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3rd ODI Preview: England look to wrap up series

Charbel Coorey
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The tables have turned. While England would have come to Australia eyeing the Ashes, they have proved to be too good for Australia so far in the ODIs, and are eyeing a huge series win to heal some of the Ashes pain. Led by an excellent bowling performance in the 2nd ODI, which I thought would be very important in helping England win, Australia now face a do-or-die clash in Sydney.

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Australia have been hit hard, both by England and illness, as well as their questionable selections. England’s batsmen have enjoyed pace so far this series, and Australia made the mistake of not going with a specialist spinner in Brisbane. What would have even hurt more was Rashid Ali and Joe Root picking up regular wickets to halt Australia’s progress. I’m very sure we’ll see changes for Australia in the 3rd ODI.

Another big difference between the sides so far is the balance of the two teams. England have been sure of the make up of their line up, with a good mixture of stroke makers and accumulators with the bat, and pace and spin with the ball. For Australia, their planning has been all over the place. Kim Kardashian named her daughter “Chicago West”, but that’s still not as stupid as Australia leaving out their best spinner, Nathan Lyon, for this series so far.

Key to an Australia win

Employ more pace off the ball.

Despite the wickets taken by Mitchell Starc and Jhye Richardson in the 2nd ODI, England have largely enjoyed having the ball come onto the bat, and using the pace. Australia went into the game without a specialist spinner, which played right into England’s hands. After the 3rd ODI, Steve Smith conceded that Nathan Lyon was back in the ODI frame, and he could be key in helping reel England’s batsmen in.

What will also help is more from Steve Smith and David Warner, who are yet to make an impact so far in this series.

Key to an England win

Continuing to contain Australia’s batsmen.

Aaron Finch has worked hard this series at setting a great platform for his team with two hundreds, but ultimately, Australia’s totals have been far from enough. This is credit to England’s bowling, which possesses the variety needed to pick up regular wickets. England’s batting certainly has been wonderful to watch, but their bowlers have done a superb job in keeping Australia, especially David Warner and Steve Smith, quiet.

Joe Root is yet to be dismissed this series.

Predicted teams:

There is plenty of uncertainty in the Aussie camp. Will Josh Hazlewood and Tim Paine return from illness? Also, what will Australia do regarding spin? I have absolutely no doubt Australia will go in with a specialist spinner for a Sydney ODI. If they don’t, they have rocks in their heads. Andrew Tye has underwhelmed in the first two ODIs, going wicketless, and could be the one to make way for Patrick Cummins. Jhye Richardson showed enough on his debut in the 2nd ODI to deserve another crack.
Australia XI: 1. Aaron Finch, 2. David Warner, 3. Cameron White, 4. Steve Smith (c), 5. Mitchell Marsh, 6. Marcus Stoinis, 7. Tim Paine (wk), 8. Mitchell Starc, 9. Patrick Cummins, 10. Jhye Richardson 11. Adam Zampa/Nathan Lyon
For England, again there is no need to make a change. They should look to keep the winning formula.
England XI: 1. Jason Roy, 2. Jonny Bairstow, 3. Alex Hales, 4. Joe Root, 5 Eoin Morgan (c), 6. Jos Buttler (wk), 7. Moeen Ali, 8. Chris Woakes, 9. Adil Rashid, 10. Liam Plunkett, 11. Mark Wood.

Stats & Facts:

  • Australia have won just one of their last 10 completed ODIs.
  • England have won five of the last six ODIs between the two teams.
  • Joe Root since start of 2016 (36 ODIs): 1,916 runs at an average of 70.96.
  • Eoin Morgan now holds the record for most ODIs as England captain (70), going past Alastair Cook.

Prediction:


This promises to be a high scoring game on a good batting pitch in warm conditions in Sydney. I like England’s chances to take the series, simply because they have Australia’s measure in all facets of the game. England’s top order, especially Joe Root, are in excellent form for England, and their bowlers are doing a wonderful job containing Australia. They are setting the pace, and Australia are struggling to keep up.

England to win and take the series.

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Who should be considered the no.1 Test team?

Charbel Coorey
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Following World No. 1 India’s series defining loss in the 2nd Test to South Africa, it got me thinking – which team should be considered the world’s number one Test team?

India’s numbers away from home, which I’ll go through in more detail in this article, are hardly numbers that should be associated with a number one team, even though the rankings have India at the top.

However, India are not the only team to struggle away from home. Since 2012, pretty much all teams have found the going difficult in away conditions, and the purpose of this article is to have a look at performances over the last five or so years, and make a verdict as to who is truly deserving of the “number one” title.

Since 2012, 267 Test matches have been played. In this time, only on 67 occasions has a team won a Test away from home (25% of the time). In terms of Test series wins, only 26% of the time has an away team won a Test series (27 series wins in 101 Test series).

What I’ll do is exclude series in West Indies and Zimbabwe as I believe they are the bottom two sides in Test cricket. However, I won’t exclude Bangladesh as winning in Bangladesh is now a really good effort, considering how challenging the conditions are over there and how much they have improved as a team at home. England and Australia will tell you just that, as they’ve both lost a Test there recently.
When excluding series in West Indies and Zimbabwe, the figures change significantly. Away Test victories drop from 67 to 48, and series wins away from home drops from 27 to 18. Interestingly, India and Australia have been beneficiaries of tours to the West Indies – Australia have won there twice, and India once.

These figures suggest that there is no absolute standout team in Test cricket at the moment, as the best Test team should be able to perform well in all conditions. However, for the purpose of considering who the current no. 1 Test team in the rankings should be, I’ll compare the top five sides and how they’ve performed in series against each other, as well as series that were played in conditions foreign to their home conditions, even if they are against lower ranked opponents.

Which team should be number one? A look at the current top five:

England
 
One of England’s finest moments in their history was victory in India in 2012, as well as a series win in South Africa in 2016. However, England have been inconsistent at times over the last five years, and have struggled to lock down a partner for Alastair Cook at the top of the order, as well as a number three since Andrew Strauss and Jonathan Trott both retired.

In 80 Tests since 2012, England have won 29, with a win percentage of 36.25%. 22 of these wins have come at home (out of 41 Tests), and their record against the remaining top five (India, Australia, South Africa and New Zealand) is pretty impressive, winning 15 out of 26 Tests against these teams at home.

However, in the remaining 39 Tests away from home, England have won just seven, with two coming against West Indies and Bangladesh. In matches against the top five away from home, England have won four times out of 26 Tests, including a winless run of 10 Tests in Australia. In Asia (including UAE), where the quality of non-Asian teams are questioned, England have won just four out of 19 Tests.

These figures show that England have struggled to develop a winning formula for overseas Tests.

New Zealand
 
 
New Zealand have continued to punch above their weight. The rise of Kane Williamson in particular has been something special, as well as the consistency of the likes of Ross Taylor, BJ Watling, Trent Boult and Tim Southee.
Since 2012, New Zealand have played 56 Tests, and have won 21 times, giving them a win percentage of 37.50%. At home, they’ve played 26 Tests, winning 14. However, 11 have come against Sri Lanka, West Indies, Zimbabwe and Bangladesh. Against the current top five, they’ve won just one out of 13 Tests.
Away from home, New Zealand have won seven out of 30 Tests. Excluding West Indies and Zimbabwe, this drops to just four. Against the current top five teams away from home, New Zealand have won just one out of 16 Tests. In Asia, New Zealand still struggle, winning just two of 12 Tests.
New Zealand, since 2012, have won just two Tests against the current top five home and away. It’s clear to see that New Zealand need to flex their muscle more against the better teams.
Australia
 
 
Australia have been absolutely phenomenal at home since 2012, but their away record, especially in Asia, has me questioning whether they are deserving of the no. 1 spot in Tests. In 2017, they dropped as low as sixth in the rankings, despite their excellent home record.
Since 2012, Australia have played 70 Tests, and have won 37 of them (winning percentage 52.86%). At home, they have been superb. Led by Steve Smith’s incredible rise, Australia won 25 of 35 Tests, and lost just three during this period. What’s even more impressive is their record against the other current top five teams at home – 17 wins out of 26 Tests. Their only nemesis at home has been South Africa, who won both series in Australia during this time.
Away from home, Australia have fared a lot better than England and New Zealand, winning 12 of 35 Tests (34.29% win percentage). Against the current top five teams, they’ve won seven out of 23 Tests, which drops to a 30% win percentage. However, this figure has been boosted by Australia’s excellent success in New Zealand and South Africa.
In conditions that have varied significantly from Australia, namely England and Asia, Australia have struggled. In England, Australia have won two of 10 Tests, including some very heavy defeats. In Asia, despite signs of improvement in 2017, Australia have won just two of 15 Tests since 2012, including whitewashes in India (2013) and Sri Lanka (2016). Success in alien conditions is Australia’s nemesis at the moment.

South Africa


The Proteas have been consistently at the top end of the rankings since 2012.

During this period, South Africa have played 58 Tests, winning 31 of them (53.45% winning percentage). At home, South Africa have won 20 of 28 Tests , which is exactly the same as Australia’s win percentage of 71.43%. Against the other top five teams at home, they have won 8 of 15 Tests, which isn’t as strong as Australia, thanks to defeats to Australia and England during this period.

However, South Africa were strongest away from home, out of the top five, during this period. In 30 Tests away, South Africa won 11 Tests (36.67% win percentage), including two series wins in Australia, where they were the only team to beat Australia away from home during this period. Against the top five sides away, South Africa won 8 of 23 Tests, which also includes a series win in England, which is the best winning percentage out of any of the top five sides. In Asia, South Africa played 10 Tests and won two, including a drawn series in the UAE, and win in Sri Lanka. In these 10 Tests, South Africa lost four times (40% loss percentage), which is better than England, New Zealand and Australia, who have losing percentages of 63.16%, 58.33% and 80% respectively.

Currently, however, South Africa’s batting looks a little thin in my opinion, and will be need to keep strengthening their batting, with their pace attack looking so good and Keshav Maharaj bursting onto the scene.

India
 
 
The current World No. 1 team and the reason I’ve put together this article. India have again failed away from home against a current top four side, going down 2-0 in the current series vs South Africa, where their batsmen in particular have struggled.
Since 2012, India, have a superb record at home, which everyone is very familiar with. This has contributed to their good overall record during this time, winning 31 out of 54 Tests (57.41% winning percentage). At home, they have won 23 of 33 Tests, and in Asia, 25 of 37 Tests. Their bowlers, namely Ravi Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja have been excellent at home, and their batsmen are excellent players of spin bowling. Only England have won a series in India since 2012, and since then, England have come back to India and lost 4-0. Against the other top five sides, India won 19 out 26 Tests at home. They are a formidable unit in India.
However, away from Asia is India’s biggest concern, and their mindset isn’t right. To refuse any warm up matches before the South Africa series is unbelievable and is a big reason why they’ve struggled in the current series. Since 2012, India have won three of 22 Tests away from Asia. However, two wins came against the West Indies. If you only take into consideration matches against the other top five teams, India have won just one Test out of 18, which was in England in 2014, in a series they lost 3-1. Out of these 18 Tests, they have lost 12 times.
This series against South Africa suggests they haven’t made strides playing overseas. This needs to change if India are to really be taken seriously as a no.1 Test team.

My verdict:

For me, England and New Zealand shouldn’t be included in the conversation for world’s best Test team. England’s recent form has been too bumpy, and they lack the resources to win overseas. New Zealand’s record against the top sides is poor.
For Australia, the next two years will tell me more. How they go in South Africa this time, as well as future Asia and England tours will tell us how good they really are. A big home series win against England is something they’ve done in the past, and then failed miserably in conditions different to those in Australia.
For India, their record away to the top five is atrocious. The consensus among many cricket fans is that India are top because of the sheer amount of cricket they play at home and in Asia, which suits their style. Yes, other teams have found it tough away from home, but as the number one team, the most attention is going to be drawn to India.
I believe South Africa are most deserving of the title of no.1 Test team. The reason I say this is because over the last five years or so, they’ve performed the best across different conditions, also keeping in mind they resisted at times in extreme conditions in their 2015 India tour. Also, while their batting perhaps looks a touch short, I believe they have the best ingredients to win anywhere, especially with the addition of the very talented Keshav Maharaj. AB De Villiers still looks in super form, Dean Elgar was nearly top run scorer in 2017, Aiden Markram looks a super talent and Faf Du Plessis continues to be in the runs. South Africa need Hashim Amla and Quinton De Kock to find form to complement their superb pace attack that not much needs to be said about.
However, the team that has the best potential to change my mind is India. They now possess a group of talented fast bowlers that can help them win overseas, and while Ravi Ashwin could have performed a little better on a turning pitch in Centurion, he will sure improve away from home. In saying this, India’s mindset must change in the lead up to big away series, and it will be interesting to see how they go in England and Australia later this year. For them to win away, they must prepare much better than what they’ve done in the past, as well as in the current South Africa tour.
For now, South Africa should be top.

2nd ODI Preview: Brilliant England look to build on momentum

Charbel Coorey
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England proved in the 1st ODI against Australia in Melbourne that they are one of the finest teams going around in ODI cricket.  Led by the magnificent Jason Roy and consistent Joe Root, England became the first team ever successfully chase over 300 at the MCG, and has got Australia thinking, which makes this series a little more interesting now…

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Australia were hit hard, so much so that Steve Smith has said that “England’s tactics work for them, and it’s something we need to look at”, and David Warner speaking as if Australia were shocked. England went hard at Australia at the top, taking it to Mitchell Starc and Patrick Cummins, which fully showed Australia’s summer domination so far is over and England will enjoy the limited overs stuff. What a far cry from when England were last in Australia for an ODI campaign… the dreaded 2015 World Cup, which has turned out to be a true blessing for them.

What will be interesting to see is how Australia go about taking wickets. In the 1st ODI, I didn’t even feel Australia’s bowling was too bad in the early overs, it’s just that England were absolutely superb. Jason Roy, in particular, was a nightmare for Australia to deal with, punishing anything slightly full and then the same with anything short. How will Australia bowl to him this time, and how will JasonRoy back up his amazing performance? Australia now face a predicament where they have won just one of their last nine completed ODIs. It promises to be an interesting clash in Brisbane…

Key to an Australia win

Despite England possessing a handy ODI bowling attack, including extra pace and variety compared to their Test attack, I back Australia to continue to be in the runs. Considering Steve Smith and David Warner didn’t perform to their form in Melbourne, Australia still scored over 300, with Aaron Finch and Australia’s middle order strong.

However, Australia struggled with the ball, and a better performance with the ball is needed. What would be of hope to Australia, though, is the two early wickets they picked up in the England innings. Australia’s attack will be better for the experience of the first ODI, and it will be interesting to see how they respond.

Key to an England win

Can England contain Australia’s batsmen?
If they do, this will go a long way to heaping further pressure on the Australian bowlers, who will be without Josh Hazlewood and Patrick Cummins. England possess plenty of firepower in their batting lineup – even Jonny Bairstow and Alex Hales, two players who got out relatively early in Melbourne, possess superb ODI records. If England bat first, you back them to set a big total. If they bowl first and contain Australia, their batting prowess will be a nice icing on the cake…

Joe Root was excellent, combining with Roy for a 221 run partnership

Predicted teams:

There are a few Josh Hazlewood is out for Australia with a virus, and they’ll miss his control. Patrick Cummins is in Sydney resting (wonder why after just one game), which means Jhye Richardson should make his debut. Tim Paine is also 
Australia XI: 1. Aaron Finch, 2. David Warner, 3. Steve Smith (c), 4. Travis Head, 5. Mitchell Marsh, 6. Marcus Stoinis, 7. Tim Paine (wk), 8. Mitchell Starc, 9. Jhye Richardson, 10. AJ Tye, 11. Adam Zampa
For England, there is no need to make a change. They should look to keep the winning formula.
England XI: 1. Jason Roy, 2. Jonny Bairstow, 3. Alex Hales, 4. Joe Root, 5 Eoin Morgan (c), 6. Jos Buttler (wk), 7. Moeen Ali, 8. Chris Woakes, 9. Adil Rashid, 10. Liam Plunkett, 11. Mark Wood.

Stats & Facts:

  • Australia have won just one of their last nine completed ODIs.
  • England have won four of the last five ODIs between the two teams.
  • In the 1st ODI, Jason Roy scored the highest ever individual score (180) by an Englishman. This was also the highest ever score by a player at the MCG in an ODI.
  • Joe Root in his last 35 ODIs: 1,870 runs at an average of 69.26.
  • Mitchell Marsh is six runs away from 1,000 ODI runs.
  • Liam Plunkett is one away from 100 ODI wickets.

Prediction:


This promises to be a high scoring game on a good batting pitch in warm conditions in Brisbane. I like England’s chances in this ODI because they have the bowlers to extract bounce off the pitch – I expect both Plunkett and Wood to bowl well, especially in the early stages. England’s batting at the moment in ODI cricket is super to watch, and with Cummins and Hazlewood to be missing, I think England’s batting will be a little too much for Australia. Watch out for Jason Roy again, and have a feeling Alex Hales will have a strong game, too.

England to win and go 2-0 up.

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5 amazing facts from Jason Roy & England’s super performance

Charbel Coorey
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England confirmed their status as one of the finest limited overs teams in the world, cantering to a 5-wicket win over Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Jason Roy was simply brilliant, smashing a strong Australia attack all around the ground on his way to a brilliant 180. In the process, he and England broke records, and here are my five facts from their excellent performance in the first ODI:

Highest individual ODI score for England

Jason Roy came out all guns blazing, taking apart Mitchell Starc and Patrick Cummins, two of England’s nemeses in the Ashes series. He made the start count, and scored an incredible 180, filled with amazing strokeplay. He went past Alex Hales’ 171 against Pakistan in 2016, and put England 1-0 up in the series.

Highest individual score at the MCG:

Jason Roy also achieved the highest ever individual score at the MCG, going past Mark Waugh’s 173 against the West Indies all the way back in 2001. The previous highest score by a non-Australian at the MCG was by Tilakaratne Dilshan in the 2015 World Cup, where he made 161* v Bangladesh. To find the previous highest score v Australia at the MCG, you have to go back all the way to 1979, where the great Viv Richards scored 153*.

Highest ever successful run-chase at the MCG:

Not only did Jason Roy achieve the highest score for an England batsman in an ODI, as well as at the MCG, but he also masterminded the highest successful run chase at the MCG. 
The MCG is known for its difficulty when it comes to run chases, due to its sheer size, but it wasn’t a problem for England, with Jason Roy and Joe Root leading England to a fine win.

England have now won 4 of their last 5 ODIs against Australia

Australia have the wood over England in Test cricket, but England’s transformation in ODI cricket since 2015 has also seen them do well against Australia in the limited overs.
In the ODI series following the Ashes in 2015, Australia won 3-2, but in the last 5 ODIs, including that series in 2015, as well as the Champions Trophy in 2017, England are on a good run vs Australia, winning four of the last five.

England’s first win at the MCG since 2007

England picked up their first win at the MCG since 2007, where they beat Australia by four wickets after a disastrous Ashes campaign. 
They look a far stronger limited overs side now, though, and will be very tough to beat for the remainder of the series, as well as in the 2019 World Cup, provided their preparations go to plan.

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2nd Test Preview: Chance for South Africa to wrap up series

Charbel Coorey
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If you watched India for the first time in Cape Town, you would have been shocked to know they’ve won nine Test series in a row and are the number one Test team. Nothing came as a surprise in Cape Town – India’s bowlers have shown they have really improved, and India’s batsmen, thanks significantly to the BCCI’s arrogance and poor scheduling, suffered in conditions very different to the subcontinent. Also, I’m not sure how clearly Virat Kohli and the Indian management are thinking at the moment, with Ajinkya Rahane apparently not even considered for the first Test, despite his fantastic away record.

What a joke.

Anyway, South Africa, despite winning the Test, have concerns of their own. They were three down within five overs, and then lost their 10 wickets for 78 runs in their second innings, to put India right in with a chance of winning. Their bowling, though, even without Dale Steyn, was brilliant and masterful, with Vernon Philander, Morne Morkel and the new number one Test bowler, Kagiso Rabada, all in superb form.

How do India go about countering South Africa’s quality? With the first Test of the tour under their belt, they would hopefully feel a little more accustomed to the conditions, and will need to focus really heavily on how well they leave the ball. There have been plenty of comments floating around about India’s need to score quicker and play riskier shots. This couldn’t be more dangerous – discipline and hunger to spend time at the crease is most important.

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The same applies for South Africa. More will be expected from their top three, and will hope to see AB De Villiers and Faf Du Plessis continue the good form they showed at times in Cape Town. The second Test may very well come down to who bats better, on a pitch expected to be a little better for batting thanks to the hot conditions which has dried out the pitch.

Key to a South Africa win

The bowlers are in amazing form, but the batting is a concern.
Dean Elgar looked very uncomfortable in Cape Town, and Aiden Markram threw his wicket away when he looked really good in the second innings. These two need to ensure they give Hashim Amla a good platform to walk into, as India will really fancy their chances against Amla early on.
South Africa can put India under huge pressure with runs on the board. You just need to ask yourself – look what South Africa did to India with a smallish total to defend, imagine what they could do with runs on the board? The onus will be on the top five.

Key to an India win

It was easy to see what let India down in the first Test.
The Centurion pitch, though, looks like it will be nicer to bat on for both teams. The key for India is to display the patience and hunger required to counter a potent South African bowling attack. KL Rahul will likely come in for Shikhar Dhawan, which is the right move, and despite the possibility India may not pick Ajinkya Rahane, their batting line up still looks very solid indeed.
Also, the pitch may take turn later in the game, which may bring Ravichandran Ashwin into the game. With runs on the board, and India’s improved pace attack, this is a huge opportunity for India to potentially take advantage of.

Much will be expected of these two.

Predicted teams

In my South African XI for the 2nd Test, I felt Temba Bavuma should play to provide that extra bit of batting cover. However, it is more likely that either Chris Morris or Lungi Ngidi will get the nod as the seam bowling all-rounder. With the pitch also expected to be drier than usual, Keshav Maharaj will potentially have a big role to play.
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. Lungi Ngidi, 8. Vernon Philander, 9. Keshav Maharaj, 10. Kagiso Rabada, 11. Morne Morkel
For India, if Rohit Sharma plays, there will be pressure on him to perform, considering Ajinkya Rahane really should be in the side. I expect India to go with KL Rahul over Shikhar Dhawan, stick with Wriddhiman Saha, as well as stick with the same bowling attack. Hardik Pandya’s super performance in Cape Town will mean more of a focus on him to see how he follows up.
India XI: 1. KL Rahul, 2. Murali Vijay, 3. Cheteshwar Pujara, 4. Virat Kohli (c), 5. Rohit Sharma, 6. Ravichandran Ashwin, 7. Hardik Pandya, 8. Wriddhimann Saha (wk), 9. Bhuvneshwar Kumar, 10. Mohammed Shami, 11. Jasprit Bumrah

Stats and Facts:

  • Every subcontinent side that has played a Test at Centurion has lost by an innings.
  • South Africa have won their last four Tests, whereas India have won their last nine Test series.
  • In 22 Tests at Centurion, South Africa have only lost twice – v England in 2000 and Australia in 2014.
  • Ajinkya Rahane’s averages in Tests: Home: 33.63. Away: 53.44
  • Hashim Amla at Centurion: 11 Tests, 1,202 runs, avg. 80.13. I back the mighty Hash to come back into the runs in this Test.

Prediction:

The weather will be very hot in Centurion, and will definitely help dry out the pitch even further, which may suit India. I believe India’s batting will fare better than was the case in the first Test, even though they will really miss the quality of Ajinkya Rahane if they don’t select him.
However, looking at South Africa’s record at the ground, their bowlers, as well as the fact that India will still be finding their feet in South African conditions, I think South Africa will win and take the series.

My India and South Africa teams for the 2nd Test

Charbel Coorey
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The first Test between South Africa and India was as thrilling as it was concerning for both teams.

Both sides struggled with the bat on a seaming pitch, and there could be a few changes for the 2nd Test in Centurion, especially for India. Here is my India team:

1. Murali Vijay

Despite a quiet game in Cape Town, Murali Vijay will certainly keep his spot for the Centurion Test. Vijay has resisted well in South Africa in the past, and will need to get back to leaving the ball well, after two dismissals against deliveries outside the off stump in the 1st Test. This was very surprising considering one of his strengths is leaving the ball, and India would want more from Vijay in the 2nd Test.

2. KL Rahul

Shikhar Dhawan OUT, KL Rahul IN.
When the team for the first Test was announced, I could not quite believe that Shikhar Dhawan was picked ahead of KL Rahul. Shikhar Dhawan is my definition of a “flat track bully” and looked all at sea in the first Test, especially against the short ball. I expect KL Rahul to play, and offer more than Dhawan.

3. Cheteshwar Pujara

Still a player with a key role to play if India are to fight back in this series.
Pujara hung in really well on the second morning before wafting at one to give a very easy catch to the slips, and then got an amazing ball in the second innings from Morne Morkel. Pujara’s overseas record continues to underwhelm, but he’s a class player, and has what it takes to play a big innings for India when it really matters.

4. Virat Kohli (c)

Pretty self explanatory.
However, Virat Kohli had a huge chance in the first Test to deliver a win for his team but couldn’t deliver. Much will be expected of one of the best players in the world to help keep the series alive for India,

5. Ajinkya Rahane (vc)

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I could not believe Rahane was left out of the side for the first Test.
Boasting an away record of 53.44 in 24 Tests, it was a very questionable decision by India to leave Rahane out. In the end, the decision didn’t pay off with Rohit dismissed cheaply twice, and in the process, finding out the difference between Sri Lanka at home and South Africa away. Ajinkya Rahane should replace Rohit Sharma in the 2nd Test, without a doubt.

6. Ravichandran Ashwin

It is certainly tempting to leave Ashwin out for another specialist batsman, but I think it’s important to play a spinner for two reasons. First – to have variety in the attack, and second – he could have a role to play towards the end of the Test.
Also, he should be given the opportunity to prove himself in South African conditions. In addition, the onus should be on the India top order to perform. Much has been said about how it is the best batting lineup in the world – well, they must prove it. 
7. Hardik Pandya (wk)


India’s best performer in the 1st Test without a doubt, keeping them in the game with a brilliant second day peformance, where he scored 93 and took two wickets to keep India right in with a chance.
The challenge for Hardik is remaining consistent, but he has the talent to do so.

8. Wriddhiman Saha (wk)

Plenty of talk that Parthiv Patel is in with a chance of a Test recall. However, I think Saha should be persisted with – he’s excellent with the gloves and can add important runs down the order.

9. Bhuvneshwar Kumar

Easy selection. His bowling has gone from strength to strength, and gave India a superb start in Cape Town, taking three very quick wickets to leave South Africa reeling. Can he repeat his performance?

10. Mohammed Shami

Until the second innings, fourth day, Shami wasn’t quite at his best. Then, he came to life, taking 3/28 in 12 overs and caused the South African batsmen all sorts of trouble. He will play and have plenty to offer.

11. Jasprit Bumrah

Another questionable selection was Bumrah ahead of Ishant, especially considering it was Bumrah’s first Test. After a disappointing and expensive first innings, Bumrah, like Shami, came good in the second innings, finishing with 3/44. Considering India showed faith to pick him in Cape Town, it would make no sense to drop him now.

For South Africa, who replaces Dale Steyn? Do they go with another batsmen, or Andile Phuhlekwayo, who can do both?
For me, I think Temba Bavuma should come in to provide extra cover, as South Africa showed that their three seamers are very difficult for India to handle, and also because their batting looks a little thin with their top order a little edgy. It will be interesting to see how South Africa’s top three of Elgar, Markram and Amla go after they all had relatively quiet outings in the first Test, despite South Africa putting on 50 for the first wicket in the second innings. I can’t wait to see AB De Villiers go at it again, as well as the amazing South Africa attack.
South Africa XI: 1. Dean Elgar, 2. Aiden Markram, 3. Hashim Amla, 4. AB De Villiers, 5. Faf Du Plessis (c), 6. Temba Bavuma, 7. Quinton De Kock (wk), 8. Vernon Philander. 9. Kagiso Rabada, 10. Keshav Maharaj, 11. Morne Morkel.
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A washed out day I am so happy about

Charbel Coorey
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The third day of the already thrilling first Test between South Africa and India was washed out without a ball bowled… and I couldn’t be happier about it.

As a passionate cricket fan, who was so excited for this series to start, I was looking forward to how the third day’s play would unfold. However, to see rain falling in a Cape Town, a city suffering its worst drought in decades, was fantastic, making it my most favourite washed out day ever. The prayers of many people were answered.

Cape Town is said to be only months away from “Day Zero” – a day where all of the city’s water reservoirs, six of them, are to run completely dry despite severe level six water restrictions in place.

What do these restrictions look like?

Each residency has a minimum level of water they can use. If they exceed it, they will receive a fine and even potentially have water saving devices installed on their properties. In one of the most crippling droughts to ever hit South Africa, Day Zero would have forced locals to line up to receive some sort of water supply, under police supervision. I don’t know about you, but not seeing this is more important than any game of cricket.

The ICC described the rain as a “pain” and rightly received some backlash for it. Yes, it’s easy to say that it’s disappointing that the rain gods showed up during the cricket, but it doesn’t matter – the welfare of the Cape Town people is much more important, and a governing body as big and powerful as the ICC should know this.

But then the ICC got it right…
So, ahead of what promises to be an exciting fourth day’s play, here’s to more rain in Cape Town in the near future, so the residents can continue to capture much needed water. It certainly was a washed out day I enjoyed.

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Arrogance from the BCCI?

Charbel Coorey
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In the lead up to the big series between South Africa and India, I couldn’t help but think why on earth India were playing Sri Lanka at home instead of spending time acclimatising to South African conditions. I then had to wipe my eyes to make sure they weren’t deceiving me when I saw India decline their only tour game ahead of the Test series. They suffered as a result in the opening two Tests, and the whole of India would jave been thankful for Hardik Pandya’s fine knock in the 1st Test, and Virat Kohli’s amazing knock in the 2nd. Also, India’s bowlers have tried hard to keep their team in the Test, but they’ve had plenty to do.

All this spells out arrogance from the BCCI and India – an attitude where they feel their batsmen are too good to have to accilimatise to conditions, and good enough to handle any challenge, based on success in conditions and against opposition that were different to what they will face in this series. Also, it shows that the commercial aspect of the game is very important to the BCCI, choosing to host a series at home against Sri Lanka that many cricket fans could not wait to see the end of, for the sake of extra $$$.
As I’ve mentioned previously, India were bashing lowly Sri Lanka in limited overs cricket, just a couple of weeks before South Africa. How crazy is that? Surely you want to give yourself the best chance of doing well in a series against the number two side, boasting arguably the best attack in the world, in their own conditions? The BCCI and India clearly thought playing more cricket in South Africa before the Tests was not as important as seeing their stars boost their averages and break records against a team that lost a home series to Zimbabwe, and have been whitewashed 5-0 in three separate ODI series in 2017.
As a result, India suffered badly. Had it not been for Hardik Pandya’s brilliant 93, India were staring down the barrel of a deficit of 150+, which would have been impossible to come back from (a lead of 77 proved too much). What’s particularly worrying is the fact that Hardik’s innings have papered over the India cracks – their top order haven’t adjusted to the bounce well at all, except for Kohli who scored a brilliant 153 in the 1st innings of the 2nd Test. Now, don’t get me wrong, India have class players, who are likely to adjust better during the series, but tour matches and time spent in the middle before the Test series is the time to get it right, NOT during the Test series!
I believe the BCCI and India have shown arrogance, and have hurt India’s chances of winning the series.
It will be interesting to see India’s approach for future big series away from home.

 
 

1st ODI Preview: Can Pakistan continue their ODI momentum?

Charbel Coorey
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The current World Cup finalists up against the Champions Trophy winners.

Pakistan’s limited overs tour of New Zealand begins in Wellington, and will be looking to maintain the incredible ODI momentum they built in 2017. Including their magnificent Champions Trophy triumph, Pakistan have won nine straight ODIs. However, six of these nine came against struggling Sri Lanka, so this will be a big test of their ODI credentials. A series win in New Zealand will get the cricket world standing up and thinking that Pakistan can win in foreign conditions such as England and New Zealand, and it’s really time we take them seriously as a top ODI side.

For New Zealand, their current form is pretty decent, too. A series win against West Indies doesn’t say much, but their efforts in their recent limited overs tour of India showed they won’t be pushovers against any team. Their disappointing Champions Trophy campaign forced them to fix their middle order problems, and the move to have Tom Latham in the middle order, to further support the likes of Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor, has been a good one, despite a relatively quiet series v West Indies. I’m especially looking forward to seeing whether Colin Munro can continue his electrifying form, against what is a superior Pakistan attack.

Key to a New Zealand win

New Zealand’s bowlers challenging the Pakistani batsmen.
Despite Pakistan’s amazing 2017 in ODI cricket, these will be foreign conditions for them, which will be a test. New Zealand’s bowlers, especially Trent Boult, simply blew West Indies away, and for New Zealand to get a good start in this series, a good bowling performance is important to ensure their batsmen aren’t under too much pressure against an excellent Pakistan attack.

Key to a Pakistan win

Fearless attitude.

It can be very easy for Pakistan to play cautious cricket in foreign conditions, but this can’t be the case. Like in the Champions Trophy, Pakistan need to play confident cricket and back their ability. Their bowlers in particular can help set the tone.

Predicted teams:

Kane Williamson returns to the New Zealand side, and Tim Southee is also expected to return. Much will be expected from these two, as well as Colin Munro, Martin Guptill and Trent Boult.
New Zealand XI: 1. Colin Munro, 2. Martin Guptill, 3. Kane Williamson (c), 4. Ross Taylor, 5. Tom Latham (wk), 6. Henry Nicholls, 7. Mitchell Santner, 8. Todd Astle, 9. Tim Southee, 10. Lockie Ferguson, 11. Trent Boult
Pakistan won their tour game so well, so it will be interesting to see if they go with Imam Ul Haq. Imam Ul Haq should be given the opportunity in my opinion, but I think they will go with Azhar Ali, to stick with the same team that won the tour game. I am also very interested to see what impact Babar Azam can have in New Zealand.
Pakistan XI: 1. Azhar Ali, 2. Fakhar Zaman, 3. Babar Azam, 4. Mohammad Hafeez, 5. Shoaib Malik, 6. Sarfraz Ahmed (c & wk), 7. Faheem Ashraf, 8. Shadab Khan, 9. Mohammad Amir, 10. Hasan Ali, 11. Rumman Raees

Stats & Facts:

  • New Zealand have won 11 of their last 12 matches against Pakistan in all formats.
  • Pakistan have won nine ODIs in a row.
  • Hasan Ali: 26 ODIs, 56 wickets, avg. 19.82

Prediction:

Pakistan came alive as an ODI side after being thrashed by India in their opening game of the Champions Trophy. I look at Pakistan’s bowling attack, especially Hasan Ali, and they can seriously challenge New Zealand’s batting, which was barely tested vs West Indies. For that reason, I will go with Pakistan to cause an upset and go 1-0 up in the series, with their batting to also hold up well.
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5th Ashes Test Preview – Can England salvage something?

Charbel Coorey
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After watching a Test match in Melbourne that made me prefer watching paint dry, we move to Sydney for the fifth and final Ashes Test.

This series, after promising so much after the first three days in Brisbane, has underwhelmed. The low point was an awful fifth day’s play in Melbourne, which was so bad that when flicking through channels on TV, “Keeping Up With The Kardashians” seemed a decent option compared to the cricket. Hopefully the terrible MCG pitch, rated “poor” by the ICC, acts as a reminder to curators and administrators all over Australia to ensure the pitch allows for good, competitive cricket.

The ICC could finally be listening to this guy’s suggestion..

Anyway, with Mitchell Starc likely to be back, can he help break the Sydney Test open? England’s batsmen, particularly Alastair Cook, filled their boots in Melbourne against a Starc-less attack. However, in Sydney, the pitch is expected to have more life in it, and with Starc back, Alastair Cook and co will be tested much more than they were at the MCG. This could also mean that Australia will be tested too, provided that England are able to move the ball, either in the air or off the pitch.

For Australia, their biggest concern is the fitness of captain Steve Smith, who has a back complaint. Despite my piece on why we should be careful calling Steve Smith a “great”, he’s still a fine player, and they’ll need him in South Africa. Do they risk him for a shot at a 4-0 Ashes victory?

For England, what do they do with Moeen Ali? A player who promised so much heading into this series, Moeen has unsurprisingly underperformed with the ball – he has done as best he can considering his ability and also his finger injury. However, his batting is what has been most disappointing, and England would be tempted to leave him out. However, what may save him is that Chris Woakes is out injured, which means for Mason Crane will make his debut.


Key to an Australia win

The return of Mitchell Starc.

Australia really missed Starc in Melbourne. Against Pakistan at the MCG last season, also on a very flat pitch, Mitchell Starc took 4/36 in the 2nd innings to get Australia home. He has the pace, quality and swing to pick up wickets in all conditions, and with the SCG pitch likely to offer more assistance, England’s batsmen will have their hands full.

Australia will be hoping he’s fully fit and ready to go.

Alastair Cook has struggled against Mitchell Starc

Key to an England win


Runs from Alastair Cook and Joe Root. Cook and Root need to step up for the three main reasons.

First, while England’s bowlers will have a very important role to play in picking up 20 wickets (something they haven’t managed to do yet in this series), runs from Cook and Root will help set up the game for them. For England, Mark Stoneman and James Vince have shown potential, but Australia have always seemed to have their measure. Second, Mitchell Starc is likely to be back, and cheap dismissals of Cook and Root will expose England’s inexperienced line up. Third, with Moeen possibly facing the axe, England’s tail looks longer than ever before. Hell, even with Moeen in the side, their tail still looks thin.

England need Cook and Root to back up their efforts from Melbourne, in what is expected to be more challenging circumstances in Sydney.

Oh… And also, England should review LBWs where they’ve actually hit the ball. That will help!

England incorrectly decided against a review in Melbourne… twice.

Predicted teams:


For Australia, I think both Smith and Starc will play in the quest for a 4-0 series thrashing. A close eye will also be kept on Cameron Bancroft and Usman Khawaja, who are both struggling for runs. Bancroft’s technique in particular has got him in quite a bit of trouble in this series. Can he get some runs before the South Africa tour? Also, I expect Australia will go with the one spinner despite Ashton Agar selected in the squad.

Australia XI: 1. Cameron Bancroft, 2. David Warner, 3. Usman Khawaja, 4. Steve Smith (c), 5. Shaun Marsh, 6. Mitchell Marsh, 7. Tim Paine (wk), 8. Mitchell Starc, 9. Patrick Cummins, 10. Josh Hazlewood, 11. Nathan Lyon

For England, there is a strong possibility Moeen Ali will be dropped for this Test. However, Chris Woakes is out with a side injury, so this may save Moeen.

England XI: 1. Alastair Cook, 2. Mark Stoneman, 3. James Vince, 4. Joe Root (c), 5. Dawid Malan, 6. Jonny Bairstow (wk), 7.  Moeen Ali, 8. Mason Crane, 9. Tom Curran, 10. Stuart Broad, 11. James Anderson

Stats and Facts:

  • England are now winless in nine Ashes Tests in Australia. However, in Melbourne, England broke their losing streak of eight straight Tests.
  • Australia have lost just one out of their last 15 Tests at the SCG. This was against England in 2010/11.
  • Mitchell Starc (19), Josh Hazlewood (18) and Nathan Lyon (17) are the top three wicket takers in this series. Incredibly, they lead the wicket taking chart having bowled two innings fewer than England. For Starc, he even missed a full Test.
  • England have not taken 20 wickets yet this series.
  • The last time an Ashes series was won 4-0 was by Australia in 1989 in England.
  • Steve Smith needs just 26 runs to reach 6,000 Test runs. If he achieves it in the first innings in Sydney, he’ll equal Sir Garfield Sobers as the second quickest ever to the mark (111 innings), after Don Bradman.
  • Stuart Broad is just two wickets away from 400 Test wickets. He will be the second England bowler to the mark after James Anderson.
Prediction:


With Mitchell Starc likely to be back, I see England’s batsmen having a tougher time of things on what promises to be a better pitch than what we saw in Melbourne. Also, their bowlers haven’t been able to pick up 20 wickets once – it has been an almighty struggle at times. Stuart Broad will take his 400th though, and I see Steve Smith will be difficult to dislodge again.
Despite my pre-Ashes prediction of 3-1 to Australia, I expect Australia to win here and take the series 4-0 in front of big crowds in the special Pink Test.
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