ICC Cricket World Cup - May/July 2019

[Bevab]

If I were part of the NZ management, I am putting Latham up top with Guptill. I know Latham plays spin well, but it's better to get a solid start and hope he's around when the spinners get inserted. The way NZ's top order has played, you almost feel that their innings is beginning at 20-2.

I like this idea. While Latham might have made a 50 in the last game at 5, his best position IMO is as an opener and he is someone who can grind if needed, which is much needed given how poor the other openers have been.

Also, if Latham stays around when Williamson’s walking in, the wrist spinner(s) who have been successful versus the latter might have to be less sparingly used because of Latham being a decent player of spin. And if India go into the game with just one spinner, it really is a no-brainer. While the initial reason for moving to 5 was to ease the keeping workload on him, he should be able to manage it for just two crucial games if needed.

 

[Villain]

The wrist spinners have been really successful versus NZ in recent times, but on the other hand cloudy conditions could necessitate the inclusion of an extra quick bowler.

You're right and hence I've gone with three pacers along with Pandya in my lineup.

Bhuvneshwar may not have got wickets but when there's swing, he's much more lethal than Shami and Bumrah.

 

[abhi_jacko]

I think we will be starting on time. No rains forecasted in the morning. Interruptions expected in the afternoon though

 

[NILAYSHAH60]

I think all the talk behind India cannot take New Zealand lightly applies for the Kiwis too. If it's swinging and the conditions are Overcast they just cannot expect India to lose early wickets as they still would've to work for it. Who knows India might bowl first and get NZ under 200 ?

 

[Bevab]

I think all the talk behind India cannot take New Zealand lightly applies for the Kiwis too. If it's swinging and the conditions are Overcast they just cannot expect India to lose early wickets as they still would've to work for it. Who knows India might bowl first and get NZ under 200 ?

The very nature of India being the favourites while NZ being the underdogs means that they won’t be taking India lightly especially because they haven’t won a single game versus a top team in the tournament so far. If anything, I’m seeing Indian fans being a tad too overconfident of having one foot already in the finals due to us dominating the Kiwis in recent times barring the game where Chahal was our top scorer and the warmup game.

 

[Bevab]

No Kuldeep and Shami? Those are some bold choices indeed. Maybe Kohli wants the batdeep factor today?

 

[Velocity]

I think that was a terrible decision to leave out Shami. Especially with Jaddu playing, we have batting to 8 which is fine and allows a genuine bowler like Shami to be picked over a bowling all rounder like Bhuvi. Given the form of Shami, I think it was a straightforward decision to bring him in place of Bhuvi. Think India's bowling will be less effective than it has been in the tournament, but hopefully they can put a solid bowling effort today.

 

[abhi_jacko]

Wow

lost review on the first ball. Stop listening to your bowlers Kohli !!

 

[WubbaLubbaDubDub]

That hint of movement Bhuvi is getting is so dangerous. Loosing review the first ball so NZ already winning two battles, winning the toss and India have no reviews remaining.

 

[Master Khan]

I don't know why Shami is not playing??
New Zealand are still 0-0 in 2.4 overs haha

 

[WubbaLubbaDubDub]

One danger man gone, we need to get Kane and Taylor now

 

[Master Khan]

Martin Guptill continues his poor form in this world cup, 1 of 14 balls is really bad.
I think India would be happy to be bowling first.

 

[WubbaLubbaDubDub]

I think NZ missed a trick by not making us bat first on this pitch.

 

[Bevab]

Nicholls already looks a lot better than Munro who would have been dismissed after edging a boundary or two. If only they had played him instead of Munro right from the start..

Judging by the performances of Guptill, Will Young should be in the team asap once his rehabilitation is done.

 

[Villain]

I think that was a terrible decision to leave out Shami. Especially with Jaddu playing, we have batting to 8 which is fine and allows a genuine bowler like Shami to be picked over a bowling all rounder like Bhuvi.

Bhuvneshwar has always been a pure bowler so I don't know where you got that from, except lately he showed he can bat a bit as well and I don't think he's picked over Shami because of the batting factor.

Jadeja strikes..