It’s unlikely we’ll see another Cricket World Cup double century today, but there still could be plenty of action. Read our preview of today’s match and the three big questions on everyone’s lips at the Cricket World Cup.
The Three Big Questions
Does Eden Park’s weird dimensions suit Australia or New Zealand more for Saturday’s showdown?
Many are predicting Saturday’s trans-tasman match at Eden Park to be a preview of the World Cup final in late March. Both teams are confident, both have made a good start to the tournament and both are familiar with the conditions in both Australia and New Zealand. Familiarity with Eden Park’s strange dimensions – the straight boundary is just 55m – will be crucial in deciding who runs out on top of Saturday’s pool game. Australia feel that Tim Southee and Trent Boult’s swing threat is minimised by the small boundaries. Mishits can still go for six, and edges will race to the straight boundaries and force fine leg and third man to be especially straight, opening up space in other ares of the outfield. The ground suits left handers too, but with only Corey Anderson and David Warner goofy hitting, no team benefits there. New Zealand obviously no the conditions well, yet still failed to defend 314 when they last played here (timing with India in a match featuring 23 6’s). Accordingly, there is no clear advantage, but expect huge totals all round.
Where should bowlers be bowling?
Bowlers have had a rough time of it of late. The pitches too flat, the balls to hard and the boundaries too small. 300 plus totals are good for fans vying for the Tui catch a million promotion at New Zealand grounds, but a bad look for bowlers. So what can they do about it? Short pitched stuff hasn’t worked for England, taking the pace off hasn’t worked for Zimbabwe, liquorice all sorts didn’t work for Andre Russell and the West Indies against Ireland. That leaves one glaringly obvious strategy that appears to be a lost art these days. Fire it in fats and straight into the blockhole and you won’t go too far. Even though Malinga went fro plenty against New Zealand his death spell was excellent. It’s the only viable strategy in the modern ODI game. Sure you might get ramped a couple of times, but that shot will come off less than a bludgeon down the ground.
What’s our take on the commentary team?
Refreshing. There’s a different insight on display with more neutral commentators voicing each game, and it’s something we could get used to. Having grown up listening to the infamous Channel 9 commentary team and watching them get more and more one-eyed (thanks to Ian Healey, James Bradshaw, Michael Slater), the change to Alan Wilkins, Pommie Mbangwa et al has only increased our enjoyment of the tournament. If only the logistics could work full time on all international tours. FTP for commentators?
Today’s Matchup
Ireland v UAE, The Gabba (Brisbane – cyclone gone should be fine), starts 1:30pm local time
Ireland – $1.20
UAE – $4.40
The green machine are expected to get the better of the UAE as World Cup cricket returns to the cyclone sodden state of Queensland. The Irish are coming off a strong opening win against the West Indies, and have the players to get them out of any potentially sticky situations against the only amateur team in the tournament. Joyce, Stirling and O’Brien are all in some handy form and could cash in against the associate side who, despite enjoying a solid opening effort against Zimbabwe, will probably struggle on the pace and bounce of the Gabba.
Today’s Bet
Ireland’s favourites tag means there are not great odds on any of the common betting options. If anything we like Ed Joyce / Khurram Khan to both to score for their teams at $12.00.
Odds from Sportsbet Australia.
Betfair:
Bet on Henrik Stenson to become the BMW PGA Championship Winner.
Paddypower:
Back Australia to take the Ashes home with them.
Betway:
Back Rafael Nadal to become the Mens French Open Winner.
Coral:
Back One For Arthur to win the Grand National.
Bet365:
Back Mexico to win the Confederations Cup.
