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Australia in Asia – Did Anyone Expect Anything Different?

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Steve Smith gives yet another honest assessment of Australia’s performances.

Another Asian assignment for this Australian team, and another disappointing result.

When the Ashes come around, Australia’s problems overseas would be put to the side. With Australia favourites, the media and Australian public might start to believe once again that this team is going places.

However, the last two months have again confirmed this Australia side is incapable of dominating world cricket.

Below are some key points from Australia in Asia in 2017.

Continuous collapses product of being brought up on the flattest Australian pitches in memory.

Remember when the SCG was known for being a spinners’ paradise on the final two days of a Test Match? Or when Perth was easily considered the fastest and bounciest pitch in the world? 
Australia lost 8-86 to lose to Bangladesh in August

Everywhere you’d go in Australia, you’d face different conditions, which would give our batsmen a taste of what it takes to be a complete batsman. Techniques and patience would be tested. After all, scoring all over the world in different conditions is vital when discussing the best batsmen in the world, so why have Australia disregarded this? 

Is pleasing our sponsors so important that a Test Match must go five days, at the expense of being the best cricket team in the world? At the expense of producing great batsmen? At the expense of witnessing far less of these collapses? Test Cricket in the last few years in Australia has been awful to watch, and our results overseas have been product of that.
Travis Head was bowled for 42 at a SR of 71

Just remember, these collapses aren’t just limited to India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and the UAE. Hobart, Trent Bridge and Johannesburg are just three of the many instances in the last six years of Australia being subject to embarrassing collapses. On pitches that seam or spin, playing Australia means you are always in the game. Regularly, one brings two, and two brings three, and so on. What a far cry from the great Australian teams.

Get back to teaching our kids and players coming through the tanks to playing the ball late. It’s absolutely fine to give a youngster the freedom to play his way, but if it’s at the expense of technique, Australia will continuously falter.

Pushing with hard hands is a big issue. It doesn’t matter if you do it in Australia because the pitches are so flat you get away with it. It’s about time our pitches properly challenge batsmen again, and is taken seriously by players and coaches all over the country.

Yes, cricket has changed significantly with T20 but the importance of solid technique hasn’t. You need to have it to win all over the world. If the pitches return to how they used to be in Australia, we’ll really know who’s really ready for the International step up, and these players won’t be in for a shock.

Poor record in Asia continues

Australia’s Test Tour of India earlier this year gave us all great hope. The team showed great fight in difficult conditions, but fell short and have gone backwards since, tripping up in Bangladesh and getting hammered 4-1 here.
For all the praise Australia received after the India Tests, our record across Tests and ODIs in Asia this year stands at 3 wins, 1 draw and 7 losses. Hardly makes for great reading.

Middle order a concern

Glenn Maxwell exposes his stumps in Dhaka

Glenn Maxwell seemed to have turned a corner with a mature Test hundred in India this year. However, he’s struggled ever since. Can the selectors trust him to contribute to an Ashes triumph? Time will tell – he should get the nod for the no. 6 slot at the Gabba.

As an Englishman, would I like to see Glenn Maxwell walking in at 4/150 or worse? The answer is yes. It’s up to Glenn as to whether or not that changes.

Travis Head had a tough time of things this series at times, but should be better for the experience. So should Stoinis and Handscomb. Matt Wade would be under most pressure to retain his place. Replacing Neville with Wade has not worked, and it might be time that Neville gets back to the Test side, ideally at no.6, pushing Maxwell to 7.

Steve Smith needs a bit of a mental break

Australia’s champion batsman has hit a bit of a block. Attempting a sweep shot against the low arm off-spin of Kedar Yadhav is maybe a sign that everything that’s happened in the last six months is maybe getting to Smith a little. Also, knowing a collapse is coming if you get out is not easy. Mind not quite on each delivery?

His last 10 international innings have yielded 347 runs at 34.70. Australia need to manage Smith well before the Ashes.

Australia bowlers a positive

Amid all the doom and gloom, one thing is for certain, Australia’s bowling is in good shape. England’s batsmen need to be ready for a world class Australian attack. Patrick Cummins has been superb in unforgiving conditions in Bangladesh and India. Nathan Lyon finally mastered Asian conditions and he’ll play a big role on the bouncier Australian tracks, where he enjoys bowling. Starc and Hazlewood will be back. Nathan Coulter-Nile bowled very well this series, showing good pace and swing.

If Australia can get the batting side of things right, there are some great times ahead. However, a lot needs to be done and there is a very long way to go, and it starts with what we do at home that will shape our away fortunes.

What’s to come:

Australia have 3 T20I’s before their Asian assignment is over. Even a series win can’t help mask the obvious frailties in this team.

IPL Final 2017 Preview: Will the curse continue?

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IPL Final 2017 Preview: Mumbai Indians v Rising Pune Supergiant

Key question: Which will prove to be a bigger factor? Mumbai’s experience in previous IPL finals, or Pune’s excellent record over Mumbai?

After 59 matches, two teams now stand. The 10th IPL Final promises to be a classic. In Rising Pune’s last ever IPL game, they’d be pretty happy playing Mumbai Indians for the IPL trophy. In five matches against the two-time IPL champions, Pune easily have the edge, having won four, including Qualifier 1 just five days ago, by 20 runs.

Both sides contain star-studded line-ups but the pressure of a Final will keep all players on edge. Can Pune’s bowling attack, weaker on paper to Mumbai’s, stand up once again? Can Mumbai’s power players get it right against Pune this time? Questions that set the scene nicely ahead of the Final.

Key stats:
• Mumbai’s power man Keiron Pollard averages 31.50 with a strike rate of 138.46 in IPL10. This drops to 14.33 against Pune this season. Can Pune keep him quiet again?
• Can Mumbai stop MS DhoniAgainst Mumbai in playoff matches, he averages 64.66 at a SR of over 161. Big game player.
• What about Pune stopping Lendl Simmons? The West Indian has struck three successive 50s for Mumbai in playoff/knock-out matches, before IPL10.
• Jasprit Bumrah is considered one of the best death-bowlers in the world. Economy rate of under 7.50 this season is respectable and he is coming off 3/7 off 3 overs just two days ago.
• Ajinkya Rahane has two 50s vs Mumbai and is part of a top four for Pune that includes the dangerous Steven Smith and Manoj Tiwary. Combined, Smith and Tiwary have scored 738 runs at SR: 130.62 and an average touching 37.
• Steve Smith sits 5th in leading run scorers in IPL10. The Australian and Pune captain is one to watch, with 421 runs at an excellent average above 38 and SR 124.92. 
• Head-to-head in IPL10: Pune 3, Mumbai 0. Sets the Final up perfectly.

How we see it:

Tough one to choose. Mumbai have the big game experience, previously winning two titles, but Rising Pune Supergiant love playing against Mumbai. Can Mumbai overcome the Pune jinx

We think they can. Mumbai’s bowling attack is magnificent, and can keep Pune’s strong batting line-up quiet. Mumbai’s power players, namely Rohit Sharma and Keiron Pollard, are eager to really get going vs. Pune. Mumbai will use their big-game experience to grab a tight-win, and celebrate their third IPL title.

2nd Ashes Test: England v Australia – Australia embarrass by 405 runs England to level series 1-1

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From winners to amateurs.

A week ago, the talk was about England’s new found aggressiveness and confidence. The talk was about Australia’s struggles on slower pitches. The talk was about whether Australia could bounce back as a team after losing by 169 runs at Cardiff. All that went out the window as Australia completed a huge turnaround to thrash England by 405 runs at Lord’s.

The good news for England is that there are only three issues they need to deal with.

The bad news is that those three things are their batting, bowling and fielding.

They were completely outplayed in all departments. Australia were ruthless, never letting their foot off England’s throat since winning the toss on the first morning. Smith and Rogers combined for a record partnership, and their bowlers bowled with what Shane Warne would call “great wicket taking intent” and further exposed England’s top order woes, which have been prevalent for a while now.

England’s top order has struggled.

England sit last in terms of averages for wickets 1-3 in Tests in 2015. The English media has made clear of this, particularly pointing out Bangladesh, who average 58.86 (including a triple century opening stand against Pakistan) compared to England’s paltry 26.86. The English media is unforgiving and they’ve been just that after the Lord’s thrashing, only days after praising the side in Cardiff. When you’re winning, as England did at Cardiff, it’s easy to overlook the obvious weaknesses England have in the side. In addition, England is a side that can falter under pressure quite easily and look rattled, as evident with Ben Stokes’ dismissal on what turned out to be the final day.

3 for not many has been too familiar for England

It wouldn’t be wise to make wholesale changes in a series of this magnitude, especially in positions so important (top order). Adam Lyth, Gary Ballance and Ian Bell are under increasing pressure. Gary Ballance is the player reported to be under the most pressure and rightly so as he looks the least likely to threaten Australia out of the three in question. Even though Ballance scored strong runs against India and the West Indies, his technique still didn’t inspire confidence for tougher tests against New Zealand and Australia to come. That has proven right. To be frank, Australia will hope he’s selected for Edgbaston because he looks as if he will get out each ball he faces. Lyth and Bell might very well survive for Edgbaston but they’ll need to step up.

Back to no.1. Smith was too good.

For Australia, this was a perfect performance. Steve Smith was brilliant, amassing 273 runs for the game. Chris Rogers, who went off with dizziness on the fourth morning, scored 173 and 49* and looked in ‘total control. Australia will hope that the long layoff can help Rogers be ready for the 3rd Test. The likes of Warner, Clarke, Nevill and Marsh also enjoyed some time in the middle as Australia amassed 820 for the loss of only 10 wickets in the whole game.

And how good were the bowlers? This was such a huge improvement from Cardiff, constantly challenging every single England batsman who walked out to the crease. The Aussies saw weaknesses to be exploited and exploit those weaknesses they did. This Aussie attack is building up to be a very good one after the retirement of Ryan Harris, with each bowler (even Mitchell Marsh took key wickets) playing their role and most importantly, each bowler is different which adds further variety.

Some key stats which further show how one sided this game was:

– Australia averaged 82 runs per wicket (820/10) whereas England averaged 20.8 (415/20).
– Chris Rogers and Steven Smith (495 runs) outscored the entire England team over two innings (415).
– The margin of 405 runs was Australia’s third biggest Ashes win and England’s fourth heaviest in their history in terms of runs.

Lastly, the talk about the pitch suiting Australia is odd. The Lord’s track was created by England to negate the pace of Mitchell Johnson and the Australian attack, and this is a fair point because of how slow the Cardiff track was as well. If you’re worried about the opposition’s quick bowlers, you would do what you can to negate them. This backfired for England, because their bowlers were the ones who looked toothless for the most part and their batsmen looked all at sea against an attack that was threatening but disciplined. Australia found a way to bounce back, England will need an even bigger turnaround if they are to bounce back in Edgbaston.

2nd Ashes Test: England v Australia – Australia look to bounce back quickly

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England took a 1-0 Ashes series lead in Cardiff

It was said that if England win the first Test over Australia, we could be in for an Ashes series classic. England did just that, producing a clinical performance from the depths of 43/3 on the first morning to win by 169 runs. This was an England performance far improved from their tour of the West Indies as well as New Zealand’s recent two Test tour of England, and seem the more settled side heading into Lord’s. The scene is set at the Home of Cricket.

The disappointment about the first up defeat and speculation about the makeup of the Australian side for the 2nd Test has dominated the headlines in Australia. Shane Watson has been rightly dropped in place of Mitchell Marsh and Brad Haddin has withdrawn due to personal reasons. Shane Watson’s front pad will probably be the most relieved about the selectors’ decision to drop him, a decision which has surely been long overdue. Brad Haddin hasn’t been in the best form but as Ricky Ponting said, the Aussies will miss his presence because of how central he has been to Australia’s plans over the last few years. Add to that, Mitchell Starc’s ankle gave him trouble in Cardiff but he seems alright to play, bowling off a long run up in the lead up to the Test. England are far more settled, with doubt only over Moeen Ali, who has a side strain. He is tipped to play but if he is to miss out, they have an attacking option in Adil Rashid waiting.

England were excellent at Cardiff, playing that attacking cricket that their disastrous World Cup exit has triggered. Joe Root was superb, Gary Ballance chipped in with first innings runs, Ben Stokes, Moeen Ali and Ian Bell also scored runs. If Cook and Lyth can have a stronger opening partnership at Lord’s, Australia will be facing the heat. In addition, England’s bowlers were excellent and they’ll be looking for a repeat of their team effort in breaking down Australia’s batting line up.

Welcome to Test cricket, Peter Nevill

Australia, the pre-series favourites, need a big performance to bounce back. They will know that 2-0 would mean Ashes pretty much gone so Mitchell Marsh and Peter Nevill, the two players coming in, will need to contribute well which increases the pressure. Marsh was superb against Essex and Kent before the first Test and should have played ahead of Watson at Cardiff. Nevill had a huge Sheffield Shield season, with 764 runs at 76.40 so he deserves his spot. In addition, and perhaps most importantly, Australia would want their more established batsmen (i.e. Clarke, Smith) to contribute more and would also want their bowlers to bowl with a little more consistency. There were too many boundary balls in the first Test.

Players to watch:

Joe Root celebrates his century

For England, it’s that man Joe Root. His importance was reflected on the first day at Cardiff, where he made Australia pay for dropping him on 0. His form of late has been unbelievable and worse for Australia, he averages 85.88 in five Tests at Lord’s.

Steve Smith scored 33 twice at Cardiff

For Australia, Steven Smith had a quiet first Test by his recent standards. England believe to have worked him out around that off stump so he will be eager to get back in the big runs after losing his no.1 Test batting ranking. He didn’t reach that position for no reason though, and Australia will be hoping that the likes of Warner and Clarke can bat around an in form Smith.

Likely teams:

England: Adam Lyth, Alistair Cook (c), Gary Ballance, Ian Bell, Joe Root, Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler (wk), Moeen Ali, Stuart Broad, Mark Wood, James Anderson

Australia: Chris Rogers, David Warner, Steven Smith, Michael Clarke, Adam Voges, Mitchell Marsh, Peter Nevill, Mitchell Johnson, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Lyon

Some key stats:
– Australia were undefeated at Lord’s from 1938 to 2005 but have lost their last two Tests there, including a huge defeat in 2013.
– James Anderson and Stuart Broad have 136 Test wickets between them in 31 Tests at Lord’s.
– Toss will be key at Lord’s, as the team batting first has averaged 39.04 in Tests at Lord’s since 2010. The team batting second has averaged 30.10.

Prediction: Should be a great game. England held series leads in their recent series against West Indies and New Zealand and while they look better now, there are still a few weaknesses Australia can exploit. Remember, England should have been 43/4 with Joe Root gone for 0 on the first morning. Australia will want to prove that they can fight back and I think they will at least avoid defeat to get back into the series.

1st ODI: Bangladesh v South Africa – Preview

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What a year 2015 has been for the Tigers

Pretend it’s July 2014. Bangladesh had just lost an ODI series 2-0 to a second string India, which included a 58 all out capitulation. On top of this, they had lost to Sri Lanka after having them 67/8 in February 2014, then lost to Afghanistan in the Asia Cup about a month later then lost to Hong Kong in the World T20 at home also about a month later. Fast forward a year, they face South Africa coming off the back of a 5-0 home win over Zimbabwe, a quarter final appearance at the World Cup and series wins over Pakistan and India. What a turnaround.

If thoughts about this series being Bangladesh’s biggest challenge so far in 2015 were true, this was justified looking at how the T20 series went. Bangladesh were thoroughly outplayed and captain Mashrafe Mortaza has expressed concerns over his team’s ability to play South Africa’s spinners. You would’ve thought it’d be the other way around. South Africa have come to Bangladesh fully focused after no international cricket since the World Cup and despite not being at full strength, Bangladesh face a big task in beating this side.

However, this is Bangladesh’s favourite format and they have been brilliant in recent times. Since South Africa’s heartbreaking exit at the World Cup, Bangladesh have had 5 huge ODI wins against Pakistan and India, while unearthing a great talent in Mustafizur Rahman. Bangladesh’s bowling has been super impressive and while they will really miss Taskin Ahmed, they have enough variety to test South Africa. The challenge is to go from “testing” South Africa to “beating” them. Mashrafe Mortaza is the right man to help Bangladesh attempt this.

South Africa dominated the two T20Is

For South Africa, they look in sharp touch if the T20s were anything to go by. They made Bangladesh look ordinary at times and that is not easy to do at the Shere Bangla National Stadium, a stadium which Bangladesh “owns” according to Ravi Ashwin. There is no AB de Villiers which will be of relief to Bangladesh, but there is enough talent in the side to get their preparations up and running for the major tournaments coming up in the next four years.

Key player for Bangladesh: The best part about this run of success for the Bangladesh team is that they haven’t relied on one player to win. In the past, if Shakib Al Hasan had a quiet game, Bangladesh would not win. In the recent Pakistan series (won 3-0), Shakib only faced 31 balls all series. However, a key player is Mustafizur Rahman. He burst onto the scene with some brilliant performances but how he backs up will be interesting to see. A few more seam up deliveries would be nice to see so he continues to have that unpredictability about him.

Key player for South Africa: Imran Tahir was superb in the World Cup and boasts a great ODI record (70 wickets in 38 ODIs). He’s the perfect candidate to exploit Bangladesh’s nerves against spin. Bangladesh will need to play him with authority and keep the strike rotating against him. Dot balls will increase pressure, and Tahir has excelled in this area with an economy rate of only 4.35 in his career.

My Bangladesh team: The team would depend on the pitch and how slow it is but either Rubel Hossain or Jubair Hossain could have a big role to play, depending on who the selectors pick. Mahmudullah is a welcome return.

1. Tamim Iqbal 2. Soumya Sarkar 3. Mahmudullah 4. Mushfiqur Rahim (w) 5. Shakib Al Hasan 6. Sabbir Rahman 7. Nasir Hossain 8. Mashrafe Mortaza. 9. Arafat Sunny 10. Rubel Hossain/Jubair Hossain 11. Mustafizur Rahman

Some stats:

– South Africa have only lost 1 match to Bangladesh out of 14. That came in the 2007 World Cup.
– On South Africa’s last bilateral series visit to Bangladesh, they thumped the hosts 3-0. Bangladesh have come a long way since then.
– Bangladesh will look to erase memories of their last ODI against South Africa, which was in the 2011 World Cup. They were bowled out for 78 and lost by 206 runs.
– Shakib Al Hasan needs two more wickets for 200 in ODIs and Mashrafe Mortaza needs four.

Prediction: This series promises to be exciting as Bangladesh have been in great form and South Africa have a point to prove. There are new ODI rules in place so the team who adjusts to the conditions best will have the best chance. I believe Bangladesh can definitely push South Africa all the way and even win the game, despite missing Taskin Ahmed. South Africa don’t like being placed under pressure, so it’s Bangladesh’s job to ensure they put as much pressure as possible right the way through the match. Bangladesh to cause an upset.

2nd Test: Bangladesh v Pakistan – Preview

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Bangladesh v Pakistan penciled down on the cricket schedule for April – May 2015. Bangladesh hadn’t beaten Pakistan in any format since the 1999 World Cup and had lost all of their eight Tests against Pakistan before the recently completed Test at Khulna. Like a duck to water, Pakistan would have seen the ODIs against Bangladesh as the perfect start to life after Misbah Ul Haq and Shahid Afridi – the chance for youngsters to kick start their careers and the chance for the more senior players to find form against a team they hadn’t lost to for 16 years. Boy, were they wrong.

Unexpected – Pakistan have had a tough time on this tour.
Roll on to the Tests, then. A fresh start for Pakistan on a nightmare tour, a tour in which they have raised more questions about their cricket than answers. Former captain Ramiz Raja called this period their “lowest point in their international history” – a staggering comment considering what Pakistan have been through over the last few years but it also shows they did not expect to be in this position once they arrived on Bangladesh soil. The first Test went by and from a position where they seemed almost certain to win, Pakistan didn’t even come close to winning, ending the game as the team second happiest. Fair enough, how could you be happy when Tamim Iqbal and Imrul Kayes wipe off a 296 run deficit without losing a wicket? As the number three ranked Test side, they’ll be desperate to beat the number nine ranked side and end a tough tour on a high.
The last time these two sides played a Test in Dhaka, Shakib Al Hasan scored a century and took six wickets in the match, with Bangladesh pushing Pakistan right through the match. Pakistan eventually won late on day five, but the signs are that they’ll have to work harder and play better here as Bangladesh are going through a brilliant spell. The scene is set for the second Test in Dhaka. 
Tamim & Imrul broke countless records in their 312 run stand
It is unfair to only mention the struggles of Pakistan in this series. Bangladesh haven’t allowed Pakistan to flourish and have made a statement to say that they are the little brothers no more. A 296 run deficit would put most teams into their shell and would create a mindset of trying to only bat time without looking to score. Bangladesh, namely Tamim and Imrul, saw run scoring and putting pressure on the bowlers as the form of defence and hats off to them. The Dhaka pitch is also likely to be batsman friendly, but with a little more help for the bowlers expected, it will be interesting to see how this game pans out.
Key battles:
Wahab Riaz did threaten occasionally on a very flat pitch in Khulna
Pakistan bowling vs Bangladesh openers: Tamim and Imrul batted a total of 102.4 overs in the Khulna Test – 27 in the first innings and 75.4 in that amazing, record breaking stand in the second. Batting that amount of time took so much sting out of the Pakistan bowling and they set up a great platform for the middle order, leading to a credible draw. Pakistan skipper Misbah Ul Haq has said the Dhaka pitch will offer more help to the bowlers than the unforgiving pitch in Khulna so Pakistan would hope to get an early wicket and get stuck into Bangladesh’s batting line up as soon as possible. Junaid Khan and Wahab Riaz are class acts so Bangladesh will need to be selective in their shots. What strategy will the Pakistanis employ?
Bangladesh’s spinners vs Pakistan batting: Spin is Bangladesh’s strength and it is their spinners who hold the key as to whether they’ll be able to pick up 20 Pakistani wickets in this match. Taijul Islam, who was fantastic in taking a six wicket haul on a dead track, will want better support from Shakib Al Hasan who was well off the pace with the ball in Khulna. Expect him to bounce back because he has done just that so many times in the past and he’s all class. Also, Jubair Hossain must play as he’s a more attacking option than Shavagata Hom. Pressure being created by Shakib, Taijul and Jubair might make things more interesting than Pakistan would like.
My ideal Bangladesh team:
Jubair – wicket taking option.
As a Bangladesh fan, it was great to see the team bounce back from a losing position and save the game brilliantly in Khulna. However, that doesn’t take away the fact that changes still need to be made. There is one forced change with Rubel Hossain out with a side strain but the team must take the attacking option in Jubair. Shavagata Hom didn’t do much wrong in Khulna but Bangladesh are batting well enough to let go of one specialist batsman and pick an attacking bowler. After all, you do need to take wickets to win the game and he gives a different dimension to the Bangladesh attack. Pakistan’s batsmen had a ball in Khulna – Bangladesh need to make life more difficult with less boundary balls and more wicket taking intent.
My Bangladesh team for second Test: 1. Tamim Iqbal 2. Imrul Kayes 3. Mominul Haque 4. Mahmudullah 5. Shakib Al Hasan 6. Mushfiqur Rahim (c) 7. Soumya Sarkar 8. Taijul Islam 9. Abul Hasan 10. Mohammad Shahid 11. Jubair Hossain
Prediction: Mushfiqur Rahim, the Bangladesh captain, has said that winning will not be an upset for Bangladesh. It is pretty clear that confidence within the group is sky high. You back Bangladesh to score some runs with a number of players in very good form and if they can put the squeeze on the Pakistan batsmen, Pakistan will have to react to more unwanted pressure. Pakistan are desperate to win to avoid being the only team ranked above Bangladesh to go winless against them in all three formats in a bilateral series. Pakistan are the deserved favourites and they’ll want to continue the good Test form they showed in 2014. However, I’ll go for another draw and for more questions to be asked of the Pakistan side once the game is ended. If there is a winner in this game, it won’t be a one sided affair.

Cricket World Cup 2015 Final: Australia v New Zealand – Preview

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Six weeks of action has come down to this. The two best sides in this World Cup will battle it out for ODI cricket’s greatest prize. Australia are formidable at home, winning 24 of their last 26 matches on Australian soil. New Zealand are undefeated in this World Cup, including a win over Australia and are in great form. It makes for a potentially great final.

Boult and Southee have been impressive this World Cup
New Zealand’s bowlers, led by the unbelievable Trent Boult, have led the way for their success. Each team that has faced New Zealand has had to deal with the challenge of seeing out the opening overs against one of the best new ball pairings in Trent Boult and Tim Southee. Steven Smith has had a golden summer and New Zealand will want to have a go at him early. The battle between New Zealand’s new ball bowlers and Australia’s top order promises to be fascinating. Also, Matt Henry and Daniel Vettori are capable of keeping the pressure so Australia can’t assume that they’ll have it all their way.
Starc’s 6/28 nearly took Australia home v NZ in Auckland
Then there is Australia’s bowling, who held their nerve brilliantly when India’s openers were on song on Thursday night in Sydney. Mitchell Starc has led the way, Mitchell Johnson hit some form with two key wickets against India, Josh Hazlewood is a reliable man for skipper Michael Clarke to turn to at the top of the innings, only going for 4.1 an over against India. Add the likes of James Faulkner, Shane Watson and Glenn Maxwell and New Zealand’s batsmen will have to be on their game right throughout the innings to post/chase a score.
New Zealand’s batting will certainly be asked questions by this Australian attack on the large MCG field, a massive difference to Auckland, where boundaries down the ground were barely 50m. The Australian public has made clear of the struggles New Zealand may have on the MCG, with #MCGsobig hashtag gaining popularity. This is in addition to the fact that five of their players (Kane Williamson, Corey Anderson, Trent Boult, Matt Henry and Luke Ronchi) haven’t even played an ODI in Australia. This is in addition to the fact that New Zealand haven’t played an ODI across the tasman since 2009. This is in addition to the fact that this is their first ever World Cup Final. This is Australia’s seventh. Australia start deserved favourites.
Key for Australia to win:
Will Clarke be needed to play an important role in his last ODI?
Exploit New Zealand’s nerves. Sure, Australia will be nervous too with the pressure of the favourites tag and wanting to send Michael Clarke out on a high in his last ODI, but there are so many unfamiliar surroundings for New Zealand. If they can push New Zealand on the back foot early, you back Australia to go on with the job.
Key for New Zealand to win:
Familiarise with the surroundings as quickly as possible. I admire what New Zealand have done in this tournament. In the semi final v South Africa, they dealt well with the pressure of a close knock out match. They have to do the same in Melbourne. 
Key battles:
Trent Boult v Mitchell Starc & Australia top order: Trent Boult and Mitchell Starc have been the two standout bowlers in this tournament. They have both swung the ball and both took 5 wicket hauls in the meeting between the two sides in the Group Stages. The winner of the Boult v Starc battle can go a long way in deciding which way this game goes. Also, how much Trent Boult can swing the ball in Melbourne and how much he can test the Aussie top order will be interesting to see.
McCullum has been in devastating form this World Cup
Brendon McCullum v Australia opening bowlers: Brendon McCullum has done a brilliant job in transforming this New Zealand side in the last 18 months. He describes this period as the greatest moments in their lives. He’s a great striker of the ball and is capable of giving New Zealand a fast start. A strike rate of 191.81 in this World Cup suggests that Australia will want to see the back of him early.
Prediction: What a build up it has been. The two hosts contesting the World Cup final at one of the best sporting arenas in the world. Australia are deservedly favourites and with their experience in big games, their form at home and New Zealand’s unfamiliarity with conditions, a New Zealand win would be a bit of a surprise despite their own great form. Australia to win and lift the World Cup.

Cricket World Cup Quarter Final 2: India v Bangladesh – Preview

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Bangladesh played very solid cricket in the Group Stage

Big brother v little brother. “Superior” v “Inferior.” David v Goliath. This game has been touted as the Quarter Final that could be the most one sided out of the four games. If this game is more one sided than South Africa’s thrashing of Sri Lanka at the SCG, I’d be surprised. The way
Bangladesh have been playing in this tournament, they’ll back themselves to be competitive. India, who are deserved favourites to go through to the Semi Finals, can’t take their neighbours lightly.

Since that famous Bangladesh win over India in the 2007 World Cup, Bangladesh have only beaten India once. This was also in a major tournament, chasing 290 on their way to the 2012 Asia Cup final. However, it is not as if they haven’t given India a headache or two to deal with. In 2014, one of Bangladesh’s worst years, they played India four times and were in potential winning positions each time:

A second string India beat Bangladesh 2-0 last June. 

– Asia Cup 2014: Bangladesh scored 279/7 thanks to Mushfiqur Rahim’s century but Bangladesh’s bowling wasn’t threatening enough with India cruising home thanks to Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane.
– 1st ODI of India tour of Bangladesh in June 2014: Bangladesh scored in excess of 270 again but a second string India got home on the D/L method.
– 2nd ODI of India tour of Bangladesh in June 2014: Probably one of the most extraordinary games in ODI cricket. Bangladesh bowled India out for 105 and then lost 8/14 to be bowled out for 58. Another winning position squandered in 2014 by Bangladesh. Young Taskin Ahmed took 5/28 on debut for Bangladesh, before Stuart Binny took 6/4 in 4.4 overs.
– 3rd ODI of India tour of Bangladesh in June 2014: India were 119/9 before rain stopped play. A second string India beat Bangladesh 2-0. Bangladesh now face a full strength Indian team off the back of ten consecutive wins in World Cups. It will be a tough ask for Bangladesh.

Mushfiqur Rahim has a good record v India (avg 42+ in 14 games)

Key for Bangladesh to win:

Play with freedom and play aggressively. With Bangladesh playing with much greater confidence at the moment, if they are able to put India under any sort of pressure, who knows what can happen. Bangladesh will need to be perfect in all aspects, while India need to be off a little. India’s bowlers have been superb in this tournament, bowling out each team they played in the group stages but the Indian attack is not invincible, so how well Bangladesh can put pressure on the Indian bowlers will be interesting to see. They were rolled for 58 last year thanks to Binny and Mohit Sharma, who will have a role to play today, who took 4 wickets. However, conditions are expected to be better for batting in Melbourne and Bangladesh have scored a number of 270+ scores v India in recent years. Bat first and get runs on the board and who knows…

Key for India to win:

India’s pace bowlers have been impressive.

No complacency. On paper, they are the stronger side and are expected to win and win comfortably. Many of their fans and media outlets believe that they have already booked their place in the Semi Finals. They need to focus here before they focus on anything else because Bangladesh will be looking to take advantage of any complacency. India’s pace bowlers have been a revelation and can cause Bangladesh a few problems. They have been supported brilliantly by Ravi Ashwin. The likes of Kohli, Dhawan, Dhoni and Rohit Sharma can hurt Bangladesh with the bat. They possess a much better side on paper than Bangladesh so focus is the key.

Shakib was man of the match the last time Bangladesh beat India

Player to watch for Bangladesh: Shakib Al Hasan. Yes, the likes of Mahmudullah, Soumya Sarkar, Rubel
Hossain and Mushfiqur Rahim have been brilliant in this tournament but Bangladesh will want Shakib to fire in this game if they are to be a chance. His stats this tournament (batting – 186 runs @ 46.50; bowling – 7 wickets @ 34.28 with economy rate of 5.03) are statistics any all-rounder would be proud of. However, Shakib hasn’t quite peaked yet in this tournament and what better time to put in his best display in front of a huge MCG crowd in a knockout game.

Player to watch for India: Virat Kohli. Kohli has been the thorn in Bangladesh’s side in the last few years. Against Bangladesh, Virat Kohli averages 126.50 in six matches with three centuries. Bangladesh would love to have him come in nice and early and put him under some sort of pressure by targeting his off stump. If Bangladesh don’t bowl well to him, watch out.

Stats:
– This is Bangladesh’s 300th ODI. In their 100th ODI, they beat India for the first time in 2004 and in their 150th ODI, they upset India in the 2007 World Cup.
– In World Cups, both teams are level on one win a piece. India thrashed Bangladesh in the 2011 opener after Bangladesh knocked India out in 2007.
– Since 2011, Bangladesh have scored 270+ vs India four times in five completed matches.
– India have won the last three completed matches between the two sides.

Prediction: Bangladesh have been really good this tournament – they pushed New Zealand all the way last Friday. They’ll want to push India as much as they can and compete as long as possible and as a Bangladesh fan, it’d be great to see a good fighting performance. However, it’s hard to see anything other than an India win. India’s batting, bowling and fielding are superior to Bangladesh on paper. Bangladesh’s hope will lie in the fact that no game in won on paper. Should be a good game.

Cricket World Cup: New Zealand v Bangladesh – Preview

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Monday was one of the great days in Bangladesh cricket.

What a World Cup it has been for both these sides. For New Zealand, they are favoured to end the group stages of a World Cup unbeaten for the first time. They have pretty much swept everyone aside with the ball and would look for a solid hit out for their batsmen. For Bangladesh, they have booked their passage to the quarter finals with an amazing w
in over England on Monday in Adelaide. It was a special day for their fans and I couldn’t be happier, as they exposed England’s weaknesses beautifully. Their focus and desire to do well in this game is fantastic, and they have the chance to build more momentum heading into the quarter finals by doing well here.

Since 2010, New Zealand have lost seven straight ODIs to Bangladesh – a 4-0 loss in 2010 and a 3-0 loss in 2013. Since 2013, both sides have gone in opposite directions somewhat, with New Zealand building beautifully to this World Cup and Bangladesh having to wait over a year for their next win, against Zimbabwe last November. This included defeats to Sri Lanka after they had them 67-8, Afghanistan and a 58 all out loss to India last June. Despite their poor form in 2014, Bangladesh is a side that can, if they show up on the day, cause a few surprises and surprise people they have done with entry into the quarter finals with a game to spare.

However, beating New Zealand in New Zealand is a different proposition and is something that they have never done. New Zealand would be strong favourites for this game and if they can get the ball to swing (something they’ve done often in this tournament), then Bangladesh could be in for a tough day. Bangladesh will also have to deal with Kane Williamson, Grant Elliott and Daniel Vettori as they have reportedly overcome sickness.

Key for New Zealand to win:

Rubel Hosssain was superb v England. 

The key for New Zealand is ruthlessness and focus. A loss to Bangladesh at home on the eve of the quarter finals might leave a sour taste in the mouth. Ideally, they’d want a solid outing for all involved, especially their middle order who haven’t quite flourished so far in this World Cup. The key for them is to put the pressure back on Bangladesh’s fast bowlers, who are on quite a high after leading Bangladesh home against England. It will interesting to see how New Zealand handle Bangladesh’s bowlers who strive for good economy rates. If New Zealand are off their game, Bangladesh is a side that can cause them trouble. New Zealand need to be focused on this game before anything else. If they are, they’ll look a good bet for an undefeated group stage performance.

Key for Bangladesh to win:

The big key for Bangladesh is how they handle the swinging ball. They didn’t look too comfortable against the swinging ball when facing James Anderson early on in Adelaide on Monday. Imrul Kayes and Tamim Iqbal both fell early to the swinging ball, and Mahmudullah and Soumya Sarker had some nervy moments. If Bangladesh are to spring a big upset, they’ll need runs on the board – exposing their middle order early to the in form New Zealand attack will make it less likely that they’ll get a good score on the board.

Player to watch for New Zealand:

McCullum has been destructive in this World Cup

Brendon McCullum. Out of the 249 runs he has scored in the tournament, 229 have been in the first ten overs. In the mandatory powerplays, McCullum’s strike rate is 212, which is double Adam’s Gilchrists 106 in 2003 for leading run scorers in the first ten overs of World Cups. If he gets going today, Bangladesh’s chances of even being competitive will shrink. Bangladesh will be given hope by the fact that their economy rate of 4.10 in the mandatory powerplay (2nd best)
can tackle New Zealand who have a run rate of over 8 in these overs this tournament.

Player to watch for Bangladesh:

Bangladesh would want to see more of this from Tamim

Tamim Iqbal. He needs to get going and get himself a good score against major opposition. His 95 against Scotland contributed significantly to an important win over Scotland last week but Bangladesh need more from the 2010 Test Cricketer of the year. If Bangladesh bat first, they’ll need Tami
m to bat through If Bangladesh bat second, they’ll need Tamim to set up the chase well. Of equal importance, Tamim Iqbal needs a confidence boost ahead of the quarter finals and what better way to find confidence with runs against one of the best attacks in the world?

Prediction: As a Bangladesh fan, this game is more about the performance than the result. Sure, it’d be great to see a Bangladesh victory in New Zealand but putting up a good show should be their first priority. I think Bangladesh can be competitive but a victory here is a tough ask – Sri Lanka, Australia and England were all hurt by New Zealand. New Zealand to win but certainly hoping for a confident Bangladeshi performance.

Cricket World Cup 2015 – Bangladesh v England: Preview

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Eoin Morgan has had a tough time of it this tournament

As an Australian but very passionate Bangladesh fan, it doesn’t get much better than this. This is the game I marked on the calendar when the World Cup draw was released and it’s turned out exactly as I had hoped. Bangladesh have the chance to knock out the old foe, England, from the World Cup and progress to the quarter finals. England will be nervous with the thought of an embarrassing early exit and an unforgiving English media on their mind.

This is a must win game for both sides but for different reasons. For Bangladesh, they need one win out of their last two but their last game is against New Zealand. Even tho-
ugh they have beaten New Zealand in their last seven completed ODIs against them, they don’t stand much of a chance against the red hot co hosts away from Bangladesh. As a result, this game against England is their best chance to progress. For England, defeat will spell the end. They currently sit three points behind Bangladesh and anything less than a win in Adelaide will not be enough ahead of their match against Afghanistan on Friday. England have lost two of their last three against Bangladesh – one defeat in England in 2010 and one in Bangladesh during the 2011 World Cup, so they’ll have to be on high alert.

Joe Root has been the shining light for disappointing England

Both sides scored in excess of 300 in the last games but the bowling performances left a lot to be desired. England weren’t even close in defending 309 v Sri Lanka and Bangladesh conceded 318 against Scotland and eventually dealt well with the pressure of a big chase and got home thanks to runs from their top order. The signs point to more runs in Adelaide with a flat pitch and short square boundaries expected.

For a game of this magnitude, it will be int
eresting to see the teams selected as there is uncertainty in both camps in terms of their final XIs. For England, there has been talk of Alex Hales returning and adding some extra oomph to the top order. Also, Steven Finn, who simply hasn’t developed into the bowler he should be at this stage of his career, could make way for Chris Jordan. For Bangladesh, do they pick Imrul Kayes to replace the injured Anamul or do they go with the extra spinner? There are good cases for both but I think they may go with Imrul for extra batting cover. Whichever way Bangladesh and England go, both sides will have to deal with the pressure of the occasion.

Key for Bangladesh to win:

Bangladesh have done what they needed to do so far by beating Afghanistan and Scotland, while grabbing a bonus point against Australia at a rain sodden Gabba. The key for them is to rise to the occasion and do the little things right as they’ve failed to step up in big games before. They’ll need to keep the pressure on England – their quicks, spinners, fielders and batsmen
must all contribute to increasing England’s discomfort. If their spinners bowl well but their seamers let them down, England can still run away with things. The key for Bangladesh is to do the simple things really well.

Key for England to win:

England are the favourites – all the pressure is on them as they face an embarrassing early exit. The key for England is not to play within themselves and play with the burden of the pressure they face. They must put Bangladesh’s batsmen and bowlers under pressure through aggressive cricket. Bangladesh are a team that can cause headaches for any side so England need to take the game to them. It will be interesting to see if England play Steven Finn – he needs to have faith placed in him and plus, he’s a wicket taker.

Players to watch for Bangladesh:

If Shakib gets going, England could be in trouble

I’ve picked four. These four players need to have good games if Bangladesh are to knock England out. The first is Shakib Al Hasan, the best allrounder in the game in my opinion. He has stepped up for Bangladesh with bat and ball consistently in his career and a fine performance in setting up a Bangladesh win here will increase his credentials even further. The second is Tamim Iqbal. He loves England. 2010 was his best year as a batsman, scoring an ODI century and two Test
centuries (in England) against England as well as half centuries. When he gets going, he can give Bangladesh a great start and make England worried. The third is Mushfiqur Rahim. His career statistics may not look too flash but his performances in the last few years in all formats have been excellent. For such a little guy, he packs a punch and Bangladesh would want important runs from him in the middle order and to take every chance that comes to him behind the stumps. The fourth is the captain Mashrafe Mortaza. He is Bangladesh’s best and most experienced seamer. He is key because if he can keep England quiet at the top and take a wicket or two, the spinners can look to expose England’s middle order.

Players to watch for England:

James Anderson has taken just two wickets in four games this WC

I’ve picked three. Stuart Broad and James Anderson must step up – they’ve been well under par in this tournament. James Anderson needs to rediscover the form he had in the tri-series against Australia and India whereas Stuart Broad needs to take on more responsibility. A huge game for both – early
wickets at the top can settle nerves. The third is skipper Eoin Morgan who hasn’t got going in this World Cup. Here is his chance in England’s biggest game so far.

Prediction: Huge game – it’s turned out to be a quarter final shootout as I thought it could be. My heart says Bangladesh but my head says England. Tough one to pick as this game is reliant on which side handles the occasion better. Bangladesh have not dealt with the big occasion well in the past but that can change today. Hoping for a Bangladesh win.