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MATCH PREVIEW: 2nd Test – South Africa v Bangladesh, Bloemfontein

Charbel Coorey
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2nd Test – South Africa v Bangladesh, Bloemfontein

Hope for Bangladesh with South Africa bowling attack ravaged by injury

The 1st Test in Potchefstroom highlighted the gap between South Africa and Bangladesh in Test cricket, especially on South African soil.

From the moment Mushfiqur Rahim won the toss and bowled in Potchefstroom – on a flat pitch – South Africa completely dominated Bangladesh.

South Africa stormed home in the 1st Test

Potchefstroom was an opportunity for Bangladesh to show the world they can be competitive away from home. The Test couldn’t have gone worse for them. For South Africa, it was the start of their biggest home season ever, and wanted a good start. They got it, but at a cost, losing Morne Morkel for six weeks.

South Africa will be without key personnel in their bowling attack – namely Dale Steyn, Vernon Philander, Morne Morkel and Chris Morris, which is a world class attack, which will give Bangladesh hope.

However, Bangladesh will be without Tamim Iqbal and Shakib Al Hasan, who both sit in Bangladesh’s top three run scorers for 2017, behind skipper Mushfiqur.

Also, the mentality that captain Faf du Plessis instills in his team will be a challenge for Bangladesh to withstand. For four days in Potchefstroom, South Africa put Bangladesh under so much pressure that the Tigers couldn’t even breathe, let alone roar. By day 5, Bangladesh had nothing left, and lost their last 7 wickets in just over 80 minutes on a flat track.

Key to a South Africa win:

Guarding against complacency and keeping the foot on the throat.

Kagiso Rabada, with 22 Tests to his name, will lead the attack

The pitch in Bloemfontein will have South Africa and Faf du Plessis in a good mood. Even without their bowling stars, South Africa will still be confident of getting in the mind of the Bangladesh batsmen, with control, pace, bounce and movement.

The key for South Africa would be to get into Bangladesh early. The Tigers are fresh off conceding 496/3 and getting bowled out for 90, so the Proteas can look to exploit Bangladesh with both bat and ball.

South Africa’s top order are all in form, and will be confident of ripping into an inexperienced Bangladesh attack, and giving their bowlers plenty of runs to bowl at. Aiden Markram was impressive on his Test debut, without being tested too much, alongside Dean Elgar, Hashim Amla, Faf du Plessis and Temba Bavuma, who were all in the runs.

On the bowling front, Kagiso Rabada has always stepped up when South Africa are down on bowling troops. He was superb in the 1st Test. Duanne Olivier was poor but he is in an environment that ensures the best can be brought out of him. Dane Peterson or Wayne Parnell need to offer good support as the third seamer. South Africa will also be sure to utilise the brilliant Keshav Maharaj.

Key to a Bangladesh win:

Stay in the game as long as possible.

Bangladesh’s confidence might be shot, but they can’t show it. If they do, South Africa will be ready to pounce. Bangladesh need to forget about Potchefstroom, fast. A lot will depend on how defensive Mushfiqur Rahim decides to be.

Going by recent history, there is every chance he will be defensive.

In saying this, Bangladesh must win day one. The 1st Test was all but gone after day one, and the Tigers need to ensure that doesn’t happen again. They need to give themselves a chance of competing throughout the Test, instead of always chasing the game.

Mushfiqur & Mominul – keys for Bangladesh in the 2nd Test

Another key is for Bangladesh to display more patience – bowl more maidens + attack more in the field, and convert starts to big scores with the bat. In the first Test, Bangladesh bowled only 21 maidens in  202 overs across both innings. With the bat, 5 of the top 6 made scores of 25 or more (1st innings). If one or two convert those starts to 100+ scores, Bangladesh would have matched South Africa’s 496. The players most likely to do this in the 2nd Test are Mominul and Mushfiqur, who both have sound techniques.

Also, Bangladesh got their selections wrong in the 1st Test. Subashis Roy should be included in the team, and be encouraged to hit the pitch hard and showcase his skills. If Bangladesh pick Rubel Hossain however, they’d be making a mistake. Shafiul might keep his place, simply because there is no better option. Mehedi will appreciate the extra bounce that the Bloemfontein pitch should provide.

Some stats you might not have known:

Bangladesh will miss these two

– The last time Bangladesh were without Shakib Al Hasan and Tamim Iqbal in a Test, Bangladesh amassed 638 v Sri Lanka in Galle 2013. Mushfiqur was Bangladesh’s first double centurion.

– In 2017, Tamim and Shakib have scored 28.5% of Bangladesh’s Test runs.

– Bangladesh have lost 5 out of 5 in South Africa, with no batsman ever scoring a century. Their 333 run defeat in the 1st Test was the first time Bangladesh avoided an innings defeat on South African soil.

Keshav Maharaj has been a revelation

– Keshav Maharaj picked up his 50th Test wicket in his 12th Test, the second quickest South African spinner to the landmark, and the quickest since readmission. This is a superb effort considering he is yet to play a Test in Asia – he has played Tests in SA, Australia, England and New Zealand.

– Dean Elgar is closing in on 1,000 Test runs for 2017 (16 more needed). Hashim Amla was the last South African to achieve this feat, in 2012.

– Rubel Hossain, in 24 Tests, averages 77.93 with an economy rate of 119.8

Prediction:

Without Tamim and Shakib, Bangladesh might find things a bit too difficult, even though hey’ll have some hope considering this South African attack is ravaged by injury.

However, South Africa know these conditions, and have a captain who encourages attacking cricket. Bangladesh don’t, and might struggle batting on a pitch which looks like it will have pace and movement. South Africa to win, but will be closer than the 1st Test.

7 stats from Sri Lanka’s amazing win over Pakistan in Abu Dhabi

Charbel Coorey
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Follow CricBlog on Instagram & Twitter at @cric_blog

Pakistan v Sri Lanka, 1st Test, Abu Dhabi

For nearly four days, this Test was going nowhere.

But, as can be the case in the UAE, day five threw up some of the biggest surprises in recent memory.

I love stats, so here are 7 awesome ones to come out of an incredible Test Match, where Sri Lanka snatched a memorable victory:

1. Avg. 46.50 (SR 111) vs. 9.87 (SR 28.6)

Rangana Herath picked up his
400th Test wicket

The first innings of this match was hard toil for all involved – batsmen, bowlers and viewers. The spinners didn’t find things easy either, averaging 46.50 and taking a wicket once every 111 balls.

The second innings saw one of the most remarkable reversals of fortune ever. Once Pakistan were all out for 422 in their first innings, the spinners became rampant, averaging below 10 and striking once every 28 balls!
Yasir Shah (5/51) and Rangana Herath (6/43) were the chief destroyers.

2. History for both Pakistan and Sri Lanka

For Sri Lanka, they have never defended a total lower than the 136 they successfully defended in Abu Dhabi. Their previous best was also against Pakistan, defending 168 in Galle in 2009.

For Pakistan, this was the lowest score that they’ve failed to chase in the fourth innings. Their previous lowest was 146, vs South Africa in Faisalabad in 1997.

History re-written in Abu Dhabi.

3. 419, 422, 138, 135

Pakistan crumbled in their chase of 136

This Test Match was only the second time in history that both teams were bowled out for under 200 in the second innings, after both posted 400+ in the first innings.

The only other instance was England v South Africa, way back in 1951.

4. Yasir Shah becomes 5th legspinner to take a five-for in four consecutive Tests

The world-class leg-spinner is the first after Richie Benaud, BS Chandrasekhar, Mushtaq Ahmed and Anil Kumble to achieve this feat.

5. Rangana Herath becomes the 1st left arm spinner to take 400 Test wickets

Left arm spinners struggled for quite a while up until a few years ago, and Rangana Herath is a huge reason why left-arm spin is fashionable again.

The champion took just 84 Tests to reach the milestone, which is the 3rd quickest in history. Only Muttiah Muralitharan, Richard Hadlee and Dale Steyn took fewer Tests.

Sri Lanka snatched a memorable victory

6. Scoring over 400 doesn’t make you safe

This was the 7th instance since December 2016 (just 10 months) that a team has made 400 in one of their innings in a Test match, and have lost.

Pakistan have been involved in three of them, losing to Australia in Brisbane (making 450 in the 4th innings), then again to Australia in Melbourne (despite 443/9 in the 1st innings), and here to Sri Lanka after making 422 in their first innings.

7. Franatic final day

15 wickets fell for 183 runs on the final day, after just 24 wickets fell in the previous four days. This was only the tenth time in history that 15 wickets fell on the last day.

This Test match is a strong case for keeping 5-day Test matches, with all the talk of possibly moving to 4-day Tests in the future.

RANT: Mushfiqur Rahim must be removed as captain as Bangladesh cop huge loss to South Africa

Charbel Coorey
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The moment Bangladesh lost the Test, handing South Africa an easy passage to victory.

As a Bangladesh fan, I’m very disappointed writing this, after witnessing such a disappointing performance by Bangladesh in the 1st Test vs South Africa.

This series against South Africa is a chance for Bangladesh to show they can compete away from home against a quality Test side.

In 2015, Mushfiq bowled first with only 3 specialist bowlers.
Lost the match to Pakistan by 328 runs

However, this match was lost before a ball was bowled.


Question: Does any captain in world cricket have a worse impact on his team than Mushfiqur Rahim?

What’s scary that this is considering he is one of Bangladesh’s BEST batsmen, but the Bangladesh skipper did himself absolutely no favours in the 1st Test vs South Africa.

I’ll go one step further and say he has done Bangladesh no favours (as captain) in his entire captaincy reign.

Yes, he is statistically Bangladesh’s best captain in terms of wins. However, even in the wins he’s been in charge of, there have been many times during those games where Mushfiqur has left us scratching our heads, wondering what he’s doing.

In 2014, Mushfiq bowled first with
3 specialist bowlers, 1 on debut.
Lost the match to WI by 10 wickets.

Despite Mushfiqur captaining Bangladesh to Test victories out of any previous Bangladesh captain, there is absolutely no doubt that this Test Series in South Africa must be his last as captain.

Mushfiqur is far too defensive

This match is not the first time that Mushfiqur has won the toss and inexplicably chose to bowl, and put Bangladesh in a position to lose a Test Match even before a ball is bowled. This is also not the first time that Mushfiqur looks clueless in the field, seemingly operating without a plan. This is also not the first time that Mushfiqur has left us wondering what on earth he’s doing – for example, introducing a spinner in the 6th over after winning the toss and bowling first in South Africa or spreading out the field after a few wicketless overs or after a boundary.

Mushfiqur’s defensive approach and lack of strategy is holding Bangladesh back.

But what is that you say? Bangladesh beat England, Sri Lanka AND Australia all in the past year?

Teenager Mehedi led Bangladesh home vs England last year

OK, let’s talk about Bangladesh’s best Test results in their history – victories against England, Sri Lanka and Australia, and how Mushfiqur almost contributed to defeats in all those matches.

Against England last year in Mirpur, there were times he looked quite clueless. In the first innings of
that match, Bangladesh were on course for a lead of at least 50. On a pitch with huge turn and uneven bounce, the name of the game was putting the foot on England’s throat. However, England’s lower order showed some solid defense and Mushfiq was quick to go on the defensive. England ended up leading by 24.

In the second innings, England raced to 0/100 in pursuit of 270+ to win the Test. Again, easy singles and twos were on offer. Giving singles works in limited overs cricket but NOT Test cricket. You simply can’t let the game drift, and Mushfiqur just does it too often. Against England, it was the brilliance of Mehedi and Shakib, rather than brilliant captaincy by Rahim, that saw Bangladesh home.

Against Sri Lanka, Mushfiq treated Suranga Lakmal like he was Kumar Sangakarra, showing way too much respect to a tailender, simply because he played a few good shots. Lakmal helped Sri Lanka post extra runs in both innings, and gave Bangladesh a target of nearly 200 to chase, which was at least 50 more than they should have got. Bangladesh crept home.

Shakib was superb in the 1st Test vs Australia in August

Against Australia recently, David Warner and Steve Smith were allowed to score freely and accumulate as they wished, even on a very challenging surface. Again, it was the brilliance of Shakib winning the match for Bangladesh. In the 2nd Test in Chittagong, Peter Handscomb and David Warner could barely stand or walk because of the heat. Mushfiqur should’ve seen this as an opportunity to strike, with the batsmen looking really tired. Wasn’t the case. They put a huge partnership that took the game away from Bangladesh.

All this in Bangladesh’s biggest successes over the last year. Here in South Africa, there wasn’t huge turn and it wasn’t ever going to be a spinner’s paradise. So what was Mushfiqur going to rely on? Shakib? He’s not playing. Mehedi? Still only a 19 year old. His seamers? His tactics? Wait, what tactics?

Bangladesh need to aim to be more than just Tigers at Home

Bangladesh are an emerging force in world cricket, but they must improve away from home to be really taken seriously in the cricketing world. To do this, four things are key:
  1. Play Mushfiqur as a batsman, ONLY: Remove Mushfiqur of the captaincy. Tamim Iqbal showed last year against England that he is capable of the job.
  2. Attacking, positive mindset: Sorry, but bowling first to “protect” your batsmen is not being positive. Pushing the field back and offering easy singles will not help Bangladesh win more games of Test cricket. Mushfiqur is responsible for this. In the end, what protection did he provide his batsmen? Bangladesh were out for 90 on a flat pitch, and embarrassed.
  3. Encourage batsmen to bat with patience: Can you believe Mominul Haque is in and out of the side? The general view is that he bats too slowly. Unbelievable. This shows that Bangladesh has a culture of “a quick 25-30 is better for us than a patient 70+ score”. It is ridiculous that players like Imrul Kayes and Sabbir Rahman are playing more Test cricket than classy Mominul. This thinking must change.
  4. Produce TEST quality seamers: How do you do this? By producing pitches back at home that encourage youngsters to take up seam bowling. Also, by working on the skills of these bowlers, and how they can get batsmen out, instead of simply rolling their arm over. Taskin and Shafiul aren’t Test bowlers. Subashis showed great potential in Sri Lanka and Kamrul Islam Rabbi in New Zealand. Why aren’t they playing? Where’s Mohammad Shahid? Also, the coaching staff need to help The Fizz find his ability to swing the ball back to the right hander. He’s showing glimpses of his class but needs to be persisted with.
Bangladesh are no longer minnows. This is fact. However, with Mushfiqur Rahim captain of the Test team, Bangladesh won’t achieve the results that their talent suggests they should. 
Time for a change at the helm.

Australia in Asia – Did Anyone Expect Anything Different?

Charbel Coorey
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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?

Charbel Coorey
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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 Dhoni? Against 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

Charbel Coorey
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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

Charbel Coorey
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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

Charbel Coorey
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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

Charbel Coorey
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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

Charbel Coorey
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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.
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