Category: Cricket

Cricket World Cup: Day 11 Preview

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The Three Big Questions 

Have India returned to form, are they a chance now?

Bowling woes aside, India have been in some okay form during the majority of their Australian tour.  Their batsman were competent in the test series, they scored some runs in the Carlton Mid Series, and have now scored 300+ against two top tier nations in their opening match of the Cricket World Cup.  Therefore, they haven’t returned to form, they have just had one of their top six score big runs as they have done all summer, and now their bowlers are looking much more comfortable when defending scores of over 300.  We’re convinced they’ll make the semi-finals, but to go further they need a big hundred (which we’ve seen from Sharma, Dhawan, Rahane, Kohli so far this tour), and their bowlers to bowl to a new simple dot ball pressure blowing plan.

What about England?

Less of a chance for India that is for sure.  Too many similar players in both the batting and bowling departments.  In Root, Ballance, Bell and Taylor (even Morgan in current form) you have smaller players who rely on gaps, timing and deflections rather than power.  That’s fine on the bigger grounds and, crucially, when the players are in form, but that’s not the case at the moment.  Joe Buttler is their only MS Dhoni, whereas New Zealand have McCullum, Taylor, Anderson and Ronchi.  Australia have Marsh, Warner, Finch, Maxwell, Faulkner.  They can’t compete.  Their bowlers too won’t offer enough to worry the best in the world.  Finn, Woakes and Broad hit the pitch hard, they rarely swing it down under.  That presents a problem, as Brendon McCullum pointed out.

And South Africa?

South Africa looked surprisingly, but completely, off the mark against India.  Bereft of ideas, and lacking individual accountability.  We mentioned after their first up effort against Zimbabwe that the top four wouldn’t fail cumulatively again in the tournament.  But they did.  du Plessis got a few but the form of Amla, de Kock and de Villiers is now reaching concerning levels.  They need a quick spark to prevent the dreaded c-word surfacing.

Today’s Matchup

West Indies v Zimbabwe, Manuka Oval (Canberra – scattered thunderstorms expected), starts 2:30pm local time

West Indies – $1.20

Zimbabwe – $4.50

The West Indies may have turned a corner with their strong win against Pakistan over the weekend.  After splitting their games in New Zealand, they now travel to Australia to get the better of Zimbabwe, who themselves had one win and one loss in New Zealand.  West Indies shouldn’t be short of runs.  Most of their batsman have enjoyed sufficient time in the middle to again be profitable in this match, while Jerome Taylor and the bowlers have also begun to show more mettle.

Zimbabwe have also been more than useful in their two showings.  Giving South Africa a run before chasing down 285 to win against UAE.  The Zimbabweans will need to improve their fielding and catching if they are to go toe to toe with their unpredictable opponents in this one.  We’re picking a West Indies win.

Today’s Bet

Chris Gayle has not started the tournament well, but we’re thinking today will be his day.  He’s at his best when he’s bullying opponents from the outset, and Zimbabwe could be on the receiving end.  He’s at $4 to top score, a West Indies win with him top scoring is paying $5, and Gayle’s at $7 to be named man of the match.

Odds from Sportsbet Australia.

Cricket World Cup: Day 10 Recap

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England finally got out of the World Cup dungeon but plenty of cobwebs remain after a comfortable win over Scotland in Christchurch on Day 10.  Facing the embarrassing indignity of bowing out before the knockout round after two opening defeats (including a remarkably one sided one to New Zealand on Friday), England just about managed to turn their campaign around thanks to Moeen Ali’s powerful hundred.  England are now all but assured a quarter-final spot if they can get passed Afghanistan and Bangladesh.  Here’s what transpired:

Day 10 Results

England v Scotland

The overcast Hagely Oval conditions encouraged Scotland to bowl first, but they were soon made to regret that decision as England’s openers Ian Bell and Ali piled on a rapid partnership of 172.  The partnership was completely dominated by Ali, who had brought up his second one day hundred just one ball after Bell had fifty to his name.  Ali’s leg side dominant masterclass outlined just how free his mind is compared to those of his colleagues.  He played with confidence, belief and a lack of fear that resulted in quick scoring domination of the opposition attack.  The difference in approach was on display a short time later, after Bell and Ali had both been removed.  Root, Ballance, Morgan and Taylor all struggled for momentum in the powerplay – presumably, fear of being subject to media scrutiny again getting in the way of their natural games (as did the cobwebs).  England did manage to get to 300, Jos Buttler, who should have been promoted once Bell was out, was crucial in helping them get there.

The bowlers did what they needed to.  They didn’t bowl particularly well, but Scotland’s batting efforts have been the most disappointing of the associate nations in this World Cup so far given their strong warm up form. Scotland were all out for 184.  The wickets were share amongst all of the bowlers, with Moeen Ali showing off his all round prowess with a useful two wickets to complete his man of the match display.

Steven Finn’s display will probably ease some concerns over his form.  His three wickets will help block the memories of the two overs he bowled to Brendon McCullum (0-49 if you need reminding).

England 303 for 8 (Moeen 128, Bell 54, Davey 4-68) beat Scotland 184 (Coetzer 71, Finn 3-26, Moeen 2-47) by 119 runs

Cricket World Cup: Day 10 Preview

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The minnows have all held their own in World Cup matches thus far without quite getting over the line (aside from Ireland against the West Indies, which was arguably predicted).  Today, Scotland are the minnow trying to overcome a more senior test playing side.  However, the English are reeling, so this could be the magic minnow moment of the 2015 Cricket World Cup.

Today’s Matchup

England v Scotland, Hagley Oval (Christchurch – fine but cloudy), starts 11:00am local time

England – $1.06

Scotland – $9.30

“Of all the feeble World Cup displays that England have turned on – a whole raft since 1992 – this defeat by New Zealand, who knocked off their target in 12.2 overs, has to be the most ignominious” – Scyld Berry writing for The Telegraph.

Berry’s phrase pretty much sums up the shambolic England performance that dominated Twitter on Friday night.  England were woefully inept against New Zealand and now need to find the inspiration, the belief and the right team mix that will deliver a much needed win – and with it, a chance of making the World Cup quarter finals – when the play Scotland today.

England would never have expected this much pressure on a game against Scotland, but thankfully, the bookies still have them as unbackable favourites.  England are expected to make changes to the side that crumbled to Tim Southee, with Ravi Bopara and Alex Hales the ones likely to slot in.

Scotland bowled nicely against New Zealand when defending their paltry 162.  Thus, therein lies their main chance of sneaking a win against their more heavily fancied neighbours.  Wardlaw and Davey both swing it, and with Christchurch already looking overcast at the time of writing, England could be in for another test against the swinging ball.

Today’s Bet

We don’t even know if he’ll play, but he should, and because he should we’re backing him no matter what.  Even if he doesn’t play he’ll still score the same amount of runs as some that do.

Therefore, we’re on Alex Hales to top score at $6.00.

Hales was left out…again.  New bet needed.  England batting first so runs on offer if they get past the new ball.  Odds are not worthwhile on Root or Bell.  We’re going against the grain.  Morgan (if he continues to bat 5) to top score at the great odds of $8.50.

Odds from Palmerbet.

Cricket World Cup: Weekend Recap

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A bumper weekend of quality cricket has seen a number of teams rip up the form book and reemerge as genuine World Cup threats.  India and the West Indies both scored unexpected wins to again confuse punters as to who will make up the crucial semi-final spots of the lucrative tournament.

Although Cyclone Marcia prevented the favourites Australia from playing, New Zealand and Melbourne stayed dry to allow some cricket.  Check out the weekend results below:

Day 8 Results

1. West Indies v Pakistan

The enigma that is West Indies cricket got the better the woefulness that is Pakistan cricket in a one-sided encounter in Christchurch.  Fans wanting a more interesting World Cup will hope that the win will prompt a change in fortune for the men from the Caribbean, whereas fans supporting Pakistan will be drastically worried.  The West Indies posted 300 batting first for the second game in succession.  Handy contributions from most of their men precluded a dazzling Andre Russell finish who slammed 42 from just 13 balls.  Earlier, Dinesh Ramdin and Lendl Simmons both scored fifties in a crucial middle over partnership that solidified a precious position of 152/3, which could have initiated a wobble.

A middle order wobble may not have mattered anyway as Pakistan crumbled to just 160 in reply.  Jerome Taylor’s fast start reduced Pakistan to a remarkable 1/4.  Just to be clear, that is, 4 wickets down for a solitary run.  There was no way back.  Pakistan did get to 160 – Umar Akmal scored an overdue half centre as did Maqsood, but there was never a contest.  Andre Russell also picked up three wickets to take man of the match honours.

The West Indies will be satisfied with their day’s work but await anxiously news on Darren Bravo’s injured hamstring.

West Indies 310 for 6 (Ramdin 51, Simmons 50, Russell 42) beat Pakistan 160 (Akmal 59, Maqsood 50, Taylor 3-15, Russell 3-33) by 150 runs

2. Australia v Bangladesh

Day 9 Results

1. Afghanistan v Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka overcame another minnow led scare in the Cricket World Cup on Sunday.  Not for the first time, an associate nation looked to be getting the better of test playing nation before class, luck and composure got the Sri Lankans (in this case) home.

Afghanistan were at one stage 128/2 and looking good for a handsome first innings total.  But before they could build any real momentum, Matthews, Malinga and Lakmal removed their key men before they could make the big scores that win games.  Mohammad Stanikzai was Afghanistan’s best with a well made 54, but his wicket was the catalyst of the slide.

Sri Lanka made very hard work of the gettable total.  At 18/3, with Dilshan, Thirimanne and Sangakkara all back in the pavilion, an upset looked possible.  It looked likely even when Karunaratne also fell, in a wicket that had the Afghan’s doing cartwheels (literally).  The fairytale wasn’t forthcoming mind you.  The guile of Mahlea Jayawardene and the power of Thisara Perera steering Sri Lanka home to win by 4 wickets.  Jayawardene scored an even hundred, while Perara made a brutal unbeaten 47 to wrap things up with 10 balls to spare.

Sri Lanka 236 for 6 (Jayawardene 100, Perera 47*, Hamid 3-45) beat Afghanistan 232 (Stanikzai 54) by four wickets

2. India v South Africa

Wow! We didn’t see this one coming.  India gave a huge MCG crowd every reason to cheer by knocking over a strong South Africa in emphatic fashion.  Cast aside at the start of the tournament after a disappointing tour down under, the Indians are now emerging as genuine title contenders after a pair of excellent wins.  Led by Shikhar Dhawan, who scored a well-paced 137, full of hooks and pulls, India cruised along to 307.  Virat Kohli contributed too, he scored 46, but Ajinkya Rahane’s 60 ball 79 was the real supporting act gem at the tail the innings.

South Africa struggled; they’ll be talk of the dreaded ‘choke’ term entering their minds / becoming a possibility.  The case never really got going, and surprisingly, none of their big game players Amla, du Plessis or de Villiers have managed to score the expected big runs.  Certainly not on the Dhawan scale.  The scale that put bowlers under pressures and becomes the difference between 200 scores and 300 scores.  Dhawan was the difference, and South Africa need confidence.  (They’ll also monitor an injury to Vernon Philander.)

South Africa have gone out to $5.00 to win the World Cup at Bet365.

India 307 for 7 (Dhawan 137, Rahane 79) beat South Africa 177 (Du Plessis 55, Ashwin 3-41) by 130 runs

Cricket World Cup: Day 7 Recap

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We genuinely thought New Zealand’s third pool game against England could be a nervy one.  Then we started watching and 55 minutes later (including 40 for a ridiculous tea break) it was over.  It wasn’t nervy. The confidence of the English batsman was shot, even before this game, we just didn’t realise.  Hopefully you disregarded our advice to back England (or at the least also backed Joe Root to top score and came out even).  See a quick review of the action below – and it has to be quick because the game didn’t even last 50 overs.

Day 7 Result

A day night match finished before the lights came on.

An England bowler who went for 0-49 from two overs (including half of his balls going for six).  Compare that with New Zealand’s man of the match who took 7-33.  Those points highlight the gulf between the two sides in what was arguably one of the most one sided World Cup contests of all time.  The scorers were kept unbelievably busy filling in wickets and recording sixes, mainly in the columns of Tim Southee and Brendon McCullum.

After winning the toss on a nice looking Wellington surface England’s under fire captain, Eoin Morgan, opted to set New Zealand a total.  What he didn’t account for was Southee and the late movement he was able to generate that perplexed the England batsman and eventually saw them shot out for just 123.  Southee was a marvel, especially in his second spell of 5-10, where he used the crease to excellent effect to take regular wickets.  His 7-33 was the third best bowling figures at a Cricket World cup and he was on track for becoming the first man to take 8 World Cup wickets in an innings before Adam Milne joined the party and took the wicket of Joe Root, for 46, to finish things off.

For the second game in a row New Zealand had to come out and bat before the tea break.  Brendon McCullum was clearly fine with that and even threatened to finish the entire match before the 40-minute break, despite only having time for 9 overs.  McCullum smashed it to all parts and scored his 77 off just 25 balls.  He cut, slashed and ramped his way to the fastest World Cup fifty (breaking his own record in the process).  McCullum dented pride, sponsors cars that were on display and the plans for hundreds of fans that hadn’t even left work to get down to the game.

We mentioned that the English media have a story angle in Eoin Morgan’s poor form – they have a new one now.

New Zealand 125 for 2 (McCullum 77) beat England 123 (Root 46, Southee 7-33) by eight wickets

Cricket World Cup: Day 7 Preview

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Crunch game at the World Cup today with New Zealand hosting England in a Wellington day-nighter.  Fans are craving a close game and this one has all the trappings of being so.

The Three Big Questions

Is Adam Milne New Zealand’s best third seam option?

New Zealand are going with an unchanged lineup for today’s match which means Adam Milne will again keep Kyle Mills out (and to a lesser extent Mitchell McClenaghan).  Milne shades the only contentious position presumably because of his extra pace.  The English batsman have struggled against other express quicks such as Mitchell Starc and Johnson over the past few weeks, and the Black Caps are obviously keen to keep testing their appetite for the quick, short stuff.  Milne’s returns have been modest so far – 2/56 and 0/32 at an economy of 5.17 runs per over.  But, in the eye of the New Zealand selectors, the RPO is clearly offset by the wicket-taking threat.  Mills would contain with his accurate cross seamers gripping on the Westpac surface, without any real danger.  Milne’s the right call.

When will Eoin Morgan return to form?

He has to doesn’t he.  How long can someone be “due” without ever scoring runs?  Morgan is providing the English journalists with an almighty angle for their pre-match reporting, and 4 ducks in 5 matches is the type of banter club players love (something about an Audi for a few ducks in a row).  Morgan is quality though; he will jump at the chance of a change of scenery and we expect the drought to end today.  We would bat him at 6 though and let James Taylor occupy 5.  This will give Taylor more time in the middle, while also handing the important closing role to Morgan with less pressure on him the score runs.

Is the World Cup too long?  Will we run out of questions to answer in our daily previews? 

Yes and yes.

Today’s Match

New Zealand v England, Wellington Regional Stadium (Wellington – partly cloudy), starts 2:00pm local time

New Zealand – $1.51

England – $2.56

New Zealand are riding high on a wave of game generated momentum and public admiration, and now face a humiliated England side who were a bit gun-shy in their World Cup opener in Melbourne.  While the Black Caps are strong favourites at the bookies, we think this will be considerably closer than the odds suggest.  Why?  Because New Zealand haven’t faced quality opening bowlers for some time.  Having time and time again dined out on Sri Lanka and Pakistan military medium’s and only had a small dose of imperious quicks when they warmed up against South Africa, they now face Stuart Broad and James Anderson.  Two quality seamers with equally promising backups in Steven Finn and Chris Woakes. Eoin Morgan’s due too (even though he’s battling the captaincy curse).

New Zealand have name an unchanged side from the one that has come out on top in their first two efforts.  They need to shake it off, shake it off the poor chase they nearly threw away of just 160 odd against Scotland three days ago.  We’re anxious for New Zealand in this one.

Today’s Bet

We like outsiders, so think about lumping on England on a straight head to head here.  If you’re really confident, back England win by 50 Runs or 6-10 Wickets at $7.00.  If you need a player to back, pick Joe Root to top score at $5.50 (he averages 58.4 against NZ in 7 ODI’s).

Odds from Palmerbet.