Black Caps could cause an upset

Many people will be backing the regular one-day favourites for success at the ICC Champions Trophy next month, but New Zealand look capable of causing a surprise and maybe even lifting the trophy.

South Africa, on home turf, will no doubt be expected by the punters to go far in the tournament, while the likes of Australia, India and Sri Lanka are always there or thereabouts.

But with expectation comes immense pressure and the Kiwis have shown in patches that in the limited-overs form of the game, they can live with the best teams in the world.

The New Zealand squad selected for September’s ODI event looks strong, although the selectors will have their fingers crossed over injuries, which have cost them dear in the past.

The Black Caps were looking good at this year’s World Twenty20 tournament, but with key players like Ross Taylor, Daniel Vettori and Jacob Oram either missing or not 100% fit, their bid faded.

Skipper Vettori though will be quietly confident looking at the 14 other players he has at his disposal, both in the bowling and batting options.

The enigmatic Jesse Ryder will provide a hard-hitting start at the top of the order, with the world-class duo of Brendan McCullum and Ross Taylor also likely to provide crucial runs.

The bowling line-up has also been strengthened with the return of paceman Shane Bond, who is back in the international fray following his spell in the ICL. Bond, is on his day arguably the best one-day bowler in the world, will be given solid back up from the likes of Kyle Mills and Jacob Oram, as well as the consistent spin of the skipper.

New Zealand have been drawn in Group B with South Africa, Sri Lanka and England and get their campaign underway with a clash against the hosts at Centurion on September 24.

Fortunate England given a last chance

Many England fans were left tearing their hair out at the innings and 80 run defeat at Headingley, but on reflection the home side are lucky to be in with a chance of winning back the Ashes.

The fourth Test in Leeds was built up as the home side’s chance to win back the urn, but the cracks that have shown at other times in the series have turned into gaping chasms.

Yes, England have looked good in patches but when you look at the first four Tests so far in detail, the tourists have enjoyed the better of the series to date.

FIRST TEST (Cardiff)

England escape with a draw after looking for long periods like they were going to go 1-0 behind. Four Australian score centuries and only their inability to take wickets helps England hang on.

SECOND TEST (Lord’s)

An excellent first day 196-run partnership between openers Strauss (161) and Cook (95) helped the home side to break their Lord’s-Ashes hoodoo, but they struggled over the line.

But for an inspired five-wicket haul from Andrew Flintoff, Australia may have held on for a draw and the tourists still wracked up 406 in their second innings.

THIRD TEST (Edgbaston)

A Test match badly affected by the weather, Australia came away with the impetus after another solid display from Michael Clarke and the other middle-order batsmen.
England started day five having an outside chance of victory, but ended that Monday by taking just three wickets and thankful that they didn’t have to bat again.

FOURTH TEST (Headingley)

England were completely outplayed with both bat and ball, as Australia claimed victory in two and a half days. Again the tourists are only asked to bat once and they amass over 400 for the third time in the series.

The stats also point to Australia – eight centuries to England’s one, with five of the top six runscorers from the Australian squad.

Despite the struggles of Mitchell Johnson, it’s a similar story with the ball as the top three wicket-takers are Aussies – Ben Hilfenhaus, Peter Siddle and Johnson.

Cricket though, and in particular Ashes history, tells you this series could still go either way as the teams prepare for the final showdown at the Oval – starting on August 20.

Make sure you check out The Oval Test odds before any Fifth Test betting.