The Three Big Questions
What’s the go on four day test and 40 over one-dayers?
Details have emerged of an ECB discussion paper that presents ideas on how to forward the game of cricket that include reducing ODI games to 40 overs, and reducing test matches to 4 days. The paper aimed predominantly towards the English County Cricket model (thus included a franchise focused domestic Twenty20 league) determined that the 30 year tradition of five day tests could be done away with to, presumably, reduce the costs of hosting each game and prevent fifth day attendance fatigue; create more room in the cricketing calendar for the Twenty20 league; make both formats more commercially attractive. The changes make sense to us, but it will be interesting to see if they’re supported by other nations. Any changes are likely to be a long way off though.
What’s happening between Shane Warne and Darren Lehman?
The Australian press have been jumping at any chance of a story this week. David Warner’s “brain explosion” comments, and Josh Hazelwood’s genius comment that “we need to get McCullum out” have both been given too many pixels. But, we understand, they need to be paid and there’s been no on field action for Australia for two weeks. That’s why the so-called rift’s been blown out of proportion. There are unlikely to be any deep issues running through the squad, and it won’t impact their play. Don’t read anything into the comments. All is well.
Will the real South Africa show up today?
Put simply, they have to. South Africa are in real danger of butchering their World Cup chances. They do not want to have to meet New Zealand or Australia any earlier than the semi-finals, but because of their poor effort against India they can’t afford to drop any more games. They need leadership. They need runs from Amla and de Villers. They need Steyn. In those three players they have the experience to get out of the mini-slump they are in, the ability to inspire the rest of their team and beat the West Indies comfortably.
Today’s Matchup
South Africa v West Indies, Sydney Cricket Ground (Sydney – fine weather predicted), starts 2:30pm local time
South Africa – $1.30
West Indies – $3.50
Enigmatic West Indies vs Failing Favourites South Africa – This one could be tough to predict. South Africa desperately need to rediscover some form and avoid another loss. The West Indies on the other hand are in form, they should be confident and depending on what Gayle turns up could be Cricket World Cup contenders.
An indication on how this one might go could come from when the two teams met very recently in South Africa prior to the World Cup. South Africa won the ODI series comfortably – many people forget that because AB de Villers’ 31 ball hundred stole most of the headlines – and that’s probably the same way this match will pan out.
Darren Bravo, Suliaman Benn and Vernon Philander are all expected to miss the match through injuries.
Today’s Bet
AB de Villiers to Score 50 – $2.35.
This is great money for de Villers who scores 50’s for fun. Take advantage off his early Cricket World Cup woes and lump on this one. Won’t need too much crease time to deliver 50.
Odds courtesy of Tom Waterhouse.
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.
