Tristan Lavalette says in the days of big-hitting and huge totals, it’s still the India legend who could emerge as the World Cup hero this summer
ODI cricket is different these days. You just have to watch England’s matches to realise how much the format has gone into overdrive since the last World Cup, which now feels like a bygone era.
Back then, Australia’s deep and destructive batting order at the 2015 World Cup saw them take the 50-over format to new heights. It proved a successful formula that helped spearhead Australia to a memorable triumph on home soil and then became the blueprint Trevor Bayliss used to fuel England’s astounding ODI turnaround.
In these exciting times, England’s batting is loaded with firepower to make Australia circa 2015 look rather pedestrian. This nastier version of 50-over cricket was showcased during that utterly mindboggling 4th ODI between England and West Indies in Grenada.
England plundered 418-6, including unbelievably striking at 10 an over for the last 25 overs, but it was barely enough with the West Indies almost gunning it down before falling just 29 runs short.
It was almost all too surreal and felt reminiscent of playing the classic Nineties video game Brian Lara Cricket, when you used cheat mode to hit sixes at will. It’s not fantasy anymore; no total appears implausible and no total feels safe to defend in ODI cricket.
Amid this run glut, MS Dhoni’s throwback batting to a more sedate period stands out. It has been almost jarring to flick between watching the pyrotechnic show in the Caribbean to the more staid matches India and Australia have played in the past six weeks.
Denne historien er fra March 8, 2019-utgaven av The Cricket Paper.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra March 8, 2019-utgaven av The Cricket Paper.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Kohli leads RCB to much-needed win
VIRAT KOHLI returned to top form with 72 not out to lead RCB to an eight-wicket victory over the Royals in Abu Dhabi.
TEWATIA HAS SPARKED MY LOVE AFFAIR WITH THE IPL
James Wallace admits he has been surprisingly taken in by the IPL so far – and, in particular, the performance of a new Royal renegade
Whitewash victory is just the T20 tonic for Keightley
A SERIES that few thought would come to fruition ended in triumph for England who completed a 5-0 whitewash of the West Indies in Derby.
TEN OUT OF TEN! RYAN IS BASKING IN MORE GLORY
Chris Stocks catches up with Ryan ten Doeschate, who has plotted Essex’s recent county domination every step of the way
Surrey have the Will to end hoodoo
WILL Jacks may be a hot batting prospect but he’s relished the added responsibility with the ball in Surrey’s charge to T20 Finals Day.
NOW IT'S OUR TIME TO HELP OTHERS
Chris Stocks catches up with England’s director of cricket and discusses the need for the ECB to help boards around the world
IT'S OFTEN DOWN TO A THROW OF THE DICE
Garfield Robinson explains just how big a part luck plays in determining success or failure in sport
FINDING TALENTS LIKE TOM IS A GAIN IN ITSELF
One of the unexpected highlights to emerge from English cricket’s Covid-attenuated season was the chance given to young players to strut their stuff. With many overseas players and Kolpaks affected by travel restrictions many counties looked instead to the young talent on their staffs with gratifying results.
Future looks bright for the Ohio Slinger
ALI Khan is earning his stars and stripes in the Indian Premier League, with the first American to play in the tournament breaking down barriers in every sense.
Spin trio put squeeze on after Glenn shows off skill with the bat
SARAH GLENN helped England spin it to win it after proving she can make an all-round contribution.
