World Club Cricket Season 6 Preview

[Slats4ever]

Western Province

A 4 day team on the move. Having only lost 3 matches from their past 20 the South Africans are beginning to establish themeselves as one of the teams to watch out for. Ian's sacrificed his teams OD performance to build up one of the most oiled machines in the competition. D2 however brings new challengers and pressures as they look for the hattrick of promotions.

Their batting on paper is probably amongst the best in the whole of WCC. All of the top order have now established themeselves in one way or another in seasons gone by and all are looking to take their side to D1. A lot of their fortunes last year were due to the work of Fred Funston, who looks like he'll have another important role to play this year as the side lost Darden over the off season. Players like Funston and Llewellyn now have to play senior roles to help boost scores. New recruits Zebra Birch and Wally Anderson add an increase in depth to the batting line up last year and judging by pre season form should hold the middle order up.

Ian has however taken a risk in the bowling department. Compared to the top D2 sides there is a noticeable lacking. With the addition of Nick Kumble and Eddy Tate the opening bowling department looks formidable and dangerous for opposition batsman. However if they don't fire the back up could come under some pressure. Newly crowned captain Jimmy Schofield will have to step up his part time role into a full on bowling programme, a transition Ian thinks he can make, with the rest of the overs being shared by Samaraweera and Friend.

Getting the Province side out is going to be a struggle, however scoring runs should be easier. Province are keen to do what they did to division 3 last year, arrive then get promoted and it's going to take some good cricket and clever tactics to do it. If their bowling can fire they'll go far, if not, they might go down.

Key Player - J Schofield
Predicted 4D Finish - 2nd

 

[lord_of_darkness]

Awesome work Ian !!

Btw

With new boys Andy Best and Paul Shelley joining the Gamage brothers in a vicious pace attack

Paul Shelley is a Spinner..

 

[Slats4ever]

New South Wales

Still seething about being in division 3 in the first place, NSW have a massive point to prove this year. After a pretty rough year last year where they were muscled out've division 2, they'll be looking to re-establish themeselves and their new side in division 3. Bugs has replaced the mass exodus of stars well and they look certain to delight SCG crowds this year.

Their bowling is definately what's going to get them there. Traditionally a spinners paradise, Q Moore and co have turned the SCG a place where opposing batsman fear pace. Quintin's first season lived up to expectation as he took apart opposing line ups. This year however he'll need to do it with more consistancy and get more support from the NSW bowling ranks. Jean-Phillipe Duminy this year will add an extra dimension to the attack with some spin. He may be young but will play a crucial role in the side as they travel to some spin haven grounds.

The NSW batting line up over the last couple of seasons has lost some of the most experienced campaigners. Whilst Kallis is still the backbone, players like Joe Martin and Matt Parmer have to bat well this year to get the young team over the line. In what may well be his last season captain Jacques Kallis is certainly looking to impress and wherever he slots in the order, it's going to be hard to see him failing this season.

The NSW side have had something to say about being in division three. Now it's time for their team to do the talk on the cricket field. It's going to be important that they all stand up rather than rely on Moore with the ball and Kallis with the bat, or they may struggle if one gets injured like last year.

Key Player - Q Moore
Predicted 4D Finish - 3rd

 

[Slats4ever]

Act

ACT are now in the big league of teams. Many higher division managers find themeselves looking down their necks and watching the rise of this team with concern. They have arguably the smartest manager at the helm, and one of the most talented player lists. So far they have dominated under Blewy, but now is a new era... they'll start playing some solid teams.

With two world class spinners leading the attack in Matt Ramage and Igloo Tahman the bowling attack looks like a real formidable force. Both have shown in various forms of cricket that they can turn games, and the luxury Blewy as coach and Punter as captain have is that if either spinner is off their game, then the other one is capable of taking the reigns and taking care of opponents. Blewy has taken a risk this year with his pace attack as inexperienced Mick McGregor and Gregor Newlands look to play a major role in the side. Whilst on some pitches they can rely on their spinners, some require good paceman, and with these two so raw, Blewy this year is going to need a little bit of luck I think to dominate batting line ups.

With the experience of Ricky Ponting at the helm, and with the class of players like Freak Platt in the order the ACT batting line up looks strong. Outside of these two noticeable stars exists an order which doesn't look like dissapointing Manuka too much at all with Dawn, Paynter and Agnew. However once again I see the experience of Ponting being crucial. One of the smartest and most entertaining cricketers, he is at least going to have to have a solid year if the ACT side is going to develop consistancy.

Division 3 is a new challenge for ACT. Can they jump again or will they be shown up? I think their batting is too solid for them to be shown up, and it all depends on their pacemen standing up and taking the oppurtunity to play at this great club.

Key Player - R Ponting
Predicted 4D Finish - 2nd

 

[Slats4ever]

Canterbury

Canterbury just missed out last year, but they fought to the end... and they'll be looking forward to the challenge of D3 again. They know they belong in D2 and are going to have to play a good year of cricket again to get there.With the challengers being ACT and NSW can Canterbury beat the Aussie assault.

Their bowling attack is by far the strongest in D3 and I think is what is going to get them home this year. Kulsakera somewhat out gunned Owan Clarke last year and both look ready to go at it again. Kulsakera is one of the quickest bowlers in WCC, and whilst at time can be wayward, is most often dangerous and Clarke has now been on the scene for a while and his spin is only getting better and better. Hazare and Kirby look like being their partners this year and Kirby especially is a player now who has matured and will trouble opponents.

It's Canterbury's batting that might let their opponents in the door. Phil Jaques and Kyle Mills look like being the main men. Mills's form in seasons gone by however has been far from impressive as he has struggled for runs past few years. His side rely on his middle order batting and he is going to have to find form. Chanderpaul might also be in his last year at WCC and will be pushing for a hall of fame spot if he can have a bumper year, and Canterbury are relying on it.

Like ACT and NSW it's easy to see CAnterbury winning it but it's going to be up to them to put the performances on the paddock. If things go wrong and crucial players get injured it's going to be hard.

Key Player - S Chanderpaul
Predicted 4D Finish - 1st

 

[Slats4ever]

Somerset

After finishing the bridesmaid last year in D4 Somerset have the team to challenge this year. I believe their main downfall to be is that they are a young team, with only 1 of their senior 11 having played over 50 games. Mr P however will be looking to instill confidence and if he does a good job they might surprise some.

Their batting looks strong this year. C Donald has for the past few years really played to the heaven expectation put on him, as he has put together a couple of good seasons now. His leadership is going to be crucial this year as the team comes under the pump from some good bowlers in D3. New players like Jose Godwin and Yuvraj Singh are also joining the team this year and look dangerous. They have scored runs in other forms of the game and should prosper in D3.

Their bowling is where their inexperience may show. New recruit Maqbool is going to have to play a major role with his spinners if they are to have a shot at promotion. He's had a few poor seasons in WCC and has been criticised by many great spinners in the past. He'll play a major role at Somerset however and if his game can fire new players like Oli Fry, and Duncan Prasad should really be able to lift.

Things need to click for Somerset this year. With a lot of new players team management have a lot of work ahead of them to get everyone. If Mr P can get things going on that level Somerset may challenge.

Key Player - F Maqbool
Predicted 4D Finish - 4th

 

[bugssy]

keep it up mate great stuff

 

[kears_falcon_9]

not sure if ive missed sumthnig but are u doing the one day write ups later? anyway keep up the good work..

 

[Slats4ever]

nah dude... i'd rather do in-depth in one form than wishy washy on both... it does take time doing 36 teams as i suppose u can imagine. if nyone else wants to do them by all means..

 

[Mister Wright]

nah dude... i'd rather do in-depth in one form than wishy washy on both... it does take time doing 36 teams as i suppose u can imagine. if nyone else wants to do them by all means..

We all appreciate it mate. Keep it up!

 

[Slats4ever]

Western Australia

Unfortunately for Western Australia they look to be one of the sides in D3 likely to be battling for the wooden spoon come the end of the season. Their drop from D2 last year had been coming for many seasons now and I can't see it getting any better for them in season 6.

Their bowling is strong enough and should see them have some respectable results and get some exciting cricket at the WACA ground. J Sullivan and H Jenkins look likely to lead the attack this year and both show good promise. The WACA pitch is sure to play into their favour as well, as the curators look certain to prepare it with green grass and a lot of bounce. They are also well backed up by Kev Ferguson and spinner Rizan. Rizan will play an important role for the club on the road, especially as there are some spinning tracks this season in D3.

Their batting is amongst the weakest in WCC. Once viewed as the powerhouse boasting names like Langer, Martyn and Gilchrist the WA side looks certain to struggle this year. Chougle looks like he's going to have to stand up to lead this year, with guys like Ronchi, Tully and Clarke also looking to chip in... If one of the guys can have a bumper year then they may be in with a chance, but he's going to need support from the other end and they look weak.

Western Australia will find it hard this year, and will desperately be trying to stave off division 4. Through hard work and belief they might be able to avoid relegation but it's going to be tough work against some top sides.

Key Player - Chougle
Predicted 4D finish - 5th

 

[Slats4ever]

Worcestershire

Worcester fought hard last year to avoid relegation and give D3 another shot. Now they find themeselves in a position where they have to step it up at least a gear or this time they'll definately be shunted. With a quiet trading period Worcester are relying on the players to find it within themeselves to find the extra power.

Worcester will definately be hoping for a big year from their batting department. New star Abid Ali is rumoured to be the sides only hope of being able to put up a decent fight this year. He'll be looking to establish himself in the line up early and score some serious runs. Francis Rickman, a man who's shown he's capable of a lot of runs in years gone by will play a huge role in this side. If he can have another solid year with 800+ runs then the batting should hold up fine as they have some good depth down low.

Krishnandu Raza is back for another important year with the club as their leading bowler. Raza had a good year last year and was probably the reason the club stayed up in division 4, however things are going to be even tougher this year with new batting line ups ACT and Somerset joining the ranks. Former Colts spinner I Cook will also be looking for a good year this year after being in and out of FC cricket last year. His good tight bowling will help not only him but the bowlers at the other end, and I think that Worcester will really use him a lot this year as their key tactic.

Season 6 is going to be tough for Worcester, with crowd numbers dwindling to other English county sides who are performing better, they're going to need something special this year to get the club back on track. Personally I don't think they have it.

Key Player - Abid Ali
Predicted 4D Finish - 6th

 

[cbuts]

sounds about right. got screwed over by past managers. i do think my bowling is good enough for div 2. but our batting is terriable. need the bowlers to give us some nice and small targets to chase this year

 

[thierry henry]

Worcester fought hard last year to avoid relegation and give D3 another shot. Now they find themeselves in a position where they have to step it up at least a gear or this time they'll definately be shunted. With a quiet trading period Worcester are relying on the players to find it within themeselves to find the extra power.

Worcester will definately be hoping for a big year from their batting department. New star Abid Ali is rumoured to be the sides only hope of being able to put up a decent fight this year. He'll be looking to establish himself in the line up early and score some serious runs. Francis Rickman, a man who's shown he's capable of a lot of runs in years gone by will play a huge role in this side. If he can have another solid year with 800+ runs then the batting should hold up fine as they have some good depth down low.

Krishnandu Raza is back for another important year with the club as their leading bowler. Raza had a good year last year and was probably the reason the club stayed up in division 4, however things are going to be even tougher this year with new batting line ups ACT and Somerset joining the ranks. Former Colts spinner I Cook will also be looking for a good year this year after being in and out of FC cricket last year. His good tight bowling will help not only him but the bowlers at the other end, and I think that Worcester will really use him a lot this year as their key tactic.

Season 6 is going to be tough for Worcester, with crowd numbers dwindling to other English county sides who are performing better, they're going to need something special this year to get the club back on track. Personally I don't think they have it.

Key Player - Abid Ali
Predicted 4D Finish - 6th

lol. Tough but fair. Having said that, I've been in division 3 for quite a while now and apparently I'm supposed to come last every year I don't see why the crowds would be dwindling with the gutsy efforts every season

I also think that my batting is a bit weaker than you say, and my bowling a bit stronger, but overall that was a pretty fair summary.

 

[Slats4ever]

these are going to slow down a bit, i still am aiming to have them done by season start though. Blewy asked me to update all the files with first XI's and bowling orders so i'm flat out...

 

[Mr Mxyzptlk]

So I guess we'll just be waiting a bit longer for the decent teams ey?

 

[thewizard1o1]

yeah division 6 is quite along way off yet

 

[Slats4ever]

Auckland

After many years of rebuilding their four day side, Auckland this year definately has the stars to gain promotion but the question remains do they have the depth. In seasons gone by Auckland has been home to some of the top players, however putting a whole team of solid players on the field is their problem. Will season 6 be the year that they fire and begin the ascent to the top?

Their batting, and it's strength all the way down the order looks to be one of the things that has really improved this year for the Aces. Jim Smith and Zac Roberts are two of the healthiest batting prospects in the WCC system. Whilst Jim is getting to the peak of his career and Zac's only just starting a bumper year by either player will certainly set the team up well for promotion. But they need support. Auckland have the luxury of having all rounders like Godwin in the side who give the order an element of lower order strength. Many of the players in the batting line up are coming to the end of their career and owe Auckland a good season of cricket.

Aucklands bowling whilst on paper may not look overly penetrating however on closer inspection it's clear that they are a side who operates on cooking up pressure and then striking. One thing that is noticeable is the reliance they place on Plummer. One of the true great bowlers in WCC he has another big job this year. However unlike most teams this Auckland attack can accomodate this style of reliance. They have numerous support bowlers who specialise in keeping the score down. Guy's like Doshi and Terbrugge who when called upon more than likely help the Auckland cause need another big year.

Auckland are like a lot of other WCC teams in that they have a lot of stars who make the side look like they belong in a higher division. However through a lot of work from Liam, the Auckland side this year look to have the depth the carry them out've division 4.

Key Player - J Smith
Predicted 4D Finish - 2nd

 

[Mr. P]

Good to see you back doing this Ian. Hopefully you can complete it before the end of the season

 

[Mr Mxyzptlk]

Zaheer Roberts.