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2nd ODI Preview: Impressive India look to go 2-0 up

Charbel Coorey
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First, it was no AB De Villiers for South Africa, and they struggled without him in the opening game. Now, the man who saved their batting effort with a superb 120 in Durban, Faf Du Plessis, is out for the rest of the series with a finger injury.

South Africa, led by the young Aiden Markram, now well and truly have their backs to the wall. India are like a pack of wolves right now, hunting their prey, and who better to lead them than the ruthless, magnificent Virat Kohli. India and their fans now smell a big series win, and will look to spin South Africa into a web once again in Centurion.

Key to a South Africa win

Had it not been for Faf Du Plessis, the 1st ODI would have been over a lot sooner. Now, with him out for the rest of the series, the rest of the South African batting line up must take extra responsibility.
South Africa have spoken at length about how Virat Kohli is the backbone of India’s batting lineup, and how if they get him early, they’ll beat India. What they should be focusing on instead is better handling India’s wristspinners, who combined for 5/79 in 20 overs in the 1st ODI, in a score of 269/8.
South Africa, led by Du Plessis, did well to reach such a score, however, the key is to find ways to better rotate the strike against Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav. When 20 overs of your innings brings about a score of 5/79, it is very hard to win a game of cricket.
Quinton De Kock struck at under 70 for his 34, and none of Hashim Amla, Aiden Markram, JP Duminy or David Miller got more than 16. In the absence of Du Plessis, this must change in the 2nd ODI.
Faf Du Plessis was superb in a losing cause

Key to an India win

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I mentioned in my 1st ODI Preview that India’s batting looks strong, especially with the addition of Ajinkya Rahane, who became only the 3rd Indian to score 5 consecutive ODI half centuries. Virat Kohli did what Virat Kohli does best, and anchored another successful run chase for his team.
However, the win in the 1st ODI was set up by the bowlers, especially the two wristspinners as mentioned. On what is expected to be a good batting pitch in Centurion, India’s effectiveness at the top and in the middle overs will be key to make South Africa unable to properly launch in the slog overs.
Again, the bowlers will have a key role to play, this time against a line up with no AB De Villiers or Faf Du Plessis. India smell blood in the water, and must go in for the kill.
Three of India’s top performers in the 1st ODI

Predicted teams:

Aiden Markram, in just his 3rd ODI, will captain South Africa. His leadership skills were highly thought of when he led the South Africa Under-19 team to World Cup glory in 2014, but this will be a huge test for the young man. Farhaan Behardein will replace Faf in my opinion, as they will want his experience. Also, Imran Tahir needs to step up after taking 0/51 in 10 overs in Durban.
South Africa XI: 1. Quinton De Kock (wk), 2. Hashim Amla, 3. Aiden Markram (c), 4. JP Duminy, 5. Farhaan Behardein, 6. David Miller, 7. Chris Morris, 8. Andile Phuhlekwayo, 9. Kagiso Rabada, 10. Morne Morkel, 11. Imran Tahir
There is talk of Bhuvneshwar Kumar being rested in Centurion again as the pitch might not offer too much for his bowling. I expect him, as well as both wristspinners, to play. Otherwise, no changes to the winning formula from the 1st ODI.
India XI: 1. Rohit Sharma, 2. Shikhar Dhawan, 3. Virat Kohli, 4. Ajinkya Rahane, 5. MS Dhoni, 6. Kedar Yadav, 7. Hardik Pandya, 8. Bhuvneshwar Kumar, 9. Jasprit Bumrah, 10. Kuldeep Yadav, 11. Yuzvendra Chahal

Stats & Facts:

  • In the 1st ODI, India broke South Africa’s winning streak of 17 straight ODIs at home.
  • Aiden Markram is now South Africa’s second youngest captain in ODIs, after Graeme Smith.
  • MS Dhoni is 98 runs away from reaching 10,000 ODI runs.
  • After their win in the 1st ODI, India are the new no.1 ODI team.
  • 20 of Virat Kohli’s 33 ODI centuries have come when chasing.

Prediction:

With no Faf Du Plessis or AB De Villiers, I see India’s bowling attack giving South Africa’s batsmen problems once again. 
Also, with India’s batting line up looking like anyone can step up when required, I expect India to win. Man of the match will be Rohit Sharma, with solid contributions from Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane once again.
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BBL Final Preview: Maiden title up for grabs for both teams

Charbel Coorey
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Six weeks of BBL action comes down to this. Two surprise packages in this season’s tournament will contest the BBL07 Final, and we will see a brand new BBL winner.

Key to an Adelaide Strikers win

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Before the season started, question marks were placed on Adelaide’s ability to deal with the losses of the Ben Dunk, Brad Hodge and Kane Richardson, which left a massive hole in terms of experience. However, they have been superb as a team, with the likes of Alex Carey, Travis Head and the Adelaide bowling attack all having superb seasons.

Rashid Khan and Billy Stanlake will be huge losses, but Adelaide in front of their home crowd will be tough to beat. Adelaide’s batting has been consistent all season, and so has their bowling, but how they cope without Rashid and Stanlake will be key. Ben Laughlin (who indeed got lucky in the final over v Renegades), Peter Siddle and Michael Neser have a big task ahead of them.

Key to a Hobart Hurricanes win

Take advantage of the absence of Rashid Khan and Billy Stanlake.
Hobart’s batting in the semi final, without D’Arcy Short, was simply brilliant, amassing 210 against defending champions Perth. The key for Hobart will be to back up this effort and force Adelaide into panic mode with no Stanlake or Rashid to fall back on.
On the bowling front, I look forward to seeing how Hobart follow up after bowling Perth out for 139.

Predicted Teams:

Adelaide Strikers XI: 1. Alex Carey (wk), 2. Jake Weatherald, 3. Travis Head (c), 4. Colin Ingram, 5. Jonathan Wells, 6. Jake Lehmann, 7. Jono Dean, 8. Michael Neser, 9. Peter Siddle, 10. Ben Laughlin, 11. Liam O’Connor
Hobart Hurricanes XI: 1. D’Arcy Short, 2. Matthew Wade, 3. George Bailey (c), 4. Ben McDermott, 5. Dan Christian, 6. Simon Milenko, 7. Tim Paine (wk), 8. Jofra Archer, 9. Clive Rose, 10. Thomas Rogers, 11. Riley Meredith

Stats and Facts:

  • Neither Adelaide nor Hobart have won the BBL before. This is Adelaide’s first ever appearance in a final.
  • D’Arcy Short (504) and Alex Carey (425) lead the run scoring charts.
  • Head-to-Head: Adelaide 5, Hobart 3. This season, both teams have won one a piece.

Prediction:

Personally, I think Hobart have hit their best form at the right end of the season, and Adelaide will really miss Billy Stanlake and Rashid Khan. 
The form of Matthew Wade in the semi final, with the addition of D’Arcy Short is a tantalising prospect, and might be difficult for Adelaide to deal with. Also, Hobart’s attack was on song against Perth, and Jofra Archer will be the big X Factor. With the big losses for Adelaide in the bowling attack, and Hobart hitting top form, I will pick Hobart Hurricanes to take out the title. 
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WBBL Preview: Both teams look to create history

Charbel Coorey
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In the T20 fest in Australia, we have a great game to look forward to today, with the Women’s Big Bash Final between Perth Scorchers and Sydney Sixers. This has been a huge season for the women’s game, which started with record attendance and viewership figures for the Women’s Ashes, and this has followed through to an excellent WBBL tournament that most certainly deserves to be stand alone, but that is a discussion for another day.

Both teams are packed with match-winners who can swing the game their team’s way, and with T20 the kind of game where one over can change the momentum of a game, it could be one where we will be unsure of the result right until the very end.

One way or another, history will be made in this game. If the Scorchers win, it will be their first ever WBBL title. If the Sixers win, they will be the first team to win two WBBL titles. In a rematch of last year’s final, Perth will be keen to get revenge.

Key to a Perth Scorchers win

Perth possess two of the top three WBBL03 run scorers in their team. Elyse Villiani has been superb, 
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topping the run chart with 519 runs at a superb average and strike rate of 43.25 and 131.05 respectively. Nicole Bolton is not too far behind in third place, and has been a key stalwart for Perth at the top of the order. 
In addition, Perth have the top wicket taker – the magnificent Katherine Brunt, who has taken 23 wickets at an average of 10.47 and economy rate of just 4.72.
These three players hold the key for Perth, and if the team can perform well around them, they could very well be on their way to their first WBBL title.

Key to a Sydney Sixers win

Sydney Sixers also possess excellent performers, who sit top of the WBBL charts. Ellyse Perry is a huge key for the Sixers. A superhuman sportswoman, Perry has had an incredible summer. Following on from her superb Ashes performance, which included a double hundred, Perry has scored 516 runs at 43.00 in WBBL03, and while her strike rate of 99.00 might seem low, it has helped others bat around her. Beneficiaries include Ash Gardner (who was brilliant in the semi) and the excellent Alyssa Healy.

Another key will be if the Sixers bowlers can get on top of the Scorchers strong batting line up. Sarah Aley and Dane van Niekerk sit right behind Katherine Brunt in the wicket taking charts, and the Sixers will be hoping these two in particular can put the squeeze on the scorchers line up. Add Sarah Coyte who has taken seven wickets since her return, and Garth who has taken at least one wicket in her last eight games, and the Sixers possess a strong attack.

Stats and Facts:

  • If Perth win, it will be the first instance of a team outside of Sydney winning the WBBL. Sydney Sixers and Sydney Thunder have one title each to date.
  • The Perth Scorchers have won both encounters against the Sydney Sixers this season. The first was by 9 wickets and the second by 6 wickets. Both wins were achieved with over an over to spare.
  • This is the Sixers’ third final, and Perth’s second.

Prediction:

This one can go either way.
Perth will be desperate to continue their good run against the Sixers this season to lift their first WBBL title. However, Sydney Sixers possess the experience and know-how to win the big games, and this is why I will pick the Sixers to win in a tight game, and lift their second WBBL title.
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1st T20I Preview: Can Australia improve their limited overs game?

Charbel Coorey
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It is T20 galore in Australia at the moment, with the 1st T20I of the tri-series sandwiched on the day between the Big Bash semi final and final.

As a result, the focus of the Australian public may be more on the Big Bash Final rather than the opening T20I of the tri-series between Australia and New Zealand, which also includes England. However, this promises to be an exciting clash as Australia are looking to pick up their form in limited overs, and New Zealand, despite their recent series loss to Pakistan, remain a very strong T20I side (as their no.2 ranking suggests).

Key to an Australia win

I’m really liking the look of the Australian team. Filled with excellent performers from the Big Bash, 
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Australia, like they should have probably done in the ODIs, have a more fresh, exciting looking squad. Even with Aaron Finch and Steve Steve missing, Australia possess a strong team on paper.
D’Arcy Short should win the player of the BBL07 prize for his outstanding season, and if David Warner can get going, Australia could be off to an absolute flyer. Alex Carey has also had a magnificent season, and in conjunction with Travis Head, Glenn Maxwell, Chris Lynn and Marcus Stoinis, Australia now have a nucleus in which they can build on from now till the T20 World Cup at home in 2020.
The key for Australia will be their powerful batting line up to make their mark.

Key to a New Zealand win

New Zealand also possess firepower of their own. Colin Munro, if fit, will be one to watch tonight – he has scored three T20I hundreds in the last 13 months, and Martin Guptill, after going unsold in the IPL Auction, will be itching to prove a point. Also, Colin de Grandhomme has proven himself to be a strong hitter.
However, on paper, Australia’s batting looks to be more powerful, which puts the onus on New Zealand’s bowlers to help set up a win. New Zealand’s spinners Mitchell Santner and Ish Sodhi rank one and three respectively in the T20I bowler rankings, and can help put the squeeze on Australia’s batsmen. Also, if Trent Boult and Tim Southee can get the ball swinging early, Australia’s powerful batting line up might not have it all their own way.
Certainly, New Zealand have the bowling attack to cause Australia headaches, and they need to deliver.

Predicted teams

As mentioned, I’m really liking to the look of the Australia team. Travis Head should slot in after a magnificent 85* for Adelaide Strikers on Friday night. Australia’s middle order looks very strong, and I’m looking forward to see how Billy Stanlake (who will offer more than Zampa) and Andrew Tye go. I believe they should both play.
Australia XI: 1. D’Arcy Short, 2. David Warner (c), 3. Travis Head, 4. Chris Lynn, 5. Glenn Maxwell, 6. Marcus Stoinis, 7. Alex Carey (wk), 8. Ashton Agar, 9. Andrew Tye, 10. Kane Richardson, 11. Billy Stanlake
For New Zealand, their main strength is their bowling in my opinion, and their spinners can keep Australia’s batting quiet. Also, they’ll be hoping Munro is fit after missing the 3rd T20I v Pakistan last week with a hamstring complaint.
New Zealand XI: 1. Martin Guptill, 2. Colin Munro, 3. Kane Williamson (c), 4. Ross Raylor, 5. Colin de Grandhomme, 6. Anaru Kitchen, 7. Tom Blundell (wk), 8. Mitchell Santner, 9. Tim Southee, 10. Ish Sodhi, 11. Trent Boult

Stats and Facts:

  • Last T20I game at the SCG: India chased down 198 v Australia in 2016.
  • New Zealand’s spinners occupy two of the top three T20I bowling ranking spots. Mitchell Santner is no.1 and Ish Sodhi no.3.
  • New Zealand have only beaten Australia once in T20Is (at the 2016 World T20).
  • Colin Munro needs three runs to reach 1,000 T20I runs. He is the only player to have three T20I hundreds.

Prediction:

It is a bit of a shame that this T20I will be played on a very busy T20 weekend in Australia, as it promises to be a really good game.
I think Australia, with their strong home record over New Zealand in all formats, have enough batting firepower to get them over the line. However, New Zealand won’t be an easy beat, and this could be a really tight game.
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1st ODI Preview: Top two teams do battle

Charbel Coorey
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The roles have now reversed. After South Africa were successful over no.1 Test side India in the recently concluded Test series, India (no. 2) will look to do the same and beat South Africa (no.1) in the six match ODI series starting in Durban.

Despite the fact that I would have liked to see at least an extra Test, the ODI series promises to be interesting, with South Africa looking to keep their no.1 ranking against a team that has won their last eight ODI series in a row. South Africa have suffered a blow with AB De Villiers missing for the first three ODIs, so it remains to be seen how the side goes without him. However, South Africa still possess a line up full of firepower, and will be hoping that the change in format will help the likes of Quinton De Kock find form.

For India, they certainly have the quality to win away from home in limited overs cricket. Their last ODI assignment outside of Asia (excl. WI) was a 4-1 loss against Australia two years ago, but like in the Tests, their bowlers have certainly shown they have improved over the last couple of years. Like South Africa, India will be hoping some key players find form after the Test series, notably Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan, who were both dropped during the Test series.

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Key to a South Africa win

How South Africa go without AB De Villiers will be key. 
Quinton De Kock is out of form, and a change in format might free him up a little. De Kock is crucial as he can set the tone for the innings. JP Duminy is coming off a good run of scores in the domestic one-day tournament, and David Miller’s last innings for South Africa was his record breaking century off 35 balls in a T20I in October. Add Hashim Amla, Faf Du Plessis and Aiden Markram, who all showed glimpses of form in the Test series, and South Africa have a strong top six on paper that need to deliver in AB’s absence.
Runs on the board is important against India’s strong ODI batting line up.

Key to an India win

For India, while the performance of their batting unit is important, their bowlers will be under the spotlight.
Can they take advantage of AB’s absence and continue to build on their good showings at home? Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah have led the attack really well, and have been supported well by the likes of Yuzvendra Chahal, who will have to bowl well to compete with Imran Tahir.
If India bowl really well, it will go a long way to helping them achieve victory.
Predicted teams:


Aiden Markram will take AB De Villiers’ number 4 position. I expect Imran Tahir to be the only spin option, with Morkel, Rabada, Morris and Phuhlekwayo the seam options.
South Africa XI: 1. Hashim Amla, 2. Quinton De Kock (wk), 3. Faf Du Plessis (c), 4. Aiden Markram, 5. JP Duminy, 6. David Miller, 7. Chris Morris, 8. Andile Phuhlekwayo, 9. Kagiso Rabada, 10. Morne Morkel, 11. Imran Tahir
For India, their batting line up in ODIs looks fantastic. Rohit Sharma blew Sri Lanka away recently with a double hundred in the 2nd ODI and also the equal fastest T20I hundred (35 balls). After I said during the Sri Lanka series that Ajinkya Rahane should be at no.4, I expect to see him here, which makes for an excellent top order which includes the magnificent Virat Kohli.
India XI: 1. Rohit Sharma, 2. Shikhar Dhawan, 3. Virat Kohli (c), 4. Ajinkya Rahane, 5. MS Dhoni (wk), 6. Kedar Yadhav, 7. Hardik Pandya, 8. Bhuvneshwar Kumar, 9. Jasprit Bumrah, 10. Yuzvendra Chahal, 11. Mohammed Shami

Stats & Facts:

  • In Tests, India are the no. 1 team and South Africa no. 2. In ODIs, it’s the other way around with South Africa no. 1 and India no. 2
  • The last two meetings between these two teams in an ODI series saw South Africa beat India 3-2 in India in 2015.
  • India have won their last eight bilateral ODI series in a row, but have only won five out of 28 bilateral ODIs in South Africa.
  • MS Dhoni needs 102 runs to become the 4th Indian to 10,000 ODI runs.

Prediction:

India showed in the Test series that they are an improved line up away from home. In addition, this is a format where they are more equipped to win away from home, thanks to flatter pitches.
I back them to win here in the absence of AB De Villiers, with Virat Kohli Man of the Match.
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If Arsenal FC were a cricket team, who would they be?

Charbel Coorey
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As you can see, I am a cricket fanatic, with a huge love for the game. Unfortunately, I am also an Arsenal fanatic, forced to go through awful performance after awful performance, especially away from home. So, despite the exciting signing of Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang, I saw more terrible defeats by Arsenal, this time to our biggest rivals in the Premier League, Tottenham and then Ostersunds in the Europa League. It got me thinking – why not use my disappointment with Arsenal as an opportunity for a little fun, and have a think about which international cricket side Arsenal FC would be?

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A few teams come to mind right away for me. India and Australia, like Arsenal, aren’t as good away as they are at home, but don’t show the inconsistency Arsenal do. So they are both out of the question. England, especially in Test cricket in recent times, can give their fans a hard time, just like Arsenal do, but they are a terrific limited overs team. South Africa deserve to be no.1 in Tests, and New Zealand punch above their weight.

For me, it has to be a side that promises so much, and yet you never know what you will get. A side that on its day, can be one of the best in the world, and then the next day could be off day, where they are the one of the worst in the world. A team that wins the Champions Trophy, and then six months or so later, give up a series in New Zealand by getting bowled out for 74. Like Arsenal beating Chelsea last week then losing to Swansea this week, this cricket side can challenge any side in the world on their day, but lose to any side on another day.

You guessed right, Pakistan.

If Arsenal were a cricket team, they’d be Pakistan. Both teams are full of talent and promise, and yet can’t quite go to the next level. Pakistan are ranked 7th in Tests, and this should be better looking at their bowling attack. In ODIs, they sit 6th (like Arsenal), despite winning the Champions Trophy! In T20Is though, Pakistan are first. The equivalent of that for me would be Arsenal in the League Cup Final, which they are!

So what do you think? Do you think another cricket team better represents Arsenal?

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Winners & Losers from the IPL Auction

Charbel Coorey
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The IPL Auction came and went, and with it being a big talking point right now, it’s time to discuss which teams and players benefited the most.This article will highlight my winners and losers from the auction.

My winners will include teams who picked not only the biggest players, but also players who represent value for money and who I believe will have a great impact for their team. My losers will include players who surprisingly missed out, as well as teams who paid more than they should have for a certain player.

Winners:

Sunrisers Hyderabad – Rashid Khan (USD 1.37 million)


Sunrisers Hyderabad have retained the services of Rashid Khan, and this is a big win for them in the auction.
Rashid Khan has risen rapidly to become arguably the best T20 bowler in the world, and in subcontinent conditions, he will present an even tougher examination for batsmen. In the current Big Bash, following on from impressive stints overseas, including the IPL, Rashid Khan has been a sensation. In conditions that aren’t conducive to spin bowling, Rashid Khan is equal top of the wicket taking charts with 17 wickets in 10 matches at 13.00, with an economy rate of just 5.52. He has been an integral part of Adelaide Strikers’ run to the semi finals.
Sunrisers have picked up Rashid Khan, and is the eighth most expensive purchase in the auction. Looking at his ability and record, being eighth is quite low in my opinion, and represents an excellent value-for-money purchase for Sunrisers.
Kings XI Punjab – Chris Gayle (USD 312,000)


Who would have ever thought Chris Gayle would go without a bid in the first two rounds, only to be saved right at the end?
For me, Kings XI Punjab are big winners here, snapping up Gayle for his base price of just USD 312,000. This is a fantastic price for two reasons. First, Gayle is a proven match winner despite his disappointing IPL campaign last year – just look at his recent performances in the business end of the recent BPL. Second, if Gayle doesn’t fire, Kings XI won’t really feel the pinch as they didn’t break the bank for him. 
For a player of his reputation and record, Kings XI Punjab have done the right thing and taken a chance at a pretty low price.
Can Chris Gayle have a big IPL?
Nepal & Afghanistan Cricket


What a fantastic story to come out of the IPL Auction. The first ever Nepalese player will grace the IPL! Sandeep Lamichhane, the 17 year old legspinner, who has played close to home in the Sydney Grade Competition with Michael Clarke, was purchased by Delhi Daredevils for his base price of USD 31,000. He may not play a game, but the experience of working under the guidance of Ricky Ponting will be fantastic for him.
Also, this year, Afghanistan will have four players at the IPL, which would have been unthinkable two or three years ago. Sixteen year old Mujeeb Zadran and Zahir Khan (not Zaheer Khan) joined Mohammad Nabi and Rashid Khan, who were in the IPL last season. Onwards and upwards for Afghanistan cricket!

Sunrisers Hyderabad – Shakib Al Hasan (USD 312,963) and Mumbai Indians – Mustafizur Rahman (USD 341,131)

Sunrisers Hyderabad make this list again, with an excellent value-for-money purchase. Bangladesh’s Shakib Al Hasan, one of the top all-rounders in international cricket over the last decade is picked up at a reasonably cheap price. Shakib bowls economically with wicket taking potential, and can play either role with the bat – accumulator or big hitting. 
Mumbai Indians are also winners with the signing of Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman. Two years ago, Mustafizur was one of the hottest prospects in world cricket, mixing his bowling up between 140km/h thunderbolts and that magnificent slower ball cutter. His shoulder surgery in 2016 has put him back a little, but he bowled really well in the recent Tri-Series against Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe. Mustafizur promises to be a good signing for Mumbai because of his ability to keep the runs down and take wickets in subcontinent conditions.
Rajasthan Royals – D’Arcy Short (USD 626,897)


What a journey it’s been for D’Arcy Short. Told a few years ago that he was lazy and overweight, Short has transformed his career, and has been rewarded for his stellar BBL07 campaign.
In this season’s BBL, Short topped the run scoring list with 504 runs in 10 matches at an average of 56.00 and strike rate of 147.80. For Rajasthan, this is a good purchase as Short is a powerful player, who times the ball wonderfully, and can prove to be an excellent value-for-money purchase.
Rajasthan Royals – Jofra Archer (USD 1.13 million)


Rajasthan Royals also win with the purchase of Jofra Archer, who is a magnificent fast bowler.
With the ability to bowl 145km/h, as well as a beautiful slower ball, Archer is a superb pick up. He has wowed us all in the BBL with his bowling, as well as some extraordinary fielding, including one of most incredible return catches against the Brisbane Heat.
Australia’s big guns


Australia are struggling in limited overs cricket at the moment, but that has not stopped seeing their biggest stars earn lucrative contracts. 
Six players went for over USD 1 million – Chris Lynn (USD 1.5 million), Mitchell Starc (USD 1.46 million), Glenn Maxwell (USD 1.41 million), Andrew Tye (USD 1.13 million), in addition to Steve Smith and David Warner (both USD 1.7 million). A few players also were very close to that mark – Marcus Stoinis and Aaron Finch (USD 970,000), and Patrick Cummins (USD 849,103)
Ben Stokes

And, of course, Ben Stokes, who went for a whopping USD 1.94 million, the highest in this season’s IPL.


Big pay day for Ben Stokes



Losers


Rajasthan Royals – Jaydev Unadkat (USD 1.78 million)


Rajasthan were mentioned a couple of times in my winners list, but they also get a mention in this season’s losers list. They forked out nearly USD 2 million for Unadkat, making him the 2nd most expensive player in the auction after Ben Stokes. 
I believe they have paid a lot more than Unadkat is worth. In 89 T20s, Unadkat has not set the world alight with either bat or ball (15.92 bat avg. with SR 127 and 20.83 bowl avg. with econ 7.43). In addition, he has played a total of just 12 internationals for India, with his last Test in 2010, ODI in 2013 and T20I recently v Sri Lanka in December. 
It remains to be seen if he is truly worth the money…
I believe Rajasthan have overspent on Jaydev Unadkat
Joe Root


If I were head of an IPL franchise, I would have picked Joe Root at his base price of just INR 1.5 crore…. Root is one of the finest batsmen in the world, and possesses the lowest dot ball percentage in ODIs in the middle overs (11-40) since 2015. He is consistent and would have been an excellent addition to any team. 
Martin Guptill


Another big name player unsold at the auction. Martin Guptill only a few days ago became the second player to reach 2,000 T20I runs, and didn’t get sold in the auction…
Hashim Amla


The “Hash” perhaps isn’t the player he once was, but to see him go unsold was a surprise.
Rajasthan Royals – Ben Stokes


Rajasthan make the list again, and this might be quite controversial.
Despite Ben Stokes being a superb cricketer, I personally wouldn’t have bid for him. This is not about his cricketing ability, but rather for personal reasons considering everything that his happening with charges laid against him. Also, he hasn’t played top level cricket since the English summer, and I have to say, to have Ben Stokes as the most expensive player in the auction is a gamble by Rajasthan. We will see if it pays off…
Lasith Malinga


Lasith Malinga went unsold, and with Sri Lanka overlooking him for international duties, it looks like the end is near for one of T20’s finest bowlers. 
It is sad that it has come to this.
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What do you think of this list? Have I missed anyone you think should be included?
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Tri-Series Final Preview: Can Bangladesh fight back after 82 all out?

Charbel Coorey
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A week ago, the Tri-Series involving Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe looked like it was only going one way – Bangladesh. With three bonus point wins, including a 163-run win against Sri Lanka, Bangladesh were cruising until Thursday, where they were embarrassing, bowled out for 82.

For the most part of this competition, Bangladesh, as expected, have been impressive in home conditions. As a bowling unit, led by Shakib, Mashrafe and Mustafizur, Bangladesh have been brilliant, conceding just 170, 157 and 125 in their three bonus point wins. On the batting front, Tamim Iqbal and Shakib Al Hasan have been the two key players, scoring five half centuries between them. However, their middle order batting has been a huge concern – they got away with poor batting against Zimbabwe a few days ago, but when Tamim and Shakib were out early in the last game v Sri Lanka, they crumbled in a heap.
With so many questions about the batting, it remains to be seen whether Bangladesh make changes. Anamul Haque has been disappointing on his return, and Sabbir Rahman continues to frustrate us all and not live up to his potential. Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah haven’t been at their best either, and Nasir Hossain has fallen away. Bangladesh will be desperate for these players to contribute, and ease the pressure on Tamim and Shakib.
Sri Lanka, on the other hand, have roared back into this tournament. Ahead of the final group stage ODI against Bangladesh, Sri Lanka were at risk of missing the final, which would have been one of their lowest points in recent memory. Led by Suranga Lakmal, the Sri Lankans delivered a short ball barrage to Bangladesh’s batsmen, and the spinners followed up to flatten Bangladesh for just 82.
This win not only got Sri Lanka into the final, but it has perhaps also delivered a psychological blow to Bangladesh. How will Bangladesh bounce back after such a performance? Will the middle order perform? Was it just a bad day? Can Sri Lanka repeat their effort?
It promises to be a very interesting final.

Key to a Bangladesh win

Bangladesh were dominant for the most part in the tournament, but plenty of questions are rightly being directed at their batsmen.
The last game was the perfect opportunity for the middle order to show its worth. When Bangladesh were 25/3, I said to myself that this is the best thing that can happen for them, as it will give the middle order the test they need after a sub-par showing v Zimbabwe two days earlier. However, Mahmudullah and especially Sabbir gave their wickets away, and the concerns about the middle order

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has grown further.

To win the final, Bangladesh can’t just rely on Tamim and Shakib. The bowlers have shown that they are difficult to handle in these conditions, so the onus is on the batsmen to deliver.

Key to a Sri Lanka win

Thisara Perera has been Sri Lanka’s best player so far in the tournament, but he received great support from the bowlers in their thrashing of Bangladesh.
If Sri Lanka can dismiss Shakib and Tamim cheaply, that will go a very long way to lifting the trophy. The key will be to expose Bangladesh’s struggling middle order, and continue to be aggressive. Sri Lanka went in with a positive mentality in the last game, and the same must be repeated.

Predicted teams:

A massive conundrum now faces Bangladesh. After being dominant over the first three games, I can’t even predict whether they will stick with the same team, or make changes. Anamul, Sabbir and Nasir have been very disappointing, and have not offered the quality that their talent suggests they should. I see Nasir Hossain (I’d be happy if it were Sabbir after his terrible shot last game) being dropped for pace bowling all-rounder Saifuddin to give Bangladesh a boost in the lower order. If Bangladesh do go with Saifuddin, it might push Abul Hasan out to give Bangladesh another spin option in Sunzamul, who also batted really well in his last game v Zimbabwe.
Something Bangladesh might also need to consider after the tournament is whether Shakib Al Hasan should go back to no.5 to help the team, even though he has done really well at number three this series.
Bangladesh XI: 1. Tamim Iqbal, 2. Anamul Haque, 3. Shakib Al Hasan, 4. Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), 5. Mahmudullah, 6. Sabbir Rahman, 7. Saifuddin, 8. Sunzamul Islam, 9. Mashrafe Mortaza (c), 10. Mustafizur Rahman, 11. Rubel Hossain
For Sri Lanka, why change? Incredibly, they are now the team with the momentum coming into the final. They should play the same team, and will hope their bowlers do something similar to the previous game.
However, if Bangladesh can get their batting right, much will be expected of Sri Lanka’s top order, which hasn’t been too convincing throughout the tournament.
Sri Lanka XI: 1. Danushka Gunathilaka, 2 Upul Tharanga, 3. Kusal Mendis, 4. Dinesh Chandimal (c), 5. Asela Gunaratne, 6. Niroshan Dickwella (wk), 7. Thisara Perera, 8. Suranga Lakmal, 9. Lakshan Sandakan, 10. Akila Dananjaya, 11. Dushmantha Chameera

Stats and Facts:

  • In the last Tri-Series Final between these two teams in 2009, Sri Lanka won by 2 wickets, chasing down Bangladesh’s 152 after being 6/5.
  • Since being 147/2 in their second last match against Zimbabwe, Bangladesh have lost 17 wickets for 151 runs. Their previous 11 wickets in the tournament yielded 637 runs.
  • Sri Lanka have now won two ODIs in a row, after a losing streak of four matches.
  • Tamim and Shakib have contributed 412 runs out of Bangladesh’s 788 this tournament (52.28%).
  • In the two matches between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka this tournament, Bangladesh achieved their biggest ever win (163 runs), and Sri Lanka their fifth biggest ever win in terms of balls remaining (229).

Prediction:

A week ago, it would have been easy to predict Bangladesh, but with Bangladesh’s middle order struggling and Sri Lanka delivering a huge win, the tables look to have turned a little.
However, I still think Bangladesh are the better ODI team at the moment, and will be focused more after perhaps having one eye on the final on Thursday. I expect Mushfiqur and Mahmudullah to play bigger roles in this game, and help the likes of Tamim and Shakib. I predict Bangladesh to win in a tight game.

Thank you, KP

Charbel Coorey
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Appreciation post time!

Kevin Pietersen graced Australia with his skills for the final time with a Man of the Match performance for Melbourne Stars against Hobart Hurricanes in the BBL on Saturday night. It’s now nearly the end for a superb batsman.

Love him or hate him, you can’t deny Kevin Pietersen has been a wonderful player. His personality and the way he conducted himself at times may not have sat well with everyone, but when it came to cricketing ability and pure talent, KP had it in spades. His numbers were fantastic, but it is not simply his numbers alone that put him among England’s greats. His presence could be felt every time he walked out to bat, even before facing a ball, and was a player who put spectators on the edge of their seats. Something was always going to happen. KP was never going to let the bowlers settle. He always loved a battle, and it was bloody awesome to watch.

Great players have the ability to put bowlers under pressure, and KP did just that right throughout his career. It didn’t always come off, and he was often heavily criticised for it, but he never let external factors impact the way he went about his game. Great players believe they are the best, and KP certainly believed in his ability. Great players never shy away from a battle, and KP walked straight into many a battle, and won many, too. His swagger at the crease was there to see in his first 21 ODI innings, where he equalled Sir Vivian Richards’ record for the fastest ever to 1,000 ODI runs. Then, against one of the best Test sides in the 2005 Ashes, in his first ever Test series, he showed everyone that a truly fine career is on the cards with 473 runs at 52.55.

Nearly 14,000 international runs later, KP truly lived up to his potential. It is a great shame that his England career was cut short, when he still had batting left in him, but KP left me, and surely many others, with awesome memories.

In this article, I will list my five favourite Kevin Pietersen innings that were truly memorable, and helped pencil him in as one of England’s greats.

5. 108* v South Africa, Bloemfontein, 2004

His first ODI hundred came against the country of his birth, South Africa, where he did not receive a friendly welcome from the Bloemfontein crowd. Did KP let this affect him? No chance.
He had played only four ODIs before this game, and three were against lowly Zimbabwe as they began their decline. A player in just his 4th ODI, facing a hostile environment with boos all round the ground targeted at you takes mental strength to overcome. Like he did for the remainder of his career, KP responded by taking the game to the opposition.
His strokeplay was simply superb, and responded to the boos with beautiful shot after beautiful shot. This was a player who was not going to go into his shell.

4. 129 v New Zealand, Napier, 2008

On the first morning of the deciding third Test of England’s tour of New Zealand, England were 3 down for just 4 runs, with Michael Vaughan, Andrew Strauss and Alastair Cook all back in the pavilion within six overs. With the series on the line, KP played an absolute gem, scoring 129 out of England’s first innings total of 253 all out.
His strike rate was a superb 62, in an innings where no other England player had a strike rate of over 50. The next best scorer was Stuart Broad with 42. This innings was one of the most underrated KP innings, which helped England eventually win the Test by 121 runs.

3. 227 v Australia, Adelaide, 2010

 
 
Kevin Pietersen put on a masterclass in Adelaide against Australia, that demanded that every one just watched his every move. What was special about this innings was how he bounced back to form after a poor home series against Pakistan just a few months earlier.
His double hundred in Adelaide was his first international hundred for 18 months, and the way he played, you’d have thought he was in the form of his life in the lead up to the 2010/11 Ashes. Whatever plans Australia had in place for him, including some short ball tactics, he answered with disdain. He made Australia’s attack look third rate, and England eventually won by an innings and 71 runs, where KP was named Man of the Match.

2.158 v Australia, The Oval, 2005

 
 
When I think of great KP innings, one of the first that come to mind was his magnificent 158 that finally took the Ashes away from Australia for the first time in nearly two decades. Glenn McGrath had nipped out two early wickets on Day 5, which gave Australia hope of retaining the Ashes in a rain-affected final Test. However, KP had other ideas.
The reason this isn’t number one for me is because he had plenty of luck early on, including that infamous dropped catch by Shane Warne at first slip. Before lunch on the fifth day, Glenn McGrath and Brett Lee were all over KP. I remember thinking at the time that the lunch break could be the worst thing for Australia, because it might help KP reassess and come out with a different mindset. He came out and then dictated terms to the same bowlers who had him under the pump just moments earlier, and played an innings, full of incredible strokeplay that told the world that a special player is well and truly here.

1.

186 v India, Mumbai, 2012
 
 
Like England’s Ashes drought which KP helped England break, Kevin Pietersen played one of the all-time amazing innings on a raging turner in Mumbai, which was a catalyst in helping England break their India drought.
When describing KP’s greatness, you must refer to this innings! Great players can make batting look ridiculously easy at times, even in the most challenging of circumstances. With England facing a no series wins in India since 1986, KP walked out and told us “this is my time”, showing off amazing and audacious strokeplay as if he was batting on a flat road against club bowlers.
In the first innings, KP along with Cook helped England to 413, and then India were bundled out for 142, which shows how difficult the pitch was for batting. Difficult pitch? KP struck at nearly 80 runs per 100 balls, which illustrated what a superb player he was. England had lost the first Test comfortably, but as KP showed many times in his career, when punches were being thrown in his direction, he threw double the amount back, and helped England win the second Test.
KP, in a conservative England culture, spoke and played freely, which showed in his batting. We’ll see him play in Australia for the final time, and I hope he can score big to go out with a bang.
A super player.

3rd Test Preview: Beaten India look to salvage pride

Charbel Coorey
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What I thought could happen when India were bashing Sri Lanka at home has happened. Ravi Shastri has admitted India’s incompetence and poor decision making, highlighting that they should have arrived to South Africa to get more practice. The fact India didn’t think of that before the series was extremely stupid, and South Africa have responded by saying “thank you very much”.

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In my opinion, India’s approach to this series, including their decision making across the first two Tests, has cost them significantly in their biggest challenge since their Australia tour in 2014/15. Namely, their selections have been baffling, leaving out Ajinkya Rahane for the entire series so far, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar for the 2nd Test. Also, their problems when it comes to slip catching has not been rectified.

In the 3rd and final Test, surely Rahane and Kumar need to be brought back into the side, and India’s batsmen need to stop relying on Virat Kohli away from home. In the first innings in Centurion, Kohli’s magnificent 153 saw him score 49.84% of India’s runs – had it not been for Kohli, the result would have been much uglier for India. Despite the series being over, the likes of Murali Vijay and Cheteshwar Pujara need to show much more than they have, and India will be keen to keep their undefeated record in Johannesburg going.

For South Africa, victory over the number one side represents sweet revenge for their 3-0 defeat in India in 2015, and will look for a whitewash in Johannesburg. Their bowling has been irresistible – so irresistible that Dale Steyn’s absence wasn’t even felt – Lungi Ngidi slotted straight in and blew India away.

South Africa’s batting, though, still looks a little shaky, but they showed excellent fight to come back from losing two early second innings wickets, with the game really in the balance at that point. In difficult batting conditions, against an India attack asking plenty of questions, the South African batsmen showed the fight and patience that India’s batsmen, except Virat Kohli have not shown. Despite no South African batsman scoring a hundred, they’ve dug deep when required.

Key to a South Africa win:

South Africa’s bowlers have been a treat to watch. I’ve enjoyed putting my feet up after a day of work, and watching these geniuses take apart India’s batsmen with pace, movement and accuracy. Like a confused student who prepared very poorly for a University class, India have simply had no answer.
More of the same is desired from South Africa. Their batsmen have not scored huge totals, but they have not needed to, and with The Wanderers usually offering pace and bounce, India will have it tough against South Africa’s quartet of fast bowlers, who are all bowling superbly.
Special mention also to AB De Villiers, who has been a difference between the sides. He has scored runs when his side has been under pressure, and it has felt like AB De Villiers was never away from Test cricket. India will need his wicket early.
AB De Villiers has been superb

Key to an India win

This series has shown how well India’s bowlers, especially their seamers, have improved in overseas conditions. They have regularly picked up early wickets and challenged the South Africa batsmen, but their batsmen, apart from Kohli, haven’t come to the party.
The biggest disappointment for me has been Cheteshwar Pujara. Pujara, who was my pick for India’s leading run scorer in this series, ran himself out twice in Centurion, and much of India’s misfortune has been as a result of his lack of influence on the series. Also, it’s time India wake up and play one of their best overseas batsmen, Ajinkya Rahane, and one of their best bowlers, Bhuvneshwar Kumar.
India need to cut to the chase and show some more fight with the bat.
Cheteshwar Pujara has been the biggest disappointment

Predicted teams:

For South Africa, there is no need to make any changes. However, they will want to see more from Hashim Amla and Quinton De Kock. Thanks to South Africa’s middle order batting and strong bowling, their lack of runs hasn’t been felt. However, these two will have an important role to play in the middle order in the upcoming series v Australia, against a better pace bowling attack than India’s. I am also looking forward to seeing South Africa’s attack at work again after their superb performances in the opening two Tests.
South Africa XI: 1. Dean Elgar, 2. Aiden Markram, 3. Hashim Amla, 4. AB De Villiers, 5. Faf Du Plessis (c), 6. Quinton De Kock (wk), 7. Vernon Philander, 8. Keshav Maharaj, 9. Kagiso Rabada, 10. Lungi Ngidi, 11. Morne Morkel
I sound like a broken record now, but India must play Ajinkya Rahane. Because he hasn’t played a game yet, it is difficult to expect big runs from him, which shows that India have completely wasted his talent. However, if he does manage to score well, India will feel massive regret for not picking him previously, but he must play. Also, Bhuvneshwar Kumar should play in place of Ishant Sharma, as conditions will suit him. Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah, in my opinion, both deserve to play. I think India will stick with Parthiv Patel, too, after another controversial selection in the 2nd Test.
 
India XI: 1. KL Rahul, 2. Murali Vijay, 3. Cheteshwar Pujara, 4. Virat Kohli (c), 5. Ajinkya Rahane, 6. Parthiv Patel (wk), 7. Hardik Pandya, 8. Ravichandran Ashwin, 9. Bhuvneshwar Kumar, 10. Mohammed Shami, 11. Jasprit Bumrah

Stats & Facts:

  • India have never lost at The Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg (1 win, 3 draws)
  • Virat Kohli is India’s leading run scorer this series with 191 runs. Their next two highest run scorers are Hardik Pandya (115) and Ravichandran Ashwin (90). In addition, Kohli has the best centuries/Test ratio among India captains outside Asia (one century in every 1.6 Tests).
  • Since 2012, India have won just one Test out of 18 away from home against South Africa, Australia, England and New Zealand.
  • South Africa have won their last five straight Tests, and have won their last six Tests against Asian teams at home.

Prediction:

Faf Du Plessis has said that there will be no tinkering with the team – his team will go for the kill.
Despite me picking the series scoreline to be 2-1 to South Africa, I think South Africa will sweep the series, and pick up their first ever win against India at The Wanderers. 
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