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General Discussion => Sport => General Discussion Boards => Cricket => Topic started by: Yertle the Turtle on February 01, 2019, 05:58:43 pm

Title: World Cup 2019
Post by: Yertle the Turtle on February 01, 2019, 05:58:43 pm
Any tips for this? I'd say at the moment Semis will be Aus/Eng/Ind/SA, but I'm not really sure about them. I reckon Aus does have a chance (unlike most people I've talked to) particularly with Smith returning. Add to this the fact that in past ODIs Aus haven't been fielding their proper bowling lineup, always resting Cummins, Starc and Hazlewood. Who should Aus pick as captain? My pick is Maxwell. Who should be in the lineup? I would pick the following:
Warner, Head, Smith, S Marsh, Maxwell(c), Finch, Wade(+), Starc, Cummins, Zampa, Richardson
I know that dropping Hazlewood and playing Finch in the middle might be a bit controversial, but this is what I think would make the best team. Some firepower up the top, stability at 3 and 4, 3 part time spin options to supplement the bowlers, firepower in the middle (though I might swap Finch for Short).
Title: Re: World Cup 2019
Post by: turinturambar on February 01, 2019, 11:46:34 pm
Any tips for this? I'd say at the moment Semis will be Aus/Eng/Ind/SA, but I'm not really sure about them. I reckon Aus does have a chance (unlike most people I've talked to) particularly with Smith returning.

Let me guess, I'm one of those people you've talked to?
Australia have crashed out of the last two Champion's Trophies in England, and lost badly their last bi-lateral series there.  Missing some bowlers and Smith/Warner is part of this, but it's surely not all of it.  I'd be glad if they made the semis, but think the higher ranked NZ and Pakistan have at least as good a chance.

Looking forward to the final I think Eng vs India most likely, and generally that it's England's cup to lose (they're the number 1 team post-2015 for a reason, though Kohli and R Sharma are scarily good).

I'm not going to bother trying to pick a team, but just looking at yours I would be inclined to keep Carey over Wade as keeper (in spite of Wade's batting...), and to keep Finch on as captain (though I hope his form picks up...)
Title: Re: World Cup 2019
Post by: Sine on February 02, 2019, 12:47:07 am
Any tips for this? I'd say at the moment Semis will be Aus/Eng/Ind/SA, but I'm not really sure about them. I reckon Aus does have a chance (unlike most people I've talked to) particularly with Smith returning. Add to this the fact that in past ODIs Aus haven't been fielding their proper bowling lineup, always resting Cummins, Starc and Hazlewood. Who should Aus pick as captain? My pick is Maxwell. Who should be in the lineup? I would pick the following:
Warner, Head, Smith, S Marsh, Maxwell(c), Finch, Wade(+), Starc, Cummins, Zampa, Richardson
I know that dropping Hazlewood and playing Finch in the middle might be a bit controversial, but this is what I think would make the best team. Some firepower up the top, stability at 3 and 4, 3 part time spin options to supplement the bowlers, firepower in the middle (though I might swap Finch for Short).
I think AUS have a chance but not because of Smith, he is an good ODI player but not elite and does quite badly in difficult conditions (33 average in England/Wales, 11 average in New Zealand and overall average 32 away from home). Probably keep Finch as captian, Maxwell doesn't really have the attitude to be an international captain since the role is more that just what you do on the field.
Title: Re: World Cup 2019
Post by: Sine on April 15, 2019, 05:35:20 pm
Australia's WC squad was announced today.
Squad: Aaron Finch (c), Jason Behrendorff, Alex Carey (wk), Nathan Coulter-Nile, Pat Cummins, Usman Khawaja, Nathan Lyon, Shaun Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Jhye Richardson, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, David Warner, Adam Zampa

 A couple of surprisings exclusions imo (Hazlewood and Handscomb).

Any thoughts on the squad and potentially the playing XI/batting order?

Title: Re: World Cup 2019
Post by: Joseph41 on April 15, 2019, 05:53:48 pm
I reckon Handscomb is stiff but not sure who he'd replace, really.
Title: Re: World Cup 2019
Post by: Sine on April 15, 2019, 09:37:38 pm
I reckon Handscomb is stiff but not sure who he'd replace, really.
I thought AUS might need a 2nd choice wicket-keeper - as far as I can see there isn't another keeper or at least a part-time keeper.

Carey is a probably better wicket-keeper but Handscomb a much better batsmen. Although, conditions may have played a big role in the choice too - in an Asian world cup Handscomb would've definitely been selected.

Also I would've had Hazlewood over both NCN and Behrendorff.
Title: Re: World Cup 2019
Post by: Quantum44 on April 15, 2019, 10:15:47 pm
Australia's WC squad was announced today.
Squad: Aaron Finch (c), Jason Behrendorff, Alex Carey (wk), Nathan Coulter-Nile, Pat Cummins, Usman Khawaja, Nathan Lyon, Shaun Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Jhye Richardson, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, David Warner, Adam Zampa

 A couple of surprisings exclusions imo (Hazlewood and Handscomb).

Any thoughts on the squad and potentially the playing XI/batting order?



The squad looks pretty solid. I can understand why Hazlewood is not included as he hasn’t played much ODI cricket recently and Is still injured, so they are probably saving him for the Ashes. Handscomb definitely did not deserve to miss out though, and I’d almost rather have him over Marsh or even Stoinis given his recent form. Could’ve probably done without one of NCN/Behrendorff as we have enough bowlers.

Top XI for me:
1. Finch (c) - Both him and Khawaja have very good form at the top of the order so it makes sense for them to be the openers
2. Khawaja
3. Warner
4. Smith
5. Stoinis - Would replace with Marsh if he doesn’t perform as we need may need the batting depth over the extra seam option
6. Maxwell
7. Carey (wk) - Hopefully he can provide good value as a lower-order hitter given Handscomb could’ve been our keeper
8, Cummins
9. Starc
10. Richardson - Provided he isn’t still injured and we don’t want an extra spin option
11. Zampa
Title: Re: World Cup 2019
Post by: howey on April 16, 2019, 05:46:47 pm
Handscomb stiff, I probably would have picked him over Marsh but can see why they went with Marsh.
I would've had Hazelwood over NCN, but wouldn't have had either of them in the XI so not too fussed.
Title: Re: World Cup 2019
Post by: Joseph41 on April 16, 2019, 05:48:19 pm
Handscomb stiff, I probably would have picked him over Marsh but can see why they went with Marsh.
I would've had Hazelwood over NCN, but wouldn't have had either of them in the XI so not too fussed.

I reckon Marsh is underrated in ODIs. Agree on Hazlewood.
Title: Re: World Cup 2019
Post by: Sine on April 16, 2019, 06:42:17 pm
Yeah most people are quite harsh on S.Marsh. has a solid career ODI average (and a extremely good recent average over past two years)

During the past two series it was also a bit unfair on Handscomb. Whenever Australia got a good start from the top three on good batting pitches they often sent in Maxwell/Stoinis but when they were two down for not much or just average starts Handscomb had to go in. Obviously strategic but didn't give him much of an opportunity to boost those stats.
Title: Re: World Cup 2019
Post by: howey on April 16, 2019, 06:54:03 pm
I agree, although Handscomb's stats were still pretty good in that time. Average of ~50, Strike Rate of ~100 - can't do much more than that.
Title: Re: World Cup 2019
Post by: Quantum44 on April 16, 2019, 10:34:02 pm
Yeah most people are quite harsh on S.Marsh. has a solid career ODI average (and a extremely good recent average over past two years)

During the past two series it was also a bit unfair on Handscomb. Whenever Australia got a good start from the top three on good batting pitches they often sent in Maxwell/Stoinis but when they were two down for not much or just average starts Handscomb had to go in. Obviously strategic but didn't give him much of an opportunity to boost those stats.

Smarsh is a good ODI player and has a solid track record in English conditions, however we have quite a few players who are slow at starting their innings, so having a player like Handscomb who can get going quickly could be advantageous in maintaining the run rate during the middle overs.
Title: Re: World Cup 2019
Post by: Sine on April 17, 2019, 01:14:06 am
I agree, although Handscomb's stats were still pretty good in that time. Average of ~50, Strike Rate of ~100 - can't do much more than that.
hmm sure about those stats? I have the average at 41 and strike rate high 90s still great for a middle order batsmen though.

Smarsh is a good ODI player and has a solid track record in English conditions, however we have quite a few players who are slow at starting their innings, so having a player like Handscomb who can get going quickly could be advantageous in maintaining the run rate during the middle overs.
Yeah definitely, not expecting him to be part of playing team - he is ideally suited to playing in the top 3 positions but we already have 3 in form players there right now.
Title: Re: World Cup 2019
Post by: Yertle the Turtle on April 17, 2019, 01:20:20 pm
Definitely surprised by the Handscomb exclusion, I thought he would not only make the squad, but maybe should have made the XI over Smith, but there you are. I'm sort of left feeling that Australia have left themselves open to trouble by lacking a backup keeper, as well as a player who can either accumulate or attack, which Handscomb can fill also. I can see the reasoning behind the Hazlewood exclusion, but would have personally picked Behrendorff over NCN, based partially on injury issues. I expect the opening XI to be as follows:
Warner, Finch (c), Khawaja, Smith, Maxwell, Stoinis, Carey (+), Cummins, Zampa, Starc, Richardson/NCN (depending on Richardson's shoulder)

Any thoughts on Burns not getting a contract, by the way? I thought he was a likely opener for the Ashes, but maybe they've penned Warner in already. Also, any thoughts on Maxi's bowling of late... :)
Title: Re: World Cup 2019
Post by: Joseph41 on April 17, 2019, 01:42:54 pm
Definitely surprised by the Handscomb exclusion, I thought he would not only make the squad, but maybe should have made the XI over Smith, but there you are. I'm sort of left feeling that Australia have left themselves open to trouble by lacking a backup keeper, as well as a player who can either accumulate or attack, which Handscomb can fill also. I can see the reasoning behind the Hazlewood exclusion, but would have personally picked Behrendorff over NCN, based partially on injury issues. I expect the opening XI to be as follows:
Warner, Finch (c), Khawaja, Smith, Maxwell, Stoinis, Carey (+), Cummins, Zampa, Starc, Richardson/NCN (depending on Richardson's shoulder)

Any thoughts on Burns not getting a contract, by the way? I thought he was a likely opener for the Ashes, but maybe they've penned Warner in already. Also, any thoughts on Maxi's bowling of late... :)

From memory you were a pretty big Smith fan. Why would you imagine Handscomb would play ahead of him? Lack of match fitness? If so, why not the case for Warner?
Title: Re: World Cup 2019
Post by: howey on April 17, 2019, 04:30:20 pm
hmm sure about those stats? I have the average at 41 and strike rate high 90s still great for a middle order batsmen though.
Yeah sorry you're right, stats I read were average of 43.5 this year and SR of 98. Not quite aa good as I claimed, although still pretty solid.

I would have had him over Marsh because I think he'd be a better no.4, and honestly that's the only spot that may be half-open in the Aussie batting lineup right now (although if Smith is our weakest link, I'm pretty happy with that).
Title: Re: World Cup 2019
Post by: Joseph41 on April 17, 2019, 04:31:27 pm
What are people's thoughts on Carey? It's the most logical selection I guess given recent caps, but in many ways I think I'd prefer Wade.
Title: Re: World Cup 2019
Post by: Sine on April 17, 2019, 05:29:13 pm
I believe Australia would never drop Smith (at least for a while) but he has basically made his way into the team based on his name and Test batting legacy alone. In comparison Warner has actually been performing very well in the domestic leagues. I'm not a fan of extrapolating between formats but it's the only games we have now.

Pretty ironic that Smith was dropped last night by his IPL team days after being picked for the WC(and they replaced him with Ashton Turner).

Turner got a first ball duck tho  :'(

What are people's thoughts on Carey? It's the most logical selection I guess given recent caps, but in many ways I think I'd prefer Wade.
I wouldn't say i'm the biggest fan but that maybe because I haven't watched too much of him. It would be ideal that the wk is also a specialist batsmen (something you could say for wade/handscomb but not carey imo). I'd probably go wade over him too - whilst his ODI record isn't great he is currently in form domestically.

Title: Re: World Cup 2019
Post by: turinturambar on April 18, 2019, 12:47:53 am
If we were talking Ashes, I'd pick Smith over Warner - but as we're talking ODIs, I'd pick Warner over Smith, and the latest numbers from IPL certainly back that.  Last year when Australia were doing badly with the bat it seemed reasonable to gamble on Smith and Warner walking back in and doing as well if not better.  Now that Australia have come together in the last couple of series, I no longer think Smith and Warner can walk back in without a body of runs behind them. They were told to go to the IPL and get runs - Warner has, by and large Smith hasn't.

So at the moment I don't think Smith should be in the starting XI, though it wouldn't surprise me if he is (and if he is, he could well perform decently - but I just don't think we can bet on him in ODIs like we can in Tests. In them, he is good, not great).  So on current form my top 4 would probably be Finch, Khawaja, Warner, Handscomb, and so I do think Handscomb is hard done by (I thought he'd at least sneak into the squad as backup keeper - though apparently he'll be on the Aus A tour and available to substitute if Carey is badly injured so long as there's enough notice).
Title: Re: World Cup 2019
Post by: Yertle the Turtle on April 18, 2019, 08:23:38 am
From memory you were a pretty big Smith fan. Why would you imagine Handscomb would play ahead of him? Lack of match fitness? If so, why not the case for Warner?
Handscomb is the in-form player at the moment, he has had a great summer in ODIs and I think therefore he deserves this spot over someone who doesn't appear to be in the best short format form at the moment.
Title: Re: World Cup 2019
Post by: howey on April 23, 2019, 04:40:12 pm
What are people's thoughts on Carey? It's the most logical selection I guess given recent caps, but in many ways I think I'd prefer Wade.

Agree with this, to be honest. Think Wade is a better bat, and I don't think the keeping aspect is as important in ODIs as in test matches (although Wade is still a solid enough keeper). Maybe Carey is a 'better bloke' or whatever the criteria is these days.
Title: Re: World Cup 2019
Post by: turinturambar on May 26, 2019, 08:19:42 pm
The World Cup is almost on us now, and Australia's form is hopefully peaking at the right time.
I'm going to make the almost entirely non-bold prediction that the World Cup will be won by a team whose name starts with a vowel.
I'd like it to be Australia, but still think England are slight favourites, and the last two World Cups have been won by a home team...
Title: Re: World Cup 2019
Post by: Sine on May 31, 2019, 05:42:31 pm
England are clear favourites with India and Aus behind them.
So I would say right now
Tier 1: England
Tier 2: Australia/India
Tier 3: Pakistan/New Zealand/South Africa
Tier 3.5: West Indies,  Sri Lanka
Tier 4: Bangladesh, Afghanistan
Title: Re: World Cup 2019
Post by: Ozziedabeast on May 31, 2019, 05:52:37 pm
England are clear favourites with India and Aus behind them.
So I would say right now
Tier 1: England
Tier 2: Australia/India
Tier 3: Pakistan/New Zealand/South Africa
Tier 3.5: West Indies,  Sri Lanka
Tier 4: Bangladesh, Afghanistan
I agree, England are the best team in the World Cup, plus at home they should be clear favourites, but I’m expecting a semi final choke from them.. Australia vs India or South Africa (despite losing last night) for me
Title: Re: World Cup 2019
Post by: Joseph41 on May 31, 2019, 06:19:09 pm
Hard to disagree significantly. I haven't seen Stokes' catch yet - apparently a ripper?
Title: Re: World Cup 2019
Post by: Ozziedabeast on May 31, 2019, 07:13:26 pm
Hard to disagree significantly. I haven't seen Stokes' catch yet - apparently a ripper?
Yeah it was unreal - one of the best I’ve seen
Title: Re: World Cup 2019
Post by: Ionic Doc on May 31, 2019, 07:13:54 pm
Hard to disagree significantly. I haven't seen Stokes' catch yet - apparently a ripper?

Honestly I feel bad for  'Andile Phehlukwayo', it was a pretty good hit, going for a 6

but than 

outta nowhere Ben STOKES with the flying one - handed catch  ( crowd goes wild )

' apparently a catch of the century' - hard to disagree with that
Title: Re: World Cup 2019
Post by: fun_jirachi on May 31, 2019, 09:39:43 pm
Wanting Aus to win, but I think Buttler + England will be Player of the Tournament/Winners

Stokes' catch was pretty damn good, but he misjudged it first, so it had to be spectacular. He could've made it easier, but not to take anything away, that was bloody stunning.

But here's some food for though: For all the talk of this being a batting tournament, two teams have been knocked over already (*SA* vs Eng and *Pak* vs WI [**team that got bowled out]). Also a note: Pakistan got bowled out at the place where Australia was tonked for 481/6.

Thoughts?
Title: Re: World Cup 2019
Post by: turinturambar on June 01, 2019, 12:50:43 am
England are clear favourites with India and Aus behind them.
So I would say right now
Tier 1: England
Tier 2: Australia/India
Tier 3: Pakistan/New Zealand/South Africa
Tier 3.5: West Indies,  Sri Lanka
Tier 4: Bangladesh, Afghanistan

I think once you get to the semi-finals it can be anyone's tournament (just two more wins...) - but England, Australia, and India have a higher chance of making the semis.  If say West Indies or Pakistan actually make the semis, they can be intermittently brilliant enough that I wouldn't want to bet against them winning it...
Title: Re: World Cup 2019
Post by: Joseph41 on June 01, 2019, 11:57:24 am
How good is regular cricket, though?
Title: Re: World Cup 2019
Post by: Sine on June 01, 2019, 06:51:30 pm
I think once you get to the semi-finals it can be anyone's tournament (just two more wins...) - but England, Australia, and India have a higher chance of making the semis.  If say West Indies or Pakistan actually make the semis, they can be intermittently brilliant enough that I wouldn't want to bet against them winning it...
definitely out of my lower ranked teams I would say the West Indies have the biggest X-factor and if their batting unit can get into form they can beat anyone.
Title: Re: World Cup 2019
Post by: Joseph41 on June 06, 2019, 10:26:18 pm
Showing good fight here, the Aussies. Smith particularly. We've really missed him.
Title: Re: World Cup 2019
Post by: Ozziedabeast on June 06, 2019, 11:45:52 pm
Showing good fight here, the Aussies. Smith particularly. We've really missed him.
Really important knock from Smith.
Even better from Coulter-Nile, wow!
Title: Re: World Cup 2019
Post by: Joseph41 on June 07, 2019, 07:50:35 am
Really important knock from Smith.
Even better from Coulter-Nile, wow!

I saw maybe the first 15-20 balls of Coulter-Nile's innings before I went to bed and he looked super scratchy. Could have been dismissed on several occasions.

Must have been an amazing innings. Cricket's a funny game.
Title: Re: World Cup 2019
Post by: Sine on June 07, 2019, 12:10:25 pm
Definitely one of the best game so far in terms of competitivrness howevet I only watched a small portion of it.

From all accounts the umpiring was horrible WI had to get 4 decisions overturned in their innings and the ball before Gayle was out was a no ball so should've been a free hit.
Title: Re: World Cup 2019
Post by: Joseph41 on June 07, 2019, 12:29:14 pm
Definitely one of the best game so far in terms of competitivrness howevet I only watched a small portion of it.

From all accounts the umpiring was horrible WI had to get 4 decisions overturned in their innings and the ball before Gayle was out was a no ball so should've been a free hit.

Yeah I heard about that. Was it meant to be a front-foot no ball? I have no idea why that's still the responsibility of field umpires. Makes no sense IMO.
Title: Re: World Cup 2019
Post by: Sine on June 07, 2019, 12:37:00 pm
Yeah I heard about that. Was it meant to be a front-foot no ball? I have no idea why that's still the responsibility of field umpires. Makes no sense IMO.
front-foot no ball huge step over the line so not like it was close
Title: Re: World Cup 2019
Post by: Joseph41 on June 07, 2019, 12:44:24 pm
front-foot no ball huge step over the line so not like it was close

Yeah, crazy. Could have had a huge impact on the game.

Again, considering the technology available, makes no sense to me that it's the responsibility of the on-field umpire. What do you think?
Title: Re: World Cup 2019
Post by: Sine on June 07, 2019, 04:59:00 pm
Yeah, crazy. Could have had a huge impact on the game.

Again, considering the technology available, makes no sense to me that it's the responsibility of the on-field umpire. What do you think?
Definitely, agree it shouldn't be the on-field umpires responsibility. They could easily be checking it upstairs after every ball not sure why they haven't moved to this. Apparently a couple of years ago they even tested this in a couple of ODIs.

Title: Re: World Cup 2019
Post by: Joseph41 on June 07, 2019, 05:06:47 pm
Definitely, agree it shouldn't be the on-field umpires responsibility. They could easily be checking it upstairs after every ball not sure why they haven't moved to this. Apparently a couple of years ago they even tested this in a couple of ODIs.



Frustrates me no end when they selectively check for front-foot no balls after a wicket's been taken. It's silly.
Title: Re: World Cup 2019
Post by: Sine on June 11, 2019, 08:40:32 pm
Too much rain for this WC  :(
Title: Re: World Cup 2019
Post by: Joseph41 on June 11, 2019, 08:56:29 pm
Mitch Marsh being flown in as cover for Stoinis. Interesting.
Title: Re: World Cup 2019
Post by: Joseph41 on June 25, 2019, 05:50:00 pm
Some really close games recently. Top four still looks like it'll be New Zealand/Australia/India/England, but might not have been the case had some results gone the other way.

Really looking forward to tonight's game. Anybody have any thoughts at this stage?
Title: Re: World Cup 2019
Post by: fun_jirachi on June 25, 2019, 06:48:16 pm
For all the talk about 500 being reached this World Cup, we haven't even cracked 400, with only four scores above 350 I believe from reading an ESPN article, while from memory I think scores under 250 have been defended twice. Just some food for thought.

I'm really enjoying following these close games actually, WI vs NZ was particularly good (really feel for Braithwaite), and it's a far cry from WI vs Pak at the start of the tournament. I feel as though ICC is finally getting the 'justification' for a 10 team WC they want, excluding more Associate Nations.

Some really close games recently. Top four still looks like it'll be New Zealand/Australia/India/England, but might not have been the case had some results gone the other way.

Interesting that you think this. I'm genuinely considering the fact that if, after today (hopefully) Australia win, England might not make the semi-finals with India and NZ to come. I feel as though even with the return of Jason Roy, Chahal, Kuldeep and Bumrah will pose some problems to the English batting lineup. It's very likely that if Australia win (when they do they effectively guarantee a semi-final berth) Bangladesh might yet again sneak through at the expense of England (and if they're lucky enough SL). I think India should finish top of the table given England's stutters and NZ should be a lock.

Definitely hyped for tonight's game, all the press coverage and stuff on ESPN makes everything even more exciting. Hard to believe that this only the second 'Big Four' game with NZ vs India getting washed-out.

Last thing: What do you think of SA's early exit? They've never not made the knockout stage since their return I think in 1992.
Title: Re: World Cup 2019
Post by: Sine on June 25, 2019, 06:55:10 pm
Some really close games recently. Top four still looks like it'll be New Zealand/Australia/India/England, but might not have been the case had some results gone the other way.

Really looking forward to tonight's game. Anybody have any thoughts at this stage?
Top 3 cemented imo England's spot very likely but still in doubt - which is surprising since they have been the best ODI team since the last world cup and also have the home ground advantage. 

Also, England's last 3 games are possible losses since they are playing the top 3 teams (Aus/NZ/Ind) but a positive for them is that they probably only need 1 win and then barring any big upset they should make it.


Last thing: What do you think of SA's early exit? They've never not made the knockout stage since their return I think in 1992.
Given the team they have, it should be unexpected that they aren't even competing for 4th - I would've had them finishing probably 5th-6th. However, it's pretty common for SA not to live up to their abilities under pressure and when it actually matters (Re: basically every single world cup although in the 1992 semi they got robbed.)


Title: Re: World Cup 2019
Post by: Joseph41 on June 26, 2019, 08:09:18 am
Okay, yeah, England might be in a bit of trouble.
Title: Re: World Cup 2019
Post by: Sine on June 26, 2019, 05:54:52 pm
That Stoinis run out was probably one of the worst dismissals I've seen
Title: Re: World Cup 2019
Post by: fun_jirachi on June 26, 2019, 06:20:42 pm
That Stoinis run out was probably one of the worst dismissals I've seen

Worst dismissal I've ever seen live, by a long shot. I'm not even sure what went down, and I've skipped over that dismissal in all the highlight reels I've watched.

Still glad Australia came out on top though, I remember Australia being 162/1 after 30 overs and expecting them to make 324 (doubling their 30 over score) and being sorely disappointed when they only made 285. I was nearly certain England was going to win when I went to bed during the innings break. I woke up randomly at 3am to find England 9 down for 200-odd and was genuinely surprised. Michael Clarke said on match review that Australia still haven't hit peak form in any of the three disciplines so I'm excited to see what's to come :D

Okay, yeah, England might be in a bit of trouble.

Tonight's game should be a cracker though: while I'd obviously like to see New Zealand win and make it to the semis, a Pakistan win would certainly make England's semifinal spot a bit more of stretch. These last 12 games are looking very promising :) And four teams can potentially oust England out of a semifinal spot; only SA and Afghanistan have been ruled out at this point. Can't use the c-word on England since they're not South Africa but this is getting a bit repetitive now, English form at World Cups :D
Title: Re: World Cup 2019
Post by: turinturambar on June 26, 2019, 08:26:38 pm
Okay, yeah, England might be in a bit of trouble.

They're still fourth on the points table - but definitely have more difficult matches than some of their competitors.  I was impressed by their fabled batting depth when they beat the West Indies easily in spite of both Roy and Morgan being injured.  But it hasn't gone too great for them since then.  I expected them to top the points table, not to be facing possible elimination.  The loss against Pakistan wasn't too terrible, but the loss against Sri Lanka was pretty bad...

I think India, Australia, and NZ are pretty comfortable semi-finalists. I'd quite like Bangladesh to be the fourth, both because Shakib's been playing amazingly and because it would be the perfect conclusion to England's quest for ODI relevance after being eliminated from the 2015 WC by Bangladesh...

The washouts were a pity - NZ-India probably won't make much difference to the semis, but it would have been good to see who could win out of Pak-SL and Bang-SL.  I was also hoping Afghanistan could beat India - they had a decent chance up till the last few overs.

Good to see Australia going fairly well.  Hope to see us win the final two matches, though NZ could be a tough contest.  At least we have a (non-brat) No 1 tennis player backing us :)
Title: Re: World Cup 2019
Post by: Joseph41 on June 26, 2019, 09:40:44 pm
Shaheen bowling bullets. Incredible spell.
Title: Re: World Cup 2019
Post by: Sine on July 07, 2019, 12:01:05 pm
Time to move on from Maxwell he probably gets the most opportunity from the AUS middle order. E.g. coming in at 200/2, on a flat pitch but protected down the order when it is tough You can't really afford to use a place based on "reputation" that has never been good under pressure and unable to read the game situation.

Also, NZ definitely very lucky to make the top four given they never beat the other 4 teams in the top 5 - but they will get a chance against IND now (which was washed out).
Title: Re: World Cup 2019
Post by: Joseph41 on July 07, 2019, 12:39:28 pm
Last night could actually be a pretty costly loss.
Title: Re: World Cup 2019
Post by: turinturambar on July 11, 2019, 12:05:41 am
Time to move on from Maxwell he probably gets the most opportunity from the AUS middle order. E.g. coming in at 200/2, on a flat pitch but protected down the order when it is tough You can't really afford to use a place based on "reputation" that has never been good under pressure and unable to read the game situation.

I agree Maxi has been disappointing during the World Cup. Carey has been playing the innings Maxi should have been playing.  However, in the lead-up to the Cup he put in the performances he needed in India and Pakistan, making enough runs at a higher strike rate than anyone else to give Australia a good finish.  In fact, in spite of poor World Cup numbers he's still averaging 34 at a strike rate of 134 for the calendar year, which isn't terrible.  Australia are also relying on him to share fifth-bowler duties with Stoinis, and he was getting wickets earlier in the year, though unfortunately again not during the World Cup.  Plus they like his fielding.

I'm hoping that he makes sure he gets two more games in the World Cup and proves himself in both.  Australia needs an in-form Maxi to balance their current side.  2015 was a breakout World Cup for him, and I'd been hoping that in 2019 he could show again what he brings to the table.

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Also, NZ definitely very lucky to make the top four given they never beat the other 4 teams in the top 5 - but they will get a chance against IND now (which was washed out).

And NZ are through to the final.  Early wickets can come in very handy, as can an extra day to reduce the chance of a washout.  Though I was just thinking that if India - NZ hadn't been washed out and NZ had lost it, they would have been eliminated...

Hopefully we have a rematch of the 2015 final in store (including the final result ;) ).  Good luck to Australia against England!
Title: Re: World Cup 2019
Post by: Sine on July 11, 2019, 12:25:07 am
I agree Maxi has been disappointing during the World Cup. Carey has been playing the innings Maxi should have been playing.  However, in the lead-up to the Cup he put in the performances he needed in India and Pakistan, making enough runs at a higher strike rate than anyone else to give Australia a good finish.  In fact, in spite of poor World Cup numbers he's still averaging 34 at a strike rate of 134 for the calendar year, which isn't terrible.  Australia are also relying on him to share fifth-bowler duties with Stoinis, and he was getting wickets earlier in the year, though unfortunately again not during the World Cup.  Plus they like his fielding.

I'm hoping that he makes sure he gets two more games in the World Cup and proves himself in both.  Australia needs an in-form Maxi to balance their current side.  2015 was a breakout World Cup for him, and I'd been hoping that in 2019 he could show again what he brings to the table.

And NZ are through to the final.  Early wickets can come in very handy, as can an extra day to reduce the chance of a washout.  Though I was just thinking that if India - NZ hadn't been washed out and NZ had lost it, they would have been eliminated...

Hopefully we have a rematch of the 2015 final in store (including the final result ;) ).  Good luck to Australia against England!
hmm on paper maxwell had a great world cup in 2015 but if you go back and look at the situations he was under there was no pressure/easy conditions, looking at his scores over 25 in the 2015 world cup three of them came when Aus scored (342, 417, 376) and the final one was chasing 200 (coming in with 150 scored) - just looking at the summary stats can be quite deceptive
So far this world cup we have seen whenever the pitch isn't a road or the other team is bowling well he can't stay at the crease.

Anyway, they will probably persist with him so hopefully, he can come good.

Interestingly, Kohli is also a player who has some problems with world cup pressure - averages 12 in knockout WorldCup games he will definitely get another WorldCup to fix this though.

EDIT: Handscomb confirmed to be in the playing XI for the semi-final :)




Title: Re: World Cup 2019
Post by: Joseph41 on July 11, 2019, 05:02:44 am
Huge performance from New Zealand.
Title: Re: World Cup 2019
Post by: fun_jirachi on July 11, 2019, 05:56:36 pm
Huge performance from New Zealand.

This is also coming off the back of literally no-one giving them a chance after being 211/5 after the first day (be honest, you didn't either). It was a clinical performance and would've been a repeat of the warm-up game had Jadeja not played the match of his career. Middle-order problems emerged yet again for India but there's a few positives for them: Pandya can bowl his quota of 10 overs pretty damn well, Pant is looking promising (and he's still 21), Bumrah + Kohli + Rohit still have plenty of years left and the top 3 keep coming through. What a momentum changer, this is what I call a semifinal :)

And the post-match memes are absolute gold; NZ shitposting pages went wild.  eg this fine specimen
Spoiler
(https://i.imgur.com/ucwUCRo.jpg)

Tonight's game should be a cracker though; left-arm pace vs England's batting order, Smith should be batting at No.3 again (we all know from 2015 SF vs Ind what he can do from there), Roy back again, Woakes in the Powerplay, and possibly more lower-order class from Carey.
Title: Re: World Cup 2019
Post by: Joseph41 on July 11, 2019, 07:39:10 pm
Finch done first ball. Yikes.
Title: Re: World Cup 2019
Post by: Sine on July 11, 2019, 07:45:05 pm
another one....  hopefully the moment isn't too big for Handscomb in his first game
Title: Re: World Cup 2019
Post by: Joseph41 on July 11, 2019, 07:55:00 pm
Gee this looks some tough batting.
Title: Re: World Cup 2019
Post by: Springyboy on July 11, 2019, 07:58:06 pm
Yikes
Title: Re: World Cup 2019
Post by: Joseph41 on July 11, 2019, 08:10:36 pm
Big yikes. Hope Carey is okay. Good instinct to protect his stumps from the helmet.
Title: Re: World Cup 2019
Post by: thenuttyprofessor on July 11, 2019, 09:09:41 pm
Good work from these two. Keep the score ticking over until Stoinis/Maxwell come in around the 40th. Not sure about Maxi's form though.
Title: Re: World Cup 2019
Post by: Joseph41 on July 11, 2019, 09:27:31 pm
Really impressive partnership.
Title: Re: World Cup 2019
Post by: turinturambar on July 12, 2019, 02:22:16 am
And there it is - Australia has been eliminated, with England making the victory look pretty easy.  They've done well to overcome mid-tournament stumbles and qualify for the final, and now I hope that they justify the "tournament favourite" tag I gave them before the World Cup began.  And then that we thrash them in the Ashes ;)
Title: Re: World Cup 2019
Post by: Joseph41 on July 12, 2019, 08:07:05 am
Well, that didn't go quite as hoped.
Title: Re: World Cup 2019
Post by: Sine on July 12, 2019, 12:37:54 pm
Tbf it was a decent tournament for Australia given we have had a very bad last couple of years and only got in a few good results in the last two ODI series - also just matching up player to player the team's England's is stronger.

Disappointing to see bad sportsmanship by Roy by arguing for a minute after being given out, it's understandable that he is frustrated but DRS is there for a reason and really should be saved for those type of calls - not trying to overturn 50/50 decisions.
Title: Re: World Cup 2019
Post by: fun_jirachi on July 15, 2019, 08:12:20 am
Would've posted 3 hours ago right after the game but I was so cooked from staying up and from all the tension because bloody hell that was a World Cup Final (unlike say 1999 or 2015). Nutty result, no winner even after the Super Over, and decided on boundaries scored (which is pretty damned stupid imo)

Coming out from this World Cup there are a few big questions:
- Where do SA go from here?
- Are Australia actually going to keep improving to the England/India level?
- How does NZ get the consistency in batting to support their world-class bowling attack
- Will Afghanistan finally consistently beating Test sides, or will it stick to beating Associate Nations for fun (it's currently on a mezzanine sorta level)
- Have SL passed their peak with Sangakkara, Jayawardena et al.
- What will Bangladesh do once their Big Five move on
- How do England/India get bigger and better
- Lastly how will the young guns of WI (Hope, Thomas, Hetmyer and Pooran) fare in the near future

More importantly, the what ifs from the final, which could've turned the result:
- What if Santner ran on the last ball of the NZ innings
- What if Boult caught the ball in the 49th over
- What if the ball didn't bounce off Stokes' bat

What are your thoughts on the final?
Title: Re: World Cup 2019
Post by: Joseph41 on July 15, 2019, 08:26:35 am
My thoughts?

Wow.

EDIT: To elaborate, I'm disappointed for New Zealand and wanted them to win.
Title: Re: World Cup 2019
Post by: Sine on July 15, 2019, 12:27:37 pm
surely one of the best ODIs ever

Gotta feel sorry for NZ - I think many could make the argument that they "deserved" to win more. Lost fewer wickets on the way to 241 and 4 overthrows in the final over after the ball hits Stokes' bat.

The boundary rule is so arbitrary - other than maybe the entertainment of the crowd there is no extra value to boundaries.
I would've much prefer the rules to award joint winners after the super over or just have another super over.
I think the ICC is lucky that NZ was on the receiving end - I don't see many countries taking it as well as they did.

Title: Re: World Cup 2019
Post by: Joseph41 on July 15, 2019, 12:46:44 pm
Agree on all points above. I honestly had absolutely no idea about the boundary rule. Don't like it.
Title: Re: World Cup 2019
Post by: turinturambar on July 15, 2019, 09:41:16 pm
I'm going to make the almost entirely non-bold prediction that the World Cup will be won by a team whose name starts with a vowel.
I'd like it to be Australia, but still think England are slight favourites, and the last two World Cups have been won by a home team...

Well, I had a few nervous moments, but I guess I'm pleased that my non-bold prediction came off.
Seriously, though, in spite of me joking that it might be amusing if they didn't qualify for the semis, they were my second choice team after Australia.  They have been the best team since WC2015 and deserved to win a home world cup.

The boundary rule is so arbitrary - other than maybe the entertainment of the crowd there is no extra value to boundaries.
I would've much prefer the rules to award joint winners after the super over or just have another super over.

That rule is a bit weird. I thought it was the team that was higher on the points table (or was that for the semis?). Which rule would also have given it to England.
I agree with you that joint winner would be the fairest outcome. As Djokovic said at much the same time, there are some matches where according to the rules someone's got to win, but no-one deserves to lose.