Kiwi's target sweep with Visitors Underperforming than Expected

                     The series have already done it's primary business with Kiwis winning the must win game of Bangladesh at Nelson, but the secondary business is yet at the Stakes in the dead rubber as Bangladesh want to replicate their form with crossing the line barrier after their mediocre efforts reflecting old version.

             On the other hand the hosts gained much needed confidence that they are struggled to find in this year and that came with some fightback. Although they look for more complete package of action from the squad.

              And that made to bring in jeetan Patel in to the squad considering the slow nature of surface being produced at Nelson, although their batting lost a bits in the previous game but Broom century came at time the team needed as well as to him.

               While it is not the absence of Mustafizur Rahaman that hurted the visitors but batsmen couldn't get the job done chasing a moderate total where a uncharacteristic run-out turned into an dramatic Collapse and fall of wickets against run of play of Williamson added extra baggage to handle.

            Meanwhile the pitch at Nelson produced it's trademark flavour of slowness and with the same Venue for the dead rubber it is not going to change trueness of the pitch on Saturday either.

            At the end the final ODI seems more prominent irrespective of the stats even for Kiwis with Bangladesh not up to what expected of them as earlier of the Series and with Bangladesh taken for a trolling with bat or ball in one aspect or the other it's time for them to come good with both to show they who they are against settling hots. Although there may be many aspects to look into but the contest lies on the batting units to come on top at the year end.

Kiwis seek middle concerns as Bangladesh gear up for away Challenge

                     The tag underdog is best suited for these two teams New Zealand and Bangladesh respectively but to varying degrees and comparisons, as Kiwis always considered as a team you can't take it late coz it frightens you more on the field than on paper and Bangladesh being crawling slowing a loss against them considered as sloppy.

                  It has been the story for a long time for the both sides respectively but not anymore as Kiwis now more frightened on paper as well and their transformation through Baz has changed their own perspective and others too.While for Bangladesh since WC15 their side produced some existing fight against top nations at home winning Series in a row.

                  Now the contest between this two sides as their own rivalry to possess as Both sides dominated in their last outings at their respective home Series against each other. But for now they got a lean patch going for either side after a huge hike in the rankings and they seek to turn in that way were they good at as the ODI series set to up wrap from Monday at Christchurch.

                  While the pitch at Christchurch as produced friendly green covering for pacers in the recent encounter between Pakistan and New Zealand and it's likely to be of the same sort.

New Zealand

         The team now in a process of finding their middle order slots with Taylor injury and also due to his sloppy form over recent times and Nicholas hadn't capitalized on it during Aussie tour as a result left out from the squad where Broom included. While in the bowling Henry likely to tri up with Boult and Southee.

Possible XI: Martin Guptill, 2 Tom Latham, 3 Kane Williamson (capt), 4 Neil Broom, 5 Colin Munro, 6 Luke Ronchi (wk), 7 Colin de Grandhomme, 8 Mitchell Santner, 9 Tim Southee, 10 Matt Henry 11 Trent Boult

Bangladesh

             Meanwhile Bangladesh happy in welcoming Mustafizur Rahaman back into the squad which adds more versatile to their attack, but their concern is more with the limited batting resources where they need all-rounders more with the bat.

Possible XI: 1. Tamim Iqbal, 2 Imrul Kayes, 3 Sabbir Rahman, 4 Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), 5 Shakib Al Hasan, 6 Mahmudullah, 7 Mosaddek Hossain, 8 Mehedi Hasan, 9 Mashrafe Mortaza (capt), 10 Mustafizur Rahman, 11 Taskin Ahmed

               So both sides have their own Stakes to be resolved but for Bangladesh, this series is more vital for them in terms of performances and as well in states region too for more away tours alongside it's their next step to replicate their home form outside sub continent. Although coming back to this series the contest determines on how Bangladesh batsmen can give their bowlers a chance at to bowl against the Hosts.

Transforming Lankans face big Challenge against On song Proteas

                       Proteas are back to their own brand of play with change in the environment and captaincy in the longer format with the new Players chipping in at crucial times making the experienced one's to feel ease after a bit of set back in their territory. Now with the new energy pumping in, they face the Lankans who are searching for players to step up at the big stage in big fashion as the test series set to kick-start from Monday at Port Elizabeth.

                  Lankans still finding players to fill the spaces of Sanga and Mahela and it has been a hard foil to replace the greats but the finds are getting it with experience in the form of Kusal Mendis, DeSilva and kusal Perera. While the opening slots are yet to be stabilized and their strength lies in the middle order with Mathews and Chandimal, who were returning from injuries and with addition of Taranga the middle order looks more stable.

                 Meanwhile the return of Chameera, Prasad and Lakmal from injuries will make them feel more comfortable unlike in England where injuries shrinked the bowling resources and Hearth has been their trump bowler irrespective of conditions.

                  On the other hand the Hosts don't have a concern to look after at, with an enthralling win in Australia they found their lost Momentum in the format. Although lot of speculation gone around the corners about ball tampering over their new Captain but know it's all seems to to be settled even with an 100% fine of match fee and they are happy with his presence.

              And his Ton in the last match around the boo’s of Auusie fans showed his mental toughness, Apart from that Bavuma, Dekock, Rabada and Abbott all stepped in the victory which has been their massive difference alongside Maharaj. So now it's all about settling in the squad for Young players and also for Duminy who is known to fluctuate with his form.

               Where Lankans too  coming into the series with some form on offer, with the victories against Aussies at home and  Zimbabwe earlier in December, but the conditions are now going to be quite foreign and their history isn't in their favour with only win this apart of the world. Adding to the history the present seems bit bitter too with key players not in action for a while.

              But Port Elizabeth is a venue known to assist spinners more as the game progress and flattens but the early movement in the pitch going to be crucial to handle for either sides.

                At the end taking all the considerations into account one can see Lankans as pure underdog's and it will help them for good with the tag, although it has been a while Lankans set in transformation but the results yet show case in terms of stats. And the series will be the biggest challenge to their emerging players to establish themselves.

Zig Zag Aussie and Pakistan pace fire face on day-night Contest

                  Another day-night test turns up in Australia to bring Crowd back to the longer format and it is on it's way with hosting the second one of the season as Brisbane waits eager for the modern day-night contest to unleash a new a way to test Cricket with keeping its intrigity as it is.

          Yes the day-night test itself an occasion to watch out adding spice to that both teams which have some fearsome bowlers to deceive and destruct batsmen on a lively green covering of Brisbane pitch is about to produce the contest that every bowler would like.

              So the batsmen should answer to some of them as Australaa unchanged from their previous test which produced too many changes after series of  deafeats in and out of home, but the quick changes turned out well for the Aussie in the final test against Proteas.

               While that followed up with collecty sweep against Kiwis in the shorter format, it is not the same squad but the confidence that produced against neighbour's will help them to keep the momentum in check and with playing the last test as day-night Contes that will not alter their tactical system.

            On the other hand the visitors are growing in confidence with away wins it may not be the same in their latest outing to New Zealand but the conditions over there tested them as well as they could and they couldn't get tested more in terms of conditions on offer with the conditions produced over there.

         The conditions may not be that worse in Australia but the combination of the squad seems to be settled with Misbha, Younis and Shafiq, while the sloppy batting performance is always on cards with Pakistan. Although their lethal bowling unit which composed with Wahab, Amir and Yasir will make most sense to possess with on any track.

         Meanwhile keeping the conditions and combinations apart there are more to talking as Khawaja taking on his own country of birth and Mickey Arthur who has been out of action with Aussie team with some issues takens on the team from the opposition.

           Well the oppstion have some background of the home team, but now it changed a lot and the present seems much brigther for both the sides as Starc came in to his own after some mediocre performances and the visitors have the experience of playing a day-night Contest. In the meeting time both coaches have to re-address their formula, as the contest determines the outcome of the batting units.
          

Must win game for Kiwis as Canberra promise's another runfest

                   It is that kind of series where one blink can take the position way too far to set back and Kiwis are in that same state after the loss in first ODI at Sydney of Chappell Hadlee series, as the hosts set the tone and looking to clinch the series at Canberra on Tuesday.

            The loss was not that  embracing one to consider for kiwis, as they struck early and made things tougher for the hosts but later it was all released due to some bad fortunes and sloppy fielding alongside altered bowling plans at the end.

         On the other side the hosts recovered well and capitalised on luck that came in the way as the captain showed the way from the front with his Career best performance and followed by stability in defended the sum.

           The spirits now will be quite high after disappointing results in recent times and also return of triumph bowlers showed the case in the victory, if there is anything that can be done is ticking all the boxes in the batting order.

          While the visitors seemed to have a batsmen short and Munro's role as been debatable one with the way they have the resources, and it has been one of the differentiating factor between the both sides.

            Although that has been difference but the conditions are playing the major part in the result as Canberra promise's to another run fest to watch for being the high scoring Venue in it's past few matches.

               Meanwhile coming back to playing XI, Aussie will look to continue the same squad to clinch the series with the momentum in the space.

Playing XI:1 David Warner, 2 Aaron Finch, 3, Steven Smith (capt), 4 George Bailey, 5 Mitchell Marsh, 6 Travis Head, 7 Matthew Wade (wk), 8 Mitchell Starc, 9 Adam Zampa, 10 Pat Cummins, 11 Josh Hazlewood.

             On the other side Kiwis need to alter the combination given the resources they have and they look to strengthen the batting alongside bringing in their premier bowler Southee.

playing XI: 1 Tom Latham, 2 Martin Guptill, 3 Kane Williamson (capt), 4 Jimmy Neesham, 5 Colin Munro, 6 Colin de Grandhomme/ Nicholas,
7 BJ Watling (wk), 8 Mitchell Santner, 9 Matt Henry, 10 Tim Southee, 11 Trent Boult.

              At the end it will be the  contest that Kiwis must win given the situation and it lies on how their inexperienced and inadequate middle order responds to Aussies front line attack.

Rivary contest returns as Both sides turn up for quick fire

                     Chappell Hadlee trophy is back in Australia after the 2008-09 season with some interruption and it is on its way to accomplishing its main motto to play bilateral series every season between the neighborhood Nations. So both teams sneak in for a quick fire during their busy schedule as the first ODI of 3 ODI series set to begin on Sunday in Sydney.

              The resumption begun during the 2015 world cup league match at Auckland after the 2008-09 season and followed by 3 match ODI series in New Zealand earlier in February this year where the Kiwis won by 2-1 during McCallum send off. The rivalry has become more prominent during the modern era and it's getting more intensifying with the way Kiwis emerging in the shorter format.

             And now both sides returning from longer format with different results on the background and the recent shorter format series against Proteas hasn't been that great for Aussies to flow the movement, but the return of triumph bowlers Starc and Hazlewood will make the side a different attack to handle and Pat Cummins return strengthened even more after long term injury concern.

            On the other hand, the Kiwis coming in with some injury concerns in the middle order with Taylor, Anderson and alongside Adam Milne, but the fresh faces like Ferguson, De Grandhomme are coming in with some promise in the domestic circuit, and in recent Pakistan Series. While their recent shorter format results showed much to fight against India, where bowlers made things during the series.

                Meanwhile, the pitch at Sydney produced plenty runs during it’s the last encounter between Australia and India and this time it promises to be the same with a bit of spin more on the surface.

               So with the conditions in focus and the combination of their respective squad's Kiwis have to handle their inexperienced middle order to cope with in depth Aussie batting order as the both bowling units promise to fire up.

Pitch in focus, as Batsmen awaits for Spin Challenge

                   It was not the same old story for India at Rajkot right from the toss to dropping catches to spinners under performance too a draw under virat at home, but it tested them quite a lot for good a head and for England it was not the start on the cards but the surface made things all easy after an historic loss under tough circumstances, which eventually bought their best game. Now moving from Rajkot to visakhapatnam  is virtually like moving on to another planet where the actual test awaits for visitors from Thursday.

                  While England can take lot positives from Rajkot from opening with young Haseeb to broad who batted at no.11 showed their batting depth, and four centuries in the side tells England used most of the conditions on offer with some luck in favor too. But the most promising aspect for them is the way their spinners responded with little assistance on offer and edged the Indian experienced attack.

                 Although England know, it is not too often that visiting teams put India under pressure since their last visit in 2012, but the new England too have few players who can show the old resilience in the form of stokes and Ali who are the pillars of this side with the balance and temperament they had.

               On the other hand for India the story would have been in a different manner if they held on the catches in the early hour of the match or if the spinners taken the attack especially in the second half. Although their batters showed much needed temperament in the first half but not the same in the second half, which might the reason of going with five specialist bowlers.

                But it needed with the depth in the opposition line up and with the way virat responded it seems of a challenge to handle in pressure situations, and now with change in venue they do get a home advantage more unlike in Rajkot but it also test their batsmen against promising England spinners.

                    Meanwhile the pitch at Vizag will be a different challenge to handle with more turn on offer and it resembles a quite a bit of turner and with the debut test at the venue it may offer bit more for batsmen early on, adding to extra turn the visitors should also adapt to humid weather.

              So with the conditions in focus and the performance England likely to stick with the same squad which offers them 3 spinning options and 3 pacers to work with and it is unlikely Anderson to return to the playing XI unless there is an fitness issue.

               On the other side India have few selection headache to make with Rahul returning into the squad after an 60 & 100 in return of injury in the ongoing ranji season, so Gambhir is likely to make his way out after an unimpressive knocks in both the innings. Apart form that India may also surprise going with 4 bowers given a turner on offer.

             At the end it is all about starting fresh in each session and test with previous confidence on offer for the both teams and the contest gonna lie between batting units of either sides facing spin challenge.

Aussie in a Spot of bother to Stop Resilient Proteas

                     An unusual scenario opened few more cracks in the Aussie side as they lost their first test of the home season after a while now, much to their downfall Proteas roaring spirits made all the way to get their beat ever in recent times. Although much to the criticism that has been beating high in the low time, is an major issues to turn down with quick turnaround for Aussie at Hobart from Saturday.

               It spelled that Cricket is not a game where only one individual can turn things around as Warner did his part but the remaining failed to capitalise on that, where as Proteas showed much a team game and every Player contribution became less pressure to handle for them.

            While Aussie not only need to address the on-field calls but the off field decisions too effecting them a lot, as a reflection from Siddle injury and Starc's lump spells to Marah’s injury. On the other hand De Villiers injury given Duplessis a much needed  character to show that within him as a captain and the responsibility taken by others bowlers after Steyn injury will be story to tell for more years to come.

          Bit this is what all happened at Waca and returning to Hobart is altogether a big deal for Aussie and Proteas to deal, as the surface produced huge totals and reverse swing won't be a great weapon to possess with for long span but it will be expecting to swing early on and spin later on the days.

            A run-out is all it needed to see the things hard and big and sane fielding costed Aussie some coalesced damage.

            Meanwhile Aussie batsmen have big runs in their charts but the momentum they faced in Sri Lanka and South Africa doesn't helping them, although they need to change the squad with some injury concerns.

Australia (possible) 1 David Warner, 2 Joe Burns, 3 Usman Khawaja, 4 Steven Smith (capt), 5 Adam Voges, 6 Mitchell Marsh, 7 Peter Nevill (wk), 8 Mitchell Starc, 9 Joe Mennie, 10 Josh Hazlewood, 11 Nathan Lyon

              At the other end Proteas are without both DeVilliers and Steyn since 2004 and showed glimpse of potential even without their services which they look to take responsibility on.

South Africa (possible) 1 Stephen Cook, 2 Dean Elgar, 3 Hashim Amla, 4 JP Duminy, 5 Faf du Plessis (capt), 6 Temba Bavuma, 7 Quinton de Kock (wk), 8 Vernon Philander, 9 Kyle Abbott, 10 Kagiso Rabada, 11 Keshav Maharaj

                  At the end it is an all new challenge to watch for Proteas as they play their first match at Hobart and for the Aussie it's turning up the table in a  big way, with putting the critics out of the minds in the middle. As the contest already had all its boiling points to intensify, the result fluctuates between performance of both bowling units.

Spin Challenge awaits for England, as India eye on another Series

                   it's time for returning to whites as the second series of long home season kick starts on Wednesday as India take on England in a 5 match series and it  also time for Rajkot to make it's debut in the longer format. With India roaring high at No.1 spot England with their concerns in the way playing and bowling spin has to be answered with relatively an inexperienced side.

                While the recent past history suggests that England have the upper hand But now it will be different story to rewrite for them to repeat the same against confident and improvising Indian team which is successful in and out under Virat captaincy.

                  Coming into the long tour to India England had their best preparations they could have playing in Bangladesh on rank Turner's, the Series 1-1 looks quite good but for a  team England against inexperienced Bangladesh players is an issue of their potential.

         On the hand India clean sweep Kiwis on the surfaces which doesn't produced rankers Turner's and the major aspect of the series have been  Kiwis unable sustain to the quality of Indian spin attack.

              Although England has always been a tough rivals to play against but their in ability to bowl spin has been shown in the Bangla tour, which has been their key asset during their series win 2-1 in 2012 where Swan and Panesar out played Indian spinners in terms of wickets.

           Meanwhile the pitch at Rajkot hadn't had much to say with his debutant match but it will offer spin more as the game progress.

          But Dhawan and Rahul yet progress their way due to injuries and Gambhir with his half century in the final test held his position and it is the opponent where it seemed all ended for him. So he will be keen to see them off and injury to Rohit made a decision dilemma to pick between Pandya or Nair.

           And England likely to stick with 3 men pace attack with lite's of Stokes, Woakes and Broad, but with the bat they has decide between young Haseeb and Ballance.

             At the end the contest boils to pick up 20 wickets in a test match and more importantly how spinners gonna attack the batsmen, as the contest between the England batsmen and Indian spinners will determine the result.

Duminy and Elgar keeps Aussie bowlers at bay till Tea

                     A perfect day of classical test match batsmanship helped Proteas to take the lead from 102 to 388 at the end of Day 3 with blizarant 141 from Duminy and resilient Elgar”s 127, as Proteas seen through some disciplined bowling performance from Aussies. So with 3 wickets still to get Aussie may have to do what Proteas have done in 2008 against them.

             Having seen the day out on day 2 with keeping wickets well in hand Duminy and Elgar determined to play characteristic knocks as Duminy played his classical shots without any effort relying more on timing and Elgar at the other end made the bowlers to bowl at him leaving anything that is outside off.

              With playing their natural game both batsmen crossed their respective fifties in the first hour and it went hard foil for bowlers as they unable to find ways to trouble the batsmen. This pair continued to play the way but Aussie bowlers couldn't find much reverse swing in the morning Session, while the crack that deteriorating produced some trouble with extra bounce although the deviation hadn't helped going well past the outside edges. In this time the pair added 80 runs in the morning session.

            The second session too hadn't had much surprises although Hazelwood, Siddle and Marsh bowled their heart out but haven't get any results except few inside edges through reversing the ball, While in the 77th over from Lyon Starc misjudged a mistimed lofted shot from Elgar and Duminy hit a six of the next delivery adding more pain to the wound.

              So with less risk Cricket both the players marched to their 5th ton in their careers and Duminy played much more fluently after that but Elgar stuck to his game with his circumspect style. And the pair brought up their 200 run partnership along the way, with adding another 50 runs to the partnership Duminy dismissed at the Stroke of Tea on seeing a wide and short delivery he went after it but could only edge it to Nevill.

           So with the wicket at the Stroke of tea Aussie bowlers came in with hope and bowled the disciplined lines as they did all the day, but later the dismissal of Elgar not came due to great bowling but a lapse in concentration done with Elgar after a well made 127. While with two set batsmen out in the pavilion Aussie attacked more and Duplessis made quite runs with bad balls on offer, but at the other end Bevuma who seemed in good touch couldn't kept the pull down the ground as he found Khawaja at deep square leg who anticipated early.

                While Marsh was rewarded finally with that wicket of Bevuma and he was economical in the bowling chart the end of the day, Later Dekock joined their skipper and he hadn't looked comfortable with close in fielders early on. In this time he mistimed a short ball from Starc and the ball which lobbed in the air for a while misjudged by Voges, after that he looked to time at the crease. But at the other end Starc struck with angling the ball away from Duplessis which in turn got the Protea skipper, while Philander and Dekock played some positive shots to keep the bowlers at their knees. At the end of Day 3 Philander 23 and Dekock 16 are at the crease, as Proteas lead by 388 runs and indeed opened a much anticipated play for later two days.

Aussie lose Control with Dramatic Collpase

                  It has been all about comeback in the test match so far when things started to drift away there are players stood to show character as Dekock did in day 1 and on day 2 an brilliant bowling performance from Proteas brought a dramatic collapse of Aussie as they lost 10 wickets in spare of 86 runs. While with that performance with the ball earlier in the day, continued ending day 2 on a solid note with a lead of 104 runs for the loss of 2 wickets.

           Although Warner who has been destructive on day 1 continued to play aggressive shots and Marsh at other end looked comfortable unlike the earlier day. The partnership seemed to get the lead with ease but only then Warner departed with 3 runs shy of a century, he was caught by  Amla while playing a drive of Dale Steyn and the Proteas got much needed break through to stop the acceleration of scoring.

             And it was well reflected in  the bowling unit but they got to lose out  Steyn soon after with an twist in his injured shoulder and the Aussie might thought to have a breather but Proteas bowlers taken more responsibility on their shoulders. As a result wickets started to rumble,  Rabada cleaned up Khawaja with reverse swing and Maharaj who has been impressive with his fligthened delivers got rid of Smith, with in a couple of overs time  Philander too joined the party to dismiss well set Shaun Marsh by trapping him before the wickets.

            So with quick wickets at the end of first session Aussie were 181/4 and trail by 61 runs, as the next  session  started Philander once again came into action caughting Marsh on the crease, later Voges and Nevill seemed to lay a partnership with some tough shots. But Proteas bowlers stuck to the line of uncertainty with reversing the ball and Rabada got rid of Voges with an Caught and bowled and Strac departed to Maharaj as Duplessis held a low diving catch.

             Later a little resistance shown by Nevil and Siddle, were Siddle taken on the spinner but it hadn't lasted long as Nevill went to Maharaj in an unlucky fashion, with that wicket it was all over as Philander summed up the innings with four wickets alongside Maharaj's 3 and Rabada’s 2. As Aussie can only pinch a 2 runs lead in the innings after losing 10 wickets for 86 runs.

             While with the end of the Innings tea has been taken early and returning to bowl Starc hadn't had a great start and he was looked tired later in the innings. But Siddle and Hazelwood struck to their lengths as they did in the first Innings and Cook who stayed at the crease for 55 balls departed for 12runs in playing an pull towards mid wicket. Later it was Hazlewood who got Amla cheaply for the second time in the test, this time tough cleaned the stump with the bottom edge on the back foot.

             With Amla back in the pavilion early Proteas seemed nervy but Duminy who joined with Elgar played sensible Cricket putting the bad balls to the fence, the pair taken much needed time to settle in as Aussie bowlers were disciplined. Although the bowlers couldn't produce reverse swing which in turn the pair laid a 50 run stand and at the end of Day 2 Elgar 46 and Duminy 34 ceased the day with 102 run lead.

Starc opens and Warmer ends Day 1 with Dominance

                   Aussie started the proceedings of the home season with a dominance performance on day 1 of the first test at Waca, as Starc led the attack with four wickets alongside Hazelwood’s three with restricting the Proteas to 242 on a pitch which produced good bounce as it ever does. While the dominance too continued with the bat as Warner ended the day on 73 with Aussie at 105 alongside Marsh on 29.

              Earlier it all started with South Africa winning the toss and opted to bat first and they went with a front line spinner instead of an extra pacer, while for Aussie Marine left out with picking Siddle.

             But the proceedings haven't started well for the visitors as Starc Squared up Cook in the first over and Marsh as held on to a flying catch to his left in the gully region. With the early breakthrough, Aussie bowlers looked for wickets all the time as Hazelwood struck with the line in the corridor Amla could only edge it to Smith in the second slip while playing a tentative defense.

               After the dismissal of the big fish, Elgar and Duminy were circumspect but their stay hasn't lasted long as Hazelwood and Siddle struck to their length eventually both batsmen edged to Nevil, so with the end of the half hour of play Proteas were 4 down for just 32 runs on the board. At this time they needed a partnership to stop the flow of wickets and the stand in Captain Duplessis and Bevuma came into the act with seeing off the overs in the first session and they put on a 49 run stand at the end of the first session with 81/4 on the board.

           But after Lunch Starc changed the angle to get rid of Duplessis, who looked to cut a ball angling in and South Africa were in more trouble as they lost their half the side. Although Dekock who joined with Bevuma attacked Aussies with his gift of timing the ball, with the partnership between them seemed to take the Aussie attack for a treatment as Bevuma and Dekock raised to their fifties.

         While the partnership of their Innings ended by a brilliant effort by Shaun Marsh at short leg, as Bevuma departed for well made 51  and later Philander held his nerve for a while but he was dismissed at the Stroke of tea leaving Proteas 7/175. After tea Maharaj and Dekock put on a 50 run stand with Dekock unleashing his natural game with more tail to come. At the end, Proteas finished the innings for 242, as Dekock scored a brisk knock of 84 off 101 balls.

            So  242 was a good comeback from Proteas after their earlier losses in the first hour of play, but it looked the other way around as Warner found his feet in the middle with attacking Protea bowlers through the off side. Although Proteas bowlers were also not consistent with their lengths as they bowled too short and Warner capitalized on those with finishing off the day unbeaten on 73 off 62 balls, and eventually dominated the day with putting 105 runs on the board alongside Shaun Marsh who is on 29.

Both sides have their attest 's as Old memories loom another Season

                       Intense and fearsomeness are two adjectives may not be enough to describe the battle between two teams who give out of their best when they play against each other and it will not be any different this time as the off field banter already burning up the Waca is in already to host the first test of the Aussie season, and also the First of 3 match series against Proteas on Thursday.

                Fortunes have turned in a big way for the both sides since their last encounter on Aussie soil, Where Proteas dominated the test rankings with their win in Australia with dramatic draws followed by a big win. While in the recent past Proteas found it difficult all over the world in the longer format declining from No.1 to No.5 although it won't say the retirements of Smith and kallis alongside consistent injures to their premier fast bowler Dale Steyn.

           But now he is back in the wings for Proteas and coming with some good outings against Kiwis early in the season, although concern still remain in absence of De Villiers who is yet to recovery from Injury. While the new additions Bevuma and Rabada are found during tough times and with Dekock making up in test rankings made the batting more depth to work with, but the lite's of Duplese and Duminy yet to Stabilize their position if AB returns.

             On the other hand the hosts haven't had a good outing in the island and that followed with clean sweep against Proteas in ODIs which doesn't resemble their standards. But for now they are back at home where they known to make rules and recent history isn't far away to show the dominance,. And with Starc back in the side who has been phenomenal over couple years for the Aussie will add more price in this conditions compared with in Sri Lanka, where he rattled with 20+ wickets in 3 match series.

           Meanwhile they also add more price on lites of Warner, Smith and Voges with the bat, even though the squad which isn't the same that dominated Proteas back at their home will seek much needed inspiration from that.

             While the pitch at Waca has been in the spotlight with it's uncharacteristic results in the last couple of seasons and it will be even more this time around, although those criticism over the years made to have some grass on the pitch this time. But it will be in focus on how it will behave as the match progresses.

            But both sides need to find their playing XI on conditions on offer where Aussies stated the squad with leaving Mennie out of the 12 men squad

Australia 1 David Warner, 2 Shaun Marsh, 3 Usman Khawaja, 4 Steven Smith (capt), 5 Adam Voges, 6 Mitchell Marsh, 7 Peter Nevill (wk), 8 Mitchell Starc, 9 Peter Siddle, 10 Josh Hazlewood, 11 Nathan Lyon.

While the Proteas might tempted to go with extra pacer instead of front line spinner as Duminy and Elgar known to spin their arms.

South Africa (possible XI)
1 Stephen Cook, 2 Dean Elgar, 3 Hashim Amla, 4 Faf du Plessis (capt), 5 Temba Bavuma, 6 JP Duminy, 7 Quinton de Kock (wk), 8 Vernon Philander, 9 Dale Steyn, 10 Kagiso Rabada, 11 Morne Morkel.

           At the end it is an contest to watch out for some steamy fast bowling if the pitch regains to its true nature and the contest lies between the batting units of either sides to come on top.

Misra's five for helps India to Dominate in the Decider

                     India clinch the ODI series 3-2 after a dominating performance in the decider of the ODI series at Visakhapatnam with an win margin of 190 runs, Kiwis collapsed just for 79 runs in chasing a target of 270 which looked above par on the surface that produced more turn so far this series and Indian spinners used most of it as spinners pinched 8 wickets leading with Misra’s five for.  

                  With chasing a target of 270 on a pitch that slowed up as the game progressed in the first half, Kiwis hadn't got a greatest of starts as Guptill once again beaten by a peach by Umesh in the first over itself. But Latham who is fluent with the bat so far struck some watchful boundaries but couldn't get his team to a flyer as he got out a delivery which held on the pitch due to its true nature.

                  While India got their early breakthroughs within first 6 overs as Kiwis found in early trouble at 28 for 2 , but Williamson who joined by Taylor played pacers with ease and kept things in check of a fascinating chase. Although at the end of the powerplay Ms introduced spin from both ends and this pair struggled to pinch runs with pace off the ball.

                 So with some quite overs in the middle Williamson thought to break the shackles by dancing down the pitch to play an lofted shot over long off, but could only found out Jadhav and there starred Kiwis an infamous collapse ever in their history. As Misra once again got Taylor edging to Dhoni and later things changed in quick time with the batsmen later followed found hard to cross 5 run mark.

                    Misra showed all his tricks to outfox the batsmen with his googly, leg break and tossed delivery's as Misra finished with 5/18 in his 6 overs and Axar too at the other end kept it tight, and chipped in with 2 wickets. Also the debutant got his name in the wicket column as Anderson found plumb in front and Kiwis lost their 8 wickets for just 16 runs.

                  Earlier India won the toss and elected to bat for the first time in the series and opted for two changes with bringing in debutant Jayant as an additional spinner and with Bumrah fit it made expensive Kulkarni out. While kiwis once again made a change as they done in the entire series, with making room for Anderson in place of Devcich.

                  Indian opening pair were cautious with the new ball keeping in mind of what had happened throughout the series, Rahane seemed to have found his lost form as he swept loose delivers into the fence and Rohit at the other end looked to spent some time at the crease, but only then after an start in the innings Rahane once again was out playing a half hearted shot and India where 40-1 in the 10th over.

                 Later Virat who walked into the crease looked busy as ever and Rohit started to get into his groves more by hitting couple of boundaries, in this time Rohit caught up with an niggle while completing an quick single with a awkward dive and he then decided to take the anti towards the kiwis with looking for boundaries and in this process, he completed his 29th fifty and only then Taylor dropped Rohit at midwicket.

                   This time though the drop hadn’t costed kiwis much but Rohit looked threading with picking sixes of ease against sodhi, so then Williamson brought his main weapon for a short burst and he hadn’t disappointed his captain call as he tested Rohit to pull with the niggle and he ended up scoring 70 off just 65 balls as the successive pull found Nesham at deep square leg.

                  While Virat & Dhoni found it difficult to rotate the strike regularly but they made the run rate doesn’t fall down much with hitting big shots against Sodhi and fifth bowler, in this time Virat brought up another fifty and this pair added 71 runs for the 3rd wicket as Dhoni departed for 41 against Santner in playing an attempt sweep.

                    At this stage India were 190-3 in 38th over and Pandey’s stay hadn’t lost long as he miss timed a slog sweep to go big early in the innings and dismissed for knot, but Jadhav who walked to the crease next has been circumspect with giving more strike to set Virat. While Virat looked to shift gears as they were into final power play but he couldn’t clear the man at long off in playing a big shot and dismissed for well made 65.

                    At the end it was Jadhav and Patel who held their nerve to bat out the over’s and this pair made india to set a target of 270 with losing 6 wickets of their 50 overs, as Jadhav finished 39 not out of 37 balls and Patel scoring a brisk knock of 24 in 18 balls.

Predictable India and Adapting Kiwis eye on Series win

                             It appeared all to easy for India at Mohali and the much needed lead forced kiwis under more pressure but the momentum not lasted for long as they exploited the conditions far better than the home side at Ranchi, which in turn made the contest at Visakhapatnam an enthralling one to decide the fate of the series on Saturday.

                        The major target for India in the series have been finding the stability in the middle order and also to figure out an All-rounder which in turn makes the squad more stable, where Dhoni’s promotion as been the plans of that too. While the inexperienced Middle order showed glimpse of optimism and also failed to convert the starts in to big.

                 Although on the other hand Pandya yet to bowl 10 over’s in match which has been the result of Jadhav’s golden arm, Where it given  Dhoni more options to work with but this time it made pandya untested fully.  For now though the focus will be more on the series which is on the line and Rohit who is due of runs will be itching to go big, but problem against the in swinging delivery is to be addressed.

                      On the other hand Kiwis as been successful in reading the conditions like a hock and the Ranchi ODI is a replica of that and it would give them more confidence to work with, while Guptill’s match winning innings is an boosting asset for the visitors at the top alongside consistent Latham.

                        Meanwhile Taylor’s slump form as been a never ending concern in this tour and if he doesn’t get runs at brisk pace it would alter the dynamics of the squad once again, although there are new positives growing for kiwis with Neesham chipping in with wickets at crucial times alongside his crucial knock at Mohali.

                        While the pitches so far in this series had their saying in the end result and Visakhapatnam won’t be far away from making it’s point as traditionally it gives batting surfaces alongside assisting spinners more but pacers too can’t taken out of the attack with the rain around in the forecast. But the surprising fact as been lack of dew at this time in the country and where the ball haven’t sliding on to the bat as it should, but instead of it holding on the surface also due to slowness.

                       So  players can’t alter the conditions and weather but can alter the playing XI according to it, while Ms is not the one who mix up things  a lot irrespective of conditions but Bumrah who is unfit in the previous encounter likely to return into the squad. On the hand Williamson and Co will once again look to alter squad and they might think bringing in Anderson or Ronchi in place of Devcich.

          At the end making all things apart the series haven’t featured big partnerships as many as it should considering the pitches on offer and it has lot to say about slump middle orders on both sides alongside the bowling performance of the both sides, which has turned in to the strengths alongside characteristic lower orders. So the contest which is on the line will be determined once again on the performance of batting units.

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Kiwis look up to their Batsmen to stay in the Hunt

               Whether it is test cricket or in ODI format the collapse of kiwis batting has been a certain feature of concern after an well laid platforms to go big and if they don’t get truthful there is an another series loss waiting for them with India leading the series, while with the middle order yet to get some sort of reasonable Starts they face a match of survival at Ranchi on Wednesday.

                 On the other hand India gained much impotent lead to play more freely and MS promotion to NO.4 worked quite well, but with the openers not getting the big runs so far making it rely more on  Virat.

                    Meanwhile the bowling unit made work easy for the batsmen apart from fighting against the resilience of kiwis late partnerships, but handy overs from Jadhav proved to be more expensive for the visitors and hardik’s presence making the squad much balanced with his opening spell.

                 Although Kiwis bowlers are  not too far away either in making early breakthroughs, their attack may have  found a late answer to break the partnership but things would have been far more interesting if Taylor have caught that all important catch.

                While Luke Ronchi who showed better performances in the test series haven’t got a start alongside Anderson and they lost in bits of collapse  and they have to get some inspiration from their lower order contributions.

              India too feel more to be tested with the bat and the result is an unchanged squad for the rest of the series and it won't get any better for Jadhav to get some runs alongside the existing wickets to creep more into the middle order.

              While the pitch at Ranchi gonna offer more assistance for spinners unlike at Mohali and India won the two of three games played out there as the other game haven't produced a result.

            So with the change in conditions Kiwi's as to consider an additional spinning option but the way Nesham performed it will be tough job for Williamson to pick the XI, on the other side Mandeep, Jayant and Kulkarni waiting for their turn, and with opening vows Mandeep may feel for an opportunity but with history Ms  doesn't want to think tank with the combination much.

             Much to  the combinations and conditions it is an all important match for the Kiwis to stay in the hunt and with the way they are going, it seems it has to be their batsmen to change the fortunes.

India lead 2-1, as Kohli lead another run Chase

                                Another Chase, another Century and another India win, as Kohli leads India along side with Dhoni in a crucial 152 run partnership for the 3rd wicket at  Mohali on Sunday to take the lead 2-1 in the 5 match series. Chasing a target of 286 India were in early trouble as Rahane once again failed to get some runs under his belt batting at the top, where he looked to play a drive over covers but held in two minds at the last moment.

              Kohli who walked at No.3 has been busy running the ball towards third man in the early part of Innings, While Taylor dropped Kohli when he is on 6  and it indeed proved to more expensive to bear for the Kiwis later in the innings.On the other hand Rohit struggled to rotate strike and looked tentative and it was in the 9 th over Rohit missed all ends up by surprise slower delivery from Southee when the ball was quite hard, Where Rohit had no clue and he was plumb to raise to raise the finger.

          At this stage India are 41/2 and suddenly the target seemed too big than it was, with the side in trouble the Captain cool walked in at No.4 ahead of Pandey not only to guide the team from trouble but also to play freely where he is more dangerous at. Dhoni seemed determined from the outset and played aggressive cricket, Kohli at the other end chipped in with singles to rotate the strike and Dhoni too joined him in picking up singles where he wasn't good at in early of an innings.

           But that intent helped India and the scorecard flowed fluently as this pair started coming into their zones more, while the Kiwis once again tested Dhoni with the short ball theory and Dhoni was not in any hurry to loop the ball  the air as, the UnOrthodox batsman showed his own technique to keep them out. Kohli was the aggressor early in the partnership and then Dhoni took it over, and in the process both passed their fifty at a brisk pace not allowing the run rate  to creep up either.

             Kiwis struggled to break the partnership until the 36th over when Dhoni chipped one to Taylor at covers and the road was well laid to the chase at the time as Dhoni scored 81 of their 152 run stand for the 3rd wicket. Then it was all  Kohli who anchored the chase alongside Pandey and the young man too played aggressive shots to make it more easy for the run machine, as Kohli turned another gear he reached his 26 th hundred of his Career and then it was all too easy as he made sure to score a boundary of each over, in the end he ensured the chase not to go too long and attacked in the 48th over pinching 22 runs, and also crossed 150 run mark as he lead home.

              Earlier Kiwis lost the toss fifth time in a row and gone with one change making in room for Nesham. For the first time in the ODI series Guptill survived first 2 overs and attacked Pandya more with his own aggressive style, and seemed to take on the bowlers but he wasn't lasted long as he was removed by Umesh by an inswinger. Later Williamson who walked into the crease played quite freely alongside accomplished Latham, and started to score boundaries more freely against pacers.

             While Dhoni brought on his golden man to break a partnership that hurted India in the previous game and the pair attacked Jadhav in his first over, in the later over of Jadhav Williamson was early on the sweep to a tossed up delivery and was plump in front as Jadhav striked once again with his golden arm. Although with two right handers in at the crease Jadhav was taken out of the attack, while Latham sweeped the spinners so  as he did in this tour all along to keep the scorecard ticking.

              But Taylor at the other end struggled to rotate strike against spinners, although he stayed long at the crease and looked to carry on with more time Taylor played good shorts. While Latham moved into his fifties once again  and things got better for Kiwis as the pair laid 73 run stand for the 3rd wicket only then Taylor who was looking good outfoxed by Mishra with beautifully frightened in-dipping leg spinner.

             At this stage Kiwis where 153/2 in 28.2 overs and there came another collapse of the series, as they lost 4 wickets in spare of 16 runs and 4 overs. As Jadhav picked Anderson and set Latham, and Ronchi got out to a  splendid work from Dhoni behind the stumps. While Santner and Southee too doesn't stayed at the crease for a long time and Kiwis were 199/8 in the 39th over

            Much disappointed to their collapse their came late resilience from Jane's Nesham and Matt Henry, as Nesham came into his own with some purpose he made an much needed half century and also laid a 84 run partnership for the 9 th wicket. Eventually Kiwis got on to a total that they would feel better after their collapse through middle overs, as they made 285 of 49.4 overs.

Both sides need to readdress batting to Come on Top

                    The Series is now well poised with Kiwis winning the 2nd ODI with some intent and India would be quite disappointed with the things those turned in anti chasing modest total. Much to  losing or winning both sides struggled with bat to keep the momentum in check apart from some characteristic knocks, as they now move from Delhi to Mohali it's more about keeping flow of runs on Sunday.

             While the bowling on the other hand had good results even with an even inexperienced attack from hosts and Kiwis turned to their main weapons to win their first match of the tour. Apart from technical aspects the dew had also been becoming a vital concern to handle with temperatures falling down and Kiwis handled it pretty well overcoming  that later in the night at Delhi.

            Although coming back to the batting Taylor's poor run hurting them badly and Corey Anderson struggling with his new role in the middle order purely as an batsmen. On the other hand Indian lineup has been tricky with some soft dismissals and their reliability on top order made the middle order tested, but the lower order had made some contributions at Delhi with Jadhav and Pandya's brick knocks.

           In the meantime the pitch at Mohali had some grass to work with on the eve of the match, Although it will be interesting to see whether it produces runs or would be on the slower side. The last time India played against Australia at the venue, where Ishanth taken for a trolling against Faulkner which eventually put his shorter format run under the scanner.

              But for now the pacers produced good outings in the series and there's certainly work to do be done with the bat though. At the end the 3rd ODI at Mohali will test batsmen in the afternoon and at the same time spinners will enjoy the long square boundaries, although at night it will be handling dew for the defending team to come on top. Anyways the contest will be heated up in cool temperatures as Both sides yet show their potential with the bat.

Kiwis level the Series with their First win

                 New Zealand register their first win of the tour and leveled the series 1-1 as India fell short of 6 runs in chasing 243 and it is once again Hardik Pandya in action this time with the bat, who raised hopes in Indian  camp with his cameo of 36 alongside Umesh with an partnership of 49 runs for 9 th wicket. When India were 8 down for 183 in the 41st over.

           The target seemed an easy one as India were in confidence but the Kiwis with some changes to the bowling unit, bowled with discipline leading up with Boult and fielded with purpose to show where they need to be. Rohit looked in some touch with hitting a six and a boundary in the mix he was done by some extra bounce from Boult. Indian batsmen all got to an  important start to go big, but no one really stayed for long.

             At the end the use of deliveries to their start as become an anti for the lower order batsmen as Dhoni’s 39 runs came off 65 balls, alongside Rahane’s 28 runs of 49 balls, while things looked good for India when Kedar Jadhav striked at more than run a ball and the partnership between him and Dhoni was the highest in  the innings. Although Jadhav dismissal brought the flow of runs down, through later of 30th over in the Innings.

             It's mostly the lack of pace in the wicket as troubled the Indian batsmen and the Kiwis used most of it to their advantage as Dhoni and Jadhav fallen to slower delivers. While India lost Axar and Misra to Guptill in the 41st  over in the purpose to decelerate the required run rate, which they thought is the over to go after. At the end Hardik played a matured innings alongside Umesh under the circumstances, but eventually hold on to Santner at extra cover in playing a short ball with flat bat.

              Earlier it was Kiwis who were put on the bat first after losing another toss and the hosts got the breakthrough of the second ball as Umesh dismissed Guptill with a peach of delivery which pitched around middle and taken the off stump out of the ground. After that it was all the Kiwis who looked in control as Latham and Williamson started to set the tone for 300 at some stage and Dhoni seemed to have no answers until bringing Jadhav into the attack after an attacking batting from the duo against the front line spinners.

             Jadhav trapped Latham on his crease to sent him off after an well laid partnership of 120, later the incoming batsmen found it difficult to score alongside their captain, as Taylor once again failed to replicate his standards. Although Williamson fought hard at the other end with wickets tumbling at the other end and he brought up his maiden ODI hundred against the hosts, while India never allowed them to settle them.

           At the end Williamson who struggled after his century with cramps got out on 118 at long on to Misra in playing a big shot, meanwhile India wrapped up the Kiwis in last ten overs with minimum runs on offer. As this time around Southee couldn't fired up at the end Kiwis made 243 for the loss of 9 wickets with Misra and Bumrah picking up 3 wickets a piece.

Slumped New Zealand Seek Quick Turn-around

                   it's disappointing not just for the Kiwis but also for Indians too the way the first ODI ended without an even contest, India who had more concerns to address going into the first ODI would feel that they got it right but not the way they wanted with Kiwis tumbled and the second ODI at Delhi on Thursday as all its Stakes to make it a talking point with India roaring high, and Kiwis yet to register a win on the tour.

            Of all what happened at Dharmashala Hardik pandya shared the limelight not with his debut but with the pace he bowled. That means the limelight of the series will be more on him as India in search of seam bowling all-rounder from a long time, adding to his pace umesh’s line's will be too under the radar as the series progress.

            On the other hand the visitors surprised everyone with their batting collapse and they will be under pressure on Thursday given the situation they are in, they don't replicate their shorter format success in recent years but it's all too early to make points on a side which have all basses covered.

           While it's evident that the visitor's even struggled against part time spin and even if they get a good start against pacers early on it's going to be challenging against spinners like axar who is eager to establish himself and with Misra’s experience they need to address the issue of playing spin at least in shorter format to come on top against India.

           Meanwhile Raina's delay in recovery would benefit Jadhav with another chance and also a good time for the hosts to test him with the resources they have with in the squad, while Kiwis are in two minds of playing an extra pacer in playing XI in place of Nesham or Ish Sodhi where it's tricky that hosts has been comfortably playing spin and with the surface at Delhi it's not going to easy going with 4 men pace attack as well.

          At the end it all depends on the Kiwis in bouncing back after an unusual performance from their batsmen and the hosts point would be clear to put pressure on the visitors, as the contest once again lies between the batting units of either sides.

England look to use Conditions as Hosts yet to establish

                 England ceased the ODI series and ended Bangladesh 's winning streak of series in limited overs format and now it's time for them to switch the gears to longer format, where the actual business lies for them from Thursday at Chittagong ahead of India's tour later the two match series against Bangladesh.

            While Bangladesh are more than competitive side in the limited overs format since their WC 15 quarterfinal qualification, but the longer format still has been a merry ocean to sail as the hosts yet to find players  whose potential lasts five long days.

            But the limited overs format produced good contest between the sides and the on field banter between players made it even spicy where it might still burn the flame in the longer format for an opportunity to show dominance against each other.

            While the hosts made too  many changes to their side when compared it with their last longer format squad due to form and also to injury concerns. Although Shakib remains to be an much relied player for the team in any format and this time it's not any different given his form in limited overs format.

             On the other hand the visitors too have called their longer format specialists and other key players of the squad ahead of India's tour. While Duckett who has been impressive in ODIs and in the practice games likely to make his debut at the top in absence of Hales, while the young Haseeb Hameed as to wait for his chance along the road.

           Meanwhile Anderson's injury will be not a problem for them in this series but his fitness for India tour will be more crucial, who is already set miss the first test. It's going be a test to adapt to the conditions which offer more spin as the game progress both for the batsmen and as well as for the spinners. Where the hosts look to exploit the region more and it might be more needed for the visitors than them.

Bowlers and Kohli ensured India to set the tone

                             India won the 1st ODI of 5 match series by 6 wickets and with 101 balls to spare as Virat ensured to stay till the end in chasing a below par score on a good batting pitch in Dharamshala. It was the hosts who elected to ball on winning the toss and Pandya was awarded his first ODI cap in the opener as India went with two spin attack same as the visitors with giving a rest to Boult and Henry.

           The innings hadn't started well for the visitors as expected as Guptill looked tentative against pandya in his first over and he could only outside edge the last ball which held it's line tough starter. On the other end Umesh proved to be more reliable with his lines  probing the batsmen around the off stump but in the way Williamson couldn't clear Misra at third man in playing an rare width delivery offered by Umesh. Later Ross Taylor couldn't keep away a good ball first up from Umesh who could only edge it to Dhoni.

            Hardik Pandya came with more pace as a surprise and he is lucky enough to pick Anderson and Ronchi who couldn't keep the ball down the ground. While Bumah chipped in with quite overs alongside the new ball bowlers as Latham played quite watchful shots at one end with wickets falling at the other end. The Kiwis struggled throughout the innings at a stage India looked to wrap up the visitors below 100, but at the end it was the partnership between Latham and Southee that made them to post some runs on the board as Misra wrapped up the innings with 3 wickets.

            Later on India started to the chase a below par score of 190 with easing the movement of the new ball where Rohit and Rahane are circumspect early on but Rohit couldn't make up the runs as he missed a full length ball angling in from Bracewell at the end of the powerplay. While Rahane within a couple of overs span edged an outswinger from Nesham to wicketkeeper in trying to run the ball to the third man.

              Meanwhile Pandey who walked at no.4 as looked busy alongside Virat in roaring the strike but could only find Williamson in playing a short ball of Sodhi after a good start. Dhoni who joined later with Virat played some shots of the short deliveries with ease which the Kiwis wanted  to test him in that region. In the process Virat completed his half century and made things quite easy as he ended on 85* in  finishing the innings with a six.

            At the end it can be said as batting collapse from visitors who can't post a challenging target and thanks to some fight from Latham and Southee ensuring with some runs to defend, but it was all too easy for the chasing machine who stayed till the end. Although much credit goes to the inexperienced bowling unit to warping up the visitors under 200.

Host's seek Solutions as Visitors eager to Compensate losses

                           India have started their home season as wished too as Kiwi's found it difficult to handle some high quality spin, but now with the change in the format it's all a different ball game in the shorter format as the visitors showed their peak form over last couple of years in this format. The sweep in longer format mean they yet to register a win in this tour and it's time for them to showcase their potential at a venue where touring teams feel at home.

           India have more problems to solve in the shorter format and injury to Dhawan and illness to Raina would mean that Dhoni has to decide whether to bat Rahane at the top or to keep continue playing in the middle order which he has done in the previous encounters he played. While the  schedule is so tight for the hosts that they should find the blueprint to the championship trophy in 2017 with the limited matches they have in this season.

            On the other hand Kiwis have ample matches ahead of the tournament and they feel it's important to start well in the shorter format after a while now. The return of Southee as strengthened their experience in the team and Anderson's new role in the team with the bat is going to quite a crucial one for the balance of the side alongside Nesham's return who is yet to establish himself as an genuine Allrounder at the highest level.

            Meanwhile it's hard to remember Baz’s farewell ODI and the visitors haven't played an ODI since then but Williamson being the captain in all the formats made it unreasonable to look at that way. But the opener slot is where the big shoes as to filled and Taylor's form would be crucial for them after his sloppy knocks in this tour so far.

         Although on the given day it all depends on how players to adapt to the conditions on offer and Dharmashala would be ideal for the visitors to start the series given the low temperatures on available and handling due for spinners later in the evening will be a challenge.

               At the end it's more about finding the missing link in the middle and lower order for India than winning or losing and for the visitors it's about compensating their longer format losses in this tour so far. While the context between the both sides at Dharamsala on Sunday depends between the batting units of both sides where the work is in progress.

Stands, Conditions in focus as Indian Cricket History at Stakes

                    India set to kick-start their longest home season of Test Cricket on the auspicious occasion in its history in Kanpur as they eager to set the tone for rest of the season with the 500 th landmark test in its entirety which is all set to make a start on Thursday. The home side and the visitors who are well known to tag underdogs every time are both in a process to challenge themselves to reach the next level.

             While India established themselves as an unbeatable team at home after the Series loss to England in 2012, since then India hadn't lost a test at home. It's largely due to the way spinners dominated proceedings and the visiting teams couldn't match the quality with their less prolific spinners. But large amount of concerns raised over the quality of pitches being prepared, where hardly any test match reaching the final day for the result.

             But for now India are a team with re energising under Captain Kohli and Coach Kumble, who are looking far ahead in terms of specific circumstances on offer. Were they won all the test  series under Virat after appointing full time captain in longer format and the recently concluded tour to West Indies has been fruitful by clinging the four test match series by 2-0. In this process of progress they found some healthy completion within the squad at the top order with Rahul making every opportunity count  and Ashwin's promotion to No.5 has also paid off in big by providing enough freedom to saha down the order.

          On the other hand Kiwis grown as an invariably hard team to beat in shorter format, but with the nature they posses from years it's hard them to consider lightly in the longer format as well irrespective of where they rank in the table. The visitors are now without Baz but the seeds are strongly implanted in every Player and Kane Williamson is on the footsteps of Baz legacy. While their recent tour to South Africa hasn't been a good outing as they lost the series by 1-0 to the home side, although there are some mature Innings played by Nichols in the middle order in testing conditions.

              Meanwhile here in India it's going to be more about spin and the visitors spinners has shown good intent during WT20 where Ishi Sodhi and Santner tumbled India in Nagpur and are also been the leading wicket takers during the tournament. Now it is taking another step forward for this young spinners to establish themselves at the highest test and it all depends on how long they can consistently test the batsmen on surfaces there is always some help.

            On the other side Indian spinners are well experienced and established one's and all fortunes turning their way in recent past as with their form irrespective of format. While for Ashwin it's the same series back in 2012 where he made impact in longest format, since then the offspinner hadn't looked back. So it will be another test for Kiwis batsmen against the spin trio who are coming into the series with some form and the visitors heavily dependent on experience of Taylor and Williamson in these conditions, so their chances of giving a fight to strong Indian attack lot depends on how Guptill, Latham and Nicolas support the senior batsmen.

             Although lot depends on the conditions on offer as the pitch being prepared as typical Indian track, which will assist spinners more as the game progress and reverse swing likely to play a huge role in later days of test match.

            So with the known conditions both teams tempted to go with their spin trio alongside one or two pacers depending on their batting depth, coming to the batting order Dhawan likely to miss the first test due to his moderate form in recent past and Pujara likely to be back at No.3 with his impressive double century in recently concluded domestic final.

              At the end there is lot look forward to India's long home season and how Kiwis fight to keep up with the standards of longer format. While it is interesting to see whether Crowd turn to the stadium not just due to it's landmark in Indian cricket, but with the way test Cricket is being perceived in the recent past in India.

Aussie sweeps T20's, as Lankans fought hard at the end

              Sri Lanka have won the toss in all important second T20I at Colombo and Lankans opted to bat first on a dry track which seemed to offer plenty of runs. But the party haven't started well for Lankans as Dilshan chased short and wide delivery to cut and in the end found the lonely slip. After an shell shocked silence from the crowd, Danjaya Desilva who walked to the crease at no.3 played beautiful shots along with perera and the pair tackled Starc with ease with free flowing boundaries, as Starc figures showed 0-20 an unusual scenario in the series so far.

             Lankans are in a mood to use the power play to their fullest potential, but Faulkner struck with a wicket in his first over as perera played the shot early and could only found the leading edge, where Warner sprinted hard with a full length dive and caught it with ease. From there on it is the same story that had repeated throughout the limited overs series, no one had stayed longer with Desilva as Aussies bowled with discipline and fielded with an mindset of urgency.

            In the middle overs it was Zampa who bowled with Control and varied the pace and picked up 3 crucial wickets in regular intervals as Lankans found it difficult even to rotate the strike. At the other end DeSilva fought hard to make the scorecard ticking, but Faulkner and Hastings continued to chip in with wickets to stop the acceleration.  Although DeSilva played a lone Innings to put some runs on the board and at the end he departed on 62 with two balls to spare in the Innings as Lankans posted a respectable total of 128.

          Later on Aussies started  to chase a moderate score on a pitch where there are some runs and they were circumspect in the opening over which yielded couple of runs. After it's all the Maxwell show that started to pinch boundaries, as he continued his form where he left the other day. Warner too joined Maxi with his reverse sweeps and switch hits, where Maxi made it to look to easy with his unorthodoxly shots and bought up his fifty in 18 balls which was the fastest fifty by an Aussie in T20I’s.

              Both batsmen made full use of powerplay which yielded 75 runs and the chase looked a couple of steps away as Maxi continued to pinch boundaries. When things looked all in control Maxi thought to go inside out against Prasanna, but he was early on the shot which took the inside edge and crashed on to the stumps as he ends another brilliance of knock of 66 from just 29 balls. While with only few runs to get it was Henriques who came at no.3, but he's stay at the crease lasted only for 3 balls as he tried to take on Pathirana missed all ends up the ball to kusal Perera.

             After it was Warner who departed in the same over scored 25 off 24 top edged playing a sweep towards deep square, where perera hold  on to the catch. At this period Lankans started to believe their is an outside chance of winning the match as they bowled quite overs through the middle overs and Faulkner's run-out was a result of that. But there was no scoreboard pressure on Aussie as they have amply time to chase remaining runs, although Dilshan made them panic with couple of breakthroughs in 15th and 17th over it was all over as Aussie made it with couple overs to spare.

        At the end it was an outstanding knock from Maxwell and credit to Aussie bowlers who restricted Lankans to 128, but bit disappointment for Lankans for  not finish on a high in Dilshan’s  farewell.

Lankans hope to bid farewell on a high, as Aussie's Dominating

                   The Aussies are all over Lankans since the shift in the format occurred and they are in the way to compensate their 3-0 defeat in the longer format. In the way to crunch the Lankans some records tumbled in the purpose as Maxwell showed all his frustration for being dropped in recent times and thanks to Lehmann who made Maxi to bat at the top who left with lot of time to exploit the destruction.

              While for Lankans it's not a great time going for them especially in the shorter format, they could turn their fortunes in the longer format. But injuries to their premier bowlers have hurted them a lot in the shorter format unlike to the test series where spinners made all the talking. Now it's time for them to bid a farewell for Dilshan from international Cricket, who is set to retire with the T20 on Friday at Colombo.

           Sri Lanka couldn't find answers in the 1st T20I in Pallekele, where all their bowlers went for a troll on a pitch which is flat enough to record a highest T20I score. But their major problem as been their batting throughout the ODI series who struggled to post a target that can challenge the visitors and they couldn't asked for more from their depleted bowling unit. It has been a concern for them for a while especially with the inconsistency from the top order and it's the area to resolve for them on a longer picture.

              Meanwhile it's not obvious for the Aussie to be consistent in T20’s, but Maxwell showed good signs for a bid to Compete at the top order in this format and it's also due to the batsmen followed haven't shied to throw their bat at the ball for the cause of record breaking total. In the meantime it's has been their bowlers to turn their fortunes in the Series, Where shorter format specialists made more damage with ball and bat as well. Now they aren't taking the second T20 lightly either, which is only the 2 match Series.

            Meanwhile the pitch at Colombo is dry enough to produce another high scoring game, so as it did in the ODI Series with the top score in the Series. So it's another high time for bowlers to hold their nerves on Friday.  

               At the end both sides have their own Stakes to finish on a high for Aussie it's about compensating their losses in longer format and for the Lankans to give Dilshan a farewell with a win in his last appearance for the islanders. Although the the contest gonna lie on how Lankans turn the table with the bat against cruising Aussies.

Both teams eye, to end on a High

                The home season ends up for the hosts with the only T20I on Wednesday and this time the home season has been fruitful  in all the formats without losing any Series. While the only thing the Hosts can look back at is the test Series which ended 2-2, where they could have done more. But now the only thing that might be  resembling in every English player mind is whether to commit to the tour of Bangladesh.

              On the other hand the visitor's has found some sort of relief with the victory in the last ODI, which could have been a clean sweep in the Cricket books. At the same time Malik at last broke all his previous records in England with an much needed fifty for him and as well as for the team,  who were in early trouble of a Chase. Meanwhile ranking in Test Cricket looks quite a glory for visitors being at the top, but in ODI Cricket it's a different story where they reached their lowest ratings ever.

            So the only T20I going to be much needed for them ahead of Windies Series back at their adopted home, where the series might be the decisive factor for the No.8 position in ODI rankings. While Pakistan haven't featured in an T20 post to the WT20 in India and it's going to be an quite a new setup with Sarfaraz leading the squad and,  Arthur might tempted  to test a few young players to make a pool of limited overs specialists.

            At the other end England already have a quite a big pool to select players and they want all their guns blazing for the final treat of the season to the home crowd. While Stokes doesn't want to remind him what happened in the WT20 final and he is optimistic about focusing more his energy in the moment.

            Meanwhile the pitch at Old Trafford is quite dry during the test series and it's gonna remain the same on Wednesday with temperatures expected to be quite warm. So spinners will be in play with it's big dimensions and enough help from it's dryness.

             At end it's an another opportunity for Pakistan and Co to find more talent in limited overs and for England it's an another opportunity to showcase their dominance as the format itself demands it more to come on top. While the contest lies on how the visitors able to cope with the intensity hosts are showcasing.

Conditions are in focus, as Lankans desperate to end up 3-2

                Australia have fought their way back clinging the ODi series still with an match left, after a devastating performance caused them to lose the test series earlyon. But it's all the Aussie way that seems to be working them in their favour and  with stand in captain making most of his opportunities count to be able to make his mark in the short span.

              But for Sri Lanka it's not the case as their strategy is unaffected on the visitors without enough runs on the board and Injury to their captain at the situation where his services most needed affected their chances in the crucial encounter at Dambulla. Now it made them to alter their balance of the team and in the way it made the selectors to consider Tharanga and Shanaka who struck the eyes during their unpleasant England tour.

           While the experiment to bring in Fernando has been backfired with Starc's reputation in the series, now it's a time for them to test few players at the top of the order with already the Series in the visitors balcony. Although the spin attack had done a good job to extend play as possible even with few runs on the board to defend and the hosts has found good credentials in the spin department with Aponso, MDK perera and  Pathirana performing well, but actual test lies for them when they tour outside subcontinent.

            On the other hand the visitors showed resilience against  spin to some extent with quite some brisk knocks from Finch at the top of the order and the middle order made solid contributions to the victories where Bailey and Wade’s partnership laid the road alongside some encouraging knocks from Head. But it's the bowling the reason behind, who restricted the hosts to par totals in their 3 wins. Where Faulkner and Hastings outfoxed the batsmen with change in pace and Starc's has been a revolutionary in this series with providing early breakthroughs.

           It has been all the spin friendly surfaces in test series and also in first 2 ODI’s, but Dambulla had some assistance for pacers in the later 2 matches and now it's Pallekele where it known for plenty of assistance for pacers in the island the final ODI is staged. So the visitors might be licking their lips to their strength.

          Meanwhile the Lankans have to find a balance to suit the change in conditions, where it's evident from the past that pacers gonna make the rules. So it's time for revange the visitors wanna take on Lankans and at the same time the Lankans want to finish respectfully, where 3-2 looks quite a nice a way end against the top ranked Aussie.