Team Raees
THOUGHTS ON THE OPPOSITION AND HOW TO COUNTER THEIR STRENGTHS
Batting
Going to be totally honest, whilst Guptill is one of the better opening ODI batsmen of today's game.. I don't think he has proven enough credentials against quality bowlers and definitely not against a GOAT attack like this. Hayden is one of the games great openers, but again I'd say my opening pair have the edge here and I'd fancy my bowling attack against Hayden if they're in full flight. Hayden had a very poor record against South Africa, even without the presence of Donald, so I think he'll have a tough time facing likes of Hadlee and Donald from the off.
Next I am up against the behemoths of Viv Richards and ABD. It could go either way here, if one of them gets in.. my side is going to have to firefight put it that way, so the only argument I can put forward is that they're up against an incredible bowling attack, all of whom are very mature, supremely skilful and economical. They're not the type of bowlers you envisage being ripped to shreds, consistently during an entire spell and if any group of bowlers was to try and restrict them from
unleashing their usual amount of devastation it would be my group of bowlers.
He has a pretty hard hitting lower order in Symonds, Yuvraj and Imran but again, it is a miserly attack they're facing and I think in a match up of this calibre, I back my own lower order to make more runs as they're capable of facing strong bowlers. It is a tough ask admittedly but it could also be argued that none of these guys faced a bowling attack of this calibre so its tough to say what will happen.. it will be explosive one way or another.
To summarise, a quite stunning batting attack in the middle order but not the best of opening pair I have faced, and the lower order has power but lacks stability if one of Richards/ABD loses their wicket. The main idea is to try and restrict the likes of Richards and ABD, rather than attack them gung-ho... it will not be easy.
Bowling
Starc, Ambrose, McGrath, Imran.. it is a brilliant bowling attack and Hogg, is an underrated ODI Spinner. Even Symonds can chip in too, so it is a tough ask to post a sensational score, but I do see this as an overall low scoring game due to the calibre of the bowling attacks. What I will say is that there is such quality depth running through my entire batting lineup against quality bowlers, that it can unleash guys like Greenidge and Jones to just do their stuff knowing they're not responsible for carrying the weight of the batting attack.. whereas Richards and ABD have all the pressure on them to
anchor and devastate the opposition.
BATTING STRATEGY
Greenidge to play attacking, whilst Sachin is the anchor of the innings, although knowing Sanga is coming in next can encourage him to play at a faster pace than he would usually. Sanga can come in and play anchor if Tendulkar gets out, or play at a faster pace if Sachin is his partner. He is very adaptable and such a clutch player in tight situations, so it is hard to envisage him misreading the situation and not playing according to what the side needs at the time. Kohli, can come in and try to take the game away from the opposition, he is a more attacking Sachin, capable of anchor or accelerating the scoreline to ridiculous figures. Jones is coming in as a pinch hitter, our 80's equivalent of ABD, looking to terrorise the opposition and Miandad is the man for a crisis, who can help grit our way to victory if need be.. or come in and be a showman, adding further damage - he isn't Pakistans greatest ever batsman for no reason.
Hadlee will not be relied upon to get huge scores but is very reliable and can be expected to put 50-60 on at a rapid rate, as he is a fine striker of the ball.
BOWLING STRATEGY
Overs 0-10
Donald & Hadlee
10-20
Holding & Saqlain
20-30
Marshall & Donald
30-40
Saqlain and Hadlee
40-50
Holding and Marshall
