curran, maintain the pressure like they did in the first Test? What role will the spinners play? Can they dismiss Kohli cheaply?
It’s all set up nicely.
Also, like India, England are not without their own batting concerns. Alastair Cook, whilst he did receive two beauties from Ashwin, looks a shadow of the player he once was. Keaton Jennings needs to prove he can be England’s long term opening option, and Joe Root needs to convert his fifties. Had it not been for Sam Curran’s amazing second innings knock, England would have lost, so the batting simply must step up further at Lord’s.

Key to an India win

Despite the top seven batsmen other than Virat Kohli averaging a combined 14.33, India were so close to winning. Ishant Sharma and Ravichandran Ashwin, along with Virat Kohli, were absolutely superb for India.
However, cleaning up the tail has been a problem for them on the road over the years, and it came back to haunt them in the first Test, even though Sam Curran shouldn’t be called a tailender. India must be more clinical with the ball and in the slips in this Test, as England’s batting is there for the taking. The Poms had their troubles against Kuldeep in the limited overs matches, so he could be a welcome addition to the attack, if conditions stay relatively dry.
Also, India simply must get more out of their batsmen. Yes, Virat Kohli is well on the way to greatness, but there is only so much one man can do. If he is outscoring the top seven again, 2-0 awaits. I see India making changes in personnel for this Test, but there also needs to be a change in mindset to be able to tough it out for the long haul.

The teams I would pick

Usually, I try predict the XIs each side will put out on the field. Here, I will put forward the teams I think should take the field.
For India, Cheteshwar Pujara should come back into the side. Yes, he’s been struggling, but he has what it takes to hold up an end, which is something India need right now. I’d give Shikhar Dhawan one more chance, meaning KL Rahul, who was disappointing at three, misses out. Also, I would have Kuldeep Yadav slot in for Umesh, given the conditions could suit spin, as well as the fact Umesh is just too inconsistent.
My India XI: 1. Murali Vijay, 2. Shikhar Dhawan, 3. Cheteshwar Pujara, 4. Virat Kohli (c), 5. Ajinkya Rahana, 6. Dinesh Karthik (wk), 7. Hardik Pandya, 8. Ravichandran Ashwin, 9. Mohammed Shami, 10. Kuldeep Yadav, 11. Ishant Sharma
For England, Ollie Pope, who was playing for Campbelltown Camden in the Sydney Grade Competition in the Aussie summer, will slot in for Dawid Malan, who had a nightmare first Test. He is deserving of his selection, with his FC average of 63 testament to the talented player he is. Also, I believe Moeen Ali should come in for Stokes, giving England that extra spinning option. But, it could also be Chris Woakes to take Ben Stokes’ place.
My England XI: 1. Alastair Cook, 2. Keaton Jennings, 3. Joe Root (c), 4. Ollie Pope, 5. Jonny Bairstow (wk), 6. Jos Buttler, 7. Moeen Ali/Chris Woakes, 8. Sam Curran, 9. Adil Rashid, 10. Stuart Broad, 11. James Anderson

Stats and Facts

  • India’s last win in England came at Lord’s in 2014. They have lost all four Tests since.
  • Ajinkya Rahane hasn’t scored a 50 in his last 11 Test innings.
  • Virat Kohli scored 200 runs in the first Test. The rest of India’s line up scored 214.
  • Excluding his 58* in Sydney earlier this year where he retired ill, Joe Root has failed to convert any of his last ten fifties.
  • James Anderson is six away from 550 Test wickets.

Prediction

The first Test was so difficult to predict, and watching the match, it was easy to see why. The match changed hands various times, and it will be no surprise if the same happens at Lord’s.
However, this time, I back feeling India will bounce back and level the series 1-1. I believe they will enjoy conditions, which could very well benefit their spinners later in the Test, and their batsmen will be keen to bounce back after a tough outing first up.
Here’s to a good Test! Thanks for reading.

Sri Lanka vs South Africa 4th ODI Preview

Charbel Coorey
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A desperate plea from Angelo…

There seems to be three certain things in life: death, taxes and a heavy loss for Sri Lanka in an ODI.

After a successful Test series, Sri Lanka faced a promising ODI assignment against the Proteas, an opportunity to gain confidence ahead of the World Cup next year. Instead, they face a whitewash, and have forced me to resort to a bit of a light-hearted preview instead! Because, what exactly are the hosts delivering? Not much.

Even Sydney’s train services are more reliable at the moment…

There was talk by Russell Arnold on commentary in the 3rd ODI that Sri Lanka are planning to head to England earlier to acclimatise to conditions ahead of the World Cup. ‘Fair dinkum’, they need to acclimatise to the ODI format, as they face the prospect of a fourth 5-0 loss since the start of 2017. Whether they play at home, away, in my small backyard, or against a school side, you wouldn’t like their chances.

South Africa? Well, they’re loving life all of a sudden, except Aiden Markram, who looked at the flat pitch from his seat in the dressing room, and probably wondered what he ever done to deserve this. His replacement, debutant Reeza Hendricks, set things up perfectly after Hashim Amla’s onslaught, and there was a greater chance of hell freezing over than Sri Lanka reaching the 364 target. Faf du Plessis is leaving the tour early due to injury, but he’s not missing anything important anymore. The series is already wrapped up.

Key to a Sri Lanka win

Angelo Mathews will greet South Africa’s new captain on Wednesday, but not before looking up to the heavens and saying a prayer or two. Or better yet, asking Faf politely for that extra Test!

Interesting press conference from Angelo last game…

Sri Lanka, a side with talent in their line up, continue to disappoint. Since the start of 2017, they have lost 27 of 36 ODIs, and continue to face the same issues. When their bowling does pretty well, it’s their batting that stutters, and vice versa. Only a bottom two finish at next year’s World Cup seems possible right now, so what can the Lankans do to improve?
In this series, they’ve kept South Africa’s batsmen as quiet as David Warner in the field. So, not very. They have just conceded runs too quickly, and that does not help when their batting isn’t firing either. Batting first and second has been fruitless so far, so the onus is on the bowlers up front to push South Africa back, as well as the top order to get a good start. 
P.S. you may as well bat Dhananjaya de Silva at number 11. A player of his quality needs to be in the top five. So, I’m hoping to see that for Sri Lanka, especially given how the current lot are doing up there…

Key to a South Africa win

Just show up.
In all seriousness, these last two games represent a good opportunity for South Africa. Firstly, get Aiden Markram back into the side and back him to get his confidence back. Secondly, they can now properly test their bench strength. Thirdly, they can develop that ruthlessness you need as a good side.
Can they torment the Sri Lanka top order again? What about Sri Lanka’s poor bowlers who simply can’t get on top? That’ll be the order of the day. A good win here will be another good confidence boost after losing 5-1 to India earlier this year.

Possible teams

Will Sri Lanka experiment? After a tough outing with the ball, there could certainly be changes in the bowling attack. However, if I correctly predict the full XI, give me a prize. Tough ask.
Sri Lanka possible XI: 1. Upul Tharanga, 2. Niroshan Dickwella (wk), 3. Kusal Perera, 4. Kusal Mendis, 5. Angelo Mathews (c), 6. Dhananjaya de Silva, 7. Thisara Perera, 8. Suranga Lakmal, 9. Kasun Rajitha, 10. Lahiru Kamara, 11. Lakshan Sandakan
South Africa are sure to experiment with the series won. It makes sense to. I can see Kagiso Rabada being rested after playing each game so far, with Junior Dala possibly coming in. Quinton de Kock will lead the team in Faf du Plessis’ absence. 
South Africa possible XI: 1. Quinton de Kock (c & wk), 2. Hashim Amla, 3. Reeza Hendicks, 4. Aiden Markram, 5. JP Duminy, 6. David Miller/Heinrich Klaasen, 7. Willem Mulder, 8. Andile Phuhlekwayo, 9. Junior Dala, 10. Lungi Ngidi, 11. Tabraiz Shamsi

Stats and Facts

  • Sri Lanka are facing the prospect their fourth 5-0 series loss since the beginning of 2017. 
  • South Africa have won 11 straight ODIs against Sri Lanka.
  • Reeza Hendricks’ 103 was the third highest score by a South African on ODI debut.

Prediction

Any prediction other than a South Africa win would be a brave one. 4-0 incoming.

Thanks for reading!

West Indies v Bangladesh 3rd T20I Preview

Charbel Coorey
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0
Image credit: Getty Images

The good news is that we don’t have to wait long for the decider. The 2nd T20I left me, and surely many others, wanting more, and hopefully the 3rd T20I doesn’t disappoint!

West Indies had the opportunity to seal the series on Saturday, but did all the little things wrong. Bangladesh were happy to offer gifts in the powerplay once again, but the Windies couldn’t capitalise, highlighted mostly by Rovman Powell’s dropped sitter off Tamim when was on 47. It proved to be very costly, with Tamim and Shakib propelling Bangladesh to 171, which was then followed by a batting implosion. Much better is required in the deciding T20I.

Bangladesh, with their big follower base in America right behind them, kept the series alive with their first T20I win in their last six attempts. A concern, as is often the case in recent times, is that Shakib and Tamim were again at the core of everything that went well for Bangladesh with the bat. The bowling was good, though, picking up wickets at regular intervals to halt West Indies’ progress. More of the same is the name of the game in the decider.

Key to a West Indies win

West Indies channeled their inner Bangladesh, deciding to either block or try hit everything out of America in the opening six overs. They lost too many wickets, and were always chasing the game as a result. Can they get more out of the top order, thanks to better rotation of the strike?
Also, the wickets of Tamim and Shakib are gold. Those two are also the key to keeping the passionate Bangladesh fans in check, and take control of the game. Mushfiqur and Mahmudullah are key, too, but if West Indies keep the “main four” in check, who else can step up for Bangladesh? 
I believe that is the train of thought required for West Indies to win this one.

Key to a Bangladesh win

What will happen in life after Shakib, Tamim and co? Who else will step up for Bangladesh with the bat? 
Liton Das and Soumya Sarkar continue to mostly underwhelm, so again a lot depends on Tamim and Shakib, along with Mushfiqur and Mahmudullah, to perform. Can at least two of these four play the role of “backbone of the innings” well enough to get another strong total on the board? Of course, like West Indies, Bangladesh need to improve their powerplay, to reduce the pressure for later in the innings.
Also, the inclusion of Abu Hider was a masterstroke by Bangladesh in the 2nd T20I, and the Tigers will again be keen to get wickets regularly to halt the Windies’ big hitting capabilities. Can the spinners lead the way again, after Shakib and Nazmul finished with 5/47 combined in eight overs in the 2nd T20I?

Possible teams

Skipper Carlos Brathwaite spoke pretty passionately about wanting to find the intensity of the first game. That gives me the feeling the same team will be given another chance to perform.
West Indies possible XI: 1. Andre Fletcher, 2. Evin Lewis, 3. Marlon Samuels, 4. Andre Russell, 5. Denesh Ramdin (wk), 6. Rovman Powell, 7. Carlos Brathwaite (c), 8. Keemo Paul, 9. Ashley Nurse, 10. Samuel Badree, 11. Kesrick Williams
For Bangladesh, does Soumya Sarkar get another chance? He looks to be struggling plenty at the moment, so he could be replaced.
Bangladesh possible XI: 1. Tamim Iqbal, 2. Liton Das, 3. Soumya Sarkar, 4. Shakib Al Hasan (c), 5. Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), 6. Mahmudullah, 7. Ariful Haque, 8. Nazmul Islam, 9. Abu Hider, 10. Rubel Hossain, 11. Mustafizur Rahman

Stats and Facts

  • Bangladesh have won just one three match T20I series – vs. Ireland in 2012.
  • Saturday’s loss at Lauderhill was West Indies’ first at the venue.
  • Bangladesh’s win in the 2nd T20I broke a five game losing streak.

Prediction

My heart says Bangladesh can do it, but my head leans towards a West Indies fightback.
Should be a good watch! Thanks for reading.

Sri Lanka v South Africa 3rd ODI Preview

Charbel Coorey
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0

“We rely too much on our spinners”, said Sri Lanka skipper Angelo Mathews. In other news, grass is green and the sky is blue.

Sri Lanka have now lost 10 ODIs in a row against South Africa, to go with their terrible year in ODIs in 2017. While Angelo Mathews’ statement about spinners is obvious, their batting has been a trainwreck, giving their bowlers little chance of defending mediocre totals. Only Niroshan Dickwella and Angelo Mathews offered meaningful resistance in the 2nd ODI, and if they are to win here, they desperately need a more cohesive batting display.

South Africa cruised for the second match in a row, providing some joy after a difficult Test series. That Quinton de Kock and Hashim Amla showed good form is promising, and so too Faf du Plessis and JP Duminy, along with the bowlers who are all over Sri Lanka at the moment. One player South Africa would like to see do well is Aiden Markram, who is having a difficult tour so far. The series is up for grabs today in Kandy and South Africa look good to take it out.

Key to a Sri Lanka win

Don’t need to be Einstein to figure out what Sri Lanka need to improve on to win this match.
Angelo Mathews copped some criticism for his scoring rate on Wednesday, but in all fairness, if he got out early, who would have got Sri Lanka even to 200? Following on from their 193 in the first ODI, Sri Lanka’s batting simply needs to lift, and there is no better time than a must-win clash at Kandy to do it.
Also, the Lankan bowlers haven’t been able to reel in South Africa’s batsmen when they have been on the charge. Bowling first or having more runs to defend today would be ideal to see what the spinners especially can offer. 

Key to a South Africa win

The template has been set.
Early wickets with the ball have been a key feature for the Proteas in this series, and they haven’t looked back. Willem Mulder and Andile Phuhlekwayo, two bowlers who were expensive in the 1st ODI, bowled beautifully in the 2nd, backing up Rabada, Ngidi and Shamsi very well. There was rarely opportunity for release for Sri Lanka’s batsmen, and more of the same will be the order of the day here.
Also, can Quinton de Kock and Hashim Amla provide a good start again, with Faf du Plessis and JP Duminy continuing their good touch in the middle order? As mentioned, runs from Aiden Markram as well in a South Africa win would represent the perfect day…

Possible teams

For Sri Lanka, Dhananjaya de Silva could come in for Shehan Jayasuriya
Sri Lanka possible XI: 1. Kusal Perera, 2. Niroshan Dickwella (wk), 3. Upul Tharanga, 4. Kusal Mendis, 5. Angelo Mathews (c), 6. Shehan Jayasuriya/Dhananjaya de Silva, 7. Thisara Perera, 8. Akila Dananjaya, 9. Suranga Lakmal, 10. Lakshan Sandakan, 11. Ksaun Rajitha
There has been a desire among South Africa fans to see some experimentation with the squad, but the Proteas will probably wait until the series is wrapped up first before making changes.
South Africa possible XI: 1. Quinton de Kock (wk), 2. Hashim Amla, 3. Aiden Markram, 4. Faf du Plessis (c), 5. JP Duminy, 6. David Miller, 7. Willem Mulder, 8. Andile Phuhlekwayo, 9. Kagiso Rabada, 10. Lungi Ngidi, 11. Tabraiz Shamsi

Stats and Facts

  • South Africa have won their last 10 ODIs against Sri Lanka.
  • Excluding the Tri-Series v Bangladesh and Zimbabwe in January 2018, the last time Sri Lanka enjoyed success in ODIs was in another Tri-Series involving Zimbabwe and West Indies in 2016/17.
  • Sri Lanka have lost 27 out of the 35 ODIs they have played since the start of 2017.

Prediction

I picked Sri Lanka to do well in my first two previews, but they have let me down. I back South Africa to take the series in the 3rd ODI, as they are looking far better than their opponents at the moment.

England v India 1st Test Player Ratings: “Anyone else here?”

Charbel Coorey
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0

What an enthralling Test.

Yes, even as an Aussie, I have to say well played England.

I was loving life on day three when they were in all sorts of trouble, but it was a great fightback. Actually, both teams fought back from awful positions throughout this memorable match. It was Test cricket at its best – drama and tension that even a partner who is totally wrong for you doesn’t provide.

So hey, why don’t we protect Test cricket a little more?

I’ve put my viewpoints across, but in this piece, as always, I will take a light-hearted look at what was a bloody fantastic Test match. No sport can play with your emotions just like Test cricket does, and now I don’t know what to do with my life until the next Test starts. India fans, don’t despair, you’re not Sri Lanka at the moment!

So, here goes – my player ratings out of ten for each player. Leave a comment!

England:

Alastair Cook: For all my fellow Arsenal fans, we are entering Arsene Wenger territory. Holding onto past memories, no longer able to capture the form that made him great. Got two cracking deliveries from Ashwin, but is the end near? As a massive Cook fan, I hope he bounces back. England are praying he does, as they still can’t replace Andrew Strauss! 2

Keaton Jennings: Played well in the first innings. Dismissal unluckier than having to listen to Harbajhan Singh commentate. Second innings dismissal to a rampant Ashwin. Showed enough to suggest a good series? Maybe. 5.5
Joe Root: Standard Joe Root Test match. Look good. Get to 50. Get out. Stuart Broad was even wondering what the hell is going on. Mic drop. 7



Dawid Malan: Does Dawid Malan hate James Anderson or something? Dropped a couple off his bowling and had a quiet one with the bat. As one bloke put it on Twitter – “Malan is not a Test number four long as he has a hole in his arse.” Shame, because he looked good in the Ashes in Australia. Finished the game in the negatives thanks to crucial drop off Virat Kohli in the first innings. More drops than a very rainy day. 1

Jonny Bairstow: Someone should tell Jonny that it’s not white ball cricket and that he can cover his stumps. Adjustment needs to be made. Still scored 98 runs for the Test, though, plus five second innings dismissals. A good outing in anyone’s book, but India can focus on a chink in his armour perhaps… 8

Ben Stokes: First innings dismissal softer than McDonald’s ice cream but wow… what a performance with the ball from Stokes. Won the game for his team with the crucial wicket of Virat Kohli on the game’s final day. He’s getting closer to his best form… 8

Jos Buttler: Should pretend he’s up against a weakened Australia in white ball cricket! Quiet game, for once. 1

Sam Curran: If you predicted Sam Curran would have the impact he did, let me know so I can use you for my predictions pieces before a series. What a magnificent performance, especially with the ball first up and then a second innings 63 to give England a defendable total. 9.5

Adil Rashid: We were all watching closely – none more so than Michael Vaughan, and Adil Rashid did pretty well. Didn’t bowl too many overs, but contributed well. Red ball cricket is not that bad aye, Rash? 7

Stuart Broad: Two key second innings wickets to get England going. Also involved in a vital 39 run stand with Sam Curran to get England towards a 200 lead. Will have more of a say as the series goes on. 6.5

James Anderson: I heard Jimmy strangled Dawid Malan. Deserved more than his four wickets. Bowled beautifully. 8

India


Murali Vijay: One of the beneficiaries of Dawid Malan’s slip ‘catching’, but couldn’t go on! If he did, would the Kohli haters have mentioned it, as they did about Kohli? 3

Shikhar Dhawan: For me, Shikhar walks around with a big “W” on his head when in England. W stands for Wicket. Walking Wicket. Loose drives need to be shelved in conditions like these. 4

KL Rahul: First innings shot that would have been heavily criticised even in a T20 game. If your Test number three is playing strokes like that, maybe it’s time to rethink the strategy. Looks out of sorts, did KL. 2

Virat Kohli: Can I give 11/10? What a magnificent performance from Virat. The road to greatness is just about complete. He spent half his time batting, and the other half looking for support. It is so harsh to take .5 of a point away from him, but he couldn’t quite manage to get his team home, even though the others didn’t pull their weight. 9.5

Good question, Virat…

Ajinkya Rahane: When watching Rahane’s shot in the second innings, I asked myself “Did he just have a major operation or something?” It was a shot as if he was in pain. Disappointing outing from a typically very reliable player for India overseas. 3

Dinesh Karthik: Promising second innings knock, and unfortunately couldn’t get going on the fourth day. Needed to stick around longer. Positive signs. 4

Hardik Pandya: Hardik was India’s second highest run scorer for the Test. And they nearly won. Can you believe it? The other batsman need to arrive to England from holiday. Nonetheless, positives to take from his performance, despite perhaps not farming the strike as best he could towards the end. 7

Ravichandran Ashwin: He bowled beautifully. This is his breakthrough match overseas, and while conditions did assist, he utilised what was on offer absolutely perfectly. As Ramiz Raja (no, not him) put it, he owns a house, car, bike and Alastair Cook! 9
Mohammed Shami: Had his good moments, and India would be encouraged, in my opinion. 6.5

Ishant Sharma: Simply superb. Ishant Sharma has been reborn in England in 2018. Superb swing and seam bowling. His best haircut in years as well. 9

Umesh Yadav: At times, a pile of rubbish looked more attractive than Umesh’s bowling. Just has to find greater consistency. Bet India really can’t wait for Bhuvneshwar Kumar to come back. 3
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So, what a Test match that was!
Hopefully these player ratings got a little chuckle or two out of you. One thing is for sure, though, we all can’t wait for the second Test. Can India sort out their batting issues? Can England go 2-0 up? Should be an interesting watch.
Thanks for reading!

West Indies v Bangladesh 2nd T20I Preview

Charbel Coorey
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Image credit: Times of India

Four, six, dot or out. Do Bangladesh know anything other than these in T20Is?

West Indies won’t be complaining. They built pressure by taking wickets in the first T20I, and they’ll be backing themselves to do the same as the series moves to the United States of America. As the world champions in this format, they should be backing themselves to win the series against a side that just hasn’t taken a grasp of the format. Surely.

Why? Because Bangladesh continue to leave plenty to be desired. They just never got going in St. Kitts on Tuesday night, losing wicket after wicket faster than a non-Asian side on a rank turner, simply because it was a shot a ball, rather than properly planning an innings. Can they put in a better show and keep the series alive? Given their form, which is three wins in their last 21 T20Is, it seems unlikely. However, Bangladesh can cause a surprise, so West Indies need to beware.

Key to a West Indies win

Led by Ashley Nurse, Keemo Paul and Kesrick Williams, the Windies broke the back of Bangladesh’s batting in comprehensive fashion on Tuesday.
Seeing Bangladesh play a shot a ball was the equivalent of beautiful music to the ears for the Windies, with a wicket always around the corner. The key for West Indies will be their bowlers to continue to complement each other, whilst snaffling up the many chances Bangladesh are sure to offer. They have bowled out the opposition twice in three completed games at Lauderhill, and if they do the same here, they’ll take the series.
Also, as mentioned in my 1st T20I Preview, if the Windies batting fires, any total Bangladesh can muster probably won’t be enough. With West Indies boasting three of the four highest totals at Lauderhill, Bangladesh’s bowlers are sure to be in for a tough day.

Key to a Bangladesh win

The Tigers will have to be much better than they were in the 1st T20I, that’s for sure.
There was simply no balance or proper planning to their batting effort, and 143/9 was peanuts. A total like that was never going to be enough.
In this must-win T20I, they must put an emphasis on rotating the strike, so they get the most out of their boundaries. Also, they never had a chance to launch at the end, simply because they had no wickets in hand. Will they learn from their mistakes and give enough runs for their bowlers?
Speaking of the bowlers – they have a big ask in keeping the Windies quiet. Can they pick up wickets regularly to halt progress? The likes of Mustafizur Rahman, Mehidy Hasan and Rubel Hossain will be key.

Possible teams

Can’t see West Indies making any changes.
West Indies possible XI: 1. Evin Lewis, 2. Andre Fletcher, 3. Andre Russell, 4. Marlon Samuels, 5. Denesh Ramdin (wk), 6. Rovman Powell, 7. Carlos Brathwaite (c), 8. Keemo Paul, 9. Ashley Nurse, 10. Samuel Badree, 11. Kesrick Williams
For Bangladesh, I expect at least one change. Soumya Sarkar’s horrible form continues, and could be replaced by Mossadek Hossain.
Bangladesh possible XI: 1. Liton Das, 2. Tamim Iqbal, 3. Soumya Sarkar, 4. Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), 5. Shakib Al Hasan (c), 6. Mahmudullah, 7. Ariful Haque, 8. Mehidy Hasan Miraz, 9. Mustafizur Rahman, 10. Nazmul Islam, 11. Rubel Hossain

Stats and Facts

  • Bangladesh have lost five T20Is in a row. It is the sixth time they have lost at least five T20Is in a row.
  • West Indies won the last completed game at Lauderhill, which yielded 489 runs against India. 
  • Tamim Iqbal needs 65 runs to complete 1,000 international runs in 2018.

Prediction

Hoping for a better Bangladesh performance, but they are really struggling in this format. West Indies, on the other hand, look strong. They should win and take the series out.
Thanks for reading!

Funny Cricket Tweets 2018 V.3!

Charbel Coorey
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High profile international cricket matches always means some funny cricket tweets as well.

Over the last couple of weeks, there have been some that have had me bursting out laughing. Travelling for work this week, I saw a couple that had me laughing pretty loudly in the hotel room, which had hoping the walls weren’t too thin. Everyone in the hotel probably heard me, though…

In what will be a regular post, I will share some of my favourite cricket tweets over the last two weeks. Hope you enjoy them as much as I did!

Cricket Tweet #1: Nice guy Shikhar Dhawan!

I tweeted that if one of Shikhar Dhawan or Cheteshwar Pujara were to be left out, then maybe Dhawan should have been the one. 
But @chandu3110 had me laughing big time at this tweet. Dhawan, the team messenger! There is no excuse for any Indian batsman to not know how the pitch is performing! Beauty.

Cricket Tweet #2: John Cena or Virat Kohli?

One of my favourite tweets from the last couple of weeks. Adil Rashid’s ball to Kohli was scarier than The Undertaker, for sure!
Virat Kohli’s reaction to Adil Rashid’s “ball of all-time” as described (not quite) by the English media won Adil Rashid a Test call up. Great use of a John Cena GIF for cricketing purposes, @monicas004. Had me in stitches!

Cricket Tweet #3: Watch when you come to our territory…

@cricloverakku regularly puts out some absolute beauties, and this was another. 
Sri Lanka beat South Africa 2-0 in the recent Test series on turning tracks, and this tweet gave us a nice little insight into the kind of pitches Sri Lanka will be greeted with on their next visit. As green as the outfield! Beauty!

Cricket Tweet #4: Ah no, you don’t look like all I need.

A girl with barely any clothes on is not all you need when South Africa’s Test batting in Asia looked as convincing as Joe Root trying to convert a Test half century
AB de Villiers is really being missed. Awesome tweet from @Petrivz.

Cricket Tweet #5: Test Cricket, what are you doing to us?

@NeilManthorp is a commentator I enjoy listening to, and this tweet shows that he gets cricket!
Yep… when Test cricket is on, it is damn hard to get anything done. 
“Woops, six hours just went by…”

Cricket Tweet #6: Spot on mate, spot on

Yep, @imsanjivraman knows what’s up. He gets us Aussies. Under no circumstances are we to barrack for England.
I am a very nervous man today with England a chance of picking up victory in the first Test against India. Virat Kohli, all of Australia loves you right now… (well, I do).

Cricket Tweet #7: Bangalore 2016 re-lived!

Ah, @Holdthedoor19 could see the future!
Bangladesh won that first ODI, but when Mushfiqur was required to steer Bangladesh home in the second ODI, he got out slogging to deep midwicket. Deja vu World T20 Bangalore 2016. Internal celebrations before winning runs were hit! Nagin dance was looking very tempting…

Cricket Tweet #8: There is just no satisfying them!

One that had me in stitches. It’s so true. Well said @father_second.
Virat Kohli’s performance in this Test has been truly remarkable. It’s as if no batsman has ever been dropped before! Remember, world class batsmen make you pay for missed chances, and that’s what Kohli did. Had it not been for Kohli, this match would have been well over by now…
Number six had me in tears… If you’re a Kohli hater, it’s time to eat some humble pie…

Cricket Tweet #9: Not all smooth sailing for Sri Lanka in the Tests…

If you have read articles of mine, you’d know I love a joke or two. This was a beauty.
@Cricket365 concerned about Sri Lanka in a difficult series for South Africa. Serious risk of salmonella… Nice!

Cricket Tweet #10: English Media: Nah… but wait, he wasn’t English…

The English Media are so bad that when any spinner bowls a great delivery, you just have to take a dig at them!
Ravi Ashwin bowled two absolute beauties to Alastair Cook (who looks a little cooked), and @imsgshinde tweeted what we were all thinking!

Cricket Tweet #11: No doubt about it…

@Im_Arfan, the only thing I’d change in this tweet is “ball of the century” to “ball of the millennium.”
English commentators: “You could put two and count it as one, right?” 
Great tweet!

Cricket Tweet #12: Hey, could you replace the actual Ramiz in the commentary box?

Real Ramiz Raja: “That has gone for six on the full”
@RameezzRaja: Super tweets like this one.
Lovely description of Ravi Ashwin! I’d love to hear this in a commentary box!

Cricket Tweet #13: Daddy Hundreds for one, Daddy Ducks for the other…

Virat Kohli’s Daddy Hundreds reminded @DPJHodges of Alastair Cook’s struggles!
Had me laughing… But how long do England persist with Cook? Made even the more difficult when they haven’t adequately replaced his opening partner from six years ago. LOL.

Cricket Tweet #14: Dawid, this means it’s all over…

Even as I write this, I still laugh. Beautiful use of words to describe Dawid Malan’s place in the England team…
Don’t think Dawid will close the hole in his arse. Looks like his place in the team is gone. Funny stuff from @ThorleyAlex.

Cricket Tweet #15: Take that, England…

@Cricloverakku with another goodie. 
All the talk was about Kohli in the lead up to the series, and he has buried his previous England nightmares emphatically! The media riled Kohli up (with the help of Dawid Malan)… England need to be very careful about getting him fired up for the rest of the series.
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So, there are my 15 favourite tweets from the last couple of weeks.
Hope you enjoyed them as much as I did. 
Thanks for reading!

England v India 1st Test Preview

Charbel Coorey
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0


The much awaited series is upon us! I’m travelling for work today, but literally wrote this on the plane. As you can tell, I can’t wait!

Can England, as the fifth ranked Test side, beat India at home to start feeling better about themselves after a fruitless nine months in the format? Or will India ramp home their number one ranking in Tests?

The nature of Test cricket now suggests that England are favourites for the first Test, despite their ranking, thanks to home advantage. England possess a side with a strong know-how in terms of performing well at home, and will back themselves to get ahead in the series against a side that is desperate to prove itself away from Asia. Can England start the series better than they did in 2014, and put India on the back foot right away?

That India are led by Virat Kohli makes this series all the more intriguing. His terrible 2014 series, as well as his status as arguably the best batsman in the world, makes for a tantalising clash. Can Kohli and the Indians overcome the guile and skill of James Anderson and Stuart Broad? If Shikhar Dhawan and Cheteshwar Pujara both play, what can they offer? What about the bowlers in the absence of Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah?

Yes, as you can tell, I can’t wait!

Key to an England win


Two vital players for England are undoubtedly Joe Root and Alastair Cook.

Joe Root, despite his Test record, hasn’t become the dominant batsman he is made to be. His last nine 50+ scores (excluding his 58* in Sydney earlier this year where he retired ill) have not been converted to centuries, and the time is now for him to take a big series by the scruff of the neck.

For Alastair Cook, he has had a lean run of form over the last 12 months when you exclude his two double hundreds, one each against West Indies and Australia. Can he provide a great foil for Keaton Jennings and ensure a strong opening partnership for England?

If these two score the runs they can, against opponents they enjoy playing against, England are likely to put on strong totals.

Also, can England effectively target Shikhar Dhawan and Cheteshwar Pujara (if selected), and put extra pressure on Virat Kohli and the India middle order? The pitch, despite conditions warm and dry, is expected to have something in it for the seam bowlers. A fascinating battle awaits.

Key to an India win


India now have arguably their best ingredients to win a high profile series away from Asia.

Virat Kohli, as mentioned, will be a huge factor, but what about the others? Who else will step up and take it upon themselves to ensure a successful first Test for India?

Shikhar Dhawan and Cheteshwar Pujara will likely get the nod for the first Test, and they have to contribute. Whether it’s a sharp 50 from Dhawan or patient 30 from Pujara, these two simply have to absorb the pressure that comes with their batting positions. If these two, India’s biggest concerns, can contribute, India have plenty of quality elsewhere to keep England toiling in the field for a while.

With James Anderson, Stuart Broad and then not much more experience in the England bowling line up, a great opportunity presents India to force Broad and Anderson to do lots of work.

Also, what can the Indian seamers offer? I’d like to see Ishant Sharma pitch the ball up further, accompanied by consistent bowling by Umesh Yadav and Mohammed Shami. All three have shown encouraging signs in one way or another in 2018, and it’s important they transfer it to the big stage. Same applies for Ravichandran Ashwin, who will likely get the nod for the spinner role, along with Hardik Pandya for the allrounder spot. 

All to play for.

Possible teams


If England match the fight between Adil Rashid and Michael Vaughan, they’ll be hard to beat! England have confirmed their side for the first Test, with Rashid and Sam Curran included.

England possible XI: 1. Alastair Cook, 2. Keaton Jennings, 3. Joe Root ©, 4. Dawid Malan, 5. Ben Stokes, 6. Jonny Bairstow (wk), 7. Jos Buttler, 8. Sam Curran, 9. Adil Rashid, 10. Stuart Broad, 11. James Anderson

For India, there are lots of possibilities but I think they will go with Dhawan and Pujara for the first Test. Ashwin will likely get the role of spinner and Hardik the allrounder, with the pitch likely to offer something for the seamers. A lot depends on Ajinkya Rahane, too, who has a fantastic record overseas.

India possible XI: 1. Murali Vijay, 2. Shikhar Dhawan, 3. Cheteshwar Pujara, 4. Virat Kohli ©, 5. Ajinkya Rahane, 6. Dinesh Karthik (wk), 7. Hardik Pandya, 8. Ravichandran Ashwin, 9. Mohammed Shami, 10. Umesh Yadav, 11. Ishant Sharma

Stats and Facts


  • England have not lost a five match Test series at home since 2001.

  • India have lost seven of their last nine Tests in England, winning once.

  • Before the win against Pakistan in June, England had gone eight Tests without a win.

  • Virat Kohli averaged just 13.40 on his last Test tour to England.

  • Joe Root has not converted his last nine 50+ scores.

Prediction


Good luck predicting the result of this one!

Anything can happen in this series, which makes it a beauty. Which way will the first Test go?

I will pick England to win the first Test, given India’s concerns in their top order. Of course, if India’s top order has a good game, they are a great chance of winning the Test.

Thanks for reading!

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