Category: Cricket

Cricket: Sri Lanka go two up after emphatic win

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England’s one-day international cricket woes continued with a second loss in game two of their bi-lateral series against Sri Lanka.   The Colombo hosted encounter contrasted significantly from game one, where a flat pitch made for a high scoring encounter. Game two on the other hand was played on a much tackier, much trickier surface, and England’s flailing batsmen struggled to a limp 185 all out.

The sticky pitch was the perfect platform for the Sri Lankan spin attack to strangle and frustrate an England lineup grappling with the balance between aggressiveness and recklessness.  Of their top order, only Joe Root (42) and Ravi Bopara (51) displayed any staying power. Bopara particularly, backing up his strong effort in the first cricket game, crafted a nicely paced half-century without any boundaries. This was after Alastair Cook and Ian Bell both failed again, heaping further pressure on their places in the side. Eoin Morgan too is under increasing pressure. He has failed to pass 50 in any of his last 14 innings.

England’s meek effort reeked of uncertainty and an inability to adapt their gameplan to reach a respectable target.   Hard hands were never going to be suitable for this wicket as Bopara and Root proved as they executed deft flicks and deflections.

Sri Lanka’s response was classy. Cricket run machines Kumar Sangakkara (67) and Mahela Jayawardene (77) effortlessly manipulated bowlers and fielders to chase down England’s modest total for the loss of just two wickets.  Jayawardene was man of the match for his match winnings knock, although the bowling of Tillakaratne Dilshan (2-32) and Ajantha Mendis (3-33) was also deserving of significant praise.

The sleepy run chase was conducted with that much ease it at times look nothing more than an open wicket practice for the veterans. Only Ali and Steven Finn, who was returning from injury, took wickets in an otherwise untroubled and clinical lesson in chasing a cricket total.

As the on day international cricket series heads to Hambantota, England need a confidence building win, whereas Sri Lanka will look to keep the foot firmly down on the throttle in their languid, handsome way.

Cricket: Second ODI set to act as sombre tribute

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As the outpouring of support for Phillip Hughes continues, England and Sri Lanka have planned to make their second one-day international cricket match an event of remembrance.   In addition to partaking in the #putoutyourbats Twitter campaign the players will wear black armbands and observe a minute silence for their fellow cricketer.

While the cricket will take a back seat, there is still plenty to play for players looking to press World Cup claims or looking to fine tune tactics. Seeking consistency the most is undoubtedly an England team that has struggled in limited overs cricket and are often criticised for a lack of intent. With Ian Bell and Alastair Cook not known for their expansive games pressure is often heaped upon Eoin Morgan, Jos Buttler and Ravi Bopara. It would be nicer for them if Cook and Bell could up the ante with a more attacking mindset.

Sri Lanka, meanwhile, we be looking to develop all three aspects of the game. A hint of improvement across the board is all that’s needed for a side that scored 302 in first game of the seven game cricket series, and bowled and fielded adequately.   The early start won’t favour any of the sides, but if the pitch does dry out the Sri Lankans have four spinners at their disposal.

The Last Time These Two Met

Game one was a quality game of cricket featuring a close finish and terrific individual performances. Sri Lanka prevailed in a high scoring thriller that turned when Moeen Ali’s genius innings came to a soft end.

The Teams

Sri Lanka (likely): 1 Tillakaratne Dilshan, 2 Kusal Perera, 3 Kumar Sangakkara (wkt), 4 Mahela Jayawardene, 5 Angelo Mathews (capt), 6 Lahiru Thirimanne, 7 Jeevan Mendis, 8 Thisara Perera, 9 Dhammika Prasad, 10 Rangana Herath, 11 Shaminda Eranga

No changes predicted for the Sri Lanka cricket side.

England (likely): 1 Moeen Ali, 2 Alastair Cook (capt), 3 Ian Bell, 4 Joe Root, 5 Eoin Morgan, 6 Jos Buttler (wkt), 7 Ben Stokes / Chris Jordan, 8 Chris Woakes, 9 Chris Jordan, 10 James Tredwell, 11 Harry Gurney

As the English seek cohesion they may give Chris Jordan a run in place of Ben Stokes. Steven Finn is still unfit.

The Key Players

Kusal Perera – The return to form of Perara was shinning light in game one. After flicking between a number of openers in recent series’ a firing Perara is a massive bonus for the hosts. He’s paying $5.50 to top score.

Alastair Cook – For a player with as many test centuries as he has, cricket has not always been the kindest game to Cook. Especially in the one-day cricket arena (aside from a nice run of form in around 2011/12), the 29 year old has struggled for an acceptable strike-rate. Game two will provide another intriguing look at his game and potentially, his place in the side.

The Odds*

Sri Lanka – $1.53

England – $2.50

*International Cricket odds courtesy of Sportingbet Australia.

The Prediction

Sri Lanka will be too strong again in our view. A win by 4 wickets or 50+ runs.

Cricket: Sri Lanka withstand Ali and Bopara

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Reviewing existing International Cricket seems a bit meaningless in light of the tragic death of gifted Australian Phillip Hughes.   However, it is in their performances that the international cricket community can continue to show their respects, and in several performances in the first one day international between Sri Lanka and England, shades of Hughes’ quality strokeplay were evident.

Most notably, was Moeen Ali’s effort (we predicted his heroics earlier in the week). His 87-ball 119 was littered with boundaries, class and confidence. His innings further outlined his importance to England’s Cricket World Cup campaign, especially as Alastair Cook and Ian Bell continue to struggle to improve strike rates.

Ravi Bopara aptly assisted the England cause with a rapid 65 late in the piece. He was last out miscuing a leg side whack, giving Sri Lanka a 25 run win. Bopara has often been left carrying the baby of late, and is vastly improving as a finisher. Part of his development has been the ability to clear the rope rather than simply placing balls and hitting gaps. His power will be crucial on the grounds of New Zealand and Australia at the Cricket World Cup.

Sri Lanka’s first up effort setting a target was built around a balanced team effort. Three players (Dilshan, Jayawardene, and Kusal Perera) scored half centuries, while others (Matthews, Jeevan Mendis, and Thirimanne) made handy contributions at better than a run a ball. The 302 total was imposing; no team had chased more than 285 to win at Premadasa Stadium.

Making matters even tougher for the geezers was a quality spin attack that stifled the likes of Ben Stokes, Chris Woakes and James Tredwell as they sought quick runs at the end. Stokes in particular laboured to 16 off 27 before being stumped looking to find some much needed momentum. Woakes followed in the same suit leaving England’s cricket coaches needing to quickly find a plan to mask the middle order’s limitations against spin.

The win, Sri Lanka’s first since leaving for India to replace the West Indies in a one day international series, will provide them with a welcome boost, while England still search for a World Cup hero that single handedly win games on the big stage (notwithstanding Ali’s fantastic contribution in this game).

One rather interesting cricket anomaly occurred in the first over of England’s run chase. Captain Cook was adjudged LBW twice before successfully reviewing both decisions (both going over the top). Unfortunately for Cook, DRS form is not a selection team consideration.

Cricket: England’s path to World Cup begins in Colombo

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England’s cricket stars are in desperate need of some game time. For one, they could use a tune up before next year’s World Cup, and secondly, they need the opportunity to prove they’re a strong collective unit and Kevin Pieterson’s nonsense was exactly that.

KP has dominated cricket discussion since the end of England’s summer of cricket, so the opportunity to showcase skills on the pitch will be welcomed with open arms by their World Cup hopefuls.

They head to Sri Lanka, in the middle of rain season, to compete in seven relatively meaningless ODI’s. The series, which is designed presumably to test combinations, comes just at the right time for both teams.

Sri Lanka need confidence after taking a hammering in India, while England just need more experience for the likes of Ali, Gurney, Jordan and Stokes.

The Last Time These Two Met

The teams actually met relatively recently. In May and June of this year Sri Lanka won a five match series 3-2, playing some quality cricket along the way. The series feature four completed innings scores under 150 and only one of over 300. Alastair Cook was under intense pressure after losing the previous series; it will be interesting if he is if they suffer a first up loss here.

The Teams

Sri Lanka (likely): 1 Tillakaratne Dilshan, 2 Kusal Perera, 3 Kumar Sangakkara (wkt), 4 Mahela Jayawardene, 5 Angelo Mathews (capt), 6 Lahiru Thirimanne, 7 Jeevan Mendis, 8 Thisara Perera, 9 Dhammika Prasad, 10 Rangana Herath, 11 Shaminda Eranga

England (likely): 1 Moeen Ali, 2 Alastair Cook (capt), 3 Ian Bell, 4 Joe Root, 5 Eoin Morgan, 6 Jos Buttler (wkt), 7 Ben Stokes, 8 Chris Woakes, 9 Chris Jordan, 10 James Tredwell, 11 Harry Gurney

The Key Players

Moeen Ali – Originally entered International cricket as a batsman who could bowl a bit. Now he rightfully commands respect as a front line spinner. Not only will he be a handful on the skidding pitches of Sri Lanka, but also expect him to score big runs. Comfortably one of the better players of spin in the English set-up.

Angelo Matthews – What a year Matthews has had. In both Test cricket and ODI cricket, the Sri Lankan captain has been epic. Often digging his side out of a whole, or if not, accelerating near the end of the innings, his contributions have been stunning to watch. Fresh off a 139 against India he should do well again.

The Odds*

Sri Lanka – $1.55

England – $2.45

*International Cricket odds courtesy of Unibet.

The Prediction

It’s always difficult to predict the winners when Duckworth-Lewis gets involved, and he definitely will at some stage in this series. England look appetizing at that price, so I’m picking them to sneak an early win while Sri Lanka’s Indian hangover continues.

Cricket: New Zealand seek unlikely series-leveling victory

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Daniel Vettori’s inclusion in a three pronged spin attack is the major talking point of the third and final match of the New Zealand v Pakistan cricket series beginning tonight.

As one of New Zealand’s most experienced cricket players he’ll be expected to impart his significant nous on developing spinners Ish Sodhi and Mark Craig, in addition to increasing the side’s chances of taking twenty wickets.

Vettori who has indicated this test is simply a sojourn, will be asked to bat at number six in place of Jimmy Neesham and get through about 10-15 overs with the ball per day.

The surprise inclusion comes about due to the barren looking Sharjah pitch – the lack of grass has New Zealand questioning their ability to take wickets with the bowling attack that was used in the first two tests.

Pakistan won’t mind dry pitches though. Despite playing the majority of the second cricket test from behind, the number three ranked side still lead the series 1-0. To keep hold of their ranking in the ICC Test Cricket charts Pakistan require a series win and will look to series leading wicket-takers Yasir Shah and Zulfiqar Babar to achieve it.

The Last Time These Two Met

In Dubai’s drawn second test, New Zealand acquitted themselves much better than in the first test and than most of their sub-continent performances. However the second innings again showed slow blowing frailties and their top order’s susceptibility to collapse.

The Teams

New Zealand (likely): 1. Tom Latham, 2 Brendon McCullum (capt), 3 Kane Williamson, 4 Ross Taylor, 5 Corey Anderson, 6 BJ Watling (wk), 7 Daniel Vettori, 8 Mark Craig, 9 Ish Sodhi, 10 Tim Southee 11 Trent Boult

Pakistan (likely): 1 Shan Masood, 2 Taufeeq Umar, 3 Azhar Ali, 4 Younis Khan, 5 Misbah-ul-Haq (capt), 6 Asad Shafiq, 7 Sarfraz Ahmed (wk), 8 Yasir Shah, 9 Ehsan Adil/Imran Khan, 10 Zulfiqar Babar, 11 Rahat Ali

The Key Players

Kane Williamson – The New Zealand number three has had a wretched series thus far, however his three previous sub-continent centuries prove his enduring class. Betfair have him as a $4.40 favourite to top score in the New Zealand first innings and he shapes as a key contributor.

Misbah-ul-Haq – It’s not often the Pakistan captain plays a cricket match and scores less 30 in both innings, but that was the case in Dubai. Look for the skipper to bounce back strongly using either of his batting tempos. At Betfair, Misbah is at $5 to top score in the first dig.

The Odds*

Pakistan – $1.96

Draw – $2.5

New Zealand – $6.25

*International Cricket odds courtesy of Luxbet

The Prediction

We’re expecting Vettori to bring solidity to all aspects of New Zealand’s game. That won’t be enough to have them winning on a pitch without a single blade of grass, but we do think they’ll manage another fighting draw.

International Cricket Catch Up

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Plenty of International Cricket to sink the teeth into.  Check out the quick version of each series below:

New Zealand v Pakistan

Australia came to Abu Dhabi, saw Younis bat, and got royally conquered.  Now it’s New Zealand’s turn to experience the formidable Pakistan batting unit, that has settled in on the Abu Dhabi pitches like a homeless man at an affluent street corner.  The first test is already underway, and has essentially already been decided.  The top five for Pakistan all made over 80 for the first time in Test cricket; they made 566/3d.  But Luxbet still has them at $1.75 and $2 on the draw.

New Zealand batsmen traditionally struggle against quality spin bowling, and while the Pakistan duo (trio if you include Mohammad Hafeez) are relatively inexperienced, they dismantled the Australians, and will extract plenty of venom from a pitch already turning and bouncing.  New Zealand’s best players of spin are Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor who entered this game with some injury concerns which has limited their batting time.  This will increase the susceptibility of a big defeat and may also mean others get the opportunity to shine.  BJ Watling is an excellent player of the sweep shot and looks a good bet for top runscorer for the Black Caps.

Look for spinners to dominate the leading wicket-takers for the rest of the series if you can find series betting.  Pakistan 2-0 with New Zealand scraping a draw in the last of the International Cricket three match series.

Australia v South Africa

International Cricket is also in Australia at the moment as South Africa and Australia fine tune their World Cup preparations with a (recently completed) three match T20 series (won by Australia, 2-1) and five ODI’s.  While the B sides battled it out in the hit and giggle version of International Cricket, the ODI’s will be a much sterner test for both sides and I’m picking this to be a mightily close series.  The Aussies need to bring some respectability back to their summer game after the aforementioned spanking at the hands of Pakistan.  Whereas the South Africans were very strong against New Zealand in a hasty three match series played before they crossed over the Australia soil.

Bet365 have instilled Australia as $1.66 series winner favourites with South Africa paying $2.20.  In the personal stakes, Michael Clarke looks a great top run getter options at $6.  Faf du Plessis looks sensible at $4.50.  Draw permitting this could well be a World Cup Final next year so I’m expecting some high quality cricket and high scores.  The big grounds and flat pitches in Australia are conducive to quality one day cricket.

India v Sri Lanka

Filling in for the West Indies, who inexplicably pulled out of a partially completed Indian tour, the Sri Lankan’s have found it difficult to compete with the star-studded Indian line-up.  Already two down, the tourists will need something special to contain the likes of Virat Kohli, Shikhar Dawan, Ambati Rayadu, and Ajinkya Madhukar Rahane.  That said, the resting of MS Dhoni, Shikhar Dhawan and Ravindra Jadeja will give Sri Lanka a chance to salvage some pride.

The Indian batting lineup has been far too dominant early in this series and their bowlers have had the uncanny knack of starting with very early wickets.  That combination makes it hard to suggest any other winner than India.  Sportingbet Australia are offering odds on this International Cricket match.  They have India at $1.42, Sri Lanka at $2.85.  If Robin Uthappa gets a go in the last two games whack a couple of quid on him to top score.  He’s paying $7.50 to do so in the 4th ODI.

Zimbabwe v Bangladesh

Our International Cricket roundup finishes in Chittagong.  The 3rd test looms as another one-sided contest.  In Tamin Iqbal, Sahib Al-Hassan, Mahmudullah and Mushfiqur Rahim, Bangladesh have the best players on display and will again be too strong.  Don’t look to back any individual players who are not the four listed above.

Betfair Australia has Zimbabwe as rank outsiders at $7.40 for the third test.  Bangladesh are at $1.69.  The draw is actually quite attractive at $3.55.