Tag: Brendon McCullum

Cricket World Cup: Day 7 Recap

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We genuinely thought New Zealand’s third pool game against England could be a nervy one.  Then we started watching and 55 minutes later (including 40 for a ridiculous tea break) it was over.  It wasn’t nervy. The confidence of the English batsman was shot, even before this game, we just didn’t realise.  Hopefully you disregarded our advice to back England (or at the least also backed Joe Root to top score and came out even).  See a quick review of the action below – and it has to be quick because the game didn’t even last 50 overs.

Day 7 Result

A day night match finished before the lights came on.

An England bowler who went for 0-49 from two overs (including half of his balls going for six).  Compare that with New Zealand’s man of the match who took 7-33.  Those points highlight the gulf between the two sides in what was arguably one of the most one sided World Cup contests of all time.  The scorers were kept unbelievably busy filling in wickets and recording sixes, mainly in the columns of Tim Southee and Brendon McCullum.

After winning the toss on a nice looking Wellington surface England’s under fire captain, Eoin Morgan, opted to set New Zealand a total.  What he didn’t account for was Southee and the late movement he was able to generate that perplexed the England batsman and eventually saw them shot out for just 123.  Southee was a marvel, especially in his second spell of 5-10, where he used the crease to excellent effect to take regular wickets.  His 7-33 was the third best bowling figures at a Cricket World cup and he was on track for becoming the first man to take 8 World Cup wickets in an innings before Adam Milne joined the party and took the wicket of Joe Root, for 46, to finish things off.

For the second game in a row New Zealand had to come out and bat before the tea break.  Brendon McCullum was clearly fine with that and even threatened to finish the entire match before the 40-minute break, despite only having time for 9 overs.  McCullum smashed it to all parts and scored his 77 off just 25 balls.  He cut, slashed and ramped his way to the fastest World Cup fifty (breaking his own record in the process).  McCullum dented pride, sponsors cars that were on display and the plans for hundreds of fans that hadn’t even left work to get down to the game.

We mentioned that the English media have a story angle in Eoin Morgan’s poor form – they have a new one now.

New Zealand 125 for 2 (McCullum 77) beat England 123 (Root 46, Southee 7-33) by eight wickets

Cricket: NZ welcome Pakistan for 2 match World Cup warm-up

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There were rumours of a ghost haunting the Pakistan’s team hotel in Christchurch early this week.  Harris Sohail was supposedly on the receiving end of a particularly nasty spiritual presence.  Whether the ghost was simply a figment of Sohail’s imagination or whether it was the ghost of series past between the two remains to be seen.

If it was a soul from the series the two recently completed in Abu Dhabi then it will hold memories of a closely fought series, and some strong individual performances from Sohail.  Perhaps that’s why he was awoken in the middle of the night.

Ghosts aside, the short turnaround to the Pakistan series will provide New Zealand with a sterner test than the one they have just encountered.  With concerns lingering over Guptill and Taylor, the Black Caps will welcome the chance to fine tune.

Fine tuning is also important for a Pakistan outfit that have traditionally struggled away from home.  After batting for days against New Zealand and Australia on flat pitches in Dubai, the move to New Zealand will no doubt come with trickier batting assignments against the moving ball.

Wellington is expecting a little rain.  Duckworth-Lewis may be a factor.

The Last Time These Two Met

Was recently actually.  In Dubai in November the teams endured a tense series which was eventually won by New Zealand in the final match.  After a see-saw five match series the Black Caps secure a 3-2 series win  thanks to a 68 run win.  In that series, Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor topped the bating charts for New Zealand; Haris Sohail and Shahid Afridi for Pakistan.  With the ball Matt Henry was the best followed by Mohammad Irfan.

The Teams

New Zealand (likely): 1 Martin Guptill, 2 Brendon McCullum (capt.), 3 Kane Williamson, 4 Ross Taylor, 5 Grant Elliott, 6 Luke Ronchi (wk) , 7 Corey Anderson, 8 Nathan McCullum/ Daniel Vettori, 9 Tim Southee, 10 Mitchell McClenaghan, 11 Trent Boult

The New Zealand set-up have not given any indication as to how serious Adam Milne’s injury is, but we suspect he’s still unfit for the Pakistan series.  Nathan McCulum may get some more match practice at Vettori’s expense.

Pakistan (likely): 1 Mohammad Hafeez, 2 Ahmed Shehzad, 3 Younis Khan, 4 Misbah-ul-Haq (capt.), 5 Umar Akmal, 6 Sarfraz Ahmed (wk), 7 Shahid Afridi, 8 Bilawal Bhatti, 9 Wahab Riaz, 10 Mohammad Irfan, 11 Sohail Khan/ Ehsan Adil

Plenty of options for the tourists in this series makes the predictions tough.  Only Misbah and Umar Akmal in the middle order seem sho0-ins after convincing knocks in the warm-up matches.

The Key Players

Corey Anderson – During the week Graeme Smith and Rahul Dravid pointed out the three players they thought were crucial to New Zealand’s World Cup chances.  One of them was Corey Anderson.  So well suited to thrashing the ball over the boundary, and now playing an increasing important role with the ball, Anderson’s form (which was decent against Sri Lanka) is likely to match New Zealand’s.

Umar Akmal – Scores of 77 and 68 in the two warm-up games point to Akmal being in quality form at the moment.  Pakistan hope so, as do the New Zealand sporting public who’ll be after a more fiercely competitive series.  Akmal’s form in Australia and New Zealand over the years has been excellent, this series may be another example of that and a springboard to World Cup success.

The Match Odds*

New Zealand – $1.50

Pakistan – $2.63

*Courtesy of Betstar.

The Prediction

Pakistan against the swinging and bouncing ball worries us.  That’s why we’re tipping New Zealand even though they’re coming off a loss only a few days ago.

The Longshot

Great money on Umar Akmal to top score for Pakistan.  $6.50 at Betstar.

Cricket: NZ favourites in seven match series

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Seven matches can tend to drag on.  The hope is that this series between New Zealand and Sri Lanka won’t suffer from the same fate because of its proximity to the Cricket World Cup beginning in February.  Teams will tinker with line-ups, change Powerplay tactics, and generally familiarise themselves with the conditions they will face in the upcoming showpiece.  Those maths make the series an exciting prospect, and given New Zealand’s recent form it should be well patronised by a supporting public.

The Last Time These Two Met

The teams drew a three match series (one was washed out) in November 2013 in the sub-continent, but history shouldn’t count for much after the surprising two-nil result in the test series and the likelihood of significant rotation of the personnel used in this series.  If anything, the teams form in their respective past series give a better reflection of the expected evens; Sri Lanka beat England at home and New Zealand beat Pakistan away. 

The Teams

New Zealand (likely): 1 Martin Guptill, 2 Brendon McCullum (capt.), 3 Kane Williamson, 4 Grant Elliott, 5 Tom Latham, 6 Luke Ronchi (wk) , 7 Corey Anderson, 8 Nathan McCullum, 9 Mitchell McClenaghan/Adam Milne, 10 Kyle Mills, 11 Trent Boult

Tim Southee and Ross Taylor have been rested for the first match which allows Tom Latham and Grant Elliot to battle it out in the middle order for the final World Cup spot.  Trent Boult returns to limited overs cricket for the first time in a while, meaning McClenaghan and Milne will in all probability compete for the third seamer role.

Sri Lanka (likely):  1 Dimuth Karunaratne, 2 Tillakaratne Dilshan, 3 Kumar Sangakkara (wk), 4 Mahela Jayawardene, 5 Angelo Mathews (capt.), 6 Lahiru Thirimanne, 7 Thisara Perara, 8 Jeevan Mendis/ Dhammika Prasad, 9 Nuwan Kulasekara, 10 Sachithra Senanayake, 11 Suranga Lakmal

Dilshan and Jayawardene provide a much needed boost to the Sri Lankan squad.  Their presence will undoubtedly raise the belief of the team; something that is much needed after the test defeats.  Karunaratne may get a chance to open, so Mahela will have to move down the order to accommodate him.  Perara, Kulasekara and Senanayake (and possibly Mendis) are also available.

The Key Players

Corey Anderson – The all-rounder is still riding the coattails of his record-breaking hundred in Queenstown some 12 months ago.  Since then he’s struggled to reach those lofty heights and has struggled for runs in most forms of the game.  The big but though is that New Zealand wickets and small grounds suit his play, Hagley could be where he rediscovers his mojo.

Lahiru Thirimanne – A key piece in the Sri Lanka’s World Cup armoury the stylish left hander found some form in the Wellington test and will be hoping to continue it in his middle order role.  He’s at $7.50 to top score if you willing to take the risk of a middle order play getting enough overs to outscore the others.

The Match Odds*

New Zealand – $1.59

Sri Lanka – $2.35

The Series Odds*

New Zealand – $1.40

Sri Lanka – $2.95

*International Cricket odds courtesy of Luxbet.

The Prediction

New Zealand were devastating with the bat when they batted in Christchurch in the test series.  Brendon McCullum’s fond memories will assist his return to the top of the order and will set the scene for a close win.

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: McCullum stamps exclamation mark on quality year

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The Black Caps incredible 2014 has given their (sometimes) loyal fans reason to believe.  To believe in the possibility of a rare period of dominance for the vastly under-resourced cricketing nation.  To believe the hype – that they are World Cup smokies, in the same way the 1992 Young Guns were.

The side completed their fifth test win of the year, over a Sri Lankan side that is improving rapidly in their travels away from the comforts of home.  The five wins is the most they have registered in a calendar year in the history of test series record-keeping (approximately 1930).  They have come against quality opposition too – India, West Indies, Sri Lanka and Pakistan.  That is, they are more significant than wins against Zimbabwe and Bangladesh (with respect), and outline the professionalism and standards this team now play with.

Although the team’s cohesiveness can be pointed to as a reason for a strong finish to the year, in truth, their captain Brendon McCullum was the major factor in this particular win.  Capping off his own incredible year – the destructive batsman scored 1164 runs in the year, the fourth most in World cricket – made a remarkable 195 from just 134 balls.

The first innings assault came after New Zealand had lost the toss and were expected to struggle on a pitch offering assistance to seam bowlers.  However, McCullum had other ideas as he danced down the wicket, forced the Sri Lankans to bowl a more amenable length, and deposited it to all parts of the fresh Hagley Oval.  In all, he struck 18 fours and 11 sixes in a dominant performance that made a mockery of losing the much hyped toss.  Mccallum was the aggressor in a match defining partnership of 206 with Jimmy Neesham (85) that gave his fearsome swing bowling tyros, Tim Southee and Trent Boult an ample total to defend.

They duly obliged.  Destroying the tourists in their first turn at bat.  All out for 138.  They had five wickets between them, leaving Neil Wagner (3-60) to mop up the tail, and giving McCullum the easy decision to enforce the follow on.  Southee and Boult also obliged in the second innings but only after the fantastic rearguard efforts of the entire Sri Lankan team.  Led by the patient Dimuth Karunaratne (152), the Lions withstood for 154 overs and scored 407, to leave New Zealand a chase of 10 to win the game.  Lahiru Thirimanne (25) offered support by way of time, and Angelo Matthews (66) offered support in the form of both runs and balls to help add credibility and competitiveness to the game that was only ever going in one direction after the first innings.

New Zealand reached the small target with the loss of just two wickets – as we predicted earlier in the week.  Kane Williamson was not out 31 and Ross Taylor not out 39 to conclude 2014 in a winning manner.  The Black Caps an Brendon McCullum enjoyed their best ever years, and will be hoping to continue the momentum in 2015.  The teams reconvene in Wellington on January 4 for game two.

Revised Series Odds*

New Zealand 2-0 – $1.64

New Zealand 1-0 – $1.80

Drawn – $2.02

Odds brought to you by Betfair Australia.

New Zealand 441 (McCullum 195, Neesham 85) and 107 for 2 beat Sri Lanka 138 (Boult 3-25, Wagner 3-60) and 407 (Karunaratne 152, Boult 4-100, Southee 4-91) by eight wickets

Cricket: NZ, Sri Lanka converge on a green Hagley Oval

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A couple of interesting firsts will occur when the Black Caps and Sri Lanka meet in the first of two tests starting Boxing Day.  One, Hagley Oval in Christchurch hosts its first ever test match after recently been given the ICC green light.  The test will allow the city and administrators for their role in the World Cup when they host three pool games including the opener between these two teams.

Secondly, the match is the first time in a long time that Sri Lanka won’t have stalwart Mahela Jayawardene in their middle order.  After making his test debut in 1997, Jayawardene has been a middle order hero for the best part of 149 games.  The adjustment to a middle order without him will make for fascinating viewing in game one, especially if as expected the Hagley Oval pitch is full of pace and bounce and Sri Lanka lose early wickets.

New Zealand will be looking forward to showing the New Zealand public the side’s new found confidence.  In last 12 months they have enjoyed test success against India, West Indies, and Pakistan, and gave the sporting public plenty of reasons to support them last summer (who could forget McCullum’s triple hundred).

The Last Time These Two Met

In November of 2012, New Zealand were in the midst of mutiny madness.  The story goes something like this: The Coach wanted Brendon McCullum to captain the side – but Ross Taylor was the captain – so they summoned Taylor to a mid-tour getting in a hotel room to explain they wanted a change – Taylor then went out and scored 142 and 74 in the second test to help NZ win by 167 runs and square the two match series.  Brendon McCullum has since rightfully taken over as captain and has transformed the NZ side.  They now play with aggression and confidence and Taylor too has been “reintegrated” nicely back into the set up.

The Teams

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

The only possible changes to this side would see Dean Brownlie slot into number 5 with Brendon McCullum opening.  Otherwise the Bracewell / Wagner battle is the only contentious point.

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 Tharindu Kaushal/Dilruwan Perera, 9 Dhammika Prasad, 10 Shaminda Eranga, 11 Suranga Lakmal

Prasad will probably be given the third seamers role with Tharindu Kaushal/Dilruwan Perera battling it out to be the teams specialist spin option.

The Key Players

Hamish Rutherford – McCullum’s move down the order has made room for the Otago-based left hander to return to the top of the Black Caps batting lineup.  It’s a place where he enjoyed brief success – on debut when he made 171 against England – but has struggled ever since (his average has plummeted below 30).  With Tom Latham well established at the other end Rutherford needs a good series to join him as a permanent fixture.

Suranga Lakmal – There are reports coming from the Sri Lankan’s warm up game (and indeed from the final two one layers against England) that Lakmal is looking much sharper than he did against South Africa in June.  It appears he’s added a yard or two of pace and could be a handful on the assisting wickets.  Sri Lanka will likely need to blood a third seamer on this tour meaning Lakmal will be expected to play a senior role with ball in hand.

The Odds*

New Zealand – $1.83

Draw – $3.00

Sri Lanka – $5.00

*International Cricket odds courtesy of Bet365 Australia.

The Prediction

New Zealand have understandably asked for a surface that will play to their seam bowling strength.  The Hagley Oval pitch is already looking green and Sri Lanka lose the toss and bat first this one could over quickly.  Fine weather is forecast throughout this one so I can’t see it ending in a draw.  Therefore, New Zealand to prevail by 8 wickets.

We also like the look of BetEasy’s option on Sri Lanka’s top bowler int the first innings being the above featured Lakmal, paying $4.33