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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. 

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.
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