New Zealand, Australia and England announce first ever T20I tri-series

[mmkextreme_1]

New Zealand announce scheduled for upcoming home season

A ground-breaking T20 Tri-Series, a visit from the West Indian women’s side, the possibility of a historic day-night Test against England at Eden Park – and the ICC Under 19 Cricket World Cup: these are some of the highlights of another action-packed summer schedule for New Zealand cricket fans.

Visits from both the West Indian men’s and women’s sides, as well as from Pakistan, Australia, and England, means New Zealand cricket supporters are promised a total of 35 internationals over the upcoming 2017-18 season – an unprecedented number of matches for a New Zealand home summer.

Add to this the ICC Under 19 Cricket World Cup, starting on January 13 and to be played out of Whangarei, Tauranga, Christchurch and Queenstown, and the upcoming home programme could hardly be busier.

Those cricket fans holidaying over the Christmas and New Year’s break can look forward to a Boxing Day ODI against the West Indies at Hagley Oval, a T20 against the same opponents in Nelson, and a double-header to complete the series at Mt Maunganui’s Bay Oval.

Of particular note will be the T20 Tri-Series between the BLACKCAPS, Australia, and England (the final of which will be played at Eden Park on February 21) – the first-ever T20 Tri- Series contested by full ICC members.

At a glance, the West Indies will follow a brace of Tests with three ODIs and three T20s; Pakistan will arrive to play five ODIs and three T20s, after which the BLACKCAPS will square off against Australia and England in the Tri-Series.

The packed summer programme then reaches a climax in late February when England starts a tour comprising five ODIs and two Tests, the first of which – at Eden Park, is scheduled to become New Zealand’s inaugural day-night Test, pending the outcome of an independent hearing into using lights on a Sunday.

The West Indian women will arrive in March and play three ODIs and five T20s against the WHITE FERNS, of which the ODIs will count towards rankings in the ICC Women’s World Championship. Details of dates and venues will be released in due course.

NZC chief executive David White said the summer schedule continued a trend of top-billing sides coming to New Zealand, and its geographical spread allowed supporters in all regions an opportunity to enjoy quality international cricket.

“It’s a special time for cricket in New Zealand when we see as many as five international teams visiting, and to have powerhouses such as England and Australia included in that mix is always exciting.

“The T20 Tri-Series is something new and, for older fans, might rekindle memories of Australia’s former World Series matches – which so often included New Zealand.”

Mr White said NZC was still hopeful of Eden Park receiving approval to stage the first day-night Test in New Zealand, and believed the event would be a notable success if it went ahead as proposed.

“We think it’s critical that we look to be innovative in this space and, also, that a Test match championship is ratified by the ICC at its October meeting,” he said.

“The Test game needs to have more context, and be more relevant, especially for the younger generations coming through.”

Source: http://www.cricketcountry.com/news/new-zealand-announce-scheduled-for-upcoming-home-season-629883

This should be interesting. Finally a tri-series, wish they were played more often.

 

[santos11]

Good, about time Non - Asian Test fans stop blaming Asian fans for being obsessed with T-20 Cricket .

 

[KhalidRafi]

Tri-series are still played twice or thrice a year. Pakistan just isn't a part of any.
I think Sri Lanka, India and Bangladesh are playing a T20 tri-series in Sri Lanka next year aswell, which is called the Independence Cup or something.

 

[santos11]

Tri-series are still played twice or thrice a year. Pakistan just isn't a part of any.
I think Sri Lanka, India and Bangladesh are playing a T20 tri-series in Sri Lanka next year aswell, which is called the Independence Cup or something.

Pakistan should have been part of that Cup too.

 

[KhalidRafi]

Pakistan should have been part of that Cup too.

I guess India and Sri Lanka are the new best friends now instead of Pakistan and Sri Lanka so it makes sense. Few years back, you had Pakistan and Sri Lanka playing each other in multiple bilateral series, usually in the span of one year. Now it's India-Sri Lanka playing each other thrice in less than a year.

 

[mak36]

Should be an exciting series, but this will unfortunately impact availability for the PSL (at least for the first half of the tournament).

 

[shah_1]

T20 cricket is a money making machine so no wonder everyone want to plays more.

 

[Aman]

Sounds dope, although would have preferred an ODI tri series which is played every 2-3 years with Aus and SA.

 

[aloo paratha]

Lame, ODIs would've been much more exciting.

 

[Hasan123]

Would have been better as an odi tri series but at least this series will have some context.

 

[CanadianG00se]

Tri-Series is a welcome move. Bilaterals T20Is are most boring and have no real meaning to it. TBH, T20s should only be played in global tournament and league cricket.

 

[Specialisttailender]

T20 Tri series are overdue. Looking forward to it.

 

[Muhammad10]

Good idea. Short, bilateral T20I series are somewhat underwhelming.

 

[Abdullah719]

England National Cricket Selectors have named the following 16-man squad for the Gillette International IT20 series against Australia and New Zealand

Durham seamer Mark Wood, Kent batsman Sam Billings and Hampshire’s James Vince return to the squad after missing out in the last IT20 against West Indies last September. Moeen Ali and Jonny Bairstow, who have played in every Ashes Test this winter and are part of the ODI squad against Australia, have been rested for the tournament.

England IT20 Squad:

Eoin Morgan (Middlesex) Captain
Sam Billings (Kent)
Jos Buttler (Lancashire)
Tom Curran (Surrey)
Liam Dawson (Hampshire)
Alex Hales (Nottinghamshire)
Chris Jordan (Sussex)
Dawid Malan (Middlesex)
Liam Plunkett (Yorkshire)
Adil Rashid (Yorkshire)
Joe Root (Yorkshire)
Jason Roy (Surrey)
Ben Stokes (Durham)
James Vince (Hampshire)
David Willey (Yorkshire)
Mark Wood (Durham)

Ben Stokes is included, though his involvement remains subject to any relevant legal or disciplinary developments in relation to the incident in Bristol in September. Should the ECB Board receive formal confirmation that Stokes has either been charged or that he will face no charges, they would convene within 48 hours to make a decision on his availability for the team at that stage.

Chairman of Selectors James Whitaker said: “The IT20 Tri-Series will be very competitive against quality opposition in Australia and New Zealand. Our limited overs cricket has been progressing nicely across both formats so this tournament will be another indicator on where we are heading as a team over the long-term. Our aim is to become the best T20 side in the world and a strong performance in this series will give us the chance to progress up the team rankings.

“We felt with that it was important for Dawid Malan and Joe Root, who have had an intense period of Test cricket over the past few months, to play in the series and continue to develop their T20 experience and skills.”

Fixtures:

Prime Ministers XI v England, Friday February 2, Manuka Oval, Canberra (7.15pm Local Time)
Australia v England, Wednesday February 7, Blundstone Arena, Hobart (7.40pm Local Time)
Australia v England, Saturday February 10, MCG, Melbourne (7.20pm Local Time)
New Zealand v England, Tuesday February 13, Westpac Stadium, Wellington (7.00pm Local Time)
New Zealand v England, Sunday February 18, Seddon Park, Hamilton (7.00pm Local Time)
IT20 Final, Wednesday February 21, Eden Park, Auckland (7.00pm Local Time)

 

[Hasan123]

England National Cricket Selectors have named the following 16-man squad for the Gillette International IT20 series against Australia and New Zealand

Durham seamer Mark Wood, Kent batsman Sam Billings and Hampshire’s James Vince return to the squad after missing out in the last IT20 against West Indies last September. Moeen Ali and Jonny Bairstow, who have played in every Ashes Test this winter and are part of the ODI squad against Australia, have been rested for the tournament.

England IT20 Squad:

Eoin Morgan (Middlesex) Captain
Sam Billings (Kent)
Jos Buttler (Lancashire)
Tom Curran (Surrey)
Liam Dawson (Hampshire)
Alex Hales (Nottinghamshire)
Chris Jordan (Sussex)
Dawid Malan (Middlesex)
Liam Plunkett (Yorkshire)
Adil Rashid (Yorkshire)
Joe Root (Yorkshire)
Jason Roy (Surrey)
Ben Stokes (Durham)
James Vince (Hampshire)
David Willey (Yorkshire)
Mark Wood (Durham)

Ben Stokes is included, though his involvement remains subject to any relevant legal or disciplinary developments in relation to the incident in Bristol in September. Should the ECB Board receive formal confirmation that Stokes has either been charged or that he will face no charges, they would convene within 48 hours to make a decision on his availability for the team at that stage.

Chairman of Selectors James Whitaker said: “The IT20 Tri-Series will be very competitive against quality opposition in Australia and New Zealand. Our limited overs cricket has been progressing nicely across both formats so this tournament will be another indicator on where we are heading as a team over the long-term. Our aim is to become the best T20 side in the world and a strong performance in this series will give us the chance to progress up the team rankings.

“We felt with that it was important for Dawid Malan and Joe Root, who have had an intense period of Test cricket over the past few months, to play in the series and continue to develop their T20 experience and skills.”

Fixtures:

Prime Ministers XI v England, Friday February 2, Manuka Oval, Canberra (7.15pm Local Time)
Australia v England, Wednesday February 7, Blundstone Arena, Hobart (7.40pm Local Time)
Australia v England, Saturday February 10, MCG, Melbourne (7.20pm Local Time)
New Zealand v England, Tuesday February 13, Westpac Stadium, Wellington (7.00pm Local Time)
New Zealand v England, Sunday February 18, Seddon Park, Hamilton (7.00pm Local Time)
IT20 Final, Wednesday February 21, Eden Park, Auckland (7.00pm Local Time)

Some players will miss out on the PSL.

 

[babajee]

Some players will miss out on the PSL.

PSL starting later I’m quite sure

26th Feb I think..

 

[Hasan123]

PSL starting later I’m quite sure

26th Feb I think..

Yep starts on 22nd February. Good news. Looking forward to seeing Hales and Billings playing for IU.

 

[Abdullah719]

PSL starting later I’m quite sure

26th Feb I think..

22nd Feb. So the day after tri-series final.

They'll probably miss first couple of matches for their teams.

 

[babajee]

22nd Feb. So the day after tri-series final.

They'll probably miss first couple of matches for their teams.

Let’s hope England don’t make it to the final

 

[Abdullah719]

Let’s hope England don’t make it to the final

Insha'Allah whatever is best for PSL

 

[Amirforpresident]

England National Cricket Selectors have named the following 16-man squad for the Gillette International IT20 series against Australia and New Zealand

Durham seamer Mark Wood, Kent batsman Sam Billings and Hampshire’s James Vince return to the squad after missing out in the last IT20 against West Indies last September. Moeen Ali and Jonny Bairstow, who have played in every Ashes Test this winter and are part of the ODI squad against Australia, have been rested for the tournament.

England IT20 Squad:

Eoin Morgan (Middlesex) Captain
Sam Billings (Kent)
Jos Buttler (Lancashire)
Tom Curran (Surrey)
Liam Dawson (Hampshire)
Alex Hales (Nottinghamshire)
Chris Jordan (Sussex)
Dawid Malan (Middlesex)
Liam Plunkett (Yorkshire)
Adil Rashid (Yorkshire)
Joe Root (Yorkshire)
Jason Roy (Surrey)
Ben Stokes (Durham)
James Vince (Hampshire)
David Willey (Yorkshire)
Mark Wood (Durham)

Ben Stokes is included, though his involvement remains subject to any relevant legal or disciplinary developments in relation to the incident in Bristol in September. Should the ECB Board receive formal confirmation that Stokes has either been charged or that he will face no charges, they would convene within 48 hours to make a decision on his availability for the team at that stage.

Chairman of Selectors James Whitaker said: “The IT20 Tri-Series will be very competitive against quality opposition in Australia and New Zealand. Our limited overs cricket has been progressing nicely across both formats so this tournament will be another indicator on where we are heading as a team over the long-term. Our aim is to become the best T20 side in the world and a strong performance in this series will give us the chance to progress up the team rankings.

“We felt with that it was important for Dawid Malan and Joe Root, who have had an intense period of Test cricket over the past few months, to play in the series and continue to develop their T20 experience and skills.”

Fixtures:

Prime Ministers XI v England, Friday February 2, Manuka Oval, Canberra (7.15pm Local Time)
Australia v England, Wednesday February 7, Blundstone Arena, Hobart (7.40pm Local Time)
Australia v England, Saturday February 10, MCG, Melbourne (7.20pm Local Time)
New Zealand v England, Tuesday February 13, Westpac Stadium, Wellington (7.00pm Local Time)
New Zealand v England, Sunday February 18, Seddon Park, Hamilton (7.00pm Local Time)
IT20 Final, Wednesday February 21, Eden Park, Auckland (7.00pm Local Time)

Why has Moeen bhai been dropped?

Edit: my bad he and Bairstow have been rested.

 

[Gilly]

Seems a bit odd that England play four matches and Aus & NZ only play two. Should make it easy for Eng to make the finals though.

 

[Aman]

Seems a bit odd that England play four matches and Aus & NZ only play two. Should make it easy for Eng to make the finals though.

Are you referring to the fixtures above?

Pretty sure they're just for England.

 

[Aman]

We're playing Aus on the 3rd and 16th according to the BC's site.

 

[giri26]

Ricky Ponting to act as assistant coach during Australia’s Gillette Twenty20 International Series

Cricket Australia has confirmed that Ricky Ponting will act as assistant coach during Australia’s Gillette Twenty20 International Series against England and New Zealand next month.

The former Australia captain will work under Head Coach Darren Lehmann, while Troy Cooley and Matthew Mott will also join the Bupa Support Staff team for the series.

The T20I series will involve matches against New Zealand (Sydney Cricket Ground on 3 February and Auckland on 16 February) and England (Hobart on 7 February and the Melbourne Cricket Ground on 10 February), plus the possibility of a final in Auckland on 21 February.

Ponting, Cooley and Mott will work with Lehmann as regular support staff Graeme Hick, David Saker and Brad Haddin will travel to South Africa to assist in preparations for the four-match Qantas Test tour that starts with the first match in Durban on 1 March.

For Ponting, it will be a case of reprising the role he undertook last year when he worked with the T20I squad for the three-match series against Sri Lanka. Mott is the current Head Coach of the Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars which retained the Women’s Ashes this summer while Cooley is Head Coach of the National Performance Program, based at the Bupa National Cricket Centre in Brisbane.

Ponting has extensive experience of the shortest form of the game, captaining his country in the first ever T20I, against New Zealand in 2005, and then leading the side in the first two editions of the ICC World Twenty20 in 2007 and 2009.

His professional playing career concluded at the Antigua Hawksbills in the inaugural edition of the Caribbean Premier League in 2013 and he then went on to coach the Mumbai Indians to the Indian Premier League title. Ponting has been one of the faces and voices of Network Ten’s award-winning coverage of the KFC Big Bash League and has been appointed to coach the Delhi Daredevils for at least the next two editions of the Indian Premier League.

Commenting on his appointment, Ricky Ponting said: “I’m delighted to be involved with the Australian squad again for what should be a terrific series against England and New Zealand.

“I loved working with the squad last year against Sri Lanka and I can’t wait to be working alongside Darren, Troy and Matthew this time around.

“Watching the KFC Big Bash League in my role as a commentator has shown me we have a wealth of talent available to us in this format and a tri-series like this will give us a great chance to establish a pattern of play that works best for the players.”

Welcoming Ricky Ponting’s appointment, Bupa Support Staff Head Coach Darren Lehmann said: “Ricky has a fantastic cricket brain and when it comes to Twenty20 cricket there aren’t many better in the world given his experience around the world, as a player, a coach and a commentator.

“It’s an exciting prospect for us, as coaches, to have the chance to take advantage of Ricky’s Twenty20 knowledge and, for the players, the chance to work with one of Australia’s all-time greats will be just as exciting for them.

“The ICC World Twenty20 trophy is the only one that’s missing from the trophy cabinet at Cricket Australia and it would be great for us to put that right during the next edition of the tournament on home soil in 2020.

“To do that the planning and preparation has to start now and so the chance to have this run of matches against two top sides in conditions we’re set to face in two years and for us to have Ricky as one of our backroom staff is great news.”

Ponting scored more than 27,000 international runs during a decorated international career that included playing in three ICC Cricket World Cup-winning sides in 1999, 2003 and 2007, the last two as captain in unbeaten campaigns.

 

[Gilly]

This will be a boring series, don't think I will even bother to watch it. There is just to much T20's happening and this at the end of the BBL is just stupid.

 

[Abdullah719]

Australia T20 SQUAD: David Warner (c), Aaron Finch (vc), Ashton Agar, Alex Carey, Ben Dwarshuis, Travis Head, Chris Lynn, Glenn Maxwell, Kane Richardson, D'Arcy Short, Billy Stanlake, Marcus Stoinis, Andrew Tye, Adam Zampa.

http://www.cricket.com.au/news/aust...quad-new-zeland-england-tri-series/2018-01-22

 

[giri26]

Teams announced for T20 Tri-Series and for the tour of South Africa

The National Selection Panel have selected a 15-player squad for the Qantas Tour of South Africa and a 14-player squad for the Gillette T20 International Tri-Series against England and New Zealand.

Qantas Tour of South Africa squad
Name State
Steve Smith (c ) NSW
David Warner (vc) NSW
Cameron Bancroft WA
Jackson Bird TAS
Pat Cummins NSW
Peter Handscomb VIC
Josh Hazlewood NSW
Jon Holland VIC
Usman Khawaja QLD
Nathan Lyon NSW
Mitchell Marsh WA
Shaun Marsh WA
Tim Paine TAS
Jhye Richardson WA
Mitchell Starc NSW

Gillette T20 International Tri-Series squad
Name BBL Club
David Warner (c ) N/A
Aaron Finch (vc) Melbourne Renegades
Ashton Agar Perth Scorchers
Alex Carey Adelaide Strikers
Ben Dwarshuis Sydney Sixers
Travis Head Adelaide Strikers
Chris Lynn Brisbane Heat
Glenn Maxwell Melbourne Stars
Kane Richardson Melbourne Renegades
D’Arcy Short Hobart Hurricanes
Billy Stanlake Adelaide Strikers
Marcus Stoinis Melbourne Stars
Andrew Tye Perth Scorchers
Adam Zampa Melbourne Stars

The squad for the Qantas Tour of South Africa will play four Test matches against South Africa, beginning in Durban on 1 March.

The NSP have elected to retain the same squad that successfully retained the Ashes, with the addition of West Australian fast-bowler Jhye Richardson and Victorian left-arm orthodox spinner Jon Holland.

Commenting on the inclusion of Holland, National Selector Trevor Hohns said: “Jon was the second leading wicket taker in the Sheffield Shield last season and has performed well in the games he has played for Victoria this season.

“We envisage the wickets we will see in South Africa will not warrant the need to play two spinners. Therefore, should Nathan not be able to play at any stage, we wanted to have the best specialist spinner available to us and based on current red ball form Jon warrants that spot."

On Richardson’s inclusion in the Test squad for the first time, he said: “Jhye is a talented right-armer that bowls with very good pace through the air. He impressed in his first One-Day International and has bowled well in the Sheffield Shield this season. He is an exciting young prospect who will benefit immensely from his time with this squad.”

All members of the Test squad will head to South Africa on February 15, with the exception of David Warner will who captain the Australian T20 International side.

Commenting on the exclusion of the Test players in the T20 side, Hohns said: “The South African Series is a very important one and we have made no secret of our desire to improve our record away from home. As such, we wanted to ensure the players had the best possible preparation and that means playing the tour match prior to the first Test.

On the decision for Warner to captain, he said: “Steve has had a very big summer and will benefit from a short break both physically and mentally, before he leaves for South Africa.

“David is a very capable leader and has captained in Steve’s absence before and done a fine job. We wanted to ensure the T20 side had key leadership throughout this Series and we know the team is in good hands with him at the helm.”

Meanwhile, the National Selection Panel have confirmed a 14-player squad for the Gillette T20 International Tri-Series.

Commenting on the squad, National T20 Selector Mark Waugh said: “We have selected a very strong batting line-up with some heavy hitters.

“With some players currently injured and our frontline quicks heading to South Africa it gives a great opportunity to some of the young pace-bowlers who have been selected to make their mark on the international stage.”

Selected in the T20 squad for the first time are Sydney Sixers fast-bowler Ben Dwarshuis, Adelaide Strikers wicket-keeper Alex Carey and Hobart Hurricanes D’Arcy Short.

Commenting on the inclusion of Dwarshuis, Waugh said: “Ben gives us good variety in the attack with his left-arm pace and has bowled particularly well with the new ball in the Big Bash League.”

On the inclusion of Carey and Short, he said: “Alex has impressed in every form he has played this year. He has been in great form in the BBL with both bat and gloves and stood up to the challenge when he had to take the gloves for an ill Tim Paine in the ODI team.”

“D’Arcy’s selection speaks for itself, he is the leading run scorer in the BBL and has also taken valuable wickets when handed the ball. He is in outstanding form and we look forward to seeing what he can bring to this T20 side.”

Meanwhile, Chris Lynn has also been included in the squad and is tracking well in his return from injury and is due to play for the Brisbane Heat in their next game on January 27.

 

[Abdullah719]

Joe Root to miss IT20 Tri-Series against Australia and New Zealand

Joe Root will no longer play in England's upcoming IT20 Tri-Series against Australia and New Zealand.

The Three Lions Test captain will return to England for a break having played in every Ashes match and the first three ODI fixtures against Australia this month.

Root will return for the five-match ODI series against New Zealand starting in Hamilton on 25 February.

No replacement has been named at this stage for the 27-year-old Yorkshire batsman.

Root said: “I came into this tour wanting to play everything. I love playing for England and I don’t like missing games of cricket.

“I had a long chat with Trevor Bayliss about things and there’s obviously a big summer ahead and a lot of cricket still to be played. It’s going to be really important to make sure that I’m available for all of that.

“The decision has been made to have a little break. I’m sure when I’m at home I will be sat watching and willing the lads on.”

https://www.ecb.co.uk/news/601214/joe-root-to-miss-it20-tri-series-against-australia-and-new-zealand

 

[BlueDoritos]

Sam Curran: England add Surrey all-rounder to squad for T20 tri-series

Surrey all-rounder Sam Curran has been added to the England squad for the Twenty20 tri-series against co-hosts Australia and New Zealand next month, joining his brother Tom in the squad.

Left-arm seamer Sam, 19, made his Surrey debut in 2015, while Tom, 22, has taken six wickets in three T20 internationals since his June debut.

Test captain Joe Root will miss the tri-series to return home for a break.

England squad for T20 tri-series: Eoin Morgan (capt), Sam Billings (wk), Jos Buttler (wk), Sam Curran, Tom Curran, Liam Dawson, Alex Hales, Chris Jordan, Dawid Malan, Liam Plunkett, Adil Rashid, Jason Roy, Ben Stokes, James Vince, David Willey, Mark Wood.

http://www.bbc.com/sport/cricket/42793185

 

[introvert]

Sam curran is still developing as an allrounder.has a big potential both as a batsman & bowler.
Played some awesome knocks in supersmash.
In future He will challenge David willey in odi & t20 team.

 

[Abdullah719]

Colin Munro has been named in the BLACKCAPS T20 squad to take on Australia in Sydney on 3 February.

Having missed the series decider against Pakistan last night due to injury, Munro is likely to be available for the opening match of the T20 Tri-series.

The BLACKCAPS squad for the remainder of the series will be announced ahead of their second match of the series against England on 13 February.

BLACKCAPS Squad
Kane Williamson (c) - Northern Districts
Tom Blundell - Wellington
Trent Boult - Northern Districts
Tom Bruce - Central Districts
Colin de Grandhomme - Auckland
Martin Guptill - Auckland
Anaru Kitchen - Otago
Colin Munro - Auckland
Seth Rance - Central Districts
Mitchell Santner - Northern Districts
Ish Sodhi - Northern Districts
Tim Southee - Northern Districts
Ross Taylor - Central Districts
Ben Wheeler - Central Districts

BLACKCAPS Selector Gavin Larsen said having Munro back was key.

“Colin has been assessed and we’re optimistic he will be fine ahead of Saturday,” said Larsen.

"We’ve seen how big an impact Colin has in white-ball cricket, so we’re looking forward to having him back.

“Historically we’ve seen that the SCG can spin a little bit, so it’s important that we have options in that area. Mitchell and Ish are our key guys, but having the likes of Anaru and Kane to do a job if need be is important as well.”

The BLACKCAPS depart for Australia tomorrow, before playing the remainder of their Tri-series matches at home.

 

[giri26]

Eoin Morgan a 'massive fan' of tri-series

England captain Eoin Morgan has backed the Gillette T20 tri-series format to bring out his side's best in their opener against Australia at Bellerive Oval.

England are looking to ride the wave of an impressive 4-1 ODI series win over Australia when the sides meet tonight.

Morgan said the tournament-style tri-series, to be played in Australia and New Zealand, added another element of intrigue.

"I'm a massive fan of the tri-series," he said on Tuesday.

"I think they bring that tournament-based competitive nature out in every team and you have the carrot of a final at the end."

England are yet to settle on their final XI for Hobart's clash after several players shook off injuries.

Alex Hales (hand), Jason Roy, (back spasms) are expected to be at the top of the order but quick Liam Plunkett (hamstring) is unlikely.

Fast bowler Chris Jordan will be available after overcoming a hamstring niggle.

"We have guys who are pressing cases for different positions, they're good decisions to be making," Morgan said, adding the balance of the side will depend on the wicket.

A trump card for England could be left-handed allrounder David Willey, who smacked 79 from 36 and took three wickets in a practise match against the PM's XI.

Willey, who was promoted to open the innings, hit five straight sixes in taking 34 runs off Test spinner Nathan Lyon's first over.

In Kane Richardson and Andrew Tye, Australia has a number of rookie quicks at international level but Morgan - who played two seasons with Sydney Thunder in the Big Bash League - has faced them all bar Billy Stanlake.

He says players are getting a read on others' styles across the many Twenty20 leagues.

"Guys are rubbing shoulders perhaps twice or three times a year ... but I don't think they become friendlier," Morgan said.

"The determination and the will is still there to win. You're still playing for your country."

https://www.cricket.com.au/news/eng...s-australia-new-zealand-hobart-t20/2018-02-07

 

[MenInG]

Two in line for BLACKCAPS debut

Mark Chapman and Tim Seifert are in line to make their BLACKCAPS debut, having been named in the T20 squad for the remainder of the GJ Gardner Homes Tri-series against England and Australia.

Chapman, who has represented Hong Kong in the past but is eligible for New Zealand, averaged 34.11 at a strike-rate of 171.50 in this year's Burger King Super Smash. Seifert averaged 32.30 at 146.81 and was the third leading run scorer in the competition.

They replace Tom Bruce and Tom Blundell in the squad which recently played Australia, while Seth Rance also drops out as the squad is reduced to 13.

BLACKCAPS Squad

Kane Williamson (c) - Northern Districts

Trent Boult - Northern Districts

Mark Chapman - Auckland

Colin de Grandhomme - Auckland

Martin Guptill - Auckland

Anaru Kitchen - Otago

Colin Munro - Auckland

Mitchell Santner - Northern Districts

Ish Sodhi - Northern Districts

Tim Southee - Northern Districts

Tim Seifert - Northern Districts

Ross Taylor - Central Districts

Ben Wheeler - Central Districts

BLACKCAPS Selector Gavin Larsen said that the selectors had been watching Chapman’s progress.

“Mark has been been very consistent over the past couple of seasons and has taken his game to another level in recent times,” said Larsen.

“His ability to hit the ball in all areas makes him a real threat and we’ve seen in the domestic competition some of the power he possesses."

Larsen acknowledged that dropping Blundell was a tough decision, but said Seifert added a slightly different dimension.

“It’s hard on Tom Blundell, but with Tom Bruce not in the squad we wanted to inject some further power into that middle order and Tim has shown he’s one the most dynamic in the country at that.

“We have some strong options with the gloves at the moment, but it’s about what best complements the rest of the squad and we think that’s Tim for this series.”

The BLACKCAPS play their next match against England at Westpac Stadium on 13 February.

 

[Convict]

Minimal interest over here with barely any media mentions.

 

[giri26]

This T20 series is an overkill. I did not even know that there a T20 game between Australia and England until when I was flipping channels and landed on Channel 9 where the game was on. Just finished watching BBL supporting my home team Adelaide Strikers, don't feel like watching anymore T20 at the moment.

 

[Chief Destroyer]

Is anybody even watching this? Do these people realize an ODI tournament would've brought in far more viewers. Three of the top teams going against each other.

 

[jnaveen1980]

Was the catch by Jason Roy Clean?

https://www.foxsports.com.au/cricke...h/news-story/5e61b3966df16475ec4c3c97363f1eac

Boy I didn't know this became a controversy.

 

[aloo paratha]

Clearly hasn't caught it.

 

[Syed1]

Fakhar was given out in similar fashion, but since it was a Pakistani on the receiving end so all is well.

 

[aloo paratha]

Fakhar was given out in similar fashion, but since it was a Pakistani on the receiving end so all is well.

Fakhars was far less clear. In this one you can clearly see the ball in contact with the ground.

 

[Convict]

Is anybody even watching this? Do these people realize an ODI tournament would've brought in far more viewers. Three of the top teams going against each other.

Nobody cares about ODIs anymore in Australia.

 

[Chief Destroyer]

Nobody cares about ODIs anymore in Australia.

Australia isn't the only country that watches cricket.

 

[Convict]

Australia isn't the only country that watches cricket.

No but we're the only relevant one when it comes to deciding what matches we host.

 

[Chief Destroyer]

No but we're the only relevant one when it comes to deciding what matches we host.

So you'd rather host T20s than an ODI tourney between three top teams?

 

[Convict]

So you'd rather host T20s than an ODI tourney between three top teams?

I'd rather neither of these cups were on to be quite honest.

 

[AssassinatedDevil]

Crucial points up for grabs as New Zealand take on England

Overview

New Zealand v England

Westpac Stadium, Wellington
4th T20I
Tuesday 13 February, 19:00 local time; 06:00 GMT

New Zealand were in action in the first match of the triangular Twenty20 International series, against Australia in Sydney, and have since been waiting at home for their next outing. In the interim, Australia and England have faced off twice in a row, in Hobart and Melbourne, with the home side winning both games to seal their spot in the final of the tournament.

The action now shifts to New Zealand for the last three group-stage games and then the final, and it will start with New Zealand taking on England with both teams intent on getting on the points table.

To achieve that goal, New Zealand have dropped Tom Bruce and Tom Blundell from their 13-man squad and drafted in two uncapped players in Mark Chapman and Tim Seifert.

Both Bruce and Blundell played the opening fixture, and though neither did much with the bat, it was a poor effort overall, with the side finishing their 20 overs at 117/9. New Zealand will be desperate for a lift in their batting performance, and while Seifert should slot in as Blundell’s replacement as the wicketkeeper-batsman, it’s likely to be a toss-up between Anaru Kitchen and Chapman for the slot vacated by Bruce.

Kitchen, 33, has so far played five T20Is with moderate returns – 38 runs with a best of 16 at an average of 12.66 and a strike rate of 118.75. Chapman, meanwhile, is much younger at 23, and has quite a bit of international experience having played for Hong Kong in two One-Day Internationals and 19 T20Is. Since he became available to play for New Zealand – his father is a citizen of the country – he has been in excellent form. Most recently, he scored 307 runs in nine games at a strike rate of 171.5 in New Zealand’s domestic T20 tournament, and has since scored a half-century and a century in the ongoing 50-over competition.

As for England, they competed hard in their first game against Australia, scoring 155/9, but were blown away by a Glenn Maxwell blitz. In the second, they were comprehensively beaten, by seven wickets with 33 balls left in Australia’s chase.

Dawid Malan and Jos Buttler have both played one good innings, but the batting hasn’t really come together yet for England. David Willey had a successful game the first time out but not quite the second time, as was true of most English players. Unfortunately for them, they might be without Eoin Morgan, their captain, again because of the groin injury that kept him out of the last game. James Vince, therefore, could get another game in the middle-order and Buttler should walk out for the toss again.

Key players

Colin Munro (New Zealand): One of the most exciting batsmen in the shorter formats of the game at the moment, Munro has had two poor outings in a row, scoring one against Pakistan in Auckland in late January and then being sent back by Billy Stanlake for three in the tri-series opener. He has the ability to get off the blocks quickly and get on a big-hitting spree, and New Zealand will hope he does that against England.

Jason Roy (England): Like Munro, Roy comes with a big reputation, but couldn’t quite get going in the two games so far, tallying nine and eight. He is in good form, having scored 180 in 151 balls and 49 in 46 balls in the first and final ODI of the series against Australia in January when England won 4-1. A bit of that could well help England change their fortunes.

Conditions

The Westpac Stadium last hosted a T20I when Pakistan toured New Zealand recently, and that game, on 22 January this year, was a low-scoring affair with Pakistan bowled out for 105 after being put in. Prior to that match, though, the stadium has provided good tracks for run-scoring in T20Is and ODIs. However, it’s expected to be an overcast day in Wellington, and that might keep the pacemen interested.

Squads

New Zealand: Kane Williamson (capt), Martin Guptill, Colin Munro, Ross Taylor, Mark Chapman, Tim Seifert (wk), Colin de Grandhomme, Mitchell Santner, Ben Wheeler, Tim Southee, Ish Sodhi, Trent Boult, Anaru Kitchen.

England: Eoin Morgan (capt), Sam Billings, Jos Buttler (wk), Tom Curran, Liam Dawson, Alex Hales, Chris Jordan, Dawid Malan, Liam Plunkett, Adil Rashid, Jason Roy, Ben Stokes, James Vince, David Willey, Mark Wood.

https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/622477

 

[Abdullah719]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Interesting pitch...<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NZvEng?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NZvEng</a> <a href="https://t.co/UNmG3DdyYG">pic.twitter.com/UNmG3DdyYG</a></p>— Ian Ward (@WardyShorts) <a href="https://twitter.com/WardyShorts/status/962919759086985216?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 12, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

What is this [MENTION=132954]Aman[/MENTION]

 

[aloo paratha]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Interesting pitch...<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NZvEng?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NZvEng</a> <a href="https://t.co/UNmG3DdyYG">pic.twitter.com/UNmG3DdyYG</a></p>— Ian Ward (@WardyShorts) <a href="https://twitter.com/WardyShorts/status/962919759086985216?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 12, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

What is this [MENTION=132954]Aman[/MENTION]

Good bounce for bowling a bouncer, good grass to get seam for full bowling.

Best of both worlds

 

[Aman]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Interesting pitch...<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NZvEng?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NZvEng</a> <a href="https://t.co/UNmG3DdyYG">pic.twitter.com/UNmG3DdyYG</a></p>— Ian Ward (@WardyShorts) <a href="https://twitter.com/WardyShorts/status/962919759086985216?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 12, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

What is this [MENTION=132954]Aman[/MENTION]

Probably something left on that patcht, probably will look different later tonight.

 

[hadi123]

Liam Plunkett has been ruled out of the rest of the Trans-Tasman Tri-nation Twenty20 International series as well the the five-match one-day international series against New Zealand to follow due to a hamstring injury.

Plunkett, 32, had suffered a grade 1 tear on his left hamstring during England’s third ODI against Australia last month, which had ruled him out of the final two matches of the series.

Having sat out of the opening two T20Is against Australia, Plunkett returned for the third match against New Zealand, which England lost by 12 runs. He returned 0/33 in his four overs, but aggravated his original injury.

"Liam Plunkett will miss the remainder of the IT20 series and England's ODI series against New Zealand after suffering a minor recurrence of his Grade 1 left hamstring tear during the last IT20," a statement from the England and Wales Cricket Board said.

"An MRI scan today confirmed a minor hamstring strain and this will not recover in time to take part in the ODI series.”

England have not named a replacement for Plunkett just yet, but are expected to do so.

England have lost all three games so far in the tri-series, but still have a chance to make it to the final when they face off against New Zealand in the last T20I on Sunday.

https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/624130