Scotland Aim for Historic ODI Series Win Over Australia

Scotland Aim for Historic ODI Series Win Over Australia

Scotland, buoyed by their impressive performance against Australia at the T20 World Cup, are determined to make history by securing their first-ever ODI series victory over the formidable Aussies.

In the T20 World Cup, Scotland pushed Australia to the brink, with a win potentially eliminating England from the tournament. Despite falling short, the Scots believe they have the potential to go even further in the upcoming three-match ODI series in Edinburgh.

Australia’s inexperienced squad, coupled with Scotland’s home advantage and three games in four days, presents a golden opportunity for the hosts. Left-arm spinner Mark Watt expressed their ambition to not only win a game but to claim the entire series.

“We’re after a little bit of blood this week,” Watt said. “We can take inspiration from the T20 World Cup, but we also have a point to prove. We believe we should have won that game and gone further. We got close, but we’re disappointed we didn’t win.”

Scotland’s squad remains unchanged from the T20 World Cup, with the addition of pace bowler Charlie Cassell, who made a sensational ODI debut with a seven-wicket haul against Oman.

“It’s a great opportunity for our players to share the field with world-class players,” said Scotland head coach Doug Watson. “We want to compete and push this Australia team. Our goal is to win this series.”

Scotland’s success in hosting Australia is a testament to their resilience, as Ireland was initially scheduled to host the series but faced financial constraints. The last time Australia played a bilateral match against Scotland was in 2013, where Aaron Finch and Shaun Marsh shared a record-breaking opening partnership.

Despite their impressive performances, Scotland remains frustrated by the limited opportunities they have to face top-tier nations outside of global events.

“It’s frustrating we don’t get the opportunities to play the big boys,” said Michael Leask. “We would take any opportunity, because the more high-quality cricket we get, the better we get.”

Scotland’s determination and home advantage make them a formidable opponent for Australia. The series promises to be a thrilling contest, with the Scots eager to prove their worth and secure a historic victory.

Australia Unveils Settled Squad for T20 World Cup Title Defense

Australia Unveils Settled Squad for T20 World Cup Title Defense

Australia’s women’s cricket team has unveiled its 15-player squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup, which has been relocated to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from Bangladesh. The squad, led by Alyssa Healy, features a blend of experience and youth, with the aim of securing a fourth consecutive T20 title.

Darcie Brown, who has recovered from a stress fracture of the foot, has earned a spot in the team, providing Australia with an additional pace option alongside Tayla Vlaeminck. Phoebe Litchfield, a rising star, will make her World Cup debut.

The squad is largely unchanged from the one that toured Bangladesh earlier this year, with the notable absence of Jess Jonassen. Jonassen, a key member of Australia’s team for over a decade, has been left out of the World Cup for the first time when available for selection.

National selector Shawn Flegler expressed confidence in the squad’s stability and balance, highlighting the leadership qualities of Healy and Tahlia McGrath. He also praised Litchfield’s potential and the pace duo of Brown and Vlaeminck.

Regarding Jonassen’s omission, Flegler acknowledged her misfortune but emphasized that the door remains open for her to regain her place in the team during the upcoming season, which includes an Ashes series.

The squad named for the World Cup will also participate in three T20Is against New Zealand next month, with the addition of allrounder Heather Graham, who will not travel to the UAE.

Hazlewood Out of Scotland T20Is, Meredith Called Up

Hazlewood Out of Scotland T20Is, Meredith Called Up

Josh Hazlewood’s calf strain has ruled him out of Australia’s T20I series against Scotland next month, adding to the team’s injury woes. Riley Meredith has been called up as his replacement.

Hazlewood sustained the injury during training last week, and while it is described as minor, the selectors are likely to take a cautious approach ahead of a busy home summer that includes five Tests against India. He is expected to be available for the T20Is and ODIs against England later in September.

Meredith, who last played for Australia in 2021, has been in impressive form for Somerset in England’s white-ball competitions. He has taken 14 wickets in the T20 Blast and six in the one-day cup, including a match-winning 4 for 27 against Middlesex at Lord’s.

Hazlewood’s absence is the second blow to Australia’s pace attack, with Spencer Johnson also ruled out with a side strain. The pace attack for the Scotland series will now feature Meredith, Xavier Bartlett, Sean Abbott, and Nathan Ellis, alongside allrounders Cameron Green, Aaron Hardie, and Marcus Stoinis. Adam Zampa and the uncapped Cooper Connolly will provide the spin.

Hazlewood was the only one of Australia’s “big three” quicks initially included for the full tour of the UK. Mitchell Starc will feature in the ODIs against England, while Pat Cummins is missing the entire trip to focus on strength and conditioning ahead of the home summer.

“The priority at the moment is to smash out some gym work and start reassessing in a few weeks a path forward,” Cummins said last week. “I’m just trying to fill up the bucket again after two years of non-stop bowling. [Hoping] come that first Test [against India] in as good of a position as I have been in for a few years.”

Australia fly out to Scotland on Monday with the first T20I taking place in Edinburgh on September 4.

Scotland Call Up Cassell and Davidson for Australia T20I Series

Scotland Call Up Cassell and Davidson for Australia T20I Series

Scotland’s men’s cricket team has announced a 15-man squad for their upcoming T20I series against Australia in September. The series will mark the first time the two sides have met in a bilateral T20I series.

The squad includes 15 players who represented Scotland at the T20 World Cup in June, including captain Richie Berrington. Two new faces have been added to the squad: right-arm quick Charlie Cassell and medium pacer Jasper Davidson.

Cassell made a sensational start to his international career in July, taking 7 for 21 against Oman in the Cricket World Cup League 2. He has since played two ODIs for Scotland and featured in three One-Day Cup matches for Somerset.

Davidson also made his ODI debut against Oman in the CWC League 2, taking four wickets.

Scotland head coach Doug Watson said: “After coming into the squad at CWCL2 and doing so well, it’ll be great for Jasper and Charlie to have the experience of what it’s like playing against the best, in front of a fairly large crowd.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity to play one of the best teams in the world, and I’m pretty sure that our players won’t need any motivating for this series. It’s a great opportunity for them to share the field with world-class players. They’re wanting to put in some huge performances and compete, and really push this Australia team.”

Scotland will be aiming to win the series, which will be played at The Grange in Edinburgh on September 4, 6, and 7.

Fraser-McGurk Accepts World Cup Omission, Focuses on Future

Fraser-McGurk Accepts World Cup Omission, Focuses on Future

Rising star Jake Fraser-McGurk has expressed his understanding of his omission from Australia’s T20 World Cup squad, acknowledging that he had not yet earned a place in the final 15-man roster.

Despite his impressive performances in the Indian Premier League (IPL), where he smashed two 15-ball half-centuries, Fraser-McGurk was not selected for the World Cup. He admitted that the selectors had a clear plan and that he was not yet in a position to challenge the established players in the team.

“The communication was really good,” Fraser-McGurk said. “They probably had a good idea of what [the squad] was a month and a half ago, trying to build that and get the connection in the team.”

Fraser-McGurk praised the selectors’ decision to prioritize experienced players who provide flexibility in team combinations. He highlighted the presence of David Warner, Travis Head, and Mitch Marsh as key factors in his non-selection.

“I can’t really see myself batting five or six because we’re pretty set there with Tim David, Cam Green, and those sort of blokes,” he said. “That’s the way I think about it. That’s fine.”

Fraser-McGurk expressed his gratitude for the support he has received from Delhi Capitals coach Ricky Ponting, who has provided him with valuable batting advice. Ponting’s guidance has helped Fraser-McGurk improve his technique and swing at the ball with greater control.

“What he said to me that’s really stuck with me is ‘you hit the ball a lot further when you swing at 80% instead of 100%, you just have to find the middle and then it’ll go for six,'” Fraser-McGurk said.

Despite his disappointment at missing out on the World Cup, Fraser-McGurk remains optimistic about his future prospects. He hopes to gain experience as a traveling reserve and believes that his time will come to represent Australia in major tournaments.

Vaughan Predicts England, South Africa, Australia, West Indies for T20 World Cup Semi-Finals

Vaughan Predicts England, South Africa, Australia, West Indies for T20 World Cup Semi-Finals

Former England captain Michael Vaughan has predicted the four teams he believes will reach the semi-finals of the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup in the West Indies and USA. Vaughan’s picks include England, South Africa, Australia, and the West Indies.

England, the defending champions, have retained the core of their title-winning squad from 2022, with the notable addition of pace spearhead Jofra Archer, who returns from injury. The English squad also features rising stars like spinner Tom Hartley, batter Phil Salt, and opener Ben Duckett.

South Africa boasts a formidable batting lineup led by Quinton de Kock, Reeza Hendricks, Heinrich Klaasen, Aiden Markram, and David Miller. The team has also added in-form youngsters like Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, and Ottniel Baartman. Their bowling attack includes Anrich Nortje, Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, and Tabraiz Shamsi.

Australia has made some bold calls in their squad, omitting veteran batter Steve Smith and young sensation Jake Fraser McGurk. The team will be led by Mitchell Marsh and features a mix of experienced players like David Warner, Matthew Wade, and Glenn Maxwell, along with rising stars like Pat Cummins, Tim David, and Cameron Green.

The West Indies, who have yet to announce their squad, possess a dangerous batting lineup with Andre Russell, Shimron Hetmyer, Johson Charles, Nicholas Pooran, Rovman Powell, and Romario Shepherd. Their bowling attack is led by Alzarri Joseph, Obed McCoy, and Akeal Hosein.

Vaughan’s predictions have sparked debate among cricket fans, with some questioning the omission of India from his list of semi-finalists. India, the current T20I world champions, have a strong squad led by Rohit Sharma and featuring Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, and Hardik Pandya.

However, Vaughan’s picks are based on current form and team balance. England, South Africa, Australia, and the West Indies have all shown impressive performances in recent T20I series and have the potential to go deep into the tournament.

Tim Paine: Opposition Teams Welcome Steven Smith as Opener

Tim Paine: Opposition Teams Welcome Steven Smith as Opener

Former Australian captain Tim Paine believes that opposition teams will be delighted to see Steven Smith continue opening the batting, despite his underwhelming start in the role. However, Paine does not anticipate any changes to the batting order for the upcoming India series.

Paine remains optimistic about Smith’s ability to succeed as an opener, despite his struggles in New Zealand, where he managed only 51 runs at an average of 12.75. However, he acknowledges that Smith’s new position may not instill the same level of fear in bowlers.

“If I was playing against Australia, I would want Steve Smith to open the batting,” Paine said. “I want my best bowlers at their freshest with a brand new ball. When he was at his best batting at four, you just felt he couldn’t get out.”

Smith’s promotion to the top of the order has allowed Cameron Green to return to his preferred position at No. 4, where he impressed with an unbeaten 174 in the first Test at Wellington.

Head coach Andrew McDonald has defended Smith’s early returns, arguing that it is unfair to judge him based on just four Tests. Australia’s next Test assignment will be against India in late November, who could potentially field a formidable pace attack featuring Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, and Mohammed Siraj.

“I don’t think anything changes,” Paine said of Australia’s batting order. “Smith has earned the right to bat wherever he wants. If he is driven enough to be Australia’s Test opener, I think he’ll make it work.”

Ponting on Smith's T20 World Cup Chances and Australia's Captaincy

Ponting on Smith’s T20 World Cup Chances and Australia’s Captaincy

Ricky Ponting Weighs In on Steve Smith’s T20 World Cup Prospects and Australia’s Captaincy

ICC Hall of Famer Ricky Ponting has offered his insights on the potential inclusion of Steve Smith in Australia’s squad for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. Ponting also shared his views on who he believes should lead the team in the shortest format.

Speaking on The ICC Review, Ponting acknowledged Smith’s limited T20I appearances but highlighted his experience as a valuable asset for Australia. “You love having guys like him around because of the experience and the calming influence that you can have around a team during a World Cup,” Ponting said.

However, Ponting suggested that Smith might not secure a spot in the starting XI due to the team’s batting combinations. “But the other thing you always have to be mindful of is what role can he play? So I would think if Steve Smith does find his way into the squad, I don’t think he will be in the starting XI,” Ponting added.

On the topic of Australia’s T20 captaincy, Ponting expressed his support for all-rounder Mitchell Marsh. “I think he will (be T20I captain) and I think he deserves it as well as he has matured a lot as a player,” Ponting declared. “He’s certainly a leader of men…Leadership has always been in the back of the selectors’ minds as far as Mitchell Marsh is concerned.”

Ponting’s comments shed light on the strategic decisions facing Australia ahead of the T20 World Cup. Smith’s potential inclusion and Marsh’s captaincy candidacy are crucial considerations for the team’s success in the tournament.

Southee's Captaincy in Doubt as New Zealand's Australia Woes Continue

Southee’s Captaincy in Doubt as New Zealand’s Australia Woes Continue

Tim Southee’s captaincy and New Zealand’s winless streak against Australia were under scrutiny after a heartbreaking three-wicket loss in Christchurch. Southee admitted that his position as captain is vulnerable, especially considering the team’s upcoming tour to the subcontinent.

Southee’s form has been a concern, with the pacer taking only four wickets in the series. He acknowledged that the team’s spin-friendly conditions in Asia could lead to a change in the side’s composition.

Southee’s captaincy decisions were also questioned, particularly his reluctance to introduce spinner Glenn Phillips earlier in the fourth day. Phillips had dismissed both Alex Carey and Mitchell Marsh in the series, but Southee opted to stick with pace bowlers.

The selection of Scott Kuggeleijn, who bowled only three overs in the second innings, was also criticized. However, Southee defended Kuggeleijn’s inclusion, citing his valuable batting contribution.

Southee refused to blame fielding errors for the loss, despite several critical drops. He also denied that the team had a mental block against Australia, but acknowledged that they had struggled in crunch moments.

The loss extended New Zealand’s 13-year winless streak in Tests against Australia and their 31-year drought at home against their neighbor. Southee expressed disappointment but remained optimistic about the team’s future.

Labuschagne's Form Under Scrutiny as Australia's Batting Faces Pressure

Labuschagne’s Form Under Scrutiny as Australia’s Batting Faces Pressure

Despite Australia’s victory in the second Test against New Zealand, concerns linger over the team’s batting performance. Marnus Labuschagne, once a cornerstone of the batting order, has endured a lean run of form, raising questions about his place in the side.

Labuschagne’s recent struggles have seen his Test average drop below 50, a significant decline from his peak of over 60 in December 2022. However, captain Pat Cummins remains adamant that Labuschagne’s position is secure.

“Absolutely not,” Cummins said when asked if Labuschagne was under pressure. “I think he’d be the first to admit he’d like to score some more runs. But it’s not through lack of trying in the nets.”

Cummins emphasized that the team believes in Labuschagne’s ability and that his struggles are temporary. “We’re very clear that these six guys are the six best batters in Australia,” he said.

While Labuschagne’s form has been a concern, the entire batting group has come under scrutiny. Australia’s second innings collapse in Wellington, where they were bowled out for just 164, highlighted the need for improvement.

Coach Andrew McDonald acknowledged the need for the batters to perform collectively. “We want the top six, seven batters to be performing as a collective,” he said. “So I think while the rest are performing around that and you’re winning games of cricket, I think the concern levels are fractionally lower.”

McDonald also expressed concerns about Alex Carey’s dismissals in Wellington, where he holed out to cover twice. “They’re going on at the moment,” McDonald said. “He’s disappointed with that as a method to Glenn Phillips.”

Overall, McDonald believes the batting group can improve, particularly in the third innings of matches. “We feel like we can be better,” he said. “We feel as though at times we have underachieved with the bat which has left games open.”

Cummins echoed McDonald’s sentiments, calling for the batters to be more ruthless. “I think it’s something we can get better at, the whole 11 batters, particularly around that third innings where the game seems to speed up a little bit,” he said.

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