Tag: India

Australia Face Stern Indian Test in Series Opener

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Ever since Rahul David and VVS Laxman defied Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath for an entire day in 2001, test matches between India and Australia have taken on renewed meaning. That series is often used in the same breath as the Ashes 2005 in discussions about the greatest ever series.

The Australian, Indian rivalry is drama, romance and controversy rolled into one. Games in the uncomfortable heat of the subcontinent on dry turning pitches somehow flip the Australian batsman’s skills to the extent that Shaun Marsh becomes one of their better players. And, in Australia, booze soaked fans in Bay 13 get involved in heated sledging battles with Virat Kohli on behalf of their team’s bowlers.

There’s nothing quite like it. And we can’t wait for the four match test series to begin on Thursday in Pune.

The Last Time These Two Met

Since 2004/05 neither of these two sides has managed to win a series away from home. In fact, a series win aboard has only got harder as the teams and respective groundsman seek to produce wickets that complement the home sides competencies.

Moreover, in the last four series encounters between the two, dating back to 2008, the away side hasn’t managed to win a game. The history is starting to look like clean sheet football scores.

The most recent meeting was down under in the 2014/15 season. India was actually very brave in that series and the 2-0 scoreline was a little unkind to them. However, if we’re going to compare apples with apples, we should look at the last time these two played in Indian conditions.

That was in 2012 and was won 4-0 by India. It was an Australian debacle under Mickey Arthur that’s become famous for the homework scandal that’s had a fair bit of publicity in autobiographies recently. India won the games in that series by 8 wickets; an innings and 135 runs; 6 wickets; and, 6 wickets respectively.

The Teams

India (from):

Virat Kohli (capt), R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Abhinav Mukund, Karun Nair, Hardik Pandya, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, KL Rahul, Wriddhiman Saha, Ishant Sharma, M Vijay, Jayant Yadav, Umesh Yadav, Kuldeep Yadav

India is relatively well-settled and shouldn’t make too many changes to the team that comprehensively beat England.

Australia (from)

Steven Smith (capt), David Warner, Matt Renshaw, Usman Khawaja, Shaun Marsh, Peter Handscomb, Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Wade (wk), Mitchell Marsh, Ashton Agar, Steve O’Keefe, Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Swepson, Josh Hazlewood, Jackson Bird, Nathan Lyon

The Australian selectors have three decisions to make. In the opening position do they opt for the promising Matt Renshaw, or the sub continent experienced (and successful), Shaun Marsh. If Renshaw is chosen, then Marsh will bat in the middle order, possibly at the expense of Usman Khawaja. Khawaja’s absence also frees up room to play an all-rounder at six – should that be Mitchell Marsh or Glenn Maxwell?

The Key Players

India

Like there is anyone else we could feature in this section. Virat Kohli. While Ravi Ashwin is almost as important to this team, Kohli is the talisman who is crucial to setting his side’s tone against the confrontational Australians. He gives his team belief and that’s worth more than any of the runs he scores. He’ll probably get some runs too, though. He averages over 56 against the Aussies at home, and his recent run of form reads 204, 15, 235, 6*, 62, 81, 167, 49* – not bad.

Australia

Just like Kohli is important for the home side, Steven Smith is too for his (this section should be called Captains, not Key Players). Smith’s only played two test matches in India, but he has tons of experience through the IPL and in other sub-continent nations. Smith will need big runs in this series and signs are looking good after his warm up 107 against India A.

The Match Odds*

India – $1.60

Draw – $3.80

Australia – $5.50

*All odds from Sportsbet.

The Prediction

During England’s recent tour of India, they scored over 400 batting first three times out of five and still lost 4-0. The trouble was those big scores only got them a first innings lead on one occasion. India was and are simply too good at compelling huge totals on their favoured surface. And once they do, their spinners will make things close to impossible in the second innings. India will win by 8 wickets or 130 runs.

The Best Bets

Cheteshwar Pujara is in good form (two hundreds and three fifties against England) and could go big again. He’s at $3.75 to go all the way to three figures.

Peter Handscombe scored fifties at will in the Australian home summer, if he can do it again here, he’ll return you $2.88.

Can England Save Face in 4th Test Against India

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India will look to wrap up a series win against England when the 4th Test begins on the 8th December in Mumbai. After the drawn first test, the hosts have been well and truly on top since then with convincing back-to-back victories. The major problem for England has been their batting form. England hasn’t reached 300 in any of their previous five innings. The Indian bowlers have been on top so far, and have dominated quite early in England’s previous four innings.

Can England Reverse the Tide?

The question is can England battle back from 2-0 down to gain some credibility in this series? History tells us that when a touring side goes 2-0 down in a five test series, then the series result is a foregone conclusion. It is always difficult for any touring side. The long periods away from home and away from loved ones really takes its toll. It appears that the best that England can hope for is perhaps to win a test and exit India with some credibility. The reality is that England is on the verge of being trounced in India.

Bet365 quote India at just 1-2 to win the 4th Test and that seems fair. Coral quote 9-2 for the draw, while 4-1 for an England win is pretty standard across all of the betting sites, including Boyle Sports. If you are looking for value and want to place a bet on this match then looking at past history, which is usually a pretty reliable guide.

Searching for the Reasons

Listening to the professional analysts pour over the data from the previous three tests is quite interesting. Some of them even quote a case for England clawing their way back into the series. To do that, they would have to win this fourth test! No other result keeps the series alive. While England’s performances haven’t been a disaster, too many players have underperformed so far, while India has had around half a dozen players at the very top of their game.

Whether it is fatigue, good tactics from the Indian bowlers, poor form, or whatever is hard to say. The facts are quite damning and Andrew Strauss has some tough decisions to make that may go way beyond this current series. England has now lost no fewer than eight test matches this year. There is something clearly wrong. When we consider that this is a very talented team on paper, those stats make for grim reading. Not since the 1990’s has England lost so many test matches in a calendar year.

It could mean that the older generation may be coming to an end and are simply mentally worn out by too much test match cricket. It is difficult to see England winning the fourth test. In fact, it is difficult to see England winning a test match in this series at all. If you are looking for a bet, then it would be prudent to avoid betting on England despite the 4-1 odds.

England vs. India: Opening Session Swings Odds in England’s Favour

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The first test between England and India has, so far, proven to be full of surprises. Following a distinctly uninspiring performance against Bangladesh, England travelled to India for the five-test series as the proverbial underdogs.

Despite sporting a stiff upper lip and saying all the right things, England’s players know they have a mammoth task against the top-ranked test side in the world. So too do the pundits. Before the first ball had been bowled, England cricket legend Ian Botham acknowledged that the three lions could struggle; especially if bowlers Ravi Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja can find the wickets.

England Poised to Upset India

However, through all the potential doom and gloom, Botham believes England’s youngsters could surprise a few people. Telling the media that the current squad has the potential to become the number one test team in the world, Botham recalls the 2012/2013 where England “hammered” India.

On that occasion, India was the home side and considered the red hot favourites. However, thanks to a ten-wicket win in Mumbai, England clinched the series 2-1. With the omens seemingly on their side, England appears to be upsetting the odds once again.

Indeed, before the start of the first test, the odds makers gave Trevor Bayliss’s men a 12/1 chance of winning the series outright. However, following a storming first day performance by England’s Ben Stokes (128), Joe Root (124) and Moeen Ali (117), England have suddenly become the favourites to take the first test.

A Strong Start for England has Bookies Scrambling

While there is still a long way to go in the series as a whole, England’s opening total of 537 was hugely impressive. Now, it’s worth noting that India’s fielders fumbled three easy takes early in the day, which if they’d have caught them, could have changed the dynamics dramatically. However, the reality is that they didn’t take their chances, and that’s given England a huge boost.

A quick look at the betting markets for the first test shows England at 21/10 with Sun Bets on Day 2, while Sky Bet has the home side out at 7/1. Following an impressive session in front of the stumps, England’s Ali is currently the bowling favourite to take the most wickets in the first test. Sky Bet’s number crunchers have priced the youngster at 100/30, while Adil Rashid to take the most wickets is currently 7/2.

Of course, India may be down at this point, but they’re certainly not out. Murali Vijay is currently leading India’s batting betting line at Sun Bets, Sky Bet and Coral, but it’s the latter’s “to score 75” odds that look the most appealing. With the 25 not out after facing 70 balls, Vijay certainly looked calm in the face of a potential upset. Indeed, after striking four fours (three against Stuart Broad), he’ll certainly be confident of more when he returns to the crease.

Cool Heads Will Emerge Victorious

In fact, it’s this kind of steady hand that could help India right an opening day full of wrongs. England’s batsmen were totally dominant against India’s spinners, but a veteran like Vijay could set the example his peers need to regain their composure. As it stands, Sun Bets’ 8/1 on India to win the first test is the longest odds you’ll currently get, but whether or not it’s a wise wager remains unclear.

Yes, India came through England’s opening attack with no casualties to score 63, but there is a long way to go on Day 3. If Vijay and Gautam Gambhir can amass some early runs, it will certainly settle the nerves in the Indian dressing room. However, an early fumble reminiscent of those we saw on Day 1 could send a shockwave through the side and allow England to rattle off some wickets.

For many, England was never expected to be in this position after opening the batting in the first test. However, now they are in this position, the pressure could be on, and it will be up to Alastair Cook to impart some words of wisdom on his rising stars. If he can do that and India’s batting line crumbles, England could easily clinch the first test to set-up an enthralling conclusion to the series.

Cricket World Cup: Australia v India – SF 2 Preview

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The current Australian stranglehold over the Indians is nothing new, especially in home conditions.  Plenty of touring teams have come to Australia full of expectation only to be humbled by the pace and bounce of the likes of the WACA and the GABBA.  India’s 2014/15 tour has been no different.  They have failed to beat Australia in any format.

However, if there’s one leveller, it’s a Cricket World Cup semifinal.  If there’s another, it’s the Sydney Cricket Ground; traditionally slower than other venues and often taking turn.  Such a pitch would suit India’s game immeasurably more than anywhere else in Australia.  India’s Ravi Ashwin and Jadeja could thrive in the Sydney conditions and help balance a game that is otherwise largely in Australia’s favour.

Australia do not possess a quality spin bowler and have given Xavier Doherty just a solitary game.  Therein lies the only shortcoming for Australia and the only opportunity for India.

The Last Time These Two Met

Australia have got the better of India all summer.  The Aussies enjoyed dominance in a 2-0 test match series win, before lifting the Carlton Mid Tri Series trophy without dropping a game.  India failed to win in the ODI series, and it took a match against Afghanistan to finally win a game on the tour.

In total the teams have player 117 times.  Australia winning 67 of them, and India 40.

The Teams

Australia (likely): 1 Aaron Finch, 2 David Warner, 3 Steven Smith, 4 Michael Clarke (capt), 5 Shane Watson, 6 Glenn Maxwell, 7 Brad Haddin (wk), 8 James Faulkner, 9 Mitchell Johnson, 10 Mitchell Starc, 11 Josh Hazlewood

No changes expected to the Australian side.  Josh Hazlewood should player after his four wickets against Pakistan.

India (likely): 1 Shikhar Dhawan, 2 Rohit Sharma, 3 Virat Kohli, 4 Ajinkya Rahane, 5 Suresh Raina, 6 MS Dhoni (capt & wk), 7 Ravindra Jadeja, 8 R Ashwin, 9 Mohit Sharma, 10 Mohammed Shami, 11 Umesh Yadav

India won’t change their winning formula either.

The Key Players

Mitchell Starc – Starc is one of a handful of dangerous left arm quicks still lurking in the competition.  However, Starc is undeniably the most accurate of them; making him the biggest threat in today’s semi.  His ability to mix between toe-crushingly accurate yorkers and bumpers has seen him consistently among the tournaments leading wicket-takers (currently 2nd behind Trent Boult), and he’ll be more than a handful against opponents that traditionally dislike searing speed.

MS Dhoni – The Indian captain has had a quiet time of it in New Zealand and Australia of late.  Rarely being asked to win matches with the bat, Dhoni has made just one significant contribution in the entire event – an unbeaten 85 against Zimbabwe.  Nevertheless, he has led his side with distinction, enterprise and calmness.  Traits that have helped his side win 11 World Cup games in a row, and traits that will be crucial here today.  He’s also a known finisher having led India to their 2011 World Cup win with 91 not out.  He’ll play a part and could end up doing something similar against Australia.

The Match Odds*

Australia – $1.40

India – $3.00

*Courtesy of Sportsbet Australia.

The Prediction

Australia have the best side in the competition, hands down.  They are understandably the favourites after bouncing back powerfully after a slight Pool game hiccup at Eden Park.  They also have a significant mental advantage over the Indians, and there is no better team in the World to leverage off the mind games.  Australia to win, by 60 runs or 6 wickets.

The Best Bets

Michael Clarke is without runs in the tournament, but Sydney is well suited to his game.  He’s a big chance to Top Score and if he does and Australia win you’ll get @ $7.50

Ravi Ashwin has been one of the few spin bowlers to take wickets at the tournament.  He’ll enjoy Sydney too and is @ $4.25

Cricket World Cup: India v Bangladesh – QF 2 Review

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India rolled on to the semi-finals with another Cricket World Cup win; this time over a lacklustre Bangladesh side in Melbourne.

India’s seventh consecutive win was reserved, responsible, yet dominant.  Opting to bat first in perfect conditions, India took their time, kept wickets in hand and later accelerated to a post an intimidating 302 for 6 from their 50 overs.  In form openers Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan took full advantage of the quick outfield to get India off to the perfect start – 75 without loss – mixing power with grace, and respect for the occasional good ball.

Two quick wickets threatened to derail their momentum, especially as Virat Kholi who previously averaged 120 against Bangladesh was one of them.  Not to be deterred was Rohit Sharma, who orchestrated the rest of the innings with a special 137.  Joined predominantly by Suresh Raina, who pitched in with 65, Sharma made sure India had wickets in hand to accelerate and that India had a total capable of being defended.

Bangladesh worked tirelessly in the middle overs to restrict the scoring but found it nigh on impossible to stop a late assault that also featured a cameo of 23 not out by Ravindra Jadeja.

In reply, Bangladesh needed a strong start, and ideally, runs to Tamin Iqbal.  That would have eased the pressure on double World Cup centurion Mohammed Mahmudullah.  Unfortunately, two wickets in tow balls ruined the chances of a fast start, and effectively set the tone for a massive struggle.  Bangladesh never got going, never got in the game, and ultimately fell short by a massive 109 runs.  None of their players standing up with the bat, and even though they have held themselves well in the tournament and defied expectations, a disappointing exit.

The Bangladeshi’s will understandably focus on the tournament as a whole, as their captain, Mashrafe Mortaza did in the after match press conference when he declared it was a “brilliant tournament” for them.

Conversely, India look on course for a final spot the way they are going.  Their remarkable Australia turnaround continues.  Purely on the numbers their bowling attack is now more potent than New Zealand’s (based on the Bangladesh scored alone), something that could not have been said prior to the World Cup.  Their campaign is evidence of developing a winning formula and sticking to it rigidly to get the results.

India 302 for 6 (Rohit 137, Raina 65, Taskin 3-69) beat Bangladesh 193 (Nasir 35, Yadav 4-31, Shami 2-37) by 109 runs

Cricket World Cup: India v Bangladesh – QF 2 Preview

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India have sailed through their six games at the Cricket World Cup thus far largely untested.  It’s a position of varying important depending on which way you look at it.  It’s either a sign of quality cricket, or its a sign that they haven’t been challenged enough, lack tough game practice and could slip up when the tournament gets interesting.

The opposite is true for Bangladesh.  Almost every game they have played has had the intensity of a knockout game.  In particular, their last two matches against England and New Zealand will have them well prepared for a tough Melbourne encounter against the tournament’s defending champions.

India look better in every department, however, Bangladesh will take solace from the fake they have already felled a giant in the 2015 World Cup, are relatively familiar with their Indian opponents and appeared comfortable outside of their home conditions for the first time in their short international playing career.

A semi-final in Sydney against the winner of the Pakistan / Australia quarter beckons for today’s winner.

The Last Time These Two Met

The BCCI rarely supports a series featuring their national team against Bangladesh, therefore, the teams haven’t met in an ODI for some time.  When they did, in June 2014, India ran out series winners by 2-0.

Tournament form may give a better indication of where the teams are at.  India are undefeated in six World Cup games; their biggest challenge coming from their final pool game against Zimbabwe.  Bangladesh won three of their Pool games with one match washed out.

The Teams

India (likely): 1 Shikhar Dhawan, 2 Rohit Sharma, 3 Virat Kohli, 4 Ajinkya Rahane, 5 Suresh Raina, 6 MS Dhoni (capt & wk), 7 Ravindra Jadeja, 8 R Ashwin, 9 Mohit Sharma, 10 Mohammed Shami, 11 Umesh Yadav

India are unlikely to disturb a well-settled and well-performed team unless absolutely necessity defines.

Bangladesh (likely): 1 Tamim Iqbal, 2 Imrul Kayes, 3 Soumya Sarkar, 4 Mahmudullah, 5 Shakib Al Hasan, 6 Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), 7 Sabbir Rahman, 8 Arafat Sunny/Nasir Hossain, 9 Mashrafe Mortaza (capt), 10 Rubel Hossain, 11 Taskin Ahmed

Mashrafe Mortaza was rested / injured against New Zealand, but he should return to lead the side.  The only other question mark is over the number 8 spot between Arafat Sunny and Nasir Hossain.  Nasir grabbed two late wickets against New Zealand and would strengthen the batting.  He would be our pick.

The Key Players

Mohammed Shami – In a team full of world class batsman it seems strange picking a seamer as the key player.  Shami, though, has been a key component of India’s success in the tournament, taking 15 wickets.  Against Bangladeshi batsman that push hard at the ball early in their innings and get unsettled by steep bounce, Shami’s one-two, short ball / full ball combo might be too much.  The Bangladesh top order looked susceptible against the New Zealand quicks and we thing Shami will enjoy boring to them too.

Mahmudullah – His two back to back World Cup centuries were equally as impressive in their proximity to each other, as they were to the manner in which they were scored.  After waiting 16 years for a World Cup century from one of their batsman, Bangladesh suddenly had two in four days, and both courtesy of the Mahmudullah.  While the consecutive centuries were a novelty, the way they were composed was anything but.  Mahmudullah scored his runs maturely, responsibly and attractively.  His approach to holding an innings together is something the Tigers have missed for years, but a trait that could serve them well today.

The Match Odds*

India – $1.14

Sri Lanka – $5.75

The Prediction

India’s ability to bully Bangladesh in the past is well known.  The passive bowling attack is exactly the type of fodder the destructive Indian batsman love to feast on.  There’s no fear.  We think that’s the reason they’ll get the better of the Tigers.  India by 70 runs or 5 wickets.

The Best Bets*

Mushfiqur has been in decent form in the tournament but has been overshadowed by Mahmadullah.  He’s at $6.50 to Top Score and a big chance.

Suresh Raina is coming off a hundred against Zimbabwe.  How about hime to top score and India to win t $8.50.

Thinking left field, what if India win toss, send Bangladesh in and bowl them out (they have taken 60 wickets in 6 games).  In fact either team to be bowled out in the first innings is paying $5.40.  Could be down to pure luck, but great money.

*Taken from Sportsbet.