ZIM-BD-SL Tri Series 2018: Pre-series Discussion

[CrimsonAvenger]

Williams did have a pretty dismal 2017 across formats and probably deserves to be dropped on that record:
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But his bowling took a massive upswing in the same period:
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But I guess with every Williams exclusion, there must be some other obscure reason than what just meets the eye. Remember the last BD full tour shenanigans. Many of us were quick to blame Mangongo but ultimately Williams was at fault. Hope the reason comes out soon...

[Kriterion_BD]

Those batting averages from CA is basically what I'm talking about. Williams batting in the top 6 isn't much more justifiable than a Vusi or Elton batting in those positions. Doesn't Vusi have a tremendous technique? Can't Elton really hit the ball hard? But would you trust them to come in #6 in a clutch situation where either team could win the game?

His bowling will be missed. But I think both BD and SL have a good number of left handers in their lineup negating much of Willy's effectiveness.

[eugene]

Williams needs to be dropped. With our packed middle order there is no room for someone averaging 21 over the last 12 months.

[Kriterion_BD]

Williams needs to be dropped. With our packed middle order there is no room for someone averaging 21 over the last 12 months.

Players have dips in form. 21 isnt an unheard of average.

its his fickle batting habits over a decade plus career that is more relevant to him being dropped. lets try the Murrays and Moors. Moor has a tantalizing ability to clear the ropes which only Waller and Mire can match.

Musakanda should have been there as well. mpofu is a wasted spot IMO.

[CrimsonAvenger]

Just checked. Williams actually averages below 21 over the last 2 years in ODIs with just 2 50+ scores. Waller, whom most of us despise for similar wicket throwing capabilities averages nearly 25 in the same period. Pretty horrific for Williams, that comparison. But the bowler in him has become very intelligent. May be he might not have had much of a success in this series anyway as BD and SL have a lot of left handers as Kriterion says.

But the amount of experimentation looks a little too aggressive for my liking. Excluding Musakanda was pretty harsh especially after his SL exploits. Yes, he is probably woefully out of form domestically, but he could have still retained his place in the squad.

Mavuta was probably the only guy who could hold his head high after the horrific UAE tour of the A team and is probably rewarded for that. But how are we going to play two leggies in the same XI? Chisoro well in front in that context.

[CrimsonAvenger]

As for the series itself, I think BD start as firm favorites. They are at home, where they have enjoyed quite a lot of success of late, and are relieved of whatever pain they faced with Hathurasingha being there. They might enjoy this bit of freedom and have fun and success on the field just due to that too.

SL has massively turned around their test form with 2 wins and 2 draws against formidable Pak and India in their last 5 tests, away from home too. But their limkited overs form has remained abysmal. But may be Hathurasingha knows a thing or two about fixing this problem. These fools have to start playing Dhananjaya de Silva in every match they play. Not sure why he never got a start in any of the matches in the LOI leg of the India series even after his heroic effort in the Delhi test. The guy looks very talented and a calm head. And he had shown that against the Aussies and in Zim years ago.

We have beaten SL recently, but I suspect the recent drubbing at the hands of SA will have a huge impact on the mindset. At least question marks in the batsmen for sure. We need good platforms from the opening pair again, which they did so well in SL, for us to taste any victories in this series. Taylor has to step up. He has had some massive brain fades since coming back and he needs to correct that - and he surely can. Raza will again come to the party in a country where he has enjoyed more success recently.

Prediction: BD to win the series with Zim failing to make the final. With 0 or 1 win in the league stage. Zim to do well later against the Afghans.

[Black Mamba]

Except Asia Cup 2016, haven't seen Bangladesh preparaing Green Tracks, they prepare spin friendly pitches in test, slow and sticky wicket in odis, where change of pace, slower deliveries become more lethal then seam and swing. However spinners gets grip but too a small extent. However, Shakib like every time will trouble with his armer delivery, other left arm spinners will do the same.Mehidy bowls his off spin regulating speed troubles left handers.

Mpofu has the ability of bowling change of pace, slowers. Tiripano or Madziva would have been great addition. Mavuta might get success as Bangladesh & Sri Lanka has got problems facing leg spin.

[Kriterion_BD]

Just checked. Williams actually averages below 21 over the last 2 years in ODIs with just 2 50+ scores. Waller, whom most of us despise for similar wicket throwing capabilities averages nearly 25 in the same period. Pretty horrific for Williams, that comparison. But the bowler in him has become very intelligent. May be he might not have had much of a success in this series anyway as BD and SL have a lot of left handers as Kriterion says.

That probably also includes that hundred vs Ireland. Take that out and Williams is probably in real trouble. It makes little sense to hold Waller to a higher standard than Williams, except for Willy's higher talent ceiling. But 31 and after having over 100 caps, talent shouldn't be used to keep giving Williams chances in the top 6.

[CrimsonAvenger]

No, his only ODI 100 came against the Afghans and that was in late 2015. He did have a couple of good knocks against Ireland too before that. In fact, he carried his good CWC 2015 form till the end of that year. Looks like everything came unstuck since the beginning of 2016. His two 50+ scores in the last two years came towards the end of last year - 70 vs Scotland and 65 vs SL.

[Kriterion_BD]

No, his only ODI 100 came against the Afghans and that was in late 2015. He did have a couple of good knocks against Ireland too before that. In fact, he carried his good CWC 2015 form till the end of that year. Looks like everything came unstuck since the beginning of 2016. His two 50+ scores in the last two years came towards the end of last year - 70 vs Scotland and 65 vs SL.

You're right. I could have sworn his 100 was against IRE. I remember it being when the game was all over and ZIM was just batting out the overs...is that correct?