First impression pretty decent. Graphically seems much the same as DBC17, though some of the new animations are nice and the likenesses of the licensed players are decent enough. Areas outside stadiums still seem to be from the original Operation Flashpoint, however, which is a shame.
Batting to me feels much like DBC17, but looks nicer thanks to the animations, which make it look much more authentic. Haven't tried pace bowling yet but spin bowling feels quite a lot different - seems much harder to put the ball where you want (a good thing imo, on DBC17 it was basically trivial).
AI seems better as well. Bowlers don't seem to decide to pound out a borderline-wide line for half a spell anymore and nor to batsmen get out at bat-pad two-thirds of the time because they drive every second delivery.
Commentary is still pretty much typical of what you'd expect, though it's nice to have a well-known commentator doing voices (I know, even if it is Slats - he doesn't seem to randomly say things with the wrong pronunciation or inflection like the guy in the old game did). Incorrect commentary being said happens fairly often, mind. Basically enjoying it overall.
Stumpings are pissing me off. Play and miss at a spinner and you're basically auto-gone.
This is a gripe, though not quite what you're saying (though I'm not doubting you) - using the leave button against spinners seems to almost guarantee you'll get stumped because the animation has you then leave your crease.