Couch Talk 196 with Simon Taufel
6 years ago
Showing posts with label new zealand. Show all posts
Showing posts with label new zealand. Show all posts
South Africa and Ch**ing
Okay. It's a cheap shot. And also a reasonable explanation. Darth Vader is All Black after all.
World Cup Preview #5: New Zealand
The Kiwis.
They may have lost a lot of games and series, including a 4-0 drubbing at the hands of Bangladesh, but come World Cup time, they're back as the eternal underdogs/dark horses. The batting, while inconsistent, is packed with quality game-changers, that looked like being in some form against Pakistan. The bowling was sort of harmless, but then they were playing on some pretty flat pitches.
Martin Guptill has been batting beautifully without converting his starts, and he is due for a big one. Which he will get, probably against Australia, and maybe another fifty at another time, but nothing else.
Brendon McCullum doesn't have a track record for long innings and bad World Cup stats, yet New Zealand will rely heavily on him at the top order. He will continue doing what he already does: either getting out for a duck or smashing, at most, a very quick 40.
Jesse Ryder seems to be back in form after his recent century, even though it was in a dead rubber. It makes sense that one of his best innings came after a string of losses - there wasn't much "celebrating" before that. If you have an ice sculpture that you want to protect, don't take it to the Kiwi dressing room after they win a game.
Ross Taylor has scored at least one fifty in his last six one-day series, but his strike rates are all in the 70s - a clear sign of the pressure and responsibility on him. He will play his 100th ODI against Ireland soon, and I think he's going to have a good tournament.
Scott Styris, at 35, is surely playing his last World Cup. He has an amazing WC record: 767 runs at almost 70 with two hundreds and five fifties, and 13 wickets too. He looks fit and in form, and his bowling will be more than handy on slow pitches.
James Franklin has been a key member of the team with both the bat and ball recently - he can build an innings, accelerate when needed, and bowl effective fast-medium pace with good variations. He'll probably have a more memorable tournament with the bat, I feel.
Daniel Vettori is ready for his last assignment as captain. He hasn't been the most effective in World Cups, and his best figures in 2007 came against Ireland, but he has loads of experience and the conditions will favor him.
Nathan McCullum has recently been the better McCullum even with the bat, which really helps his cause because his bowling has really not been too great. He might be dropped for Oram.
Tim Southee tends to leak plenty of runs, as his economy rate (5.43) suggests, and he could have a bad tournament if he doesn't get it right. One thing he has going for him is his death bowling and his usefulness with the bat. OK, that was two things.
Kyle Mills made his debut in 2001 and has played 126 ODIs, only one of which is a World Cup game. He is extremely important to the Kiwis, as their only experienced fast bowler. Also: outswing, tall, bounce, lifeless pitches, and all those key words that people highlight in textbooks.
Hamish Bennett, the newbie in the team, could be a surprise package if he gets to play a few games. I'd watch out for this bloke, but mostly because I don't know much about him. I'm just being wary.
Jacob Oram could also be playing his last World Cup, even though he's just 32. He always has fitness issues, but has a good WC record, at least with the ball. 24 wickets at just over 22 is pretty great, and he will definitely add to that tally. He is sort of Yusuf Pathan-ish with the bat - he will score heavily if everything is pitched up.
Kane Williamson, the youngest in the squad, is potentially the Next Top Kiwi. He may not get many games, which is probably best, since he isn't completely ready yet and he hasn't really shown the ability to up the ante when needed. It's unlikely that we will see the headline "Williamson Kanes bowlers" anytime soon.
Speaking of headlines, Luke Woodcock is also here. He's only in as cover for Dan or Nate, and because he provides infinite amusement with his name.
How is Jamie in the squad? Just for that terrible pun?
Official-looking prediction: Super eights. That's a standard prediction for them, but they've always overachieved, so I won't be surprised if I'm wrong. Their pace attack might take a thrashing.
They may have lost a lot of games and series, including a 4-0 drubbing at the hands of Bangladesh, but come World Cup time, they're back as the eternal underdogs/dark horses. The batting, while inconsistent, is packed with quality game-changers, that looked like being in some form against Pakistan. The bowling was sort of harmless, but then they were playing on some pretty flat pitches.
Brendon McCullum doesn't have a track record for long innings and bad World Cup stats, yet New Zealand will rely heavily on him at the top order. He will continue doing what he already does: either getting out for a duck or smashing, at most, a very quick 40.
Jesse Ryder seems to be back in form after his recent century, even though it was in a dead rubber. It makes sense that one of his best innings came after a string of losses - there wasn't much "celebrating" before that. If you have an ice sculpture that you want to protect, don't take it to the Kiwi dressing room after they win a game.
Ross Taylor has scored at least one fifty in his last six one-day series, but his strike rates are all in the 70s - a clear sign of the pressure and responsibility on him. He will play his 100th ODI against Ireland soon, and I think he's going to have a good tournament.
Scott Styris, at 35, is surely playing his last World Cup. He has an amazing WC record: 767 runs at almost 70 with two hundreds and five fifties, and 13 wickets too. He looks fit and in form, and his bowling will be more than handy on slow pitches.
James Franklin has been a key member of the team with both the bat and ball recently - he can build an innings, accelerate when needed, and bowl effective fast-medium pace with good variations. He'll probably have a more memorable tournament with the bat, I feel.
Daniel Vettori is ready for his last assignment as captain. He hasn't been the most effective in World Cups, and his best figures in 2007 came against Ireland, but he has loads of experience and the conditions will favor him.
Nathan McCullum has recently been the better McCullum even with the bat, which really helps his cause because his bowling has really not been too great. He might be dropped for Oram.
Tim Southee tends to leak plenty of runs, as his economy rate (5.43) suggests, and he could have a bad tournament if he doesn't get it right. One thing he has going for him is his death bowling and his usefulness with the bat. OK, that was two things.
Kyle Mills made his debut in 2001 and has played 126 ODIs, only one of which is a World Cup game. He is extremely important to the Kiwis, as their only experienced fast bowler. Also: outswing, tall, bounce, lifeless pitches, and all those key words that people highlight in textbooks.
Hamish Bennett, the newbie in the team, could be a surprise package if he gets to play a few games. I'd watch out for this bloke, but mostly because I don't know much about him. I'm just being wary.
Jacob Oram could also be playing his last World Cup, even though he's just 32. He always has fitness issues, but has a good WC record, at least with the ball. 24 wickets at just over 22 is pretty great, and he will definitely add to that tally. He is sort of Yusuf Pathan-ish with the bat - he will score heavily if everything is pitched up.
Kane Williamson, the youngest in the squad, is potentially the Next Top Kiwi. He may not get many games, which is probably best, since he isn't completely ready yet and he hasn't really shown the ability to up the ante when needed. It's unlikely that we will see the headline "Williamson Kanes bowlers" anytime soon.
Speaking of headlines, Luke Woodcock is also here. He's only in as cover for Dan or Nate, and because he provides infinite amusement with his name.
How is Jamie in the squad? Just for that terrible pun?
Official-looking prediction: Super eights. That's a standard prediction for them, but they've always overachieved, so I won't be surprised if I'm wrong. Their pace attack might take a thrashing.
Pakistan seal series victory
Ahmed Shehzad hit a maiden one-day international century to inspire Pakistan to a 41-run win against New Zealand, clinching the six game series in the process. The two sides will head to Auckland for the final match of the series with Pakistan 3-1 in the lead and in some decent form heading into the World Cup later this month.
On a slow pitch in Hamilton, Pakistan made 268-9 from their 50 overs after being sent into bat by the hosts. The innings was held together by opener Shehzad's 115 from 109 deliveries, which included 13 fours and three sixes. Umar Akmal was the next top scorer with 32 as the rest of the team provided just enough support for the free-scoring Shehzad. Kyle Mills, Scott Styris and Jacob Oram all finished with two wickets apiece but none managed to get the all important scalp of Shehzad and anyone who had placed a cricket bet on Pakistan would have been delighted by his performance.
The Kiwis' innings never really recovered from losing Jesse Ryder from the first delivery of the innings, the tubby opener run out at the non-striker's end with his side yet to score. Martin Guptill's 65 from 70 balls breathed life into his side's innings before stand-in captain Ross Taylor top scored with 69. The Pakistan bowlers did their job well, Wahab Riaz finishing with 3-51 supported by Umar Gul and Shahid Afridi who took two wickets each to bowl out the hosts for 227 with three overs left.
Although the World Cup won't be held in Pakistan, playing in India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka will feel pretty close to home for Misbah-ul-Haq and his side. After such a disastrous 2010 both on and off the pitch, Pakistan will be desperate to start 2011 with a good showing.
On a slow pitch in Hamilton, Pakistan made 268-9 from their 50 overs after being sent into bat by the hosts. The innings was held together by opener Shehzad's 115 from 109 deliveries, which included 13 fours and three sixes. Umar Akmal was the next top scorer with 32 as the rest of the team provided just enough support for the free-scoring Shehzad. Kyle Mills, Scott Styris and Jacob Oram all finished with two wickets apiece but none managed to get the all important scalp of Shehzad and anyone who had placed a cricket bet on Pakistan would have been delighted by his performance.
The Kiwis' innings never really recovered from losing Jesse Ryder from the first delivery of the innings, the tubby opener run out at the non-striker's end with his side yet to score. Martin Guptill's 65 from 70 balls breathed life into his side's innings before stand-in captain Ross Taylor top scored with 69. The Pakistan bowlers did their job well, Wahab Riaz finishing with 3-51 supported by Umar Gul and Shahid Afridi who took two wickets each to bowl out the hosts for 227 with three overs left.
Although the World Cup won't be held in Pakistan, playing in India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka will feel pretty close to home for Misbah-ul-Haq and his side. After such a disastrous 2010 both on and off the pitch, Pakistan will be desperate to start 2011 with a good showing.
India's squad for the Ashes (not really)
India announced its squads for the ODI's against New Zealand, and also for the Tests in South Africa. As expected, they picked the former keeping the latter in mind, which means that several key players have been rested. Dhoni (but not Raina) gets permission from the BCCI to take a nap, while Sachin, Sehwag, Zaheer and Harbhajan apparently have 'injury concerns'. Sure, we're not taking New Zealand lightly at all. It's obvious that the ODI rankings don't mean a lot to the BCCI, so they think like me. But only in that regard.
Never underestimate the Selectorial ability to spring a surprise. Try to spot them in the squad:
Gautam Gambhir (capt), M Vijay, Virat Kohli, Yuvraj Singh, Suresh Raina, Saurabh Tiwary, Wriddhiman Saha (wk), R Ashwin, Praveen Kumar, R Vinay Kumar, Munaf Patel, Sreesanth, Yusuf Pathan, Ravindra Jadeja.
Here's stuff I didn't expect:
India v New Zealand - the 2nd Test
New Zealand may have matched India in the first Test and even had them at 15-5, but they shouldn't expect any more slackness from the Indian batsmen again. The standard 'first-test-hiccup' as well as the 'pitiful collapse' are both out of the way, and I think the series will be won 2-0 from here.
New Zealand will be forced to make at least a couple of changes, as Hamish Bennett is injured and Jeetan Patel bowled like an open buffet. James Franklin was drafted into the squad in Bennett's place, but I don't know if he'll play since he wasn't even part of the original squad. Tim Southee, Andy McKay and Brent Arnel are the other two pacers available, but one of them may have to sit out if NZ want to shorten the tail, in which case Franklin will play. For those who don't know him too well, he's like their Irfan Pathan, but a better batsman.
The only change for India could be playing Ishant ahead of Sreesanth, who dished out plenty of filth in the first Test. Which is pretty sad, as it's a choice between who'll bowl less tripe, not who's better.
Expect runs, plenty of them. Or not, I'm just shooting in the dark here.
Update: Southee, Arnel and Guptill come in for Bennett, Patel and Watling as NZ will bat. India unchanged. Too bad.
India v New Zealand - Preview
Starts in a couple hours, and has the potential to be either really entertaining or a snoozefest. We've seen some great cricket in the last few weeks, so groundsman permitting, this should be fun to watch.
Here are the squads, with the likely XI in bold:
India: MS Dhoni (capt), Virender Sehwag (vice-capt), Gautam Gambhir, Suresh Raina, Cheteshwar Pujara, M Vijay, Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, VVS Laxman, Harbhajan Singh, Zaheer Khan, Ishant Sharma, Sreesanth, Pragyan Ojha, Amit Mishra
New Zealand: Daniel Vettori (capt), Brent Arnel, Hamish Bennett, Martin Guptill, Gareth Hopkins, Chris Martin, Brendon McCullum, Tim McIntosh, Andy McKay, Jeetan Patel, Jesse Ryder, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, BJ Watling, Kane Williamson.
India: Back to full strength
India picked their side for the Tests against New Zealand a just a while ago, and it will be a full strength XI barring freak injuries.
India: MS Dhoni (capt), Virender Sehwag (vice-capt), Gautam Gambhir, Suresh Raina, Cheteshwar Pujara, M Vijay, Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, VVS Laxman, Harbhajan Singh, Zaheer Khan, Ishant Sharma, Sreesanth, Pragyan Ojha, Amit Mishra
Gambhir, Ishant and VVS Laxman are all fit to play the first Test, which means that there is no place for Cheteshwar Pujara or Murali Vijay in the XI, despite their sterling contributions in the series victory against Australia. Unlucky, but they will be on track to take their positions in the future, and both Gambhir and Raina cannot take their spots for granted. Yuvraj, meanwhile, is getting further away from the Test side as I see it.
Tri-series squad: More R & R
This is India's squad for the tri-series involving Sri Lanka and New Zealand:
MS Dhoni (capt & wk), Virender Sehwag, Virat Kohli, Suresh Raina, Rohit Sharma, Yuvraj Singh, Ravindra Jadeja, Dinesh Karthik, R Ashwin, Praveen Kumar, Ishant Sharma, Abhimanyu Mithun, Ashish Nehra, Pragyan Ojha, Saurabh Tiwary
Sachin gets more rest from ODIs, which is fair, because the side can start to adjust to life without his mammoth presence, only for him to slot back in a few months later to win the World Cup. And then retire. It's the one great-looking piece of an otherwise ugly jigsaw puzzle.
Harbhajan gets some rest, because he's done so well. More importantly, it gives Ojha more games to try to prove that he's a better first choice bowler in the shorter formats.
Instead of giving him a chance to find form, the selectors have rested Gambhir. Why? So that Karthik, his replacement, can re-prove his benchability.
Snideness aside, the batting actually looks solid - and Kohli and Rohit Sharma will finally be tested against opposition that isn't Sri Lanka.
Yuvraj pops back into the squad, and I for one am confident that we'll be seeing the best of him at some point this series.
Weapons of mass futility Jadeja and Ashwin find seats on the plane (or boat, depending on the budget).
Saurabh Tiwary remains in the squad; he knows what drinks everyone likes. And Ishant Sharma's economy rate just isn't bad enough.
Mithun gets a chance to improve on his promising Test debut. Or get smashed around, we just don't have enough buffet bowling these days.
A series-winning squad? Maybe.
T20 World Cup Preview - Group B
Group B contains two teams that are usually considered as dark horses. Or in New Zealand's case, sheepguys. No, not really, but they are the teams that are always said to have a chance of winning, but are never the favourites. There, I just defined 'dark horses'.
Zimbabwe is also in this group. (it had to be on a new line or no one would pay attention. I barely did)
Sri Lanka
Squad - Kumar Sangakkara (c), Muttiah Muralitharan, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Mahela Jayawardene, Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews, Thissara Perera, Nuwan Kulasekera, Suraj Randiv, Ajantha Mendis, Lasith Malinga, Chanaka Welagedara, Chamara Kapugedara, Sanath Jayasuriya, Chinthaka Jayasinghe.
Sri Lanka were the runners-up last year (it was just last year!) and they will want to go one better this time around, and they definitely have the players to pursue it. India and Pakistan are the cup's past winners, so it has been subcontinental teams that have been the best, the Lankans will be inspired by this. They also play their best cricket on islands, so the Caribbean may feel like home to them (superb logic, innit?).
Key Players - The bowling attack is enviable, some would call it scary. They have M&M&M&M, three of which are lethal and two of which are in superb form and one of which used to have an awesome afro. Mahela Jayawardene was fantastic in the second half of the IPL, but the question is, will he get to open? Sangakarra looked like he had found his touch in the last few games he played and will be a crucial player in whichever position he plays.
Watch out for - Sanath Jayasuriya. He hasn't had the best of times; his once super-quick reflexes seem to have slowed down. He was dropped from the Mumbai Indians side after failing to make contributions, and with Mahela doing well his position could be at risk. His opening partner Dilshan also struggled in the IPL and looked very mojo-less. Thissara Perera barely got a game for Chennai and served up several full-tosses, but he has done better for his country and will be a lower-order threat. There are some newbies in the squad - Dinesh Chandimal is a backup keeper and Chintakha Jayasinghe is a medium-pace bowling all-rounder. Hmm.
How far they will go - Should surely make the semis, though their batting needs to be able to support their bowling.
New Zealand
Squad - Daniel Vettori (c), Brendon McCullum, Jesse Ryder, Martin Guptill, Ross Taylor, Scott Styris, Aaron Redmond, Jacob Oram, Gareth Hopkins, Rob Nicol, Nathan McCullum, Kyle Mills, Tim Southee, Shane Bond, Ian Butler.
You see the first five names in their squad and you know that they have a great batting lineup capable of big things. They didn't do very well last year - as usual, they thrashed the minnows Ireland and Scotland, and didn't win any other matches against the better sides. The batsmen like a bit of pace to smack, and they may not get this in the Carribbean. They'll probably cream Zimbabwe and lose to Sri Lanka, but I'm not making any predictions.
Key Players - Jesse Ryder and B-Mac at the top have provided many a blazing start, not many against quality attacks. Ross Taylor looked out-of-sorts in the IPL, but feed him in his legside arc and you will disappear. Dictator Dan is the man for a collapse and the lone spinner. In my opinion, he's definitely among the top 3 T20 bowlers, and everyone's favourite member of the fuzz, Shane Bond, is around too.
Watch out for - Does anyone else think Scott Styris and Jacob Oram are past their sell-by-date? Rob Nicol, the other all-rounder who bowls medium-pace, has a great T20 record, though he may have limited chances to impress.
How far they will go - History suggests they will reach the second stage and bow out. Knowing New Zealand, I would be wise to ignore history. They haven't won a world cup before (ODI included) and they will see this as a good opportunity to win one
Zimbabwe
Squad - Prosper Utseya (c), Brendan Taylor, Charles Coventry, Andy Blignaut, Hamilton Masakadza, Tatenda Taibu, Greg Lamb, Elton Chigumbura, Vusi Sibanda, Ray Price, Graeme Cremer, Chamu Chibhabha, Chris Mpofu, Timycen Maruma, Craig Ervine.
The minnows of this group will be looking to spring a surprise. They really won't.
Key Players - Their spinners have been effective of late, and in the Caribbean too. Prosper Utseya, Graeme Cremer, Ray Price and Greg Lamb will look to choke their opponents. Elton Chigumbura is very handy with ball and bat.
Watch out for - Andy Blignaut, the hard-hitting all-rounder, is making another comeback. Yay. Timycen Maruma, is another 'International Cricket Captain' pick, I doubt he'll get to play though.
How far they'll go - New Zealand and Sri Lanka always thrash the minnows, they're not the choking sort and will try to rack up as much as possible. Group stage exit.
Two down, two to go.
