(1) Usman Khwaja smashes a terrific Century against Pakistan at Karachi. Aussies manage to score 251-3 till the end of Day 1 Play.
(2) England and West Indies inaugurate Richards-Botham Trophy 2022 with a Draw. Joe Root and Co tried to bundle out West Indies but their batters were resolute in defence which made sure that they don’t lose the 1st Test Match.
(3) Pakistan’s curator could be questioned for preparing a road kind of pitch. Only two wickets were taken by the bowlers and one was a run out, if such template continues then PCB won’t be able to bring all the nations to Pakistan as the teams would know the output of a pitch which is not at all promising for Pakistan’s fans.
Tag: #Joe Root
Cricket Stories for 12th March 2022
(1) Australia
Pat Cummins confirms the debut of leg spinner Mitchell Swepson for Karachi Test Match. Aussies surprisingly would go with 2 spinners which no doubt can be risky as Swepson could be targeted.
(2) England
England’s batters made sure that they aren’t losing nor winning the 1st Test Match on Day 4. Zak Crawley and Joe Root made sure to fret and annoy Caribbean bowlers by rotating the strike and knocking an odd boundary, The batters are well set to score daddy hundreds and would hope that the bowling line up of England creates a magic on Day 5 by bowling them out in a span of 50-70 overs, the fate of the Test Match has changed drastically and is looking for a Draw which isn’t good for Test Cricket.
(3) Pakistan
Babar Azam makes a bold statement by stating that his team dominated Rawalpindi Test Match. Former Head Coach Misbah ul Haq lambasted Aussies and said that Australia don’t ask Pakistan while creating pitches.
Zak Crawley and Joe Root Pile on the Pain for Caribbean
**Zak Crawley Makes A Strong Case as an Opener by Notching up a Brilliant Century*
Day 4 was a crucial one for England as the deficit was a tiny one yet dangerous. Kemar Roach got rid of the debutant Alex Lees quickly and gave Vibes of the 1st innings where he was instrumental in breaking the back of England’s batting line up. Zak Crawley took time to get his eye in, then he went into attacking mode as the old Zak was on fire. He stitched an invaluable partnership with the Captain Joe Root and both the batters were quite spot on with their shot selection. Zak was literally attacking each and every bowler, especially Roach and Holder who were getting movement. His knock has now made sure that he not only has sealed his place at the top but found his old touch. He batted exactly the same way of the Season 2018 where he had smashed a double century against Pakistan in England. ECB would be relieved as finally an opener got to 3 figures mark. Although he needs to start afresh as in the Caribbean the ball does a lot of talking. Nevertheless the batter would hope that he isn’t dropped from here onwards just like old times, it looks as if he has hit his purple patch as most of the times he was seen using his feet which made the bowler change his line and length.
*Joe Root gets back to form after a Lean Patch
Joe Root the Captain would be happy that he is back into the form. He had a forgettable Ashes 2021-22 with the bat, from then onwards there were talks going on of his credibility as a batter. ECB should not forget that Joe Root is on the brink of 10,000 Test Runs which doesn’t happen in an overnight. The batter was quite relaxed at the crease as Zak took the pressure off h by smashing the bowlers all-around the park. Root got to play his natural game and once he was set, he too didn’t shy from taking the fast bowlers down. This Series is Vital for Joe Root Skipper and Joe Root batter as their fate would be decided, Richards-Botham Trophy’s inauguration is a perfect opportunity for Joe Root to reset his Captaincy Career as he hasn’t been outstanding in the role; in World Test Championship 2021-23 England are placed at bottom which doesn’t sound good when you started playing the Game. Root’s speciality was that he didn’t allow the Pacers to dominate him, he had made sure that he rotated the strike on a Consistent basis which eventually perturbed Caribbean bowlers. The Captain would be aiming to get to a big score and give England’s bowlers a chance of winning Test Chance which is distant yet attainable as we all know Cricket is a Game of Uncertainties.
*Ineffective Spells from Caribbean Bowlers*
In the Morning Session, Roach had got rid off the debutant Alex Lees and sensed that once again he can be the wrecker-in-chief. Zak’s attacking instincts and bold nature was unexpected, the pitch was docile yet an odd ball was doing the talking; the dashing batter didn’t hesitate to take on the left arm off spinner Permaul. The Bowlers got a brutal hammering as they conceded runs in excess of 3 runs per over. Captain Kraigg Braithwaite was undone by aggressive brand of Cricket which was blatantly out of the blue. England’s batters have made sure that now West Indies won’t be winning the Test Match, the lead has gone past 150 runs and only a miracle can save the Test Match from Draw. Caribbean Fast Bowlers should not get disheartened as 2 more Test Matches are still remaining to decide the winner of the inaugural Richards-Botham Trophy 2022.
*What lies ahead on Day 5 for England and West Indies*
England would be hoping to have a speedy Morning Session where they score 120-150 runs, most importantly go past 300 runs mark which would give them a psychological advantage of defending the target. West Indies on the other hand, would pray that Rain Gods interrupt atleast 1 Session as batting on Day 5 won’t be easy, if they get early 3-4 wickets then they would be knocking the door of victory in the 1st Test Match; for that to happen Roach, Holder and Joseph will have to bowl out of the skin to generate reverse swing as the red ball is more than 60 overs old.
*Fate of Richards-Botham Trophy 2022*
Before the inauguration of Richards-Botham Trophy 2022, West Indies and England’s Test Series was named as Wisden Trophy. The Last Test Series between these two nations was played in July 2020 England where England had won by 2-1. They were the Holder of the Wisden Trophy, there are umpteen chances that the 1st Test Match would be a Draw; in that scenario West Indies has to make sure that they either win the Series by 1-0 or 2-0 to win the inaugural trophy, England on the other side would be aiming to either draw remaining 2 Test Matches, win one of them or win the Series by 2-0. England and West Indies are in the same place right now, both teams are going through a transition and in doing so both team’s Boards have started a Cleaning Procedure by removing Cricketers who had poor form.
Bonner Plays Smart as West Indies start their 1st innings Lead
West Indies started off their post drinks break Afternoon Session wittily. Bonner was playing a typical Test Match knock where he left deliveries and made sure that West Indies are in a strong position. Roach on the other side displayed immense mental application as blocking too was not an easy task. The West Indies batters now have made sure that can deepen the agony for Joe Root & Co.
Joe Root knew that the fast bowlers are tired and he gave the ball to Jack Leach. The left arm off spinner got the turn, bounce and was seen troubling the batters more often than. He opportunities twice, one for Bonner and another one was for Roach. On both the occasions the slip fielder dropped the catches and gave a life to these batters. It is often said Catches win Matches, Root would be angry and would be banging his head on the door for missed opportunities, because now the team has lost the plot and advantage.
West Indies know that any lead around 150 would seal the Test Match for them. Bonner is on the verge of a Fantastic Century whereas Roach now has started to change the gears. Roach and Bonner played out the Session and went unscathed. The partnership amongst the two batters is of 40 runs and in doing so they have consumed a lot of balls that too in excess of 140.
The Evening Session would definitely and undoubtedly give the Cricket Fraternity an idea of which way the Test Match is heading. 123 overs have been bowled so far, the new ball is distant; once again the Pacers will depend on reverse swing which indeed is a tough task. West Indies now would be aiming to get a Dominating Session, 1st Hour holds the key here; if they score 50-70 odd runs then they would believe that they are in the Driver’s Seat. On the other Side England know that they have let the opponent took the control of Test Match, the likes of Woakes and especially Wood need to rip off the remaining batters, otherwise it would be a Cake Walk for Caribbean bowlers.
Nkrumah Bonner makes sure that Caribbean don’t lose the plot
Post lunch session was pivotal, especially the first hour. Jack Leach, the left arm off spinner got rid of well set Joshua Da Silva. His departure made the Session spicy as later Alzarri Joseph too was dismissed. English bowlers were roaring as they got back into the groove.
Bonner, then went into ultra defensive mode as it was the need of the hour. He was making sure that he doesn’t get enticed by flighted deliveries of the left arm spinner. Root used short ball rampage to irk him but Bonner didn’t lose his cool. Craig Overton and Mark Wood tried everything to see Bonner’s back, but they were unsuccessful.
After a testing half an hour, Bonner stitched a small partnership with the lethal pacer Kemar Roach. England’s Captain was a bit impatient as he didn’t want West Indies to get a lead. Bonner is on the verge of a hard fought century whereas he knows that the longer he stays at the crease, the higher are the chances of West Indies getting a disturbing lead for England.
The phase after post drinks break could be pivotal. The deficit is in 20s and West Indies still have 3 wickets in tank. West Indies management are wary of the fact that batting 4th won’t be at all easy, they should try to put the leg on the accelerator and score runs as the pitch has started to misbehave and deteriorate. On the other side would England knows that their top order is vulnerable to the new ball and they know how Roach, Holder and Joseph created a havoc in 1st innings. All in all, this Test Match has been topsy-turvy for both the teams, England’s players are already in the field for more than 100+ overs, they would be tired and as of now the shoulders are dropping off; if West Indies play out another session then they would be literally bossing the game.
Nkrumah Bonner and Joshua Da Silva stitch an Invaluable Partnership
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.
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.
Ben Stokes works out a Magic to fox Jason Holder
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.
Pat Cummins & Joe Root face off; Ashes Rivalry set to be Reignited
Overview
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).
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.
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.
Preview of Ashes 2021-22 by Varad Vaichal:
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