Generation Snapchat Season Summary
Overview
While I was given the opportunity to re-do my squad after the initial selection, I believed the lads chosen could be competitive, if managed correctly. I thought our seeding (10th) was fair, and to have exceeded expectations so thoroughly was a delight. To think we only got out of the group on coefficient! However, at the end of the day - the best team definitely won. Well done Splish.
Our bowling mostly clicked, but our batting was frequently a hindrance, which was reflected in the amount of first innings' won (just two). The boys always fought hard though, and our regular comebacks were a thing of a joy.
Squad Ranking (as opposed to marks out of 10)
1) Vernon Philander (12 matches, 287 runs @ 17.94, 79 wickets @ 20.92, 3.33 PpG)
The destroyer. Regularly ran through opposition line-ups, and chipped in with handy runs. He took five 5-wicket hauls, but more importantly, he never went wicketless (no 10-wicket hauls, mind). His worst match was the opener, and even then he took his wickets at the respectable average of 32.35. My player of the tournament.
2) Ravindra Jadeja (11 matches, 580 runs @ 48.33, 35 wickets @ 29.06, 3.64 PgG)
Jaddu! Took steady wickets (only one 5-wicket haul), but more surprisingly, ended up with the best batting average in the side, making one 100, and three 50s. Essentially contributed at least once in every two innings. WAG.
3) Alastair Cook (12 matches, 763 runs @ 40.16, 3.33 PgG)
A tournament of two halves for Cookeh, who averaged 53.90 in the latter part, standing up with vital runs when needed. Made one 100 and five 50s.
4) James Pattinson (12 matches, 125 runs @ 8.33, 58 wickets @ 27.36, 3.33 PpG)
Patto fatigued as the tournament progressed, but was a key contributor in bowling sides out. Two 5-wicket hauls, and wicketless only twice. pattoface.jpg
5) Ryan Harris (8 matches, 68 runs @ 8.50, 36 wickets @ 26.06, 3.25 PpG)
Rhino (Ryano? I never really knew) can count himself unlucky not have played more. However, when he came back into the side, he was sensational, receiving the MOTM Award in the Final - his only 5-wicket haul.
6) Dave Warner (12 matches, 777 runs @ 33.78, 3.33 PpG)
The dumb **** always managed to get himself out, but he did make a bulk of the runs. One 100 and five 50s. Good lad.
7) Virat Kohli (11 matches, 636 runs @ 33.47, 3.64 PgG)
I expected a bit more from my cricket friend, who never seemed to make the most of his starts. But, when he did, it was marvelous - his 143 against ye Fishes was the highest score of any Snapchat batsman. One 100 and three 50s.
8) Hasham Amla (11 matches, 577 runs @ 28.85, 3.64 PgG)
Old mate was averaging just 12.63 after eight innings. It was struggle town. BUT THEN he made a magnificent 133* against HMTTA, arguably the innings of the tournament. It changed his fortunes, and he averaged 36.69 from that point, with many handy contributions (eight of his next ten innings were scores of 29 or more). One 100, two 50s.
9) Ross Taylor (10 matches, 475 runs @ 25.00, 3.20 PgG)
Ah Rosstopher. What to do with you? He was in-and-out of the side, but came good in the last three matches, averaging 39.83. Three 50s, when it mattered most.
10) AB de Villiers (12 matches, 546 runs @ 26.00, 3.33 PgG)
It was a disappointing tournament from the glovesman. He made three 50s, but only managed a highest score of 69.
11) Steve Smith (11 matches, 390 runs @ 17.73, 3.09 PpG)
What a bloody weird human being. Didn't score more than 26 in his twelve first-innings digs, but then scored FOUR 50s in the second-innings. Disappoint, confuse.
12) Dale Steyn (3 matches, 39 runs @ 13.00, 7 wickets @ 66.43, 4.00 PpG)
And so we reach the curious case of Mr Steyn. He never averaged under 50 with the ball, yet won two of his three games - the best Points per Game of any Snapchat player. I couldn't decide what to do with him, and in the end, Harris won out. Sorry m9.
13) Cheteshwar Pujara (5 matches, 159 runs @ 17.67, 2.80 PpG)
At the other end of the spectrum, you have this idiot. Did not make 50, did not pass Go, did not collect $200. Made a pair in his final innings, before being locked in a cupboard. Had the lowest PpG too, except for...
14) Ravichandran Ashwin (2 matches, 25 runs @ 6.25, 4 wickets @ 71.00, 1.00 PpG)
Well done, ******.
Finally, thank you to all of our opponents, and thanks also to jimmy for running the tournament. I've loved it, and hope there are more to come in the future.