ODI predictions
Posted: Tue Aug 09, 2011 1:39 pm
Basically, I think we'll lose the ODIs to Bangladesh 3-2.
Here's my reasoning. Essentially Bangladesh are a better one day side than us (even though we are clearly a better Test side). Tamim & Co will be able to score at a brisk pace and their spinners can turn a screw or two when we bat. Two things are in our favour though: our seamers are too much for them and our batting lineup has a bit of depth and form. However, in order to maximise our chances, changes will need to be made. If I was in charge I'd reluctantly drop Sibanda (he's our test specialist, that's been clear for almost two years now) but that creates an opening problem. I still want Hammie and Taylor at 3 and 4, but with Forster coming in, I'd have to open with Taylor and give him an anchor role for the innings. Meth and Utseya need to come in at some point and the fitness of both Jarvis and Vitori is a concern of mine but wholesale changes can be more harmful, so how about mixing up the line with each match? He's my lineup for Friday:
1. Taylor
2. Mawoyo
3. Masakadza
4. Mutizwa
5. Ervine
6. Taibu
7. Chigumbura
8. Meth
9. Price
10. Mpofu
11. Jarvis
A few changes for the following matches are: Vitori for Jarvis, Utseya for Meth, even Raza for Cremer if his batting disappoints again. In Bulawayo I'd have two spinners and Meth (he should know his home ground right?) but that also depends on whether we're 3-0 down or whether the series is still alive. How about taking a look at Chatara, Waller and Shingi? Too many variables but good problems to have.
Here's my reasoning. Essentially Bangladesh are a better one day side than us (even though we are clearly a better Test side). Tamim & Co will be able to score at a brisk pace and their spinners can turn a screw or two when we bat. Two things are in our favour though: our seamers are too much for them and our batting lineup has a bit of depth and form. However, in order to maximise our chances, changes will need to be made. If I was in charge I'd reluctantly drop Sibanda (he's our test specialist, that's been clear for almost two years now) but that creates an opening problem. I still want Hammie and Taylor at 3 and 4, but with Forster coming in, I'd have to open with Taylor and give him an anchor role for the innings. Meth and Utseya need to come in at some point and the fitness of both Jarvis and Vitori is a concern of mine but wholesale changes can be more harmful, so how about mixing up the line with each match? He's my lineup for Friday:
1. Taylor
2. Mawoyo
3. Masakadza
4. Mutizwa
5. Ervine
6. Taibu
7. Chigumbura
8. Meth
9. Price
10. Mpofu
11. Jarvis
A few changes for the following matches are: Vitori for Jarvis, Utseya for Meth, even Raza for Cremer if his batting disappoints again. In Bulawayo I'd have two spinners and Meth (he should know his home ground right?) but that also depends on whether we're 3-0 down or whether the series is still alive. How about taking a look at Chatara, Waller and Shingi? Too many variables but good problems to have.