The Three Big Questions
Is this a batsman’s World Cup – are the pitches too flat? Bats too big? Boundaries too small?
Four teams have batted first and posted totals of over 300 in the Cricket World Cup thus far. However, they have all gone about it differently. New Zealand blazed their way there on the back of a fast McCullum start, South Africa and Australia stuttered earlier but proved wickets do little to derail target setting, while India were composed in keeping wickets in hand for the Powerplay and death overs. We think it shows that yes the drop in pitches are flat – possibly deliberately to ensure maximum entertainment and maximum expenditure within the ground, yes the ground are too small and need also to be maximised. But bats can continue to improve – just increase playing area and allow for more sporting pictures. As we have said earlier it will be a batsman’s Cricket World Cup – 340+ scores will win the big games too.
Who will be the fourth semi-finalist?
Many are predicting New Zealand, Australia and South Africa making it to the semi-finals. And while anything can happen in knockout games for arguments sake we’ll assume that is to be the case. That means one team of England, India, Pakistan, West Indies or Sri Lanka will take up the final place (sorry minnows). On the evidence thus far, India look like they have come to grips with ODI cricket in Australia and NZ better than the others have. I think England will improve, but India have the batsman capable of taking them to a semi-final with a machining innings. Their bowlers impaired markedly too from the tri-sereis abomination. India to make the semi’s then.
How’s Betcirca’s ICC Fantasy Team Doing?
Okay. So a little off topic. Important nonetheless. We’re struggling to be honest. We went for Moeen Ali to contribute both wickets and runs at a cheap purchase price, however he failed with both bat and ball to put us up against it already. AB de Villiers didn’t register quite the number of batting points we thougth he might either. Our strategy of choosing predominantly Australian, New Zealand and South African players may well count against us in the long-run. Here’s our side: Finch, Rahane, Amla, Williamson, McCullum, de Villiers, Marsh, Boult, Shakib, Starc.
Today’s Matchup
West Indies v Ireland, Saxton Oval (Nelson – partly cloudy but warm), 11:00am local time
West Indies – $1.22
Ireland – $4.25
The West Indies start as favourites but if there is any chance of a test playing nation slipping on a banana skin it’s in this game. Chris Gayle would rather be at home in his bar, Darren Bravo won’t score runs out of protest for his brother’s exclusion, and Kieron Pollard is a huge loss. Ireland, are experienced in both playing age and in major tournaments and thrive on big upsets. Much like the 2011 triumph against England they’ll back themselves to chase down something big and could rely on Sterling, Kevin O’Brien and Joyce to do so.
Today’s Multi Bet
The IPL Late Play Multi – Not a multi because only one game being played today, but jump on Darren Sammy to top score ahead of tomorrow night’s IPL auction.
Darren Sammy (Man of Match) – $6.25
Luxbet Australia on the Cricket World Cup odds.
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.
