The dismissal of Holder in Morning Session had given Britishers a chance to make a comeback in the Test Match. The onus was on Stokes to rip off the line up of Caribbean batters. Although, he didn’t got any ample support from the likes of Wood and Woakes. Both the batters present at the crease were calm and made sure that they don’t let the game slip off.
SNAPSHOT: Bonner and Joshua irking England team and snatching the Test Match from Joe Root’s England
Bonner was literally rock while doing defence. Joshua followed the trend and he at the times was a bit scratchy too. He survived a lbw decision too which he later got it overturned. The wicket keeper batter’s strokeplay was a treat to watch. He not only took the pressure of Bonner, but made sure that the scoreboard was ticking regularly.
The Captain Joe Root’s nemesis of Captaincy continue as he isn’t getting productive results neither from the Pacers nor from Jack Leach. Root knows that he is playing with fire, his captaincy is on a thin edge. He has been given a Second Life that too a short one of 3 Test Series. If he doesn’t make it count, then ECB will have to make tough calls, which they have already have started.
The Afternoon Session of Day 3 would decide the fate of the Test Match and eventually of the Test Series. Root needs to pull a rabbit out of the hat quickly, otherwise 2019 tour would be repeated. On the other side West Indies would hope that the two batters continue the good work and get a threatening lead of 100 runs. If Caribbean batters and tail enders would fret Joe Root and Co, then West Indies would be in the Driver’s Seat.
The Morning Session of Day 3 was expected to be a critical one. Holder was all set, so was Bonner. The Captain Joe Root gave the ball to Ben Stokes.
Stokes was trying his best to reverse the ball as the red ball was more than 70 overs old. Holder initially was solid in his defence. He was gritty and showcased a lot of determination to see of 1st hour.
71st over it was, Stokes was bowling his heart out. He was in his 2nd over of the day. Stokes angled the ball away from Holder and he as usual was letting the ball go. On the brink of 72nd over, Holder got a bit carried away and nicked the ball to the keeper Ben Foakes.
Stokes has made a resounding statement that Holder may be one of the Best All-rounder, but he is an All-time Great. This dismissal has just opened the Test Match for England. The deficit though remains a problem, but Holder could have inflicted a lot of damage. In 2019 Test Series, 1st Test Match it was; he was well set and then smashed a Gigantic double century. The road for England may look a bit easy now but they have a long rally ahead.
SNAPSHOT: Ben Stokes Elated and Jubilant after getting rid of the Dangerous Jason Holder
The Exuberant all-rounder Jason Holder smashed 43 runs in Day 2 of the 1st Test Match. The peculiarity of Holder’s knock was that, he was keen to rotate the Strike instead of going bang-bang. His knock has made the Test Match an even contest. The deficit as of now is 109 runs. If the two batters can cut down the deficit to may be 40-50 runs, then we have a solid game on our hands.
SNAPSHOT: Jason Holder showcasing great defense and sheer aggression on Day 2 against the Mighty Britishers at Vivian Richards Stadium for the inaugural Richards-Botham Trophy 2022
Holder’s way of toiling the bowlers was amazing. He not only smashed 7 boundaries and scored 30 runs in that, but he made sure that the bowlers are forced to bowl according to his strengths. The senior all-rounder faced 100 odd balls which speaks about his temperament. The batter though knows that the new ball is 13 overs around which means that he needs to up the ante. Earlier when West Indies bowlers bowled with the second new ball, they created a havoc by bundling out England for 311.
We are in for a thrilling Day 3. The main test for Joe Root would be that how he manages to get rid of 13 overs with the new ball. The old ball phase, which would take place till drinks period is a vital one. If Holder and Bonner score runs at 4 runs per over, then West Indies would be in ascendancy. All in all, West Indies looks all set to spoil the party of England’s reset; England would hope and believe that they can get early break-throughs. Getting Vibes of West Indies, bossing this Test Match and Richards-Botham Trophy 2022. It’s often said that you win 1st Test Match and win the Series, England would sense that they have a chance with no doubt but lying on a thin edge as the rain earlier played a spoil sport. Although we all know Cricket is a Game of Uncertainty so who knows what would be in store at the Morning Session.
Johnny Bairstow came into bat when England were reduced to 48-4. Kemar Roach, Jason Holder and Jaydon Seales were literally on fire. They broke the back of England’s batting line up as the reset of England Cricket wasn’t quite fruitful as expected.
Bairstow and Stokes then rebuild the innings. They made sure that they get their eye in the match.
It was afternoon session when Bairstow started attacking. Attacking the bowlers in the sense, he was very much keen to rotate the Strike on a Consistent basis.
Bairstow’s peculiarity was similar to the knock he played against the Mighty Aussies at the SCG. The dashing batter made sure that Stokes played the waiting game.
In the evening session, the scintillating Bairstow went into beast mode. He was smashing boundaries on a consistent basis to the likes of Roach and Co.
Bairstow was using all shots in the book. Most of the times, he was seen using the cut shot and pull shot. He gave a glimpse of the old Bairstow who used to assert dominance over opponent.
West Indies Captain missed a trick by not giving the ball to Roach and Holder. Holder had mind boggling figures as he gave away 15 runs in 16 overs and took 2 wickets of Lawrence and Foakes.
Bairstow’s speciality this time was that he played according to the situation. The ball was doing a lot of movement as he made sure to be patient and cash in on an opportunity.
The way Bairstow handled collapses speaks a lot about his technique. The dismissal of Stokes was a blow to England’s innings as at that time the score was 115-5.
Bairstow got ample support from Ben Foakes. The wicket keeper batter had a dream comeback as he was stroking the ball smoothly. Foakes managed to score 42 runs. He made sure to up the ante as scoring was by no means means.
Bairstow notched up his 7th century and made a statement that he may be out of form, but he is not finished yet. The batter now has made a strong case for himself in England’s Middle Order.
Bairstow knows that his Job is half done yet. England’s score is 268-6. He would be hoping that England’s 1st innings score touches 350 scale mark.
The new ball is only 6 overs old. The fast bowlers can still extract a lot of swing which will make the 1st session a spicy contest. There are chances that England would score heavily and even score 400 odd runs.
West Indies Skipper would hope that his bowlers would take a leaf out of the morning session. All in all, the 1st session would decide the fate of the Iconic Richards-Botham Trophy 2022.
SNAPSHOT: Jonny Bairstow scores a Brilliant unbeaten knock of 109 runs.
Ashes is a Gripping Rivalry which keeps the Cricketing Fraternity & the entire Globe thrilled. England & Australia are the only 2 Nations for whom Test Cricket is Pinnacle, as this Rivalry is Ancient which got started way back in 1882-83. Australia has had the wood over England where Aussies have retained the “Urn” 38 times whereas England 33 times. Ashes is mouth watering as England’s ‘Barmy Army’ pressurizes the Mighty Aussies via witty statements & sometimes smirky remarks, in 2019 Ashes Barmy Army brutally trolled Smith, Warner & entire Cricket Australia (CA) for their ball tampering saga.
SNAPSHOT: Pat Cummins & Joe Root booming with a Smile as the Greatest Rivalry Resumes
Australia
Australia have taken a bold decision to give leaderhip duties to Steven Smith (*as a deputy) & made the No.1 fast bowler Pat Cummins as the Skipper. Cummins is the first fast bowler to captain Australian Test team in the last 65 years. Deceased Ray Lindwall was handed a one match captaincy in India in 1956 which makes him the only specialist fast bowler of Australia to captain in TESTS.
Cummins inclusion as a skipper means that Australia can’t rest him. Cummins hasn’t missed a single test Match since 2018 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. CA have gone backwards as they have recalled Usman Khawaja back into the frame. Khawaja is the only batter present apart from Smith who was a part of an excruciating Ashes 2010-11 Campaign where England had outclassed Australia by 3-1. 2010-11 Ashes was a Historical Feat as Britishers won Test Series in Australia after 24 years. Khawaja & Smith have seen the agony of a shambolic performance which makes their presence invaluable (*Khawaja is not named in playing 11 for 1st Test Match).
SNAPSHOT: Apart from Labuschagne the duo of Smith & Khawaja is pivotal
Australia should take a leaf out of 2013-14 & 2017-18 Ashes performance as their prowess is to bowl out England. The pitches of Australia aren’t that spicy as compared to England, bowlers need to toil a lot to squeeze a wicket. The role of Nathan Lyon becomes critical as more often than not he is under the pump as other bowlers most likely won’t get productive results. Australia know that one brutal spell of Starc can create havoc for England as ECB’s (England Cricket Board) Intolerant approach towards racism is under scanner.
Playing 11: David Waner, Marcus Harris, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (Wk), Pat Cummins (c) , Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood
England
ECB have shown faith in skipper Joe Root as earlier he failed to retain the Urn, in 2017-18 Ashes & 2019 (in England where the series was levelled by 2-2). Joe Root so far has a prolific year with the bat where he has amassed 1,455 runs where he has scored 6 centuries. Root has been the one man army so far for England where he has scored the bulk of runs. Root would be blostered by the presence of Stokes who not only bowls but provides a complete package of a Cricketer.
SNAPSHOT: Joe Root in 2021 having a dream run as runs are accumulating at large scale.
England once again are with a new bunch of openers in the form of Zak Crawley, Haseeb Hameed & Rory Burns which has now become a funny template. Jonny Bairstow would be gutted to show that he still has the passion for Test Cricket because the selectors have ignored him blatantly in the past 1 year (*Ollie Pope has pipped him for 1st Test Match). The duo of Stuart Broad & James Anderson would be banking on their 2010-11 feat; as they are the only Cricketers who were a part of that Momentous Achievement (* Anderson according to management is rested for 1st Test Match to focus on work-load)
SNAPSHOT: James Anderson & Stuart Broad would hope that they rip off Australia’s line up.
England would be eager to stamp their authority as their last 2 tours at Australia were a nightmare; in 2013 they were got whitewashed & in 2017-18 they avoided an embarrassment in the form of 0-4. England are high on batting line up but that doesn’t mean that they should throw away their starts. England have a golden chance to deepen CA nemesis as once again their culture is under spotlight.
Playing 11: Rory Burns, Haseeb Hameed, Dawid Malan, Joe Root (c) , Ben Stokes, Ollie Pope, Jos Buttler (Wk), Ollie Robinson, Mark Wood, Chris Woakes, Jack Leach
The 1st Test Match is scheduled at The Gabba, Brisbane. India in 2021 had breached Gabba Fortress after 32 years that too by a second string team. England would be Roaring & would hope that they would shell-shock Australia again as the 1st Test Match will determine their fate.
Last 4 Ashes Series Down Under (*Australia as Hosts) :
2006-07
Australia won
5-0
2010-11
England won
3-1
2013-14
Australia won
5-0
2017-18
Australia won
4-0
2013-14 Ashes was considered to be a riveting contest as England had the former Skipper Sir Alastair Cook, Swashbuckling Kevin Pietersen, Ian Bell & a lot of puissant members, yet Australia buried them.
The same applied for 2010-11 Ashes as the Legendary Former Captain Ricky Ponting, Michael Clarke, Simon Katich & Co were bruised as the Dynamic England handed Kangaroos 3 inning defeats.
#Past 4 series gives us a clear cut indication that making a comeback & winning Ashes in Australia is literally impossible no matter who is in your team.
Keys for Winning/Retaining Ashes
The Task is cut out for England, they have to dominate Australia from the word go. Ben Stokes holds the key as his bowling can be a decisisve factor. If Stokes can squeeze out 2-3 wickets in a Test Match then England would be in the Driver’s seat. 300 odd runs would mean that they are giving Australia a straight-forwward chance.
Australia once again are back to the drawing board. They need to show the fire as England’s pacers are also too hot. Aussies have a bad habit of falling like a pack of cards which should be avoided, as scoring 3 runs per over is decent. The rookie Cameron Green’s role is crucial as he is the only recognized bowling option after the quartet.
Predicted Winner
Australia looks ominous to retain the Ashes & win the Series. Bad times for Aussies don’t last long as the recent testimony is of Ashes 2019, after 18 years Australia had retained Ashes in England. This doesn’t mean that it was a cake walk as there were horrendous times for Oz’s, yet that didn’t hampered them.
India & New Zealand are due to face each other on the 31st of October at Dubai International Stadium. Both the teams were handed humiliating & heart-breaking defeats by the ‘Mercurial & Unpredictable’ Pakistan. Virat Kohli & Kane Williamson would avoid the embarrassment by winning; especially India who would like to break the hoodoo of 14-year drought period without an ICC T20 World Cup Trophy.
New Zealand has had the wood over India in ICC T20 World Cups as both the teams have been clashed 2 times:
1st instance was at the inaugural T20 World Cup 2007 where the hosts where South Africa. New Zealand overcame India by winning the match by 10 runs as a gigantic target of 191 runs was a bit too much at that period of time. The multi-star-studded batting line up which consisted of (*former batters) Virender Sehwag, Yuvraj Singh, MS Dhoni, Gautam Gambhir tried but pressure got better of them as New Zealand’s bowlers were throwing unexpected surprises as the damage was done by the former left arm off spinner Daniel Vettori who had taken 4 wickets.
2nd instance was in the last edition of ICC T20 World Cup 2016 at India. New Zealand had annihilated India by winning the match by 47 runs as New Zealand had bowled out India for 79 runs given the target of 127 runs. It was a shocking loss for India as Kiwi’s spinners had duped India batsmen who are known to be very good spin batters as the likes of Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli & Co was left stunned & flabbergasted by the immaculateness of Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi(** currently both of the spinners are in the playing 11) & Nathan McCullum(*former) who took 7 wickets amongst themselves.
In the recent times India has settled the record with New Zealand as in 2020 there was a bilateral 5 T20I Match Series in New Zealand in which India had whitewashed Kiwis. The overall record of India-New Zealand T20I matches stands at 6-8 out of 16 matches (* 2 matches were abandoned due to rain).
India
For India this is literally a do-or-die match as already their NRR (Net Run Rate) is -0.973. India’s conundrum of tackling swing bowling had got exposed as India had lost 3 wickets in power-play overs. The annoying problem for India is that Hardik Pandya isn’t 100 % match fit to play as an all-rounder as playing 5 bowlers isn’t a feasible option. Suryakumar Yadav who got drafted into playing 11 needs to play according to the situation as every time going for boundaries that too in crisis period isn’t a favourable option.
This is the first & last T20 World Cup for Virat Kohli as the Captain of Team India as earlier (before the start of the second leg of Vivo IPL 2021) he had announced his decision. Virat Kohli undoubtedly is one of the finest & greatest batters in the history of T20I Cricket as in the 1st match, he had showcased his prowess by scoring a fighting half century of 57 runs against Pakistan when the team was in a deep muddle. As of now India needs Virat the Leader who trusts his team players & most importantly makes sensible & practical decisions as picking Varun Chakravarthy over Ravichandran Ashwin is a blunder given the wealth of experience & skill Ashwin possesses.
SNAPSHOT: Virat Kohli raising his bat after leading the batting (57 runs) against Pakistan.
India may tinker with the bowling combination as all the three pacers: Mohammed Shami, Bhuvneshwar Kumar & Jasprit Bumrah weren’t that much effective & productive. Shardul Thakur can come in as a replacement for any one of the pacers or for Hardik Pandya as he is a pinch-hitter too who can be handy in tense situation. One of KL Rahul & Rohit Sharma have to take responsibility of batting at-least till the 10th over as their presence keeps the opponent frightened.
New Zealand
New Zealand would rue the fact that they lost against Pakistan as at one situation they were in a commanding position & bossing the game. New Zealand’s NRR is not far behind from India as it stands at -0.532. New Zealand’s middle order is a bit fragile as the skipper Kane Williamson has to try & bat through the entire quota of 20 overs. James Neesham’s batting position needs to get sorted as he has batted as a finisher at No.6 or 7 throughout his career.
New Zealand astonishingly opened with the all-rounder Daryl Mitchell who had a decent outing as he scored a quick fire 27 runs in 20 balls but in doing so Tim Seifert the swashbuckling batter batted at No.7 position which affected the innings at the back end as Seifert wasn’t clearing the rope.
Before the start of their opening match against Pakistan; New Zealand were halted by the calf injury of the speedster Lockie Ferguson which ruled him out of the tournament. Lockie’s absence would hurt as he is one of the best amongst the crop of Kiwis & World Cricket at death overs; while on the other side the gates have been opened for Adam Milne (*reserve player) who somewhat has shades of the former New Zealand fast bowler Shane Bond who coincidentally is New Zealand’s fast bowling consultant. New Zealand are high on pace bowlers as they have the lanky Kyle Jamieson & the duo of Tim Southee-Trent Boult as these pacers are intimidating regardless of the pitch.
Pitch & Conditions
Dubai’s pitch is expected to be a run feast as the teams should target a score around 160-180 runs & even more as dew can be a decisive factor.
Keys to succeed in India vs New Zealand match
India’s strength is their power-packed batting line up; if they win the toss they should opt to bat irrespective of the conditions as New Zealand’s batting is topsy-turvy & scratchy.
New Zealand’s USP is their bowling as their bowling line up has got ingredients to suppress the opponent; but for that to happen the batters need to put a formidable total of 150-160 runs as 130 odd runs won’t win too many matches.
India is known to produce staggering performances to raise against the circumstances & would believe that the hopes of a billion people aren’t diminished.
New Zealand team’s idiosyncrasy is that they play like a team where they aren’t dependent on a single individual as they subsequently find multiple match winners on the given day.
It would be fascinating to see as which team’s journey would be stroked as both the teams are due to face Afghanistan, Scotland & Namibia where most likely they won’t have their fate in their hands. India have made it to the Semi Finals 3 times out of 6 (* 2007, 2014 & 2016) whereas New Zealand’s ratio is 2 times out of 6 (* 2007 & 2016).
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