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VB Tour of West Indies – ODI & T20 Series

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Australia’s VB Tour of West Indies gets underway this Friday at Arnos Vale Cricket Ground with a 5 match One Day International Series. This is followed by a 2 match T20 series before the 3 match test series gets underway at the beginning of April. 

Australia has named a strong squad for the One Day International’s and T20 matches, with practically the same squad that took out the Commonwealth Bank Series. Just Nathan Lyon, Brad Haddin and George Bailey are added to the ODI squad that played those final 3 matches.

Clarke, Hilfenhaus and Haddin, while part of the One Day International squad, will sit out the T20 matches. George Bailey will continue to captain with Shane Watson as deputy for both squads.

With the rotation policy in place, it’s been 4 years since the Aussies last toured the Caribbean. In that series Australia had a clean sweep of the One Day Internationals but lost the only T20 match.

Shane Watson will be hoping he can recreate the form he found back then as he was the leading run scorer in that series. While on the bowling front, the leading wicket takers are nowhere to be seen for this VB Tour of West Indies. Nathan Bracken retiring and Mitchell Johnson no longer considered worthy of the Australian squad. 

VB Tour of West Indies 2012 - West Indies v Australia

The West Indies have not played international cricket since mid December when they lost both the Test and One Day series’ against India. It will be interesting to see how they perform after such a long hiatus, however there is no doubt they are a much tougher proposition at home.

The West Indies have named their squad for the series, the most notable omission that of Chris Gayle. He hasn’t played international cricket since the One Day World Cup and negotiations are ongoing behind the scenes to come to an agreement.

All but one of their players has One Day International experience, with just batsman Johnson Charles making his debut in this series. 30 year old fast bowler Tino Best earned himself a recall after 2 years out of the side with some impressive domestic performances.

This should be a good series with Australia on a high after their Commonwealth Bank Series win. The West Indies team are a bit of an unknown quantity after so long out of match practice so it will be interesting to see how they perform here.

With Australia rejuvenated and looking ahead to the Ashes next year, the rebuilding process must continue here. We have a good mix of youth and experience which should bode well for both this series and looking ahead to future series’.

Australia should win both the One Day International series, and the two T20 matches of this VB Tour of West Indies, but I think it will be closer than anticipated. This will make for an exciting series. Check out all of the squad news and best bets for the Series below.

VB Tour of West Indies – One Day Internationals

WEST INDIES SQUAD – Darren Sammy (captain). Denesh Ramdin (vice-captain). Tino Best. Devendra Bishoo. Darren Bravo. Dwayne Bravo. Johnson Charles. Sunil Narine. Kieron Pollard. Kieran Powell. Kemar Roach. André Russell. Marlon Samuels.

AUSTRALIAN SQUAD – Michael Clarke (captain). Shane Watson (vice-captain). George Bailey. Dan Christian. Xavier Doherty. Peter Forrest. Brad Haddin. Ben Hilfenhaus. David Hussey. Michael Hussey. Brett Lee. Nathan Lyon. Clint McKay. James Pattinson. Matthew Wade. David Warner.

VB Tour of West Indies – T20 Matches

WEST INDIES SQUAD - Darren Sammy (captain). Denesh Ramdin (vice-captain). Tino Best. Devendra Bishoo. Darren Bravo. Dwayne Bravo. Johnson Charles. Sunil Narine. Kieron Pollard. Kieran Powell. Kemar Roach. André Russell. Marlon Samuels.

AUSTRALIAN SQUAD – George Bailey (captain). Shane Watson (vice-captain). Dan Christian. Xavier Doherty. Peter Forrest. David Hussey. Michael Hussey. Brett Lee. Nathan Lyon. Clint McKay. James Pattinson. Matthew Wade. David Warner.

Twitter - VB Tour of the West Indies - Australia

Follow all the action on Twitter
Hashtags – #WIvAUS #AUSvWI #VBTour 

VB Tour of West Indies – Banter’s Best Bets

Series Bets

ODI Series Winner – Australia @ $1.25
ODI Series Correct Score – Australia 4-1 @ $2.75
West Indies – Most Series Runs – Marlon Samuels @ $5.00
Australia – Most Series Runs – Michael Hussey @ $6.50
West Indies – Most Series Wickets – Devendra Bishoo @ $4.50
Australia – Most Series Wckets – James Pattinson @ $9.00 

First One Day International – Friday 16 March 

Match Winner – Australia @ $1.33
Australia High Bat – Matthew Wade @ $5.00
West Indies High Bat – Marlon Samuels @ $5.00
Most Batsmen Dismissed by Run Out – West Indies @ $3.00

 

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Commonwealth Bank Series 2012 – Australia, India & Sri Lanka

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The Commonwealth Bank Series between Australia, India and Sri Lanka gets underway on Sunday and we’re in for a solid month of One Day International Cricket.

The Australians got their shorter form of the game off to a good start with a 31 run win over India in the KFC T20 International on Wednesday. Despite threats of rain the match went ahead and no overs were lost even though a short rain delay stopped play for approximately 20 minutes. Performances from Dave Warner, that switch hit for 6 was unbelievable, and Matthew Wade set the Aussies up with a competitive total. India couldn’t chase it down and despite a late flurry were never really in the match.

Commonwealth Bank Series - One Day Internationals - Australia, India & Sri Lanka

The second of the KFC T20 Internationals gets underway tonight and then we get into the Commonwealth Bank Series. The Australians have named a solid team for the tri-series with many of the players named for the T20′s retained. One notable omission though is Shaun Marsh, he has been told to go back to domestic cricket to rediscover his form. In his place, relatively unknown Queensland batsman Peter Forrest who is in line to make his international debut in this Commonwealth Bank Series.

Brad Haddin has been left out of the initial Australian squad as he is supposedly being ‘rested’. However, even Haddin himself feels this is something more sinister, he feels he’s been dropped. Matthew Wade didn’t do his chances of remaining in the side any harm with his 72 off 42 balls on Wednesday night. Shoud Tim Paine ever recover from his finger injury he may find it tough to get back in the side also.

Official chatter has been saying Haddin will only be missing the first half of the series to give Wade more experience. However, Haddin has also been left out of the NSW Sheffleld Shield side which doesn’t bode well for him getting some form under his belt.

Ryan Harris and Mitchell Starc have been recalled to the side following being rested from the KFC T20 Internationals. They replace James Faulkner who was named in the T20 side to give him a taste of International cricket, and Brad Hogg. Also omitted from the Commonwealth Bank Series squad are Travis Birt and Aaron Finch as well as captain George Bailey.

Ricky Ponting, Michael Clarke and Mike Hussey all return to the squad after a rest following their Vodafone Test Series efforts. So Australia have named a decent side going into this Commonwealth Bank Series against India and Sri Lanka.

India haven’t deviated much from their T20 side with just Sachin Tendulkar likely to come into their side. They played with an enthusiasm that was missing from the test matches on Wednesday night. We can only hope that carries into the Commonwealth Bank Series as we’d all like to see some competitive cricket.

Sri Lanka have just come off a 5 match One Day International series with South Africa so they’ll be ready for this. They lost that series 3-2 but will gain confidence from the fact they won the last 2 matches heading into this Commonwealth Bank Series.

This should be a cracking series, it will be interesting to see how India go on the back of a series whitewash in the Vodafone Test Series. Not to mention they could head into this on the back of two T20 defeats as well. Sri Lanka should also provide stiff competition so hopefully we see some entertaining cricket and a bit of suspense. Something that has been lacking so far this summer.

Check out the squads below, we’ll update the teams as the series progresses. Also below is our tip for the series and some best bets for the Commonwealth Bank Series which we’ll also update throughout the competition.

Commonwealth Bank Series 2012 – One Day International Squads

Australia: Michael Clarke (c); David Warner; Ricky Ponting; Peter Forrest; Dan Christian; David Hussey, Michael Hussey; Matthew Wade (wk); Brett Lee (withdrawn, injury); Ryan Harris; Mitch Starc; Xavier Doherty; Clint McKay; Mitch Marsh; Ben Hilfenhaus (replaced Brett Lee).

India: Mahendra Singh Dhoni (c)(wk); Virender Sehwag (c); Gautam Gambhir; Virat Kohli; Rohit Sharma; Suresh Raina; Ravindra Jadeja; Ravichandran Ashwin; Umesh Yadav; Praveen Kumar; Zaheer Khan; Irfan Pathan; Parthiv Patel; Sachin Tendulkar; Manoj Tiwary; Rahul Sharma; Vinay Kumar.

Sri Lanka: Mahela Jayawardene (c); Angelo Mathews (vc); Dinesh Chandimal (wk); Tillakaratne Dishpan; Rangana Herath; Nuwan Kulasekara; Farveez Maharoof; Lasith Malinga; Thisara Perera; Dhammika Prasad; Kumar Sangakkara (wk); Sachithra Senanayake; Upul Tharanga; Lahiru Thirimanne; Chanaka Welegedara.

sportsbanter.com.au Tip - Australia

Commonwealth Bank Series – Odds

Australia: $1.42
India: $4.25
Sri Lanka: $7.00

Best Bets:

Australia:
Most Runs – Matthew Wade @ $4.50
Most Wickets – Mitchell Starc @ $4.00

India:
Most Runs – Tendulkar @ $5.00
Most Wickets – Vinay Kumar @ $4.00

Sri Lanka:
Most Runs – Upul Tharanga @ $5.00
Most Wickets – Lasith Malinga @ $2.50

Commonwealth Bank Series – Table

Points Table

Pos

Team

P

W

L

NR

T

BP

Points

NRR

For

Against

1

Sri Lanka

8

4

3

0

1

1

19

+0.164

1977

1920

2

Australia

8

4

4

0

1

3

19

+0.454

1916

1663

3

India

8

3

4

0

1

1

15

-0.593

1793

2103

Fixtures – Commonwealth Bank Series

Date and TimeMatch Details
Sun Feb 514:20 local | 03:20 GMT1st ODI – Australia vs India MCG, Melbourne
Australia 5/216, India 151. Australia won by 65 runs.
Wed Feb 812:20 local | 04:20 GMT2nd ODI – India vs Sri Lanka W.A.C.A., Perth
Sri Lanka 8/233, India 6/234. India won by 4 wickets.
Fri Feb 1012:20 local | 04:20 GMT3rd ODI – Australia vs Sri Lanka W.A.C.A., Perth
Australia 231, Sri Lanka 226. Australia won by 5 runs
Sun Feb 1213:50 local | 03:20 GMT4th ODI – Australia vs India Adelaide Oval, Adelaide
Australia 8/269, India 6/270. India won by 4 wickets
Tue Feb 1413:50 local | 03:20 GMT5th ODI – India vs Sri Lanka Adelaide Oval, Adelaide
Sri Lanka 9/236, India 9/236. Match tied
Fri Feb 1714:20 local | 03:20 GMT6th ODI – Australia vs Sri Lanka SCG, Sydney
Australia 158, Sri Lanka 2/152. Sri Lanka won by 8 wickets.
Sun Feb 1913:20 local | 03:20 GMT7th ODI – Australia vs India Gabba, Brisbane
Australia 5/288, India 178. Australia won by 110 runs
Tue Feb 2113:20 local | 03:20 GMT8th ODI – India vs Sri Lanka Gabba, Brisbane
Sri Lanka 6/289, India 238. Sri Lanka won by 51 runs
Fri Feb 2414:20 local | 03:20 GMT9th ODI – Australia vs Sri Lanka Bellerive, Hobart
Australia 6/280, Sri Lanka 7/283. Sri Lanka won by 3 wickets
Sun Feb 2614:20 local | 03:20 GMT10th ODI – Australia vs India SCG, Sydney
Australia 9/252, India 165. Australia won by 87 runs
Tue Feb 2814:20 local | 03:20 GMT11th ODI – India vs Sri Lanka Bellerive, Hobart
Sri Lanka 4/320, India 3/321. India won by 7 wickets
Fri Mar 214:20 local | 03:20 GMT12th ODI – Australia vs Sri Lanka MCG, Melbourne
Sri Lanka 238, Australia In Progress
Sun Mar 413:20 local | 03:20 GMT1st Final ODI – TBC vs TBC Gabba, Brisbane
Tue Mar 613:50 local | 03:20 GMT2nd Final ODI – TBC vs TBC Adelaide Oval, Adelaide
Thu Mar 813:50 local | 03:20 GMT3rd Final ODI – TBC vs TBC Adelaide Oval, Adelaide

 

 

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KFC T20 International Series 2012 – Australia vs India

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The Australia vs India Vodafone Test Series has come to a close and we now head into the shorter form of the game. We start with the KFC T20 Internationals series. The first match in the 2 match series kicks off on Wednesday night from ANZ Stadium in Sydney. The series concludes on Friday night in Melbourne before the Commonwealth Bank One Day series kicks off with Australia, India and Sri Lanka taking part.

Australia have made a number of surprising decisions for their KFC T20 International squad, the most surprising is that of George Bailey being named captain. Cameron White has been dropped from the T20 side and replaced by his Melbourne Stars teammate. Bailey led Tasmania to Sheffield Shield and One Day titles recently, as well as the preliminary final of the T20 Big Bash last summer. However, he has had a lean 2012 KFC Big Bash tournament and is still recovering from a shoulder injury. Cameron White also had a bad time of it in the Big Bash and this appears to have led to him being dropped.

Australia vs India - KFC T20 International Series

This decision by Invararity and the other selectors is a bit baffling to be honest. Would they have been better off giving a future Captain like Warner a go? At some stage Australia needs to plan for the future of the one day and T20 squad. I don’t think selecting a 29 year old with minimal international experience and an injury cloud was the best choice.

Another surprising inclusion was that of Brad Hogg, the 40 year old returning to the fold after a stellar KFC Big Bash campaign. Hogg has not played international cricket since his retirement in 2008 but doesn’t look to have lost much of his talent. Xavier Doherty will have a tough time getting into the team with Hogg in sensational form recently.

The Marsh brothers may get to play international cricket for the first time together with Mitchell selected in the T20 squad. Shaun has had a lean summer with the bat but this form of the game may just get his form back on track. The last time he played T20 he scored 99 off 52 balls opening for the Scorchers in the KFC Big Bash. Mitchell was unable to help the Scorchers win the Big Bash final despite scoring an unbeaten 77 batting first. That innings did not hurt Marsh’s chances of playing on Wednesday night.

Brett Lee was in fine form during the KFC Big Bash tournament which seems to have prolonged his international career for some time yet. Lee was a star performer for the Sixers as they won the inaugural Big Bash League over the weekend. Mitchell Starc played alongside Lee and was also outstanding. He earned himself a recall to the national side after he was left out of the 4th test squad for the Australia vs India Vodafone Test Series.

In news that may excite some people, namely those who think Haddin needs to go, Matthew Wade has finally been given a go in the green and gold. The young Melbourne Bushrangers wicketkeeper has been biding his time and seems to get better and better as time goes on. He has been killing it in both the Sheffield Shield and the shorter forms of the game and deserves his chance to test himself here. Tim Paine has often been touted as the heir apparent to Haddin but with rumours of Paine’s finger not healing as well as it should, Wade may get the nod longer term.

India have had a test series they will want to forget but the limited over format means a fresh start for them. They have a new look side heading into the T20 internationals and the Commonwealth Bank Series and they’ll want to get off to a flyer in Sydney. Sachin Tendulkar will be rested for the KFC T20 International matches and Virat Kohli will want to continue where he left off in Adelaide. A few new faces have been brought in with Suresh Raina, Praveen Kumar and Ravindra Jadeja likely to get a start. Rohit Sharma has long been held as the future of Indian cricket and he will get a chance to impress here as well. With Dravid and Laxman coming towards the end of their careers, it’s time for India to usher in a new era.

This should be a different test for the Aussies, they dominated the Australia vs India test series but T20′s are a whole new ball game. Despite this, they should still have enough to defeat an Indian side that is well down on confidence.

Likely Teams – KFC T20 International Australia vs India

Australia: George Bailey (capt), David Warner (vice-capt), Travis Birt/Shaun Marsh, David Hussey, Aaron Finch, Matthew Wade (wk), Dan Christian, Brad Hogg, Brett Lee, Clint McKay, James Faulkner/Mitchell Marsh (Additional squad – Xavier Doherty)

India: Mahendra Singh Dhoni (captain)(wk), Virender Sehwag (vice-capt), Gautam Gambhir, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Suresh Raina, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Umesh Yadav, Praveen Kumar, Zaheer Khan (Additional squad – Irfan Pathan, Parthiv Patel, Sachin Tendulkar, Manoj Tiwary, Rahul Sharma, Vinay Kumar)

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KFC T20 International – Australia vs India

sportsbanter.com.au Tip – Series Winner – Australia
Banter’s Best Bet – Australia vs India Series Winner – Australia @ $2.50
Banter’s Best Bet – First Match – Most Sixes – Australia @ $1.80
Banter’s Best Bet – Second Match – Highest Opening Partnership – Australia @ $1.80

 

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Australia vs India – Vodafone Fourth Test Preview

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Australia vs India – Fourth Test Preview

Australia head into this fourth test match on the back of two innings wins over a struggling India side. The Australia vs India test series was supposed to be our big test. However, all we have seen so far is an Indian side that does not seem to be interested. We head to Adelaide with a 3-0 lead in the series and a chance to complete a series whitewash.

Australia vs India - Vodafone Series Fourth Test

While India have been atrocious, this shouldn’t take anything away from the performances of the Aussies. Australia can only play what is put in front of them. I’ve been impressed with how they have gone for the throat in this series. They haven’t given India a chance to get on top at all. If it isn’t the bowlers ripping India a new one, it’s the batsmen putting together big scores and grinding India into the ground.

Australia have to make a decision in this test match with the bowler rotation policy once again rearing its head. Harris returned to the side for the third test, and Starc hit some good form. It will be interesting to see who’ll be 12th man. My money is actually on Siddle as 12th man for the fourth test. That would see Lyon recalled as in Adelaide a spinner is a must. It also gives Siddle a rest after playing 3 tests in a short space of time to protect him from burnout.

Going into this Australia vs India fourth test, Australia has named an unchanged XII. India, on the other hand, have been forced to make one change with MS Dhoni suspended following slow over rates in the third test. He is replaced by Wriddhiman Saha with Virender Sehwag to deputise as Captain in Dhoni’s absence. Sehwag, for mine, doesn’t seem like captain material. In saying that though, is there anyone else in the side that could do the job?

Micheal Clarke will be looking for his first series whitewash here and I don’t think you will see the Aussies release the pressure valve. India will have a battle on their hands but the Adelaide pitch may be a bit kinder to them so hopefully this one will go longer than 3 days.

David Warner and Ed Cowan struck up a great understanding in the Australia vs India third test. Australia posted their best opening stand of the series which culminated in Warner blasting 180 off 159 balls. Cowan was also solid with 74 from 120 and supported Warner well. The Australian test side seems to be coming together well following the appointment of new coaches and selectors.

The only area I still have my doubts about is wicket keeping. Haddin does not seem up to the task anymore and it will only be a matter of time before he is moved on. The problem is that the man Cricket Australia have deemed to be his replacement, Tim Paine, is out injured for an extended period. They could go with youngster Matthew Wade, who has had rave reviews from coaches and teammates. However, this would upset the apple cart and once again make a mockery of the CA contract system currently in place.

Despite the problem in this area, Australia appear to be going from strength to strength so it probably makes no sense to break up a winning side at this stage. This fourth test should be a beauty and we should see the Aussies continue on their march towards the 2013 Ashes series in England. Give this side another 12 months and I think they will have returned to the summit where they belong!

Australia vs India – Fourth Test Line-ups

Australia: David Warner, Ed Cowan, Shaun Marsh, Ricky Ponting, Michael Clarke (c), Michael Hussey, Brad Haddin (wk), Peter Siddle, Ryan Harris, Mitchell Starc, Ben Hilfenhaus, Nathan Lyon (12th man to be named)

India: Gautam Gambhir, Virender Sehwag, Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, VVS Laxman, Virat Kohli, Wriddhiman Saha, Ranganath Vinay Kumar, Zaheer Khan, Ishant Sharma, Umesh Yadav, Rohit Sharma (12th man to be named)

Australia vs India – Tips

sportsbanter.com.au Tip – Australia
Banter’s Best Bets – Australia @ $1.75, India – First Man Out – Sehwag @ $1.90

 

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Australia vs India – Vodafone Test Series – Third Test Preview

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Australia vs India, what a series of cricket it has been so far. We’ve had everything, wickets galore in the first test and runs galore in the second test. We’ve also had controversy regarding India’s decision not to embrace the Decision Review System technology offered to them in both tests. In the end, that decision could have all but cost them the series with some crucial calls going against them in both tests. That’s the game of cricket though, and this Australia vs India test series has produced some unbelievable cricket.

Australia head into this third test of the Australia vs India Vodafone Test Series with an unbeatable 2-0 lead courtesy of some quality bowling from their quicks. Not to mention some classy performances from some of the old hands in Clarke, Hussey and Ponting. India have been disappointing so far this series but that isn’t to take anything away from the Aussies who have fought hard and have deserved to win both tests.

The Australian summer of cricket has just started to heat up and it is the Australians who have come out on top, culminating in a dominating performance in the second test. Michael Clarke’s unbeaten 329 was the stand-out, but he also had quite a large supporting cast with both Ponting and Hussey cracking brilliant centuries. The Aussie bowlers also stood up to be counted to knock the Indian top order over, none of their batsmen reaching the century milestone. Australia managed to take the test by an innings and 68 runs, very similar to the Sydney test last year. This time though, the Aussies came out on top whereas last year we were on the end of a beat down from England in the Ashes.

This Australia vs India series now heads to Perth for the third of the Vodafone Tests, both sides yet to name their 11 for the match. Australia are tossing up whether to include 4 quicks in their 11, Nathan Lyon and Mitchell Starc fighting for the last place in this side. Perth is a traditionally quick and bouncy cricket pitch, so I have a feeling Lyon will be carrying the drinks come lunchtime Friday our time.

Indian quick Ishant Sharma has become the latest of the Indian players to be embroiled in controversy on this tour. He has reportedly been sighted giving a crowd of onlookers, who gathered to watch some of the Indian players go-karting, the finger. He joins Virat Kohli who also flipped some Aussie supporters the bird during the second test at the SCG. This shows just how much pressure the Indian players are under and should they lose this series, they can expect a very hostile home-coming.

While Australia have gone from strength to strength under new coach Micky Arthur, India are left looking for answers and this Australia vs India series seems to have already passed them by. They’ll need a much improved performance in the third test, and will no doubt need their ageing top and middle order to fire if they are to be any chance of squaring the series.

Australia have just the one injury concern going into the third test with James Pattinson likely to miss the rest of the series with a stress fracture in his foot. Mitchell Starc is his replacement after missing out on the series with some less than impressive performances against New Zealand. Starc looked in good form in the Sixers win over the Thunder in a rain affected KFC Big Bash match a few days ago, so hopefully he has recovered his form going into this one.

India are unlikely to make any changes to their side despite the losses. In the last test they didn’t even name a twelfth man so it would seem they are pretty set on the side they want to take part in this test cricket series.

Australia vs India – Likely Squads

Australia: Ed Cowan, David Warner, Shaun Marsh, Ricky Ponting, Michael Clarke (captain), Mike Hussey, Brad Haddin, Peter Siddle, Ryan Harris, Ben Hilfenhaus, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Starc. 

India: Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir, Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, VVS Laxman, Virat Kohli, Mahendra Dhoni (captain, wicketkeeper), Ravichandran Ashwin, Zaheer Khan, Ishant Sharma, Umesh Yadav.

Twitter - Australia vs India - Third Test - Vodafone Test Series - Cricket

Hashtags – #abcwacatest, #AusvInd

sportsbanter.com.au Tip – Australia 

Banter’s Best Bet – 1st innings lead – Australia @ $1.53

World Cricket Records: 2012

 

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Australia vs India – Michael Clarke – A Captains Knock!

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What an innings by Michael Clarke today in the second test of the Australia vs India Vodafone Test Series. A true captains knock and it isn’t even over yet with Clarke not out on 251. Heading into day 3 of the test Australia have a lead of 291 runs with 6 wickets still in hand.

In the lead up to summer, and even during the first test, Australia were accused of having a soft middle order but boy have they delivered when it counts. In the first test in the Australia vs India series, Ricky Ponting and Mike Hussey put together a partnership that got the Aussies a decent enough lead. This let the bowlers do the damage and knock India over to win the game.

Australia vs India - Michael Clarke - A Captains Knock

Courtesy of foxsports.com.au

This time, Ricky Ponting and Michael Clarke did most of the damage. Ponting with a timely knock of 134 before he was dismissed, and Michael Clarke with 200 runs in one day of cricket to end the day on 251 not out. In the process he posted the highest score at the SCG by an Australian.

Michael Clarke has shown that he can handle the pressure of being the captain of the Australian Cricket Team. In the first Australia vs India test match, it was Clarke’s captaincy that got the Australian’s home, directing his bowlers to bowl short to the Indian tail-enders.

Australia’s successful captain’s of the past were always able to deliver when the team needed it and with Australia at 2 for 8 on the first day of the test match, Michael Clarke duly delivered. This innings has been an absolute joy to watch and you have to wonder whether the Indian batsmen were just poor on day one of this test, or whether Australia’s bowlers and Michael Clarke’s captaincy was just too good.

Tomorrow could be an historic day for Australian cricket with Michael Clarke battling on towards a triple century and possibly looking towards Matthew Hayden’s record of 380 that he set against Zimbabwe 9 years ago. With time on his side, anything is possible for Clarke in the form that he is in!

The Indian’s go into day 3 of this Australia vs India test match trailing by 291 runs and don’t even look like getting a wicket at the moment. Dhoni looks completely out of his depth as captain and some of his decisions have been nothing short of baffling. Pace did the damage for Australia, and Zaheer Khan had 3 wickets for not many runs but Dhoni seems to like persisting with the spinners for some reason. He did the same in the first test and some of his field placements have also been strange to say the least.

India will have their work cut out for them again tomorrow, and if they aren’t careful the test series will have passed them in the blink of an eye.

This Australia vs India test series was billed as a serious test for the Australian’s and so far they have passed with flying colours. The new generation of bowlers in Pattinson and Lyon, coupled with the experience of Siddle and Hilfenhaus is working an absolute treat. Warner at the top of the order with Shaun Marsh at first drop hasn’t really gelled just yet but we’ve all seen what both of them can do and it will only be a matter of time before Australia’s next generation of batsmen join their counterparts in the run scoring escapades.

I for one can’t wait for tomorrow to see just what kind of lead the Aussies can generate before sending in the quicks to knock India over by an innings, something that we were subjected to by England just 12 months ago. How things turn around in a year!

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Vodafone Test Series – Decision Review System (DRS) Needs to be Embraced!

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The Vodafone Test Series between Australia and India is but a couple of days old and already there has been controversy regarding India’s decision not to embrace the Decision Review System (DRS).

On day one of the first test Australia got off to a flying start after weathering some quality Indian bowling. However, only to be let down by two decisions which could go a long way in deciding the result. Not only for this test but possibly the series.

Australia were looking solid on the first day at 4-205. They had just lost Michael Clarke but had Cowan and Hussey at the crease and were just about to unleash on an older ball before the umpires took that away from them.

First, Mike Hussey was adjudged to have hit a Zaheer Khan delivery and sent on his way. Replays showed there was no contact and he should not have been walking back to the sheds. Had the Decision Review System been in place for this series, Hussey would have questioned the decision and Australia would have continued with the loss of just 3 wickets.

Mike Hussey - Decision Review System - Australia v India
Courtesy of the Courier Mail

Another duck for Hussey but this one extremely unlucky. It shows that umpire decisions don’t just have an effect on results, they can also end or prolong careers. Should Hussey fail in the second innings that could spell the end of his career and give another chance to someone like Usman Khawaja.

Not long after Hussey’s dismissal, the omission of the Decision Review System was called into question once again. Ed Cowan was adjudged to have nicked an Ashwin delivery behind to Dhoni to leave Australia 6 down.

Replays once again showed that the ball was not touched and an Australian was harshly given out. All due to a decision by the BCCI not to embrace technology that has proven to improve decision making in International Cricket.

The fact that the tourists are allowed to pick and choose which technology they embrace is an absolute embarrassment for our game. It came to light yesterday that India have allowed umpire reviews which enabled Rahul Dravid to escape losing his wicket to a Peter Siddle delivery.

Dravid was bowled but the umpires received a call from above telling them Siddle had overstepped the line. This allowed Dravid to remain at the crease and end the day not out on 68.

It really makes no sense that the Indians are allowing some technology but have decided against the Decision Review System. The double standard really is baffling and I fear that this could come back to haunt Australia in the four test series. Ed Cowan has already been robbed of a possible debut century. Mike Hussey could have played his last test for Australia following his unfortunate dismissal.

The Decision Review System was implemented for a reason. The sooner the Indian’s get with the times, the quicker the sport can move out of the dark ages and we can avoid this sort of controversy.

Let us know your thoughts on this in the comments section. Do you agree that the Decision Review System needs to be implemented in all Test Matches or are India right in deciding not to embrace the technology?

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KFC Big Bash League – Updated Season 2011/12 Preview

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The hightly anticipated, and revamped, KFC Big Bash League gets underway tomorrow night, and here at Sports Banter we can’t wait for the new format to be unleashed.

The KFC Big Bash tournament has generally mirrored the domestic leagues with each state being represented in both the Ryobi Cup competition and the KFC Big Bash.

KFC Big Bash League 2011/12 Preview

However, that has all been turned on it’s head, with 8 new clubs given licenses to participate in a revamped KFC Big Bash League from this season onwards. Not only that, but the clubs were given free reign in terms of signing players including the ability to sign 2 overseas players to the squad and the ability for clubs to sign players from anywhere so there is no need for a player to be playing in the domestic competition in order to get a call up to the KFC Big Bash.

Two examples of this are Shane Warne and Matthew Hayden, both retired from first class cricket but both are coming back to have a crack at what should be a lucrative new competition if the Indian Premier League is anything to go by.

We thought the best way to preview the KFC Big Bash competition would be to give an overview of each clubs squad and a bit of an analysis of each teams strengths and weaknesses for the coming season. Let us know your thoughts for the coming season in the comments section or join us in the forum!

KFC Big Bash 2011/12 - Adelaide Strikers

Adelaide Strikers

The Strikers have just had a major coup with the signing of Johan Botha of South Africa as one of it’s overseas players, the problem with this though is that each club is only allowed to have 2 overseas players on their roster. This means that one of Alfonso Thomas or Kieron Pollard is likely to drop out of the squad, perhaps there is a reason that they were allowed to sign a 3rd overseas player but nothing has been released yet to suggest that a 3rd is within the rules.

Most notable local players in the squad are Callum Ferguson, Michael Klinger and Nathan Lyon.

Squad: Aiden Blizzard, Cameron Borgas, Lee Carseldine, Tom Cooper, Adam Crosthwaite, Theo Doropoulos, Brendan Drew, Callum Ferguson, Daniel Harris, Michael Klinger (c), Nathan Lyon, Aaron O’Brien, Gary Putland, Kane Richardson.
Overseas players: Kieron Pollard, Alfonso Thomas, Johan Botha.
Coach: Darren Berry.

KFC Big Bash League 2011/12 - Brisbane HeatBrisbane Heat

Brisbane Heat have gone for some very experienced players in their KFC Big Bash squad with James Hopes as captain, and players of high calibre in Ryan Harris, Nathan Hauritz, Dan Christian, and they have brought back Matthew Hayden which is a massive coup for the league. However, the other side of this is they also have many young players to supplement them, the most notable of these younger players being Ben Cutting but he is currently injured and could miss a few games.

The overseas contingent has a New Zealand flavour with McCullum nad Vettori, and this could be a masterstroke with the Kiwis just tying the series against Australia. Their confidence will be high and they’ve also had some playing time on the Gabba which can only help them settle in easier

Squad: Ryan Broad, Nick Buchanan, Daniel Christian, Ben Cutting, Peter Forrest, Mathew Gale, Ryan Harris, Chris Hartley, Nathan Hauritz, Matthew Hayden, James Hopes (c), Chris Lynn, Michael Neser, Steve Paulsen, Chris Swan.
Overseas players: Brendon McCullum, Daniel Vettori.
Coach: Darren Lehmann.

KFC Big Bash League 2011/12 - Hobart HurricanesHobart Hurricanes

Hobart have gone with a largely experienced side with Ricky Ponting, Phil Jaques, Ben Hilfenhaus, Mark Cosgrove, and Xavier Doherty among others. One set-back though is the injury to Tim Paine that will see him out of action for the next few months and miss the KFC Big Bash League. The draw-back with the amount of experienced players they have recruited is that they haven’t really gone for any noted T20 players in their line-up which could come back to haunt them when they are chasing a big total and need someone to turn it on.

Overseas players in the squad are Rana Naved and Owais Shah from England, not exactly household names but this is where the T20 specialty has been sought, with both players experienced T20 players.

Squad: Travis Birt, Mark Cosgrove, Xavier Doherty, Luke Feldman, Evan Gulbis, Ben Hilfenhaus, Michael Hogan, Phil Jaques, Matt Johnston, Jason Krejza, Nick Kruger, Ben Laughlin, Rhett Lockyear, Tim Paine (c), Ricky Ponting.
Overseas players: Rana Naved-ul-Hasan, Owais Shah.
Coach: Ali de Winter.

KFC Big Bash League 2011/12 - Melbourne RenegadesMelbourne Renegades

The Renegades have recruited some big hitters and experienced T20 players for their inaugural KFC Big Bash season, with Brad Hodge, Aaron Finch, Andrew McDonald, Dirk Nannes and Shaun Tait to lead the team. They’ve recruited Abdul Razzaq and Shahid Afridi as their overseas players, the only questionmark over them is whether they can adapt to the Australian conditions and whether having not played international cricket for some time will leave them a bit rusty.

Squad: Ryan Carters, Aaron Finch, Shane Harwood, Aaron Heal, Jayde Herrick, Michael Hill, Brad Hodge, Graham Manou, Glenn Maxwell, Andrew McDonald, Brenton McDonald (c), Dirk Nannes, Nathan Reardon, Will Sheridan, Shaun Tait.
Overseas players: Abdul Razzaq, Shahid Afridi.
Coach: Simon Helmot.

KFC Big Bash League 2011/12 - Melbourne StarsMelbourne Stars

The Stars have a solid squad but looking through it nothing really gets you excited for the season ahead apart from the return of the legend that is Shane Warne. It will be interesting to see how he goes in the KFC Big Bash league, will he perform or is he merely there to put bums on seats? In John Hastings, Clint McKay, James Pattinson and Peter Siddle there is a fairly good basis for a bowling attack there. Add to that the batting prowess of Adam Voges, youngster Matthew Wade and captain Cameron White and they may just surprise a few people.

Overseas players are Jade Dembach and Luke Wright from England, not many would have heard of these two but both are adept at the short form of the game and should provide the Stars with a bit of spark.

Squad: George Bailey, James Faulkner, John Hastings, Jon Holland, David Hussey, Alex Keath, Clint McKay, James Pattinson, Rob Quiney, Peter Siddle, Chris Simpson, Adam Voges, Matthew Wade, Shane Warne, Cameron White (c).
Overseas players: Jade Dernbach, Luke Wright.
Coach: Greg Shipperd.

KFC Big Bash League 2011/12 - Perth ScorchersPerth Scorchers

The Scorchers have recruited extremely well with some quality, experienced players filling up the overseas quota. Herschelle Gibbs and Paul Collingwood, while probably not in their prime, should provide the Scorchers with some much needed T20 experience.

Locally, the Scorchers have Brad Hogg. Michael Hussey, Simon Katich, the Marsh brothers, Luke Pomersbach and Marcus North as their most notable players, a pretty good squad if you ask me and I think Micky Arthur has done well to pick up the players he has. They should do well in the KFC Big Bash this season.

Squad: Tom Beaton, Michael Beer, Mark Cameron, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Liam Davis, Ben Edmondson, Brad Hogg, Michael Hussey, Mitchell Johnson, Simon Katich, Mitchell Marsh, Shaun Marsh, Marcus North (c), Luke Pomersbach, Nathan Rimmington, Luke Ronchi.
Overseas players: Paul Collingwood, Herschelle Gibbs.
Coach: Mickey Arthur.

KFC Big Bash League 2011/12 - Sydney SixersSydney Sixers

The Sydney Sixers have stuck with NSW based players for their KFC Big Bash squad and they have a decent squad as a result with Brad Haddin as captain and Australian players Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Shane Watson along with Ed Cowan, Josh Hazlewood, Steven Smith and Brett Lee.

Overseas based players include Dwayne Bravo and Michael Lumb.

Squad: Ed Cowan, Pat Cummins, Brad Haddin (c), Josh Hazlewood, Moises Henriques, Brett Lee, Stuart MacGill, Nic Maddinson, Ian Moran, Peter Nevill, Steve O’Keefe, Ben Rohrer, Steven Smith, Mitchell Starc, Dominic Thornely, Shane Watson.
Overseas players: Dwayne Bravo, Michael Lumb.
Coach: Trevor Bayliss.

KFC Big Bash League 2011/12 - Sydney ThunderSydney Thunder

Sydney Thunder have a cracking top order with Test opener David Warner, fresh off his first century, supplemented by Daniel Smith and Usman Khawaja but the big drawcard at the top of the order will no doubt be Chris Gayle, the West Indies powerhouse. He, for mine, is the biggest recruit of the KFC Big Bash to date and I think any other side will be hard pressed finding a more influential batsman in this form of the game. They were death a blow this week when under fire test opener Phillip Hughes withdrew from the Big Bash League as he wants to concentrate on the longer form of the game to get his form right for test selection against India, no word on his replacement yet.

The problem for the Thunder is that many of their top order players are out of form, most notably Hughes and Khawaja, but perhaps a few games of T20 will get them back on track as there will no doubt be less pressure on their shoulders in this form of the game.

The other overseas player is Gayle’s West Indies teammate Fidel Edwards, he should provide the Thunder with some pace in their bowling attack but I’m not sure how he will go to be honest.

Squad: Sean Abbott, Tim Armstrong, Nic Bills, Doug Bollinger, Luke Butterworth, Scott Coyte, Tim Cruickshank, Matthew Day, Luke Doran, Ben Dunk, Jason Floros, Phillip Hughes, Usman Khawaja, Craig Philipson, Daniel Smith, David Warner (c).
Overseas players: Fidel Edwards, Chris Gayle.
Coach: Shane Duff.

KFC Big Bash League 2011/12 Preview

Predictions

It’s going to be a tight KFC Big Bash League by the looks of things, each team has their strengths and weaknesses and from going through the squad lists no team really has all bases covered. Adelaide and Hobart look the weakest of all the teams and I think that they will struggle to make an impact on the league with the players at their disposal, Hobart especially considering Ponting and Hilffenhaus (when fit) could be called into National duties.

The strongest batting line-up to me would be the Thunder, and to be honest that is what T20 is all about, you don’t need star bowlers in this form of the game, you need bowlers who can keep it tight and change the pace of the ball when it is required.

On paper you’d have to say that the Sydney and Melbourne teams look quite strong, while the Scorchers have also recruited quite well, there is a reason that Micky Arthur was appointed Australian head coach so he will no doubt be all over this.

Brisbane Heat also have a good looking side with the addition of Vettori and McCullum so they will be up there come the end of the season too.

Here is how I think the KFC Big Bash table will look come the end of January:

1. Melbourne Renegades
2. Sydney Thunder (eventual winners)
3. Brisbane Heat
4. Perth Scorchers
5. Sydney Sixers
6. Melbourne Stars
7. Adelaide Strikers
8. Hobart Hurricanes

Odds:

Melbourne Renegades: $5.50
Melbourne Stars: $6.00
Brisbane Heat: $6.50
Adelaide Strikers: $7.50
Sydney Sixers: $7.50
Sydney Thunder: $7.50
Hobart Hurricanes: $8.00
Perth Scorchers: $9.00

 

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Australian Cricket – Where to Now?

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So Australia have just lost the second test in an absolute thriller against New Zealand, losing by 7 runs after needing 42 off the last wicket. A disappointing result but this kind of cricket is the reason why, in my book, test matches still have a place in the cricket world despite the emergence of T20 and the short nature of One Day Internationals. 

Australia have gone with a mixture of youth and experience for the test series against New Zealand but part of me wonders whether it may just be better to cut the cord and start from a clean slate. The youth have shown that they are up to the task, this test series alone has uncovered Pattinson and Lyon, and shown us that David Warner is capable of adapting his short form talent to the longer form of the game.

Just today David Warner almost got Australia over the line single handedly in just his second test match, a fantastic century that came off just over 150 balls. Quite an effort for someone just starting their test career and who is constantly being written off as only a “T20 and One Day player”.

Courtesy of abc.net.au

It’s our experienced players though that should be leading by example, many of them are past their best so the only reason I can see to keep them on is if they are providing the younger players an example to follow, they don’t seem to be doing that at all to be honest. Michael Clarke isn’t doing too much wrong as captain, that knock against South Africa in the second and final test match when Australia were on the ropes suggests to me that he has what it takes to lead by example.

I’m mainly worried about Ponting, Hussey and Haddin. The middle order has let Australia down far too many times recently, most notably today when they collapsed in a heap, allowing New Zealand to fight back and win the test match. I couldn’t imagine Gilly giving away his wicket so cheaply knowing that one wicket could lead to the bowlers having to get Australia out of trouble by chasing runs that the batsmen should have put on the board.

We’re already in a rebuilding phase and have just drawn a series against a New Zealand side many thought would struggle against our Domestic sides. Perhaps it’s time to complete the transition and replace our middle order with some in form youngsters, they couldn’t do much worse and would only benefit from the experience. 

Australia needs to return to the glory days of world cricket domination and the only way I can see us doing that is to uncover some more young gems like Pattinson, Cummins and Warner. 

Our bowling attack with Starc, Cutting, Pattinson, Cummins and Lyon, not to mention Copeland and Hazlewood, looks promising. Injuries to Australian quicks before the summer brought about the change, why do we have to wait for a player to be injured before he is replaced in the test team? They always say it is harder to get out of the Australian Test Cricket side than it is to get into it, things don’t seem to have changed much.

Courtesy of Fox Sports

I think that will change with the new selectors and coach showing that they are not afraid to make the hard decisions. With Cricket Australia’s board also going through somewhat of a facelift, I think the test series against India is going to be a chance for us to see just how far they are willing to go to put Australia back at the top of World Cricket.

I don’t think chopping and changing the side is the answer, players should be given a chance to get themselves back into form, but we need to have some sort of backup plan for those players that are clearly going through an extended rough patch, for example Phillip Hughes. This guy has undoubted talent and could be one of the great openers of this generation, he has time on his side at just 23 but for some reason he just can’t seem to get amongst the runs at the moment.

I’m not sure whether it’s because there is no competition for his place at the moment, or whether it’s just one of those things that will correct itself the more playing time he has, but I think we need to have a squad of players ready to come in and replace an out of form player. That will force the player to go back to domestic cricket and iron out the flaws, rather than hoping a few extra net sessions will correct everything knowing that he’ll have another chance in the next match.

Thankfully, Michael Clarke as our new captain seems to be on the same wavelength. After today’s loss to the Kiwis, Clarke suggested that Hughes may need to go back to Domestic cricket to find that form again, we should have Shaun Marsh back and Watson will probably be fit for Boxing Day so we have options at the top of the order to replace the out of form Hughes without having to go back to the drawing board and blood another youngster. I wish I could say the same for our middle order…..

What are your thoughts now where Australian Cricket needs to go next? Do we need to continue to blood these youngsters slowly or should they come in at the expense of the ageing and out of form players such as Ponting, Hussey and Haddin? 

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Vodafone Test Series 2011/12 – Australia v New Zealand – Second Test Preview

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The second test kicks off tomorrow and Australia are heavy favourites to take out the series 2-0 after they ripped through the New Zealanders up in Brisbane at the weekend.

James Pattinson did most of the damage in a remarkable spell of bowling that started late on day 3 and ended with the Kiwis at 5 for 21 and Pattinson with figures of 5-7 of just 21 balls. New Zealand never recovered from that and Australia ended up only having to chase 18 runs to win the first test.

Courtesy of Sydney Morning Herald

Despite only needing 18 runs to win, Phil Hughes managed to get himself caught at slip again and can be considered lucky to retain his place for the second test. I can understand why he has been retained though as Australia need to build for the future and we can’t go cutting players for a bad spell especially this early in their career. Giving these young players a good chance is the only way we can build a dynasty similar to the one we had with Warne & McGrath. That side was unstoppable and one of the reasons they were so good is because they were given a chance early in their careers.

This week Australia were dealt a hammer blow on two fronts with both Pat Cummins and Shane Watson ruled out with injury, Watson’s injury should only be short term but it appears that the workload being placed on him is returning him to his old injury prone ways. Cummins, he could miss the entire summer as it was discovered that he had a bone injury that was not initially diagnosed while he was in South Africa. Bowling 65 overs in just your 3rd first class match will do that to you!

Dan Christian came into the side for Cutting, who suffered a side strain while on duty for Queensland in the Sheffield Shield, Australia let him go as he would only have been 12th man and now he will miss the next couple of months as well.

As a result, Australia have name an unchanged side from the one that defeated the Kiwis in Brisbane. Dan Christian will be 12th man in his first foray into test cricket, a great achievement for the all-rounder to get this far and he now has his name in selectors minds if they decide an all-rounder is necessary to replace Watson should his injury not heal in time for India.

The Kiwis will give their all again, at one point it looked as though they could cause a bit of an upset but the Aussies dug in and Clarke, Ponting and Haddin got them home with some solid batting on the second day.

I think Australia will win this one quite easily again and look for improvements in Warner, Hughes and Starc for this test as they should look at the last test as a stepping stone to improving their own games.

Australia: David Warner, Phil Hughes, Usman Khawaja, Ricky Ponting, Michael Clarke (captain), Mike Hussey, Brad Haddin, Peter Siddle, James Pattinson, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon. 12th man: Daniel Christian.

New Zealand:  Martin Guptill, Brendon McCullum, Kane Williamson, Ross Taylor (capt), Jesse Ryder, Dean Brownlie, Daniel Vettori, Reece Young (wk), Doug Bracewell, Tim Southee, Chris Martin.

sportsbanter.com.au Tip – Australia
Banter’s Best Bet – Australia – First Wicket Taker – James Pattinson @ $2.75

 

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