Tag: India

Cricket World Cup Preview – Team by Team Guide

Posted on by Online Betting Pro

We’ve put together a comprehensive guide of every side competing in the Cricket World Cup with odds from Beteasy.

Afghanistan

History: Despite taking part in three editions of the World Twenty20, Afghanistan are yet to take part in the 50-over format. 2015 is a new era for Afghanistan cricket.

Form: Afghanistan had an excellent Premier League tournament in Malaysia where they won four out of their five matches.  They followed that with a tied series against Zimbabwe, and then toured New Zealand and Australia playing first class sides to varying levels of success.  They also managed to sneak in another series against fellow World Cup newcomers UAE where they lost 3-1.

Squad: Mohammad Nabi (capt), Afsar Zazai (wk), Aftab Alam, Asghar Stanikzai, Dawlat Zadran, Gulbadin Naib, Hamid Hassan, Javed Ahmadi, Mirwais Ashraf, Najibullah Zadran, Nasir Jamal, Nawroz Mangal, Samiullah Shenwari, Shapoor Zadran, Usman Ghani.

Strengths: Led by Hamid Hassan Afghanistan possess a decent pace bowling unit.  They are also coached by former New Zealand coach Andy Moles, who is an excellent planner.  He should be able to get the best out of his players and provide valuable insights into opposition players.

Weaknesses: A lack of x-factor is the glaring worry.  They rely too heavily on captain Mohammad Nabi, and  the others may get found out.  Would love to be wrong though (and we do think they’ll do very well in future World Cups).

Player to Watch: Hamid Hassan is in the rare-breed of sub-continent quicks who can generate express pace.  Capable of bowling 145km/h, Hassan will love the pitches of Australia and New Zealand.

Odds: $1001

Australia

History: Australia is the most successful nation in Cricket World Cup history, having won the trophy four times (1987, 1999, 2003, 2007).  Their most recent effort was a quarter-final loss to India in 2011.

Form: Australia wrapped up their preparations with an easy win in the Carlton Mid Tri-Series final.  In fact, the favourites have lost just one of their last eight ODIs; all played against India, England or South Africa.  Ominous form.

Squad: George Bailey, Michael Clarke (capt), Patrick Cummins, Xavier Doherty, James Faulkner, Aaron Finch, Brad Haddin (wk), Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Johnson, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, David Warner, Shane Watson.

Strengths: Balance and depth come to mind when you think of Australia’s strengths.  They bode a fearsome mix of power, craft, aggression and patience and are likely to be able to call upon any of their players to deliver a match-winning performance.  Intent is another term that can describe the mindset of both their top order batsman and wicket-taking seam attack.

Weaknesses: The only hole in the line-up is a world class spin option.  For the second consecutive Cricket World Cup Australia enter the tournament without a recognised slow bowler capable of taking big wickets. Xavier Doherty might not even play that often as Australia rely on Maxwell to play the containing spin role.

Player to Watch: If David Warner can avoid getting himself banned for some stupid sledging incident he could be a big factor in this World Cup.  One century in an otherwise quiet Carlton Mid Tri Series means he due to punish opposition bowling attacks.  The matches against associate nations could springboard him into some form for later in the tournament.

Odds: $2.90

Bangladesh

History: 2007 was the highlight in an otherwise underwhelming record at World Cups.  In that year they beat India to make the group stage but haven’t made it there in any of the other tournaments.  Have won only eight of 26 World Cup games.

Form: Bangladesh began 2014 searching for a win for the longest time, but as its recent 5-0 rout of Zimbabwe at home shows, the signs were there of the side coming together well.  It played 18 ODIs in 2014, winning five, losing 12 and with one match against India in Dhaka abandoned due to rain.

Squad: Mashrafe Mortaza (capt), Tamim Iqbal, Anamul Haque, Mominul Haque, Shakib Al Hasan (vice-capt), Mahmudullah Riaz, Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Nasir Hossain, Taijul Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Al-Amin Hossain, Rubel Hossain, Soumya Sarkar, Sabbir Rahman, Arafat Sunny.

Strengths: Bangladesh could play as many as four spinners in their run on World Cup side in what is an obvious strength.  They won’t get too many pitchers that turn, and the small grounds of New Zealand won’t suit them, but may take wickets by benefitting from some team’s aggressive pursuit of runs.

Weaknesses:  Too often the likes of Shakib, Mushfiqur and Mahmudullah are tasked with picking up the pieces.  If Bangladesh are to do well in this tournament the top order must contribute.

Player to Watch: Shakib Al Hasan is one of the best players to ever play for Bangladesh (if not the best).  He consistently gets runs and wickets in all situations with his handy left arm spin and quality ball striking.  For a little guy he has an uncanny knack of finding the boundary, and his round arm slingers have already proven effective in Australia after a brief Big Bash League stint.

Odds: $201

England

History: Pretty woeful recent results (9th, 6th and 7th) have masked earlier success in which they finished second on three occasions.

Form: England have not won an ODI series since beating West Indies in their last four attempts.  After discarding Alastair Cook, England have appointed Eoin Morgan to lead them to glory.  To do so they need to get past their poor recent efforts.  Showed glimpses of form in the Carlton Mid Tri Series but still outsiders.

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

Strengths: Probably seam bowling from Broad, Finn, Woakes and Anderson but even then they have struggled on their recent Australian tour.  Broad and Anderson are proven performers in Australia and Woakes and Finn took trip-series wickets too, so they could bundle out sides quickly if they have momentum.

Weaknesses: Moeen Ali is an ultra talented opener and off spinner, but it’s a lot to ask to do both.  Lacking a World Class spinner could hurt England and Ravi Bopara’s form is a big concern.

Player to Watch: Joe Root is handily placed to break-out as an ODI player during the World Cup.  Despite some epic test knocks he’s yet to really set the world alight despite being ranked 14th best in the World.  Root is one of those players who can accumulate quickly if he doesn’t get stuck on the crease and knick out as is often the way in Australia.

Odds: $11

India

History: Defending champions after a faultless run through the Asian hosted edition.  Also won in 1983 and finished second in 2003.

Form: Is inconsistent.  In 2014 in New Zealand they lost 4-0.  At home they beat the West Indies and Sri Lanka easily. But back to Australia they didn’t win a game in the tri-series.  The form in the conditions in which tournament will be played is a huge worry.

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

Strengths: The top order is undoubtedly the strength of the 2nd ranked ODI side.  In Rahane, Kohli, Rayudu, Dhawan and Raina they have players who can score big runs in the shorter format, and because they’ve been in Australia for such a long time, should be well suited to the conditions.  The draw has been kind to India too.  They play just two games at the bouncy WACA (against West Indies and UAE); a ground where their batsman may have struggled against quality opposition.

Weaknesses: The Indian seam bowling attack resembles a bit of a rabble at the moment.  Struggling in both the long formats and the shorter formats, the bowling is definitely the achilles heal of the squad.  That isn’t worrying India though, they are working on a theory whereby they play one more batsman and back themselves to chase any total.  Bowlers can concede as many as they do and their strength will bail them out.

Player to Watch: Virat Kohli is the third ranked ODI batsman in the world (and 12th best test batsman).  He has the ability to score big ODI hundreds, with 21 hundreds already to his name.  He has also been in one pretty decent form in Australia during the recent test series.  The only question is whether his shoulders can carry the weight of expectation that is now on him following Sachin Tendulkar’s retirement.

Odds: $10

Ireland

History: The Irish shocked everyone in 2007 when they qualified for the Super 8’s.  They couldn’t repeat that in 2011 but did upset England when they chased down 329 courtesy of Kevin O’Brien’s record breaking hundred.

Form: Have been okay against the minnows but hasn’t beaten a test playing nation since the last World Cup.  They are generally one of the better associate nations.

Squad: William Porterfield (capt), Andrew Balbirnie, Peter Chase, Alex Cusack, George Dockrell, Ed Joyce, Andrew McBrine, John Mooney, Max Sorensen, Kevin O’Brien, Niall O’Brien, Paul Stirling, Stuart Thompson, Gary Wilson, Craig Young.

Strengths: In a word accuracy.  They might not have out and out speed demons but their bowlers are all accurate and stifling.  In Young, Mooney and Dockrell they have three bowlers who should frustrate the opposition enough to make mistakes.

Weaknesses:  The experienced Irish are getting on in age these days.  A large portion of their squad are now over thirty, and while theres no substitute for experience we think that will mean they’re behind the eight ball for most of their matches.  They could also struggle when the pace is taken off the ball.

Player to Watch: Ed Joyce has the strange honour of having represented two different sides in consecutive World Cups.  After playing for England in 2007, Joyce then switched back to Ireland for the 2011 version.  Joyce is also a quality player, who has a huge amount of first class cricket experience and is more than capable of helping Ireland to big totals.

Odds: $501

New Zealand

History: The Black Caps have reached six semi-finals from ten tournaments and boast a record of 40 wins, 29 losses (including a forfeit against Kenya in 2003) and a no result.

Form: The co-hosts are in top form.  After knocking off Sri Lanka 4-2, the Black Caps then beat Pakistan 2-0.  Further back still they beat Pakistan again in Dubai.  The draw has also been very kind to them as they play all of their round-robin games at home.

Squad: Brendon McCullum (captain), Corey Anderson, Trent Boult, Grant Elliott, Martin Guptill, Tom Latham, Mitchell McClenaghan, Nathan McCullum, Kyle Mills, Adam Milne, Luke Ronchi (wkt), Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, Daniel Vettori, Kane Williamson.

Strengths: The New Zealand form is pretty special, and most of their players are in decent knick themselves.  They field sensationally, they are playing an aggressive brand of cricket and in front of their home crowd will be a force to be reckoned with.

Weaknesses: None in the makeup of the side, although they’ll be hoping Martin Guptill’s notoriously slow starts and inconsistency doesn’t derail them.  Belief could also be a factor as the Black Caps have made a host of Cricket World Cup semi-finals without ever making the final.

Player to Watch: Kane Williamson may be the most important player to any team in this tournament.  The rock in the New Zealand batting line-up Williamson holds New Zealand’s chances in his hands, despite their increased depth.  Williamson’s role is to bat through the middle overs so that McCullum, Taylor, Ronchi and Anderson can all play their naturally attacking games.  Williamson i s averaging 70 in one-day cricket matches for 2014/2015.

Odds: $6

Pakistan

History: The last time the tournament was hosted by Australia and New Zealand a star-studded Pakistan side won it.  Since then they were runners up to Australia in 1999, and semi-finalists most recently in 2011.

Form: Three consecutive ODI series defeats to Australia, New Zealand and New Zealand again mean Pakistan are not entering on the best foot. If we were being optimistic we would point out their impressive test form in 2014.

Squad: Ahmed Shehzad, Ehsan Adil, Haris Sohail, Misbah-ul-Haq (capt), Mohammad Hafeez, Mohammad Irfan, Sarfraz Ahmed (wk), Shahid Afridi, Sohaib Maqsood, Sohail Khan, Umar Akmal, Wahab Riaz, Yasir Shah, Younis Khan.

Strengths: Experience is important in World Cups.  Pakistan have it by the game-load.  In Younis Khan, Misbah, Hafeez and Afridi Pakistan have proven performers who could guide their side to the final staes of the comp.  They’ll need runs from all of them if they are going to compete.

Weaknesses:  The Pakistan seam bowling stocks have taken a bit of a hit.  Junaid Khan is out, Wahab Riaz is injured, and Bilawal Bhatti got smashed all round the place by New Zealand.  Come to think about it, their spin bowling stocks have also been reduced with Saeed Ajmal’s ban.

Player to Watch: Shahid Afridi has x-factor by the bucket load.  Even at 34, he will still play an important role with both bat and ball.  A top 10 ranked bowler and a destructive batsman is desirous in every team, and we’ll be watching his every move.

Odds: $15

Scotland

History: Scotland have not won a World Cup game in two appearances (1999, 2007).

Form: The Scots were excellent in World Cup qualification where they won seven straight games.  They also had some experience in Australia and New Zealand in a pre-Christmas tour of first class outfits.

Squad: Preston Mommsen (capt), Richie Berrington, Kyle Coetzer, Freddie Coleman, Matthew Cross (wk), Josh Davey, Alasdair Evans, Hamish Gardiner, Majid Haq, Michael Leask, Matt Machan, Calum MacLeod, Safyaan Sharif, Rob Taylor, Iain Wardlaw.

Strengths: Mommsen, Coetzer, Machan are all excellent batsman in their own right.  Aggressive stroke-makers who often attempt to take the game to opposition bowlers, they also represent the best chance of winning games.

Weaknesses: As much as Mommsen, Coetzer, Machan are the strengths of the side, they also represent a reliance or a weakness for the Northern underdogs. If these three don’t score runs, Scotland won’t either, and won’t win games.

Player to Watch: Majid Haq is a quality spinner with over 200 games experience.  The crafty veteran is considered one of the better bowlers from the associate nations and has a best of four wickets against the West Indies.

Odds: $2001

South Africa

History: South Africa have a shocking record considering their cricketing stocks having never won or never made the final.

Form: Most recently South Africa beat New Zealand 2-0 away from home, and then visited Australia where they lost 4-0.  In truth they did rest a few players in both of those match-ups.

Squad: Kyle Abbott, Hashim Amla, Farhaan Behardien, Quinton de Kock (wk), AB de Villiers (capt & wk), JP Duminy, Faf du Plessis, David Miller, Morne Morkel, Wayne Parnell, Aaron Phangiso, Vernon Philander, Rilee Rossouw, Dale Steyn, Imran Tahir.

Strengths: Everywhere.  But if we were to pinpoint one, it’s their pack bowlers.  Steyn, Morkel and Philander all contribute to a well balanced and threatening attack.  Look to them to devastate the world’s best batsman, before spinner Imran Tahir plays the supporting role.

Weaknesses: In the absence of Jacques Kallis the South Africans have struggled to find an impressive all-rounder.  The options – Wayne Parnell and Farhaan Behardien (after Ryan McClaren was left out) – have a big task ahead of them, one that requires them to bowl overs and score valuable runs.

Player to Watch: AB de Villiers is the best batsman in the World.  He showed that recently when he pummelled a hundred off 31 balls against the West Indies.  de Villiers was incredible when South Africa played in Australia recently, and his form will dictate how deep South Africa go.

Odds: $4

Sri Lanka

History: Sri Lanka have a consistent history of excellent World Cup performances.  The blow of losing finals in 2011 and 2007, and a semi-final in 2003, is softened by the win in 1996.

Form: A bit inconsistent of late.  Losses to India and New Zealand surrounds a series win against England.

Squad: Dinesh Chandimal (wk), Tillakaratne Dilshan, Rangana Herath, Mahela Jayawardene, Dimuth Karunaratne, Nuwan Kulasekara, Suranga Lakmal, Lasith Malinga (subject to fitness), Angelo Mathews (capt), Jeevan Mendis, Thisara Perera, Dhammika Prasad, Kumar Sangakkara (wk), Sachithra Senanayake, Lahiru Thirimanne.

Strengths: Big players in big games with big experience.  Sangakkara, Jayawardene and Dilshan are those players. Sri Lanka rely on them, but that doesn’t phase the imperious three who have all scored runs in the recent New Zealand series.

Weaknesses: Probably another team weak in the seam bowling department.  Without Malinga the attack is too same/same and have failed to stop NZ lately.  Herath is quality; Mendis is handy; Dilshan useful; that leaves too much expectation (and thus targeting by other teams) on the balance.

Player to Watch: If de Villiers is the best in the World, Kumar Sangakkara is the second best.  Officially he’s the best test batsman and the fourth best ODI batsman – how good is that record?  He’ll score runs that is for certain, the test is whether does it in the big games and his bowlers can support him.

Odds: $11

United Arab Emirates 

History: Just one appearance in 1996, where they shocked the Netherlands.

Form: The most improved associated side by a long way.  They deserve their spot in the World Cup on the back of some excellent lead up form.

Squad: Mohammad Tauqir (capt), Khurram Khan (vice-capt), Swapnil Patil, Saqlain Haider, Amjad Javed, Shaiman Anwar, Amjad Ali, Nasir Aziz, Rohan Mustafa, Manjula Guruge, Andri Berenger, Fahad Al Hashmi, Muhammad Naveed, Kamran Shahzad & K Karate.

Strengths: The two 43-year olds are the mainstays of the side and their best players.  Mohammad Tauqir (capt), Khurram Khan will hopefully put their captaincy differences aside to be the key contributors for the UAE.

Weaknesses: The UAE lack the experience of the other competitors.  There are also reports that their fielding is a bit below par.

Player to Watch: The player to watch is also their captain, Mohammad Tauqir.  The offie has taken 34 wickets at 29.05 in his first class career.

Odds: $2001

West Indies

History: In the glory days the West Indies won the title in 1975 and 1979, and finished runners up in 1983. However, of late, there has been nothing to write home about.

Form: Pretty ropey.  Losses to South Africa and India on the pitch and battles off it mean the West Indies enter the tournament without posing a serious threat.

Squad: Sulieman Benn, Darren Bravo, Jonathan Carter, Sheldon Cottrell, Chris Gayle, Jason Holder (capt), Nikita Miller, Denesh Ramdin (wk), Kemar Roach, Andre Russell, Darren Sammy, Marlon Samuels, Lendl Simmons, Dwayne Smith, Jerome Taylor.

Strengths: Big hitting batsman are nothing new to West Indies cricket.  Smith, Gayle, Samuels, and Russell can all swing the willow to devastating effect, but can they do it consistently?  They recently cause 236 in a Twenty20 game in South Africa but all too often if Gayle fails so does the team.

Weaknesses: Consistency issues still plague West Indies cricket.  World beaters one day, calamitous the next, the West Indies need to form throughout the full six weeks.  It could also be said the WICB selection methods are also weak after they left out stars Dwayne Bravo and Kieron Pollard.

Player to Watch: Chris Gayle is the rock-star of the side and with multiple World Cups under his belt needs to finish with a bang to ensure he’ll still get picked up by various Twenty20 franchises from around the world.

Odds: $26

Zimbabwe

History: Zimbabwe has played in all subsequent editions of the ICC Cricket World Cup. It peaked in the 1999 and 2003 editions, making the Super Six stage each time.

Form: In its last ten ODIs, it has managed only one win, but that came against Australia in August, a three-wicket victory in Harare led by Chigumbura’s unbeaten half-century.

Squad: Elton Chigumbura (capt), Sikandar Raza, Regis Chakabva, Tendai Chatara, Chamu Chibhabha, Craig Ervine, Tafadzwa Kamungozi, Hamilton Masakadza, Stuart Matsikenyeri, Solomon Mire, Tawanda Mupariwa, Tinashe Panyangara, Brendan Taylor (wk), Prosper Utseya, Sean Williams.

Strengths: More than ever before Zimbabwe have some players to rely on.  Cigumbura, Taylor, Williams, Masakadza and Utseya are more than capable of performing against ever nation, so even if they suffer early blows this Zimbabwe side can bounce back.

Weaknesses: When Heath Streak and Tatenda Taibu played the lower order more than held their own.  However, this year’s squad lacks that solidity and could be wrapped all too easily by decent bowling attacks.

Player to Watch: Brendan Taylor is the best batsman in the Zimbabwe team.  He has put together a nice record in the many forms of the game and should be comfortable on the bouncy surfaces of Australia and New Zealand (that’s probably being generous to the NZ pitches though).

Odds: $501

 

 

 

 

Cricket: Carlton Mid Triangular Series Preview

Posted on by Online Betting Pro

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: Australia dominant in Sydney draw

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Australia wrapped up the Border-Gavaskar Trophy with a dominant display in a drawn fourth and final test in Sydney.  The match went right to the final session as India battled bravely to avoid a third defeat in the condensed test series.  Set a final day target of 349, India looked relatively untroubled when they went into tea at 160/2 with Kohli and Viajy in command, needing a further 189 for victory.  Of the three possible results, only an Indian victory or a draw looked possible.  However, a flurry of wickets in the final session (3 for 10 at one stage when Kohli, Raina and Saha were all dismissed) ensured a tense finish for the sizeable Sydney crowd.  Ajinkya Rahane and Bhuvneshwar Kumar were able to save the match for India; lasting 12 overs, including ten with the second new ball.

The decision to take the new ball may in hindsight have been incorrect.  Josh Hazlewood had the old ball reversing nicely, and series leading wicket-taker Nathan Lyon had it dancing out of the footmarks on a wearing surface.  While the new ball decision may have contributed to the draw, the docile Sydney pitch also played it’s part.  Lacking in pace or movement, the SCG joined the other venues in the series in contributing to a batsman friendly series that produced 5870 runs across the four tests.

Two players in particular dined out; Steven Smith for 700, Virat Kohli for 692. On the other side, Suresh Raina contributed 0 from his two innings’ in the Sydney test.

The Sydney test started, not for the first time in the series, with hundreds to David Warner and Steven Smith.  In fact most of the Australian top order got amongst the runs in a daunting first up effort of 572/7 declared.  Of note, was Shane Watsons handy half century which probably did enough to see him on the Ashes plane, but would have still irked plenty of Australian fans.  Chris Rogers missed a hundred too, but he scored six consecutive fifties to close out the series.

India’s reply was typically pugnacious.  On plenty of occasions in this series their batsman have replied well to an imposing first innings target (probably while cussing their bowlers lack of control) and this was no different.  Two test batsman KL Rahul registered a fighting first hundred; he combined nicely with Virat Kohli (147) to ease India past the follow on and make the day task much simpler.  The strengthening made to the lower order paid dividends as Ashwin, Kumar, Saha and Shami all contributed to the cause.

When they were eventually dismissed 97 behind they needed some disciplined bowling to prevent Australia from dictating the game and the timing of any declaration.  They were not able to restrict the scoring rate however, and conceded 6.27 runs per over over the 40 second innings overs.  Australia therefore raced to 251/6 with Rogers (56), Smith (71) and Burns (66) all boosting averages and strike rates against a weak attack.

Despite the late wobbles, India survived defeat in what was a fair reflection of the game.  Although the 2-0 was deserved, the Indian side showed a lot more fight than previous touring teams and have discovered some important points about their team.  Ashen was excellent in overseas conditions for the first time, KL Rahul could be a long term opening solution, and Rahane and Kohli were confirmed as World Class.

For Australia, the new captain is now one of the brightest players in the World, and while there are question marks over 3 and 6 (Burns and Marsh too) the core group of contributors all played well and got through the series injury free (Michael Clarke aside).

The teams will now compete in a Carlton Mid Triangular Series with England to warm-up for the Cricket World Cup.  The action begins January 16.

India 475 (Kohli 147, Rahul 111, Starc 3-106) and 7 for 252 (Vijay 80) drew with Australia 7 for 572 dec (Smith 117, Warner 101, Rogers 95, Shami 5-112) and 6 for 251 dec (Smith 71, Burns 66, Rogers 56, Ashwin 4-105)

Cricket: New dawn for India in emotional decider

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India usher in a new era of their test history with a swirl of praise and rumours for their retired guardian Mahendra Singh Dhoni.  The conjecture on the “whys” of Dhoni’s retirement will continue for some time, so the task of silencing them comes down to new captain Virat Kohli and the rest of his team.  Many, including their opponents chief firebrand Mitchell Johnson, are tipping India to have a more aggressive edge under Kohli.  An edge that would certainly help the self belief within the team, but one that also comes with a risk of recklessness.

Australia have less to ponder.  They may consider using Ashton Agar in a second spinner / allrounder role, and they may carefully watch the performance of Shane Watson as to determine his suitability for their next important test cricket assignment – the Ashes – given his continue run of mediocrity.

Sydney traditionally takes more spin than any other local ground, so the teams could spring some surprises at the toss, but the placid nature of most of the pitches this series will help alleviate the Johnson threat (much to his dismay) and should see plenty of runs scored.

The Last Time These Two Met

The MCG encounter had all the bluster and bravado of a pre-bout boxing weigh in, but unfortunately lacked the knock out punches as both teams lost their nerve on the final day.  Amongst all the aggression and agitation the Australians dominated much of the game through their superior lower order batting and India’s inability to build enough pressure with the ball.  Not for the first time in the series Steven Smith and Virat Kohli were the stars with the bat, in this one they lead their teams against each other for the first time.

The Teams

Australia (likely): 1 Chris Rogers, 2 David Warner, 3 Shane Watson, 4 Steven Smith (capt), 5 Shaun Marsh, 6 Joe Burns, 7 Brad Haddin (wk), 8 Ryan Harris, 9 Mitchell Starc, 10 Josh Hazlewood, 11 Nathan Lyon.

Johnson is injured and could be replaced by Mitchell Starc, Ashton Agar, or Peter Siddle.  We believe they’ll use Starc, who gets the opportunity to once again revive a stop start test career.  He’s been good in the Big Bash League so at the very least he brings with him some good form.

India (likely): 1 M Vijay, 2 Shikhar Dhawan, 3 Cheteshwar Pujara, 4 Virat Kohli (capt), 5 Ajinkya Rahane, 6 Suresh Raina/KL Rahul, 7 Wriddhiman Saha (wk), 8 R Ashwin, 9 Bhuvneshwar Kumar/Umesh Yadav, 10 Varun Aaron, 11 Ishant Sharma.

India could be tempted to give KL Rahul another go after his terrible debut and may even consider him at the top of the order instead of Dhawan.  If not, Raina will come in at six.  Rumours are he has practiced extensively in the Sydney nets.  Bhuvneshwar Kumar could also come into the mix if he is over his injury concerns; Umesh Yada’s position is the most under threat if he does.  Wriddhiman Saha will take the gloves from MS Dhoni if he recovers from illness.  And lastly, Varun Aaron has returned to Australia after a funeral back home and should play instead of Mohammad Shami.

The Key Players

Shane Watson – For all of his talent Watson should have more than four test hundreds.  From 103 test innings’ in a nine year career the return is underwhelming for such a genuine match winner.  As much it would be nice to feature a key player at the top of their game and delivering the hundreds the public deserve, unfortunately, we’re picking Watson as a key player to save his test career.  He’s been steady with the ball in the series, but if the 33-year-old wants to book an Ashes ticket next year, he needs runs.

Wriddhiman Saha – After waiting patiently in the wings of an alright shadow, perhaps the most influential shadow in Indian cricket, Saha gets the opportunity to let his keeping do the talking.  One stumping chance aside, Saha gloved the ball nicely in Adelaide in his only start of the test series thus far, but he’s also going to play an important role with the bat.  Coming in at 7 it is crucial the 30-year-old manages to bat some time and forge a partnership with whichever set batsman he joins.  Otherwise the tail will continue their house of cards impression.

The Odds*

Australia – $1.70

Draw – $3.50

India – $5

*International Cricket odds courtesy of Bookmaker.com.au.

The Prediction

Australia 3-0.  I cannot see any other result in this one.  Even Melbourne’s draw was tight.  India only have three players on form (Vijay, Rahane, Kohli, with maybe a case for Ashwin) and it’s too much to ask for them to get the better of a quality Australia attack time and time again.  Form also means they are due failures.

If you fancy it, consider Warner and Watson for top 3 runscorers.  They were both playing in the SCG game where Phillip Hughes was fatally injured.  They’ll be looking to pay a special tribute in this match.

Cricket: Draw settles series in Australia’s favour

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Australia missed out on an opportunity to take a 3-0 lead in their series against India when the third test concluded in Melbourne yesterday, favouring instead, a safety first approach and an unassailable lead.

Much of the final day centred around Steven Smith’s declaration, and rather than give his bowlers plenty of time to bowl India out, Smith opted strangely to put the series beyond doubt (in the process possibly trying to give Shaun Marsh the opportunity to register a first home century) and ensure his side could not lose.  He declared Australia’s second innings at 318/9 to leave India a chase of 384 in 70 overs.

The total was never an option, especially as India fell to an alarming 19/3.  They did however manage to hold out.  They were six down when the game was abruptly called off by Smith and MS Dhoni; Australia running out of time but still winning the Border-Gavaskar trophy.

It was up to Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane to do the bulk of the rescue work, not for the first time in the match.  The two look the most assured as Australia struggled to take the final wickets on a flat MCG wicket that produced its first draw for 17 years.  While they both fell in the final session, Dhoni, Cheteshwar Pujara and Ravichandran Aswin all took up enough valuable time to avoid defeat.  Earlier in the match Kohli and Rahane had also starred in a 262 run first innings partnership that saw India respond to Australia’s first innings 530 with 465 of their own.  Rahane had 147 and Kohli 169 in highly entertaining knocks both for their batsmanship and the confrontations with Mitchell Johnson.

Australia should never been allowed to set the first innings foundations for the fifth day win.  They were 216/5 when new boy Joe Burns was dismissed, but as there tail has done so often during the series, wagged as if it were a labrador at a dinner party.  Australia’s lower order (partnerships 6-10) have contributed 784 runs this series, India’s 389, and that difference was glaringly obvious as the Aussies recovered.  Steven Smith was yet again the hero for Australia.  He dug in for another century (third of the series, fifth of the year, seventh of career) and scored 192 important runs.  Ryan Harris was also a surprise package with the bat, enhancing his reputation as the hardest training bowler of his batting, and scoring 74.

Harris was also the most likely to take Indian wickets on the final day.  He, along with Johnson and Josh Hazlewwod, had two wickets, but he easily look the most threatening.  He didn’t have the ball in his hand at the time but he undoubtedly found Steven Smith’s decision not to bowl the final four overs of the game bizarre.

Four wickets in twenty four balls was a distinct possibility given India’s fragile lower order.  In the end, he must have determined the best retirement gift for MS Dhoni was to save him a possible loss.

Luxbet are still offering their top run scorer special for the fourth test in Sydney.  Place a Team High Bat bet (1st Inn) on the 3rd or 4th Australia vs India Test Matches, and if your player scores 50 or more in the first innings, they’ll give you a bonus bet equal to your stake up to $100.

Australia 530 (Smith 192) and 9 for 318 dec (Marsh 99, Rogers 69) drew with India 465 (Kohli 169, Rahane 147, Harris 4-70) and 6 for 174 (Kohli 54)

Cricket: Australia look to overpower troubled India

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Bay 13 at the MCG on Boxing Day is an institution.  Hot, rowdy, and full of Australia hundreds.  In the past Australian centuries on the 26th of December had been on the Christmas wish-lists of many Bay 13 cricket fans, and Santa almost always delivered.  This year, Warner and Smith will be leading the charge, and Bay 13 will be expecting big runs from their boys against an Indian bowling attack that last match struggled to dislodge any of Australia’s final four batsman.

A series that started with so much promise appears to be heading in the same direction as most other Indian tours of Australia – a whitewash.  It shouldn’t be though – the Indians have been competitive (rarely with the ball, but definitely with the bat) throughout and could have taken something from either of the first two games by winning the key sessions.

The viewing therefore, from Bay 13, will be of that of a dominant team against an underdog.  Powerful and confident Australia against an India side desperate to plug a leaky ship.  Either way and whoever you support, it should make for intriguing viewing.

The Last Time These Two Met

Brisbane served up an anti-climax after such a fascinating beginning to the series in Adelaide.  Although the Indians had two moments of opportunity on day one and day three the match finished abruptly and in a state of unrest.  Mitchell Johnson was the chief destroyer in the four wicket win, but it has also emerged that a dressing room spat between Virat Kohli and Shikhar Dhawan played a part too.

The Teams

Australia (likely): 1 Chris Rogers, 2 David Warner, 3 Shane Watson, 4 Steven Smith (capt), 5 Shaun Marsh, 6 Joe Burns, 7 Brad Haddin (wk), 8 Mitchell Johnson, 9 Ryan Harris, 10 Josh Hazlewood, 11 Nathan Lyon.

India (likely): 1 M Vijay, 2 Shikhar Dhawan, 3 Cheteshwar Pujara, 4 Virat Kohli, 5 Ajinkya Rahane, 6 Rohit Sharma, 7 MS Dhoni (capt,wk), 8 R Ashwin, 9 Bhuvneshwar Kumar/Varun Aaron, 10 Umesh Yadav, 11 Ishant Sharma.

The Key Players

Brad Haddin – Michael Clarke came out during the week in full support of his struggling wicket-keeper demanding he is a part of the Ashes squad next year.  However, Haddin’s form with the bat will need to drastically improve over the coming game to guarantee a plane seat.  Often the saviour for the home side, Haddin has been so short of runs in the series that Murphy (Law) is telling me he’s a good tip for top scorer in this one.

Ishant Sharma – The giant fast bowler has been in the spotlight this tour but not always for the right reasons.  There were rumours he was late to day four of the Brisbane test then had to buy food outside of the ground and wasn’t allowed back in, and he was also fined some of his match fee for offensive language.  Bowling wise he has mixed the good with the bad, and has struggled to find the consistency needed for the most experience bowler in the side.  Perhaps his three wickets in Australia’s second innings in Brisbane could turn around his fortunes.

The Odds*

Australia – $1.56

Draw – $4.00

India – $6.00

*International Cricket odds courtesy of BetEasy.

The Prediction

The media focus this week has been on India’s shambolic Brisbane defeat and the rumoured disharmony in the camp.  Therefore it’s difficult to predict anything other than an Australian victory.  There are some injury concerns for the hosts including Shaun March and Shane Watson but any replacements should be able to build on the Brisbane momentum and send Australia three clear.

Also have a look at these BetEasy options:

Highest Opening Partnership – India $2.15

Man of the Match – Brad Haddin $34.00