by jbouncer | Jun 24, 2023 | Uncategorized
The West Indies winning steak under the leadership of coach Daren Sammy continues. The victory over Nepal, by 101 runs was convincing, though not flawless. It was. however , enough to put the team at the top of the tables in group A by a superior net run rate.
At the top of the order, Kyle Mayers and Johnson Charles fail to impress; together they scored 1 and 0. This is a major problem and must be corrected immediately. Against higher ranked teams, they may not get away with it. Also they have to minimize bowling wides and no balls; especially when a batter should have been dismissed ; only to see the umpire’s out stretched arm. The fielding an catching; left much to be desired. but for the magnificent catch by Keacy Carty on the boundry line. .
On a brighter note, the two magnificent centuries by skipper Shai Hope 132 from 132 deliveries and the other by former skipper Nicholas Pooran, 115 from 94 deliveries , help the Windies pass the three hundred mark. The total of 339 was more than enough for the hapless Nepal team.
WI will take on Zimbabwe next, this is going to be a must stay awake early Saturday morning for all WI/ Zimbabwe supporters and will determine the table leader.
I have seen some marked improvement , but the WI has much more progress to make to be world beaters again.
Compiled by Leon Francis
by jbouncer | Jun 24, 2023 | Uncategorized
Half-way ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 Qualifier, West Indies, and Zimbabwe, the 2 undefeated teams in group “A” are leaders. Both teams have almost identical match statistics, and the winner of their group match scheduled for Sunday, will book one of the first slots in the Super Six stage.
At any rate, very likely Zimbabwe and the West Indies are on track to advance… If Netherlands defeat Nepal in their next match, Netherlands will advance as both Nepal and the United States will mathematically be eliminated.
In group B, Ireland and UAE are the winless teams after 2 matches. Thus, Oman, Sri Lanka and Scotland are mathematically and on current forms are the teams likely to advance from this group. At this stage, after 10 qualifier matches, we have witnessed excitement, drama, outstanding individual and collective team performances. So, stay alert and expect much more to come.
The Women’s Ashes single test Match is underway. Australia at close of play on day one, has scored 328 runs for the loss of 7 wickets. England has bowled 85 overs despite rain interruption. Good going England. Australian batter, Elyse Perry’s unfortunate dismissal on 99 runs, together with Tahlia McGrath (61 runs), Ashleigh Gardener (40 runs) and Annabel Sutherland (39 runs) not out, have generated much excitement for Australia.
On the English side, Sophie Ecclestone (3/71) and new teammate, Lauren Filer (2/65), have kept the Australians in check. Australia appears likely to resume their innings tomorrow, and work to add at least another 100 runs to their total. The Women’s Test matches are now played over 5 days. Stay watchful and alert, more excitement is in the cards.
Complied by Dennis Heath,,
by jbouncer | Jun 21, 2023 | Uncategorized
The first Test Match is over, and Australia are the victors, winning by 2 wickets in front of hushed English supporters, exuberant Australian supporters, and appreciations from others. This was an exciting first test, measured in part by the fact that there was no visible rush for the exits as the final ten overs were in play.
The first innings scores were a virtual tie. The result depended on the second innings performances. England were all out in the 62nd over for 273 runs. Joe Root, Harry Brooks, and captain Ben Stokes contributed the lion’s share (mid 40’s) of the runs scored. Australian Captain, Cummins (4/63) and Nathan Lyon (4/80), destroyed the English batters.
The target for Australia Was 282 runs, and despite the rain interruption and delay, Australia had more than enough playing time and overs to complete the task. With England’s ace-in-the hole, Moen Ali, hampered by his finger injury, Captain Ben Stokes marshalled his troops, and the fall of each Australian wicket, signaled a new battle. Bowlers-in-chief, Broad (3/64) and Robinson (2/43), lit the fuse and fired the grenades. But, for all the explosions and noise around him, one Australian stood resilient and became the anchor that withstood the volleys. Usman Khawaja (65 runs), batted like a retaining wall holding back the relentless onslaught. At one time in a 2-hour partnership period, Usman contributed a low total of approximately 16 runs.
When Usman dragged a Stokes delivery onto his stumps in the 72nd over, Australia had scored 209/7. Carey followed 18 runs later. And the English fans had visions of the English fighters at the top of the Australian wall. In a rear-guard action, battle tested Australian Captain Cummins led the fight to hold the battle line. Twenty overs and 54 runs later, Cummins (44 runs not out) and Lyons (16 runs not out), had brilliantly strategized to repel the fearsome English bowlers. The battle was won by the Australians, by 2 wickets.
Congratulations to Australia, and, I am mindful of my day 1 rebuke of Ben Stokes “silly” declaration that set this climactic final day in motion. Commiserations to Ben, I hope that the lesson was not lost on you.
Compiled By Dennis Heath
by jbouncer | Jun 10, 2023 | Uncategorized
By Dennis Heath & Leon Francis
At the start of Day 3 play, India took the field knowing that a Herculean effort would be essential if they were to turn the table on the Australians. When Bharat departed without any significant addition to the overnight score, India looked to be on the verge of complete humiliation. Well, Rahane and Thakur may not be Hercules of old, but they sure put the willows to the Australians. Yes, the Australians must take credit for their sloppy play. Dropped catches and LBW wicket overturned by no ball delivery that resulted in a welcomed century partnership (109 runs) between Rahane who scored 89 and Thakur 51. The follow-on was avoided, and India had seemingly turned the table. Final score for India was 296 runs, a deficit of 173.
Another exciting day’s cricket. Spectators, whether in the stadium or on their digital platforms, will undoubtedly remember these plays with great fondness, not the least was the magnificent catch taken by Green to dismiss Rahane. A catch for the play back reels. Some may call this match, test cricket at its best, although other adjectives may have to be used by the end of play on Day 5.
At the Close of play on Day 3, Australia had scored 123 for 4 wickets. India’s bowlers, Siraj, Yadav and Jadeja have the Australians on the rack. Hostile pace attacks had Labuschagne jumping and dancing, as if he was at a graduation ball. Labuschagne is still there on 41 not out and Green 5 not out, Australia’s lead by 296 runs with 6 wickets in hand.
As usual, the question for today is this, Can India restrict the Australians to a score of 400 or less by Lunch on day 4? This very likely could be a winning score for India. We will see.
On a note of appreciation, it was a joy to witness the innings of Rahane. Batting looked easy to him, despite being ruffled and battered by the Aussies pace bowlers. His timing and shot placements were exquisite and delightful to see. During this Test match we have witnessed elements of stroke play and athleticism that is more commonly seen in the white ball formats of cricket. Run rates have improved and the future of test Cricket looks bright.
by jbouncer | Jun 9, 2023 | Uncategorized
At the close of play on Day 2 of ICC 2023 Test Championship, Australia who were dismissed for 469 during afternoon session, Is once again in the driving seat. Travis Head scored 163, his fourth 150 plus score in test cricket. Smith scored his 31st century, he was dismissed for 121 runs. Siraj 4-108, with Thakur and Shami 2 wickets each.
India in their first innings reply is struggling due to early setbacks. India’s early batters faced a fiery Australian attack. The pace was quick, the line was precise and accurate, with plenty of movement off the wicket. And the bounce inflicted pain at times. This was, indeed, a clear signal to England of what is to come, and very likely to cause a lot of concerns for England when they face off in the Ashes series at home this summer. Jadeja has top scored so far with 48 he edged a Lyon delivery that was easily taken by Steve Smith in the slips.
Earlier Shubman Gill offered no shot to a Scott Boland delivery only to see his middle and off stumps disturbed. He scored only 13, and Cheteshwar Pujara experienced a similar fate, on 14, he also offered no shot to a Cameron Green delivery which rattled his stumps. Rahane had a reprieve, when his LBW out decision was reversed due to a no ball call against the bowler, he has scored 29 not out at close of play. Bharat, the other not out batter has scored 5 runs.
Australia is on top for now, however, I am mindful that the unexpected can and do happen. So, it would be unwise to count India out at this time. India is trailing by 318 runs, and the possibility of the follow on looms large. The question for today is, Can India avoid the follow-on?
Dennis (for L. Francis)
