Tag: Cricket World Cup

Cricket: West Indies need to adjust to pace ahead of 2nd ODI

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The change of pace from T20 cricket to ODI cricket did not suit the West Indies in game one of their ODI series against South Africa, proving the longer the format the harder it is to sustain their entertaining but reckless form of cricket.

The longer format brought about a 61-run Duckworth-Lewis loss, and in reality exposed a widening chasm between the two teams.  Game two at Wanderers could highlight the gap again with the surface offering pace and bounce, and the outfield supposedly quick.  Expect plenty of runs, but also expect the change in pace (both format and pitch) to factor against the tourists.

The Last Time These Two Met

After a T20 series that hinted at a new level of competitiveness between the teams, South Africa emptied the weapon cache and thrashed the West Indies in game one.  Calling on their most experienced players South Africa accumulated 279 in their 50 overs; mainly thanks to half centuries from Hashim Amla, AB de Villers and David Miller.  In reply, West Indies folded to just 164 with Tahir, Philander an Steyn taking three wickets each.

The Teams

South Africa (likely): 1 Hashim Amla, 2 Rilee Rossouw, 3 Faf du Plessis 4 AB de Villiers (capt & wk), 5 David Miller, 6 JP Duminy, 7 Farhaan Behardien, 8 Vernon Philander, 9 Dale Steyn 10 Morne Morkel, 11 Imran Tahir

Probably no cause for changes in the South African’s top side unless they intend to manage workloads.  Morne van Wyk, Kyle Abbott and Wayne Parnell will likely be left on the sidelines.

West Indies (likely): 1 Chris Gayle, 2 Dwayne Smith, 3 Leon Johnson, 4 Marlon Samuels, 5 Denesh Ramdin (wk), 6 Jonathan Carter/Lendl Simmons, 7 Andre Russell, 8 Darren Sammy, 9 Jason Holder (capt), 10 Jerome Taylor, 11 Sulieman Benn

The West Indies might need to find room for Lendl Simmons to bolster the batting.  Despite previewing him below, Jonathan Carter might miss out if that’s the case.

The Key Players

Hashim Amla – Once boxed as a test specialist Amla continues to churn out ODI runs for fun against all sides.  His run a ball 66 in game one got him to 5000 ODI runs in just 101 innings, becoming the the fastest in the history of the game.  In doing so, he broke the previous record of 114 innings (Virat Kohli and Viv Richards).  Amazingly, Amla also holds the record for reaching 2000, 3000 and 4000 ODI runs the quickest.

Jonathan Carter – Carter was one of two West Indies players who made the World Cup squad without having played a one day international match.  Sheldon Cottrell was the other, but at least he has some experience in the T20 and test team environment.  Carter has played most of his recent cricket with the A team where he impressed enough to warrant World Cup selection.  He scored an excellent List A hundred against India A, and didn’t look out of place in scoring 17 on debut in game one.  Hopefully he gets a chance again at Wanderers.

The Odds*

South Africa – $1.28

West Indies – $3.70

*Courtesy of Palmerbet.

The Prediction

A bet on West Indies is effectively a bet on one of their batsman to score a hundred and win the game on his own.  South Africa are a better complete team and have more people who can contribute.  That’s why they are favourites.  The $3.70 is tempting and the West Indies did chase down 230-odd in a T20 here at Johannesburg the other day.  Even still, we’re going with South Africa by 30 runs or four wickets.

Cricket: New Zealand keen to avoid any more slip ups

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The Black Caps only have themselves to blame for letting Sri Lanka back in the series after a calamitous effort in the second one-day international in Hamilton.  Instead of hammering home a Brendon McCullum inspired advantage, the Black Caps slipped an tripped their way to four run-outs and a below par total.

Sri Lanka rammed open the door, building pressure with spin and then making a mockery of New Zealand’s pace bowling stocks with an effortless chase.

New Zealand have some serious work to do to avoid losing two straight when the third match of the series gets underway at Eden Park.  Eden Park will suit both sides; New Zealand, as the small boundaries neutralise the threat of the spinners, and Sri Lanka will enjoy a second straight game without swing on offer.

The balanced conditions will make for an intriguing encounter.

The Last Time These Two Met

Game two was a lesson in how to construct a run chase.  It was also a lesson in how not to run between the wickets; New Zealand failing the even simplest of rules of backing up and ball-watching.  Sri Lanka gave the chasing lesson.  In particular Dilshan who scored the bulk of the 249 required runs, easing his way to 116 with effortless drives and pull shots.  If New Zealand’s bowlers were guilty of bowling two lengths; offering up too many four balls, their batsman were guilty of imploding between the wickets.

The Black Caps were on track to score well over 300 after that man McCullum scored another hundred.  Rather than push on though, his side threw away wicket after wicket eventually ending on 248; 50 short on the easy surface.  The tourists did not make the same mistakes, losing only four wickets en-route to levelling the series.  Dilshan was aptly assisted by Kumar Sangakkara (38), Mahela Jayawardene (27) and Angelo Matthews (39*).

The Teams

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

Tim Southee is available for the first time in the series.  He may feature at the expense of Matt Henry leaving two of Milne, McClenaghan and Boult to partner him.  No update has been given on Grant Elliot’s family illness that had him miss game two.

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, 9 Nuwan Kulasekara, 10 Sachithra Senanayake, 11 Suranga Lakmal/ Rangana Herath.

The pitch at Eden Park may determine how many spinners Sri Lanka play.  They’ll certainly be tempted to fill the gates with them, but won’t go overboard if the pitch won’t suit.  No other changes expected.

The Key Players

Ross Taylor – Despite sitting game one out for a rest, Taylor looked dreadfully out of sorts in game two, and arguably cause much of the run out confusion by setting the scene of uncertainty.  Taylor laboured to 34 from 69 balls before resorting to a leg side hoick and losing his wicket.  Taylor needs to find a way to rotate the strike against the slow bowlers.  He also needs lots more cricket before the CWC.  We’re still backing him contribute though.

Tillakaratne Dilshan – The change in his batting from Christchurch to Hamilton was remarkable.  No longer swishing aimlessly through the offside, instead driving the ball forcefully through the off side and dismissing every short ball (even the ones at 150 clicks).  His bowling and field was also exemplary in a fine all round display.  Dilshan is always involved; expect the same in Auckland.

The Match Odds*

New Zealand – $1.67

Sri Lanka – $2.20

*Courtesy of Bookmaker.com.au.

The Prediction

This could go either way.  We’re tempted to pick Sri Lanka again as we have no confidence in Guptill, Taylor, Latham, and Elliot / Vettori to score runs at the moment.  McCullum can’t keep propping New Zealand up.  The frugal spin options that Sri Lanka have at their disposal (despite the small straight boundaries) is also a reason to back them.  Accordingly, we’re going with Sri Lanka to take a 2-1 lead.

Cricket: South Africa welcome back stars ahead of ODI series

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The Twenty20 series scheduling was a little puzzling on account of the World Cup beginning in less than a month.  Sure, the demographic is different and presents a gate-taking opportunity for the hosts (and ICC), but to ensure the highest quality of cricket come the World Cup you would forgive organisers for foregoing T20 cricket until afterwards.

Nevertheless, the play time is over.  Coaches can devise game plans; iron out the kinks.  Players can get down to nailing their World Cup spots down.

The West Indies can complete a series without walking out too, after players association negotiations ruined their last ODI series in India.

The Last Time These Two Met

These two haven’t played too much one day cricket against each other of late.  The last series was in 2010, and the last match – a tie in the 2013 World Cup in Cardiff.  We can’t use historical form as guide then, so we’ll use the just finished T20 series as an indication that this one will be close.

The Teams

South Africa (likely): 1 Hashim Amla, 2 Rilee Rossouw, 3 Faf du Plessis 4 AB de Villiers (capt, wk), 5 JP Duminy 6 Farhaan Behardien, 7 David Miller, 8 Vernon Philander, 9 Dale Steyn 10 Morne Morkel, 11 Imran Tahir

Almost back to a full strength line up after resting a number of stars during the T20 series.  Only Quinton de Kock is unavailable so Rilee Russouw gets an opportunity to open up in his absence.  de Kock’s absence also means both Miller and Behardien play in the middle order, while AB de Villiers will take the gloves.

West Indies (likely): 1 Chris Gayle/Lendl Simmons, 2 Dwayne Smith, 3 Marlon Samuels, 4 Leon Johnson, 5 Andre Russell, 6 Denesh Ramdin (wk), 7 Darren Sammy, 8 Jason Holder (capt), 9 Jerome Taylor, 10 Sulieman Benn, 11 Sheldon Cottrell 

The West Indies are missing both Bravo’s (one of them permanently), and Kieron Pollard, so we assume they’ll need to strengthen the batting line-up with Leon Johnson or Lendl Simmons.  Both might play if Chris Gayle is given another day off.  He is training again after being rested for the final T20 but it’s understandable if the West Indies manage his workload heading into a major tournament.

The Key Players

JP Duminy – Chronic knee problems have badly impacted on Duminy’s ability to forge a lasting legacy in international cricket; a result that seems scarcely believable after his start to domestic and international cricket.  With the World Cup just around the corner and Duminy finally fit, now is the opportunity to turn that around and help his side win an overdue World Cup.  Tonight’s series opener is the perfect time to start the preparations.

Marlon Samuels – For all the talk about Chris Gayle there’s another chap in the West Indies side who does just as much for his team.  Marlon Samuels (when his attitude permits) is a massvie contributor in all three formats of the game.  Before his failure in the final T20 match, his scores in all matches were 33, 17, 101, 43, 74, 41, and 60, illustrating his importance to the side.

The Odds*

South Africa – $1.35

West Indies – $3.20

*Courtesy of Tom Waterhouse.

The Prediction

de Villers believes his side is the best in the world.  He was quoted as saying “I still feel we will be the best team at the World Cup and I can’t wait to go there.”  Who are we to disagree?  South Africa to win.

 

Cricket: Carlton Mid Triangular Series Preview

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With the World Cup ominously close, the tri-series that begins in Sydney on Friday provides an excellent opportunity for all teams taking part to get some match practice in.  This year, Australia host England and India in a seven game (including the final) series featuring three fire rivals.

Here’s our guide to the action with odds from Luxbet.

Australia 

Squad: Michael Clarke (capt), George Bailey (vc), David Warner, Aaron Finch, Shane Watson, Steven Smith, Brad Haddin (wk), Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Marsh, James Faulkner, Mitchell Johnson, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins, Xavier Doherty, Kane Richardson, Gurinder Sandhu

Key Player: David Warner shapes as the crucial cog in the Australian one day machine just as he is in the other forms of the game.  We all saw how much he intimidated the Indian bowlers from the outset of test matches, causing them to bowl some absolute trash, and the one day game shouldn’t be any different.

X-Factor: The death overs of a one day international can be critical these days.  It’s no longer acceptable to score a pedestrian 60 from the final ten overs, instead totals of 100+ are closer to the norm.  One player who helps Australia achieve this more than any other is James Faulkner.  Whether it’s a rearguard bailout or capping off an already impressive total, Faulkner is equipped to take advantage of the final overs.

Form: Very strong.  Australia have prevailed in seven of their last eight one day internationals.  The results included wins against Pakistan and South Africa, and given the most recent of those games was in November 2014, the form should still be good.  The test series win against India will also do wonders for their confidence.

Odds: $1.75

Chances: The odds say it all really.  The saying goes that the shorter the cricket format the more even the playing field and the greater opportunity for upsets.  However, in their own backyard, with loads of players in form, we can’t see anything other than an Australia win.

England

Squad: Eoin Morgan (capt), Moeen Ali, James Anderson, Gary Ballance, Ian Bell, Ravi Bopara, Stuart Broad, Jos Buttler, Steven Finn, Alex Hales, Chris Jordan, Joe Root, James Taylor, James Tredwell, Chris Woakes

Key Player: Moeen Ali is shaping up as the England’s key man for the Carlton Mid Tri Series and the Cricket World Cup.  His combative and aggressive approach to batting is very un-English-like and is likely to kickstart England’s power play efforts.  His part time bowling is effective too making him a valuable all-rounder for the series underdogs.

X-Factor: Jos Buttler is a wicket-keeper batsman with a history of innovation and excitement.  The 24-year-old is experienced in Australian conditions after a stint in the Big Bash League with the Melbourne Renegades and that’s why we’re picking him to provide the fireworks for England.  Considering the likes of Bell, Taylor and Root can score sedately, his role is crucial.

Form: Coming off back to back series losses against Sri Lanka and India.  But, since they have arrived in Australia they have posted warm up scores of 364 and 391, possibly suggesting a change in fortune in 2015.

Odds: $4.50

Chances: The warm up form could suggest England are a chance in the tri-series, especially if they are viewed as the underdogs throughout.  Cook’s dropping might be the catalyst to a new era of ODI dominance under Eoin Morgan.

India

Squad: MS Dhoni (capt & wk), Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, Suresh Raina, Ambati Rayudu, Ravindra Jadeja, R Ashwin, Akshar Patel, Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Shami, Umesh Yadav, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Stuart Binny, Dhawal Kulkarni, Mohit Sharma

Key Player: If you thought Virat Kohli was a decent test match player, just wait until you watch him play the one day game.  It’s the game where he made his name, and it’s the game in which he owns this incredible record: 146 games, 6208 runs, 21 100’s, 33 50’s, 90.5 strike rate, and 183 high score.  Kohli is the key.

X-Factor: Don’t let the pair in Sydney fool you.  Suresh Raina can play, and shorter form cricket is the game suited to the destructive left-hander.  His record at home is much better than it is away, but we’re backing him totter it around in the Carlton Mid Tri Series.

Form: Impressive.  After the West Indies walked out of the series they were losing 2-1, India called in Sri Lanka and thumped them 5-0.

Odds: $3.50

Chances: In Rahane, Kohli and Rayudu they have players in form.  That should serve them well in the format they play the most.

Cricket: Sri Lanka a big chance against weakened hosts

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Unbelievably, Sri Lanka have failed to win a game on their tour of New Zealand thus far.  Therefore, Thursday’s game two at Hamilton’s Seddon Park may be the perfect opportunity to do so.  New Zealand are missing some key players and look beatable in game one even though they managed a three wicket win.

If Sri Lanka can make an impression with the bat, post a decent total in excess of 270, there’s no reason why they can’t exploit some nervousness in the opposition batting line-up.  Doing so will allow them to build some momentum before the teams meet again in the World Cup opener.

The Last Time These Two Met

Not for the first time in the last 12 months most of the headlines from game one belonged to Brendon McCullum.  The Black Caps captain equalled his record for the fastest ODI half-century when he bashed 51 from 22 balls to set his team on their way to victory.  Although the final margin wasn’t as comprehensive as it seemed, Corey Anderson’s 81 got the home team over the line by three wickets.  The chase of 219 could have been for less but for the contribution from Mahela Jayawardene, who made a timeless 104.  His first ODI century in New Zealand was full of elegance and grace, and notwithstanding McCullum’s aggressive approach, he easily looked the best batsman on show.

The Teams

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

For New Zealand, Williamson is being rested to overcome a slight shoulder injury, however, Ross Taylor’s return offsets the loss.  Grant Elliot is also doubtful after missing Wednesday’s training for a family health matter.  If Elliot is unavailable Daniel Vettori may have to make up the numbers.  A move that would expose the Black Caps middle and lower order.

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, 9 Nuwan Kulasekara, 10 Sachithra Senanayake, 11 Suranga Lakmal

Possible changes include: Dinesh Chandimal for the surprisingly disappointing Thirimanne who really was strangled in game one; and Lakmal for Shaminda Eranga.  Rotation is inevitable in a seven match series but it remains to be seen whether things will change this early in the series.

The Key Players

Tom Latham – Latham has impressed most with his test match temperament which was showcased during hundreds against Pakistan and West Indies during New Zealand’s winter tours.  His challenge now is to transfer that form to the ODI game.  He has an excellent opportunity to secure the final middle order World Cup bert and this match is perfect platform.

Sachithra Senanayake – The fact that Senanayake bowled the fifth over in Christchurch’s game one is testament to either, McCullum’s intimidating start, or Senanayake tremendous control.  Since returning from an ICC imposed bowling ban he’s been an absolute revelation.  Look for more wickets from the crafty operator in game two as well.

The Match Odds*

New Zealand – $1.60

Sri Lanka – $2.90

*International Cricket odds courtesy of TopBetta.

The Prediction

We’re a bit anxious about the fragility of New Zealand’s middle order core.  Latham at three, Taylor without form and cricket at four, and Elliot at five is worrying for a nation with a history of batting collapses.  The Black Caps could falter to the spin of Senanayake and struggle to post a defendable total at Seddon Park.  For that reason we’re picking Sri Lanka to even the series up.

Cricket: Gayle, West Indies eye series sweep

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Chris Gayle has launched a number of attacks over the past few days.  First, a scintillating record beating fifty in game one.  Then came even better 90 in which he hit 8 sixes and equaled the record for the total number of sixes hit in international T20 cricket.  To cap it off, his most scathing attack wad directed at the WICB who refused to pick Dwayne Bravo and Pollard in the West Indies World Cup squad.  Kingsmead could be on the receiving end of the fourth.

To prevent that, South Africa must find a way to quell Gayle.  However, even if they do, they still have the rest of the West Indies line up to contend with, which is not an easy prospect for a side playing with as much confidence as they are.  The best bet is to play in the disciplined way they know how and by winning the smaller battles first – the fielding, the catching, the 1%’ers.

The Last Time These Two Met

44 fours and 24 sixes tells the story.  The Wanderers record breaker was a match of epic proportions.  Remarkably the West Indies chased down 232 with four wicket and four balls to spare; exactly the same winning margin as at Newlands. Chris Gayle, as our preview predicted, was again the star of the show bludgeoning 90 off 41 balls and partnering with Marlon Samuels (60 off 39) to cap off a memorable win.  The chase overshadowed South African captain Faf du Plessis’ special hundred, which he scored from just 46 balls.

For the record, with his century du Plessis became the eight international cricketer to have scored hundreds in all three formats.  The others are: Gayle, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Brendon McCullum, Suresh Raina, Mahela Jayawardene, Martin Guptill and Ahmed Shehzad.

The Teams

South Africa (likely): 1 Morne van Wyk (wk), 2 Rilee Rossouw, 3 Farhaan Behardien, 4 David Miller, 5 Justin Ontong (capt), 6 Wayne Parnell, 7 David Wiese, 8 Kyle Abbott, 9 Kagiso Rabada/Aaron Phangiso, 10 Marchant de Lange, 11 Imran Tahir

Justin Ontong steps in to captain the side after du Plessis was given the day off.

West Indies (likely): 1 Chris Gayle, 2 Dwayne Smith, 3 Marlon Samuels, 4 Kieron Pollard, 5 Andre Russell, 6 Dwayne Bravo, 7 Darren Sammy (capt), 8 Denesh Ramdin (wk), 9 Jason Holder, 10 Sulieman Benn, 11 Sheldon Cottrell

There may be a temptation to try Carlos Brathwaite or Andre Fletche, but we sense West Indies will opt for momentum and chase the series sweep.

The Key Players

Imran Tahir – The energy that this man displays when celebrating wickets defies his age, and although he didn’t get to do so during game two, he was the only bowler who went for less than 8 runs an over.  Tahir will play a key role again in stifling the West Indies run rate with his flat turners, and he’ll much prefer the Durban conditions to the batsman friendly altitude of Wanderers.

Another West Indies Player Chris Gayle – Just kidding.  Chris Gayle is the key again, obviously.  Two matches in the series and two rapid half centuries to the tall left-hander outline his importance to the West Indies.  He’s also voiced his disappointment at Pollard and Bravo missing out on World Cup selection, so we expect him to take his anger out on Kyle Abbot and the rest of the South African bowlers again.

The Odds*

South Africa – $2.02

West Indies – $1.78

*Courtesy of Luxbet.

The Prediction

There is a slight doubt hanging over the West Indies if Gayle doesn’t score runs.  How will they respond if their talisman fails?  Who will score the runs?  And for those that don’t think lightening can strike three times, South Africa’s odds look awfully enticing.

Having said that, we’re backing the West Indies for the whitewash.