World Club Cricket Season 6 Preview

[Slats4ever]

Unfortunately due to work commitments and the burden of marriage, Blewy is unable to do his usual season preview (Damn Belinda u'd think he could get his priorities in order).

All things considered however I consider this to be a new era for WCC and in season six the season preview must continue. Therefore I'll be stepping into the role vacated by Blewy and writing up the previews for each team.

The previews may well take 3 or 4 days however they will be finished by Friday AEST and will be added to the site as they are completed... So sit back and enjoy as each side is put under the analysis machine.

Please add your comments so I don't feel like I'm wasting all these hours

 

[Simon]

excellent, look foward to hearing u write off SA again

 

[Slats4ever]

South Australia

Season Five saw new South Australian manager Simon get the welcome he wanted. After the South Australian side received a lot of heated criticism from the WCC community last season, Simon was able to pull his side through to a 4 Day trophy and only narrowly missing out on the OD championship.

Season six however presents new challenges and poses new questions. Can Simon continue to add strength to an already formidable side and how will the club reflect his own unique style of coaching?

There is hard to find a weak link in an all round strong side. With some heavy recruiting over the off season South Australia is now stocked full of classy players. Haggis Midlane will this year be looking to add to his pile of runs last season, and no doubt exciting young players such as Foot and Allen will look to really create a name for themeselves this season. A new air of experience is also starting to return to the club. After a huge chunk of the team was taken with the retirement of Darren Lehmann and departure of Andy Flower, Rahul Dravid now slots in to the order, certain to add a lot of strength and ruggedness.

South Australia however face new challenges this year most notably from Tamil Nadu. For them to be competitive their bowling must again stand up. It is clear that Simon is placing major importance on his spin department with the Adelaide oval this year turning into a dusty spinning track, and they must fire if South Australia are to raise the trophy again. Heath Axelby, O Snow and Bandara this year are the ones who must respond to the faith put in them by Simon if they are to raise the trophy.

It is clear that once again we have a new look South Australian side. Their batting is world class and with added experience and confidence will tear apart most bowling attacks. Their bowling is heavily reliant on their spin attack at home and only time will tell if they can take South Australia to another 4 day title.

Key Player - H Axelby
Predicted 4D finish - 2nd

 

[Slats4ever]

Lancashire

After a good Season five whereby Lancashire certainly surprised a lot of people, Graham is once again looking for a solid performance from his side. It was no surprise that Graham remained relatively quiet during the trade period only making a few minor changes, despite causing some controversy in letting go of Rahul Dravid to secure Aronstram.

Lancashires strength is no doubt in the bowling department. The line up seems to have all bases covered with Fernando, Mongia and Dean creating one of the most intimidating pace bowling attacks in the competition, teaming up with new recruit Aronstram who is reported to be able to turn the ball more than any player playing WCC.

Judging by the strength of Lancs bowling line up it would seem that once again all the batsman have to do is bat solidly to allow Lancs to make another strong title charge. However one feels that with the loss of Dravid this is going to be harder than it appears. New recruits F Yapp and Aronstram along with last years stars Stanton and Bharadwaj are going to have to be playing their finest if they are to repel some of the strongest bowling attacks in the competition. With the pressure of a strong English fan contingent coupled with their media it's going to be even harder.

Bowling wise Lancashire are amongst the best of them. However their batting looks the weakest in division one and one feels that they'll be out've their depth this year. It's hard to see them reproducing last years form.

Key Player - Aronstram
Predicted 4D finish - 5th

 

[Slats4ever]

Kent

This season certainly see's Kent about to embark on a new era. With many key players still considered 'raw' it's going to be interesting to see if they can keep up. With Rich said to be bunkered down in isolation with his boys, it's going to be tough for his side to come out and perform this year like they have in the past.

Like their division one English counterparts Kent have compiled a very strong bowling line up. It looks like the bowling attack is going to be centered around Toby Hawkins, probably the finest spinner in WCC. He has what it takes to destroy opposition teams himself however with the likes of Dyer and Olney supporting him from the other end it makes it even tougher for opposition batsman. Both Olney and Dyer have what it takes to make it to great status in WCC, and both will be hungry for wickets. Stratton will also be playing for Kent once again hoping to continue his wicket taking history.

Kents batting line up this season is solid without being spectacular. The depth is where it's strength lies with both Stratton and Olney adding strength down the order. The top order however needs a strong year from experienced campaigner Muzumdar. New batting sensation Christian also requires a big year. He is going to be tested in the toughest competition in WCC, division one, however if he can have a bumper first year like the critics are suggesting he may have, Kent may well go close to the trophy again.

Kent may not look as strong as the games super powers on paper anymore, but do not underestimate this new look team. With some good early results and some confidence Kent could well prove a major dark horse.

Key Player - A Muzumdar
Predicted 4D Finish - 3rd

 

[Slats4ever]

Tamil Nadu

The work Andrew Cloete has done to Tamil Nadu is similar to the work that John Lang did to the Penrith Panthers. Cloete has taken them to the top grade, and can they complete it all by winning a title? With some strong trading once again by Cloete, he has now added depth to this side... The style of depth required to win D1.

Like rivals South Australia it's hard to find a chink in TN's armory. Batting wise they are a team of world beaters. With basically the top 7 batsman in their line up averaging 50 or above it seems that only injury will prevent them from breaking the 500 mark more than once this season. If that scares division one bowling line ups, then all they have to do is see that their number eight would probably push for the opening position in many other teams. It is this depth that will ruffle teams like South Australia and have them asking the questions, how are we to stop this machine?

Their bowling is equal to that of any other teams also. A lot of pressure is however going to be on the young shoulders of Nawab and Kumble. Both players have only played a few first class games, many at the academy and it's going to be a crucial test to see how well they perform in the top league. If they fail there's going to be a lot of work put on Porter and Beasley to outdo their opponents.

The small blemish in TN's bowling department is more than made up for by their batsman. With the fire power they have in their batting line up the bowlers should find it easy taking TN to the trophy this year.

Key Player - Y Porter
Predicted 4D finish - 1st (yes you read it here)

 

[Slats4ever]

Queensland

After so many seasons of sitting in the top division, not really doing much this season really will be make or break for Queensland. Jason has expressed concerns that mis team may not be able to match it with the best and unfortunately judging by the strength of the other teams he may be right.

To keep with the tradition of division one, other teams are going to find it tough to amass large totals against this side. F Evans, A Salvi and G Lawson look set to put a lid on opponents as Jason looks set to tie down opponents with their clever bowling. However outside those three there isn't much back up like there is in other teams. If injury should strike the QLD bowling line up, then they'll have to Dilhara Fernando to do the damage. They also will be found out when they venture to pitches favouring the spinners, with no real front liner to pull them through against some tough D1 batting line ups.

There is however one man who can save them. Rod Tennison is regarded as the finest in Australia and possibly the world. The whole bannana plantation of Queensland rests on his shoulders though. If he has a bumper year QLD's batting line up could definately pull off some upsets. Blokes like Zac Keegan and Bundela will also be looking for solid years as the seasons they've played so far they haven't lived up to hype.

Unfortunately it's not a pretty report card for QLD. If Tennison can get runs and others stand up with him, then they'll prove me wrong, but that's the only way they'll do it.

Key Player - R Tennison
Predicter 4D Finish - 6th

 

[nibbs]

good stuff ian

 

[Slats4ever]

Warwickshire

After spending so long in division 3, it appears as though the Warwickshire is ready to play in division 2... ready to play and win. Kurt has done well in compiling a side that on paper probably deserves to be in division one, but it will be interesting to see if in season 6 they can continue the winning atmosphere up, and push for the division 2 title or if they'll die in the **** like they have so many times before.

Not only is their batting line up amazingly talented, they are also amongst the most experienced around. Led this year by Sudesh Sriram and Danny Howarth the batting line up which left so many D3 teams with nightmares last year is back to do it again, this time with some new faces. Jerome Bradshaw and Zac Kaye put the icing on the cake. Once again however I believe an important year from Sriram is going to be vital for their success. If the winning vibe wants to return around the club the guys who have been here for the last couple of seasons have to lead.

The bowling line up is so dependable and solid. Division 2 is probably the strongest batting division out've all. However after such a strong performance last year, it's hard to see this bowling line up getting tonked. Gregson and Nelson will team up again this year to terrorise opponents, as they go about establishing one of the best bowling partnerships in history. This year they've got a new face Rigby joining the bowling ranks, certain to add a new element with his clever slow left armers. One question remains however, can their bowling line up survive an injury. With the bloke due to replace these guys probably going to be Matty Bullbeck, holes may appear throughout the season.

Probably the strongest to line up in division 2 this year. Can they stay together as a team and work under Kurt to get the title though. Or will they be struck down with injury and a case of the "yips"?

Key Player - S Sriram
Predicted 4D finish - 1st

 

[Cloete]

Top stuff Ian! A great read, loving your predictions about TN as well!

 

[nibbs]

i really hope TN lose

 

[Slats4ever]

Karantaka

The fall from the top for Karnataka came hard and it came fast. Season four saw them challenge for the title, season 5 saw them crash and burn and now in season 6 they're playing in division 2. Can new manager Sam Vimes turn their fortunes around in his first full year as manager. He's certainly a dedicated bloke but does the Norwegian have the experience?

Their batting seems a lot weaker than it was when they were challenging for the title. Now there are really only two menacing figures to opposing bowlers and they come in the form of Maxwell and Eddie Howarth. There is no denying that both are class players and will score a lot of runs. But for Karnataka to be competitive they need some good hands from other players. Kale showed some great promise in the warm ups and he's looking like a possible candidate for Karnataka however outside of that it's a struggle to find anyone. One thing they do have in their favour however is that the bowling in D2 is quite easier than D1.

Their bowling is also another problem area, and against the D2 batting line ups failure is on the cards again. Liyange and new recruit Pablo Engineer are going to have to shoulder a lot of the burden of a weak department, and both will need to bowl exceptionally well for Karnataka to challenge. A Jones just doesn't look as dangerous as he did in seasons gone by, and he'll no doubt be looking for a good year in D2 to re-establish himself.

Karnataka will once again struggle this year and Vimes is going to need a miracle if he's going to get them back up into D1. Re-building's the key here and to do this they'd really want to avoid relegation. Question is can they?

Player to watch - A Jones
Predicted 4D finish - 5th

 

[Slats4ever]

Hampshire

For so long, Reuben has been looking to build this team into the powerhouse side from the UK, however he's going to have to get through division 2 first. On paper the Hampshire side is choc full of talent and there's no denying the fact that they should go close. The key to their success is how well they'll play on the road, they are a strong team at home but questions have been raised as to their performances away.

Their strength is undoubtedly their bowling. With new boys Andy Best and Paul Shelley joining the Gamage brothers in a vicious pace attack, the Hampshire bowling line up looks like it could do some damage. All four bowlers bowl at express pace and the Hampshire strip should help their efforts. If the Hampshire fieldsmen can hold onto catches this year they should be able to keep the opposition pretty low. They also have McDowell to spin the ball if conditions suit, but whether or not he's played every game could influence his form when required.

Their batting is solid, however lacks any real depth, and this was shown last season and Reuben has been looking to improve. Inzi in what possibly could be his last season looks ready to fire, as does their batting ace Stan Pollard. Pollard for many years has shown glimpses of why he's a star of the game, however this season he needs consistant big scores to help out the new guys in the team. Outside of those two though guys like Graham and Crawley have to stand up or Hampshire could face some embaressing defeats.

Hampshire certainly rely on individual performances from their stars. When they don't fire, invariably Hampshire will lose. Pressure will be on the physios and coaching staff this year to keep them on the park and firing, or another poor, unfulfilling year awaits.

Key Player - S Pollard
Predicted 4D finish - 3rd

 

[bugssy]

good stuff mate enjoy it very much........

 

[Magrat Garlick]

Very good stuff. Yeah, I have got my team messed up atm... *sigh*

 

[Simon]

yeh they are coming along well, good stuff...

 

[Graham]

Great previews mate. Keep up the good work!

 

[Mister Wright]

Great stuff Ian. I am bitting my nails for the Division 5 previews.

 

[Slats4ever]

Mumbai

Mumbai's fall from grace has also been strongly noted. Season 3 saw them dominate the field, and they looked like being the benchmark for teams to follow in seasons to come. Since then however everything has fallen apart at the seams. Only one player from the championship side remains, and the new fresh faces have a lot of work ahead of them if they are to reclimb the ladder.

The managers job at Mumbai has been like a revolving door, and with Jason just arriving the pressure is going to be on from the word go. The bowlers have a mammoth task ahead of them against the other D2 sides and seem to be heavily reliant on spin bowler Pushpakamara. Unfortunately for the Mumbai side their opening bowling combinations lack any real penetration. With Sean Tait being the most recent arrival it's going to be interesting to see how he slots into teh team, and for them to destroy any top orders he's going to have to be on his game.

Their batting is solely reliant on Sachin Tendulkar. "The Little Master" now has to shine for Mumbai after seasons of mediocrity. Critics say this may be the last year that he is held onto at Mumbai, but only time will tell. If Sachin can instill confidence and the belief in the young players with his batting flair then the others may rise around him. New recruit Adhikari will also have an important role to play in holding up the middle order if Sachin fails.

With a noticeable lack of depth, and too few stars it's hard to see Jason being able to turn this team around in the short term. It may be advisable for him to take him medicine, try out a few new things and get this Mumbai side back on track... maybe in season 200.

Key Player - Tendulkar
Predicted 4D Finish - 6th

 

[Slats4ever]

Yorkshire

Yorkshire got dumped from division 1 last year, and this year look certain to come under the same pump once again. With no trades having been made and the only new players to join the team coming from the draft it's going to be interesting to see if the team can survive again.

Their chances heavily rest on the fitness and form of their two quicks S Nazir and Troy Ballard. Both bring some strong pace bowling experience at different levels and the ability to help Yorkshire keep the oppositions runs down. It's no doubt that these two guys are going to really get the Yorkshire crowd behind them and make life interesting for the opposition. However after these two there is really little in the way of danger for batsman. If they can survive the early onslaught they then have basically free reign on how many runs they want to get.

Their batting solid enough without being overly spectacular. It's a reliable line up with a lot of experience and will test out most attacks. Wachin Tendulkar and Sam Weird will be looking to follow up past performances with innings to help Yorkshire survive, however against a lot of the attacks around it might prove futile.

Unfortunately for Yorkshire this seasons primarily about survival. They got hammered out've division one last year, and may well go down this year. I see them hanging on tight and fighting hard however, and upsetting a few teams, as the parochial home crowd brings out their best.

Key Player - T Ballard
Predicted 4D finish - 4th