Category: Cricket

Cricket: Williamson and Watling instigate turnaround win

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As far as come from behind victories go, this could easily top the list.  For once, New Zealand’s Black Caps battled back from certain defeat to register an improbable comeback win over Sri Lanka at the Basin Reserve after falling dangerously behind on the first innings, and further behind half way through their second innings.

Instead of collapsing to a limp second innings total and surrendering a series lead, the little pair of Kane Williamson and BJ Watling added 365 runs, in 111.3 overs, over an entire day’s play (in terms of balls faced) to completely transform a match that was in Sri Lanka’s favour for almost every period prior.

There may have been an argument that the Black Caps had some control at 141/2 in the first innings with Williamson and Ross Taylor at the crease, however, they both fell, for 69 and 32 respectively, and both to inside edges as Sri Lanka rampaged their way through the tail to limit NZ to just 221.  The Sri Lankan seamers, led by Nuwan Pradeep, bounced back from the criticism they received in Christchurch with a nice display on surface that did not help as much as predicted.

Just as quickly though Sri Lanka returned the momentum to NZ by collapsing themselves to 78/5 at stumps on day one.  This was the second of many shifts in dominance in the test and it wasn’t the last.  Day two brought with it another surprise and am absolute gem of an effort from Kumar Sangakkara.  He started the day as the key wicket, and handled the responsibility admirably as he expertly shepherded the tail to ensure his side achieved a healthy lead.  In the process he scored 203, including his 12,000th test run.

While the lead was only 135, it was looking exceedingly better than that when the Black Caps suffered from a classic case of the middle order collapse disease they have so often been affected by.  At 159/5 they were effectively just 24 runs in credit and five wickets down; they shouldn’t have won.

The epic unbroken partnership beat the record – only recently set by Brendon McCullum and Watling at the same ground against India last year (McCullum’s 300) – for the highest sixth wicket partnership in all of cricket.  Williamson (242*) made his first double hundred despite gifting upwards of five chances to the fielding team, and Watling (142*) inched his way to a fourth test century.

The partnership also deflated the Sri Lankans.  They spent 172 overs in the field (almost two full days) and were understandably tired as they began a hefty fourth innings chase of 390.  It was inevitably too much for them; bowled out in the second session for 196.  Lahiru Thirimanne got most of those, his 62* a welcome return to form for a key member of the ODI squad and World Cup plans.  Mark Craig continue his rapid ascent in the cricketing stocks by taking 4-53; performing a spinners key fourth innings role diligently.

Kane Williamson was man of the match.  If you need reasons – the first innings, second innings, and a screamer to dismiss Angelo Matthews in SL’s second dig.

ODI’s next.  Starting in Christchurch on 11 January.

New Zealand 221 (Williamson 69, Pradeep 4-63) and 524 for 5 dec (Williamson 242*, Watling 142*) beat Sri Lanka 356 (Sangakkara 203, Chandimal 67) and 196 (Thirimanne 62*, Craig 4-63) by 193 runs

Cricket: New dawn for India in emotional decider

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India usher in a new era of their test history with a swirl of praise and rumours for their retired guardian Mahendra Singh Dhoni.  The conjecture on the “whys” of Dhoni’s retirement will continue for some time, so the task of silencing them comes down to new captain Virat Kohli and the rest of his team.  Many, including their opponents chief firebrand Mitchell Johnson, are tipping India to have a more aggressive edge under Kohli.  An edge that would certainly help the self belief within the team, but one that also comes with a risk of recklessness.

Australia have less to ponder.  They may consider using Ashton Agar in a second spinner / allrounder role, and they may carefully watch the performance of Shane Watson as to determine his suitability for their next important test cricket assignment – the Ashes – given his continue run of mediocrity.

Sydney traditionally takes more spin than any other local ground, so the teams could spring some surprises at the toss, but the placid nature of most of the pitches this series will help alleviate the Johnson threat (much to his dismay) and should see plenty of runs scored.

The Last Time These Two Met

The MCG encounter had all the bluster and bravado of a pre-bout boxing weigh in, but unfortunately lacked the knock out punches as both teams lost their nerve on the final day.  Amongst all the aggression and agitation the Australians dominated much of the game through their superior lower order batting and India’s inability to build enough pressure with the ball.  Not for the first time in the series Steven Smith and Virat Kohli were the stars with the bat, in this one they lead their teams against each other for the first time.

The Teams

Australia (likely): 1 Chris Rogers, 2 David Warner, 3 Shane Watson, 4 Steven Smith (capt), 5 Shaun Marsh, 6 Joe Burns, 7 Brad Haddin (wk), 8 Ryan Harris, 9 Mitchell Starc, 10 Josh Hazlewood, 11 Nathan Lyon.

Johnson is injured and could be replaced by Mitchell Starc, Ashton Agar, or Peter Siddle.  We believe they’ll use Starc, who gets the opportunity to once again revive a stop start test career.  He’s been good in the Big Bash League so at the very least he brings with him some good form.

India (likely): 1 M Vijay, 2 Shikhar Dhawan, 3 Cheteshwar Pujara, 4 Virat Kohli (capt), 5 Ajinkya Rahane, 6 Suresh Raina/KL Rahul, 7 Wriddhiman Saha (wk), 8 R Ashwin, 9 Bhuvneshwar Kumar/Umesh Yadav, 10 Varun Aaron, 11 Ishant Sharma.

India could be tempted to give KL Rahul another go after his terrible debut and may even consider him at the top of the order instead of Dhawan.  If not, Raina will come in at six.  Rumours are he has practiced extensively in the Sydney nets.  Bhuvneshwar Kumar could also come into the mix if he is over his injury concerns; Umesh Yada’s position is the most under threat if he does.  Wriddhiman Saha will take the gloves from MS Dhoni if he recovers from illness.  And lastly, Varun Aaron has returned to Australia after a funeral back home and should play instead of Mohammad Shami.

The Key Players

Shane Watson – For all of his talent Watson should have more than four test hundreds.  From 103 test innings’ in a nine year career the return is underwhelming for such a genuine match winner.  As much it would be nice to feature a key player at the top of their game and delivering the hundreds the public deserve, unfortunately, we’re picking Watson as a key player to save his test career.  He’s been steady with the ball in the series, but if the 33-year-old wants to book an Ashes ticket next year, he needs runs.

Wriddhiman Saha – After waiting patiently in the wings of an alright shadow, perhaps the most influential shadow in Indian cricket, Saha gets the opportunity to let his keeping do the talking.  One stumping chance aside, Saha gloved the ball nicely in Adelaide in his only start of the test series thus far, but he’s also going to play an important role with the bat.  Coming in at 7 it is crucial the 30-year-old manages to bat some time and forge a partnership with whichever set batsman he joins.  Otherwise the tail will continue their house of cards impression.

The Odds*

Australia – $1.70

Draw – $3.50

India – $5

*International Cricket odds courtesy of Bookmaker.com.au.

The Prediction

Australia 3-0.  I cannot see any other result in this one.  Even Melbourne’s draw was tight.  India only have three players on form (Vijay, Rahane, Kohli, with maybe a case for Ashwin) and it’s too much to ask for them to get the better of a quality Australia attack time and time again.  Form also means they are due failures.

If you fancy it, consider Warner and Watson for top 3 runscorers.  They were both playing in the SCG game where Phillip Hughes was fatally injured.  They’ll be looking to pay a special tribute in this match.

Cricket: Southee doubtful for Black Caps at Basin

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New Zealand’s 2014 was uncharacteristically positive.  Sri Lanka’s was decent too.  Now, in a World Cup year the focus is less on the five day format and more on the one day international showpiece starting in February.  That shouldn’t stop the teams from taking the second test at the Basin Reserve seriously though.  Sri Lanka need a win to continue their solid overseas record of late and draw the series, while New Zealand will look to continue their momentum after the first up win in Christchurch.

Whatever the motivation for this match up, it’s likely to be played on a very green wicket, with early indications suggesting this pitch will do plenty early on.

The Last Time These Two Met

New Zealand’s first up win confirmed their rise to genuine world beaters.  A blistering 2014, which saw them record 5 test wins, has set the tone for their immediate future and for their World Cup chances.  The Black Caps dominated throughout the Christchurch first test; Brendon McCullum wrestling away the early initiative and despite some second innings stoic resistance from Sri Lanka, Trent Boult and Tim Southee finished it off.

The Teams

New Zealand (likely): 1 Tom Latham, 2 Hamish Rutherford, 3 Kane Williamson, 4 Ross Taylor, 5  Brendon McCullum (capt), 6 James Neesham, 7 BJ Watling (wk), 8 Mark Craig, 9 Neil Wagner, 10 Tim Southee/Doug Bracewell, 11 Trent Boult

Tim Southee is under an injury cloud after suffering a minor ankle problem in training.  Doug Bracewell is on standby and didn’t play the latest round of domestic cricket in NZ in what could be a strong indiction he will play.  Corey Anderson is fit again but won’t push out Nessham after his crucial runs and wickets in game one.

Sri Lanka (likely): 1 Dimuth Karunaratne, 2 Kaushal Silva, 3  Kumar Sangakkara, 4 Lahiru Thirimanne,  5 Angelo Mathews (capt),  6 Dinesh Chandimal, 7 Prasanna Jayawardene (wk), 8 Rangana Herath/Tharindu Kaushal, 9 Dhammika Prasad/Nuwan Pradeep, 10 Shaminda Eranga, 11 Suranga Lakmal

Sri Lanka could make any number of changes to their side.  Heath could be fit and will walk into the side as the third best test bowler in the World.  Danish Chandimal may play instead of Niroshan Dickwella, and lastly, Dhammika Prasad’s place may be under threat from Nuwan Pradeep.

The Key Players

Mark Craig – Easily the most improved member of the Black Caps side.  Craig may be a late bloomer but he’s certainly making a great impression in his first season of international cricket.  He’s averaging 45 with the bat, is a sound slip fielder, and has already registered a five wicket bag and ten wicket bag in just seven matches.  Look for him to continue to contribute at the Basin Reserve.

Dimuth Karunaratne – How good was the little left-hander in game one?  Facing a stern Boult and Southee test the opener showed his fellow top order batsmen how to cope with the unfamiliar conditions by playing late and deciding in advance his best areas to score.  If Sri Lanka are any chance in Wellington they need to prevent losing early wickets, something Karunaratne can help achieve.

The Odds*

New Zealand – $1.73

Draw – $5

Sri Lanka – $3.25

*International Cricket odds courtesy of Betstar.

The Prediction

The weather looks good for all five days and with the rate that modern day teams score their runs draws are few and far between these days.  The $5 odds are tempting, and Sri Lanka did bat for long periods in their second innings.  That said, we’re picking 10-13 wickets on day one and New Zealand to win by an innings.

Cricket: Newlands hosts New Year battle

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Rain may have ruined the second test between these two, however, it hasn’t ruined the series for the West Indians though who survived a series loss thanks to the frequent rain.  Now at just 1-0 down they could do the unthinkable and sneak a series draw against one of the best around.  The green pitch at Newlands should aid the South African team’s cause and a win to them is the most foreseeable result, for bookmakers and cricket experts.

The Last Time These Two Met

It rained centuries.  And it just rained.  So much so that a result wasn’t possible in Port Elizabeth.  The game worked well for the career statistics of the four centurions (Elgar, du Plessis, Brathwaite, and Samuels), but it wouldn’t have made too many punters pleased.

The Teams

South Africa (likely): 1 Alviro Petersen, 2 Dean Elgar, 3 Faf du Plessis, 4 Hashim Amla (capt), 5 AB de Villiers (wk), 6 Stiaan van Zyl, 7 Temba Bavuma, 8 Vernon Philander, 9 Dale Steyn, 10 Morne Morkel, 11 Imran Tahir/Simon Harmer

Simon Harmer is an uncapped 25 year off-spinner who will be pushing the inconsistent Imran Tahir for a place in the side.  Other than his potential inclusion, the team should be unchanged giving van Zyl and Bavuma another chance to shine.

West Indies (likely): 1 Kraigg Brathwaite, 2 Devon Smith, 3 Leon Johnson, 4 Marlon Samuels, 5 Shivnarine Chanderpaul, 6 Denesh Ramdin (capt & wk), 7 Jason Holder, 8 Jerome Taylor, 9 Shannon Gabriel, 10 Sulieman Benn, 11 Kenroy Peters 

Numbers 3 and 7 are the big concerns as Johnson, Blackwood and Holder have all struggled for runs.  If the West Indies are tempted to make changes they’ll make them in this positions.

The Key Players

Hashim Amla – The South African captain finally gets a chance to lead his side at the intensely patriotic Newlands crowd.  The last time Newlands saw the South African test side was Graeme Smith’s last in charge so they now get to welcome a new captain – one who failed in the second test and will be looking to make up for it here.

Jason Holder – Another newly appointed captain is Jason Holder.  After only 23 ODI games, Holder was appointed ODI captain in a surprising move by the WICB.  At just 23-years-old it’s a big test for the young all-rounder, but some wickets in runs in this match would make everyone a little bit more comfortable with the promotion.

The Odds*

South Africa – $1.22

Draw – $5

West Indies – $15.00

*International Cricket odds courtesy of Ladbrokes Australia.

The Prediction

No matter how appetising the draw money is looking, South Africa will win.  Steyn, Morkel and Philander are just too good for the out of for West Indies batting lineup.  There has been, and there could be again, some money to be made on tipping the first wicket partnership of the West Indies team outperforming their South African counterparts so look out for that.

Cricket: Fifth day washout saves West Indies blushes

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The West Indies stayed alive in their test series against South Africa courtesy of a rain-filled second test.  Only the first innings for both sides were possible in a game that was completely dominated by the hosts yet again.

After amassing 417/8 dec. the home side had reduced the West Indies to just 275/9 before shortened each of the day’s play.  Dale Steyn provided fireworks of the batting kind (and not the bowling kind as we assumed) to take the South African total beyond reach after the West indies had bravely fought back after Dean Elgar (121) and Faf du Plessis (103) hundreds.  Steyn smashed 58 from 28 balls and did the bulk of his scoring in boundaries (6 x 4’s, 5 x 6’s = 54 runs in boundaries), ensuring South Africa’s stranglehold on the series remained.

Once more, the West Indies showed some fight.  Centuries to Kriagg Brathwaite (106) and Marlon Samuels (101) set the tone, but weren’t large enough to get the West Indies close to their opponents total.  Mind you it was a pair of efforts that were much better than their peers who could not register meaningful totals, as Morne Morkel and Imran Tahir got amongst the wickets.

The series continues in Cape Town on January 2.  Tom Waterhouse is giving the West Indies about as much chance of winning as they tortoise in a hare race.  They have the West indies at $13, with South Africa favourites at $1.22 and a draw looking appetising at $5.50.  If Cape Town gets more rain and the West Indies batsman more time in the middle the draw could be a sensible option.  We;ll preview gam three in more detail in a coupe of days time.

Hopefully the West Indies use that time to practice.

West Indies 275 for 9 (Brathwaite 106, Samuels 101, Morkel 4-69) drew with South Africa417 for 8 dec (Elgar 121, du Plessis 103, Steyn 58)

Cricket: Draw settles series in Australia’s favour

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Australia missed out on an opportunity to take a 3-0 lead in their series against India when the third test concluded in Melbourne yesterday, favouring instead, a safety first approach and an unassailable lead.

Much of the final day centred around Steven Smith’s declaration, and rather than give his bowlers plenty of time to bowl India out, Smith opted strangely to put the series beyond doubt (in the process possibly trying to give Shaun Marsh the opportunity to register a first home century) and ensure his side could not lose.  He declared Australia’s second innings at 318/9 to leave India a chase of 384 in 70 overs.

The total was never an option, especially as India fell to an alarming 19/3.  They did however manage to hold out.  They were six down when the game was abruptly called off by Smith and MS Dhoni; Australia running out of time but still winning the Border-Gavaskar trophy.

It was up to Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane to do the bulk of the rescue work, not for the first time in the match.  The two look the most assured as Australia struggled to take the final wickets on a flat MCG wicket that produced its first draw for 17 years.  While they both fell in the final session, Dhoni, Cheteshwar Pujara and Ravichandran Aswin all took up enough valuable time to avoid defeat.  Earlier in the match Kohli and Rahane had also starred in a 262 run first innings partnership that saw India respond to Australia’s first innings 530 with 465 of their own.  Rahane had 147 and Kohli 169 in highly entertaining knocks both for their batsmanship and the confrontations with Mitchell Johnson.

Australia should never been allowed to set the first innings foundations for the fifth day win.  They were 216/5 when new boy Joe Burns was dismissed, but as there tail has done so often during the series, wagged as if it were a labrador at a dinner party.  Australia’s lower order (partnerships 6-10) have contributed 784 runs this series, India’s 389, and that difference was glaringly obvious as the Aussies recovered.  Steven Smith was yet again the hero for Australia.  He dug in for another century (third of the series, fifth of the year, seventh of career) and scored 192 important runs.  Ryan Harris was also a surprise package with the bat, enhancing his reputation as the hardest training bowler of his batting, and scoring 74.

Harris was also the most likely to take Indian wickets on the final day.  He, along with Johnson and Josh Hazlewwod, had two wickets, but he easily look the most threatening.  He didn’t have the ball in his hand at the time but he undoubtedly found Steven Smith’s decision not to bowl the final four overs of the game bizarre.

Four wickets in twenty four balls was a distinct possibility given India’s fragile lower order.  In the end, he must have determined the best retirement gift for MS Dhoni was to save him a possible loss.

Luxbet are still offering their top run scorer special for the fourth test in Sydney.  Place a Team High Bat bet (1st Inn) on the 3rd or 4th Australia vs India Test Matches, and if your player scores 50 or more in the first innings, they’ll give you a bonus bet equal to your stake up to $100.

Australia 530 (Smith 192) and 9 for 318 dec (Marsh 99, Rogers 69) drew with India 465 (Kohli 169, Rahane 147, Harris 4-70) and 6 for 174 (Kohli 54)