Not long now until the World Cup starts to get a little more interesting. Until then, England and New Zealand are predicted to score comfortable wins in Hamilton and Sydney respectively.
Check out our review of today’s actions and the most pertinent questions heading into it:
The Three Big Questions?
Should Ireland be playing test cricket?
Ireland have again led the way of associate nations in this World Cup with a string of decent performances and three wins. They’ll be pushing for a quarterfinal spot when they meet Pakistan on Sunday. Whether they make the knockout stage or not they deserve to press their case for test status. They certainly have the experience, the facilities and the talent to compete in the shorter format, but questions remain about their ability to last five days. All but three of their squad have played for English counties. Heck, even their number 11 averages 31.25 in first class cricket. We support their inclusion on the basis that they start in a second tier comp and are not subject to top team humiliation (even though that’s how every team starts their test journey).
Are New Zealand disadvantaged having every pool game at home?
It sounds silly, but some commenters have argued that New Zealand will struggle with the bigger grounds and different surfaces in Australia if they reach the World Cup final. Stepping out to a packed MCG could be overwhelming if they haven’t had to experience defending a total on the big ground, or been subjected to the inevitable sheep shagging jokes on the boundary. Luckily, the conditions won’t be too dissimilar, and home advantage when the public is riding such a wave is more advantageous than not.
Shane Watson or Mitchell Marsh?
Watto will rightly play in the middle order for the rest of the tournament barring injury. His experience is worth more than Marsh and offers a better bowling option. Marsh did take five wickets in Australia’s opener but has since been ineffective with the ball in hand. He must make way for Watson who revived his career with his knock against Sri Lanka.
Today’s Matchups
1. New Zealand v Bangladesh, Seddon Park (Hamilton – fine weather all day), starts 2:00pm local time
New Zealand – $1.12
Bangladesh – $6.25
You might not believe this but Bangladesh have won all of the last seven completed one day internationals against New Zealand. Granted all of them were in Bangladesh, and when New Zealand were not at home, unbeaten in a World Cup. It’s still a damn fine record and will actually take some good cricket to put a stop to. Shakib Al Hasan is the key to Bangladesh hopes. He has an excellent record against the Black Caps and was surprisingly quiet against England. Expect him to open the bowling to counteract the threat of Brendon McCullum.
Adam Milne is the only injury concern for New Zealand. He may be replaced by Mitchell McClenaghan.
2. England v Afghanistan, Sydney Cricket Ground (Sydney – cloudy with chance of rain), starts 2:30pm local time
England – $7.00
Afghanistan – $1.10
Home-bound England must conjure up the energy to see off Afghanistan to end their World Cup campaign in style. The English selectors may be tempted to usher in a host of new faces to plan for a post-enquiry future. That could mean more game time for Alex Hales and Chris Jordan. James Tredwell could also feature on the traditionally turning Sydney pitch.
Afghanistan will also want to finish strongly. Their quicks provide their best chance of springing a surprise, but they may be nullified by an unhelpful wicket.
Today’s Multi
The Shock “Bangladesh and Afghanistan Will Win” Mutli
Bangladesh outright at $6.25 + Afghanistan to Win (the toss) at $1.91 = $11.94
Odds available at William Hill Australia.
