As we now get into CLT20 mode. It would be interesting to see whether teams would be able to emulate last year’s performance. Last year it was played in southern states of India and average score (1st bat)of those 22games(excluding qualifying games) was 159!. the best average score for CLT20. The main attraction of last year happened in few games, when Gayle, Dilshan and Warner emerged as top performer. Chasing was not very difficult if your top batsmen gave a resounding start!.
However, last year there were no major series played before Champion’s League, as they all came after champions league got over….Therefore it would be interesting to see how players will perform this time around. Fourth edition of T20 World Cup got over a week back in Sri Lanka, now Champions league in South Africa, and after this, there are important Test series for almost all Test sides starting within a week. England touring India South Africa touring Australia. New Zealand touring Sri Lanka.
Will the average score fall below 150 ?, and who will dominate the bowling? . Am expecting 160 or above to be average score for teams batting first!. And observe certain players take this tournament as an opportunity to rise to Int. cricket.
My list of players in this tournament.
Unmukt Chand (Delhi Daredevils): will consistent performance fast track him into India’s squad?
Mitchell Johnson(Mumbai Indians): comeback to Australian colors in limited overs ?.
Richard Levi(Mumbai Indians): consistent performance lead to a permanent place in SA ODI/T20 XI.
Dwayne Smith(Mumbai Indians): wherever he bats, he needs to perform consistently to become a permanent player in WI XI.
Colin Grandhomme(Auckland): can he become a consistent attacking batsman which would fast track his case into NZ XI.
Doug Bollinger(Chennai Super Kings): can he be the answer to Australia’s T20 )(one of many) problems.
Murli Vijay(Chennai Super Kings): great opportunity for him to back up his domestic form, and force demand place in Indian XI(any format).
Albie Morkel(Chennai Super Kings): His batting would be key to South Africa’s lower order in shorter format
Kevin Pietersen(Delhi Daredevils): any number of game(irrespective format) should be of great help for Indian series.
Umesh Yadav(Delhi Daredevils): Great opportunity to demand place in shorter format for India.
Michael Carberry(Hampshire): Great opportunity to push case for England in shorter format. They desperately require an aggressive “natural’ opener!.
Glenn Maxwell(Hampshire): consistent performance for Australian limited overs.
Balaji(Kolkata Knight Riders): If Kulasekera (its reflection not comparison) can turn himself into an effective “sub continent” bowler than Balaji should use this tournament for recall into Indian side (shorter format).
Yusuf Pathan(Kolkata Knight Riders) : whatever opportunity he gets. Needs to become consistent and push his place in Indian XI
Dwaine Pretorius(Lions) : young aspiring for South Africa in all format.
Sachin Tendulkar (Mumbai Indians): A big picture would be to mentor or coach Mumbai Indians – contemplate!.
Mitchel Johnson(Mumbai Indians): Can he become an “economist bowler” of T20/ODIs? – Australia would take any bowler who consistently concedes less runs in limited over
Pragyan Ojha(Mumbai Indians): his mid -off stump line in Test can be very handy in shorter format. Can his performance force the issue.
Nathan Coulter- Nile (Perth Scorchers): establish in Australian shorter formats. Great opportunity to show consistency.
Marsh brothers(Perth Scorchers): Aspire and emulate father Geoff and Waugh brothers. Focus, fitness and discipline should reap reward. This tournament is a great opportunity for them to cement a place in West Australia team (all formats) eventually creating a path to Australian National side.
Luke Ronchi(Perth Scorchers): Once again needs to prove that he can be an excellent Int. player. Opportunity beckons, show consistency!.
Brad Haddin(Sydney Sixer):: Australian gloves are for grabs. Need to show consistency with bat and behind stumps.
Moises Henriques(Sydney Sixer): : Aspire and emulate Shane Watson. Shane’s comeback(from injury and form) is the best in recent times in world cricket!.
Nathan McCullum (Sydney Sixer): : Having a almost perfect action does not demand a place, but, consistent performance in whatever given situation is key for him to cement a place in NZ XI
Steve O’Keefe(Sydney Sixer):: After how Gayle treated Doherty, this tournament happens to be a great opportunity for O’Keefe to push case in Australian team. His performance against Indian franchise will be a good measure. His skills should scale height in Australian limited over team.
Roelof van der Merwe(Titans) : South African need a spinner in shorter format, and his skill with bat can would be of great help.
Steve Smith(Sydney Sixer): epitomize fielding!. (as saying goes “ I would travel far to watch special skill”) .Currently none better in world cricket!.
My interest varies according to the needs of National teams, which i feel is paramount. Hence the list ranges from young to old, rookies to experience, and comeback players. It would be interesting to see how they perform in this tournament and their chances of playing International cricket.
To end this post, i feel there is place for all format of cricket to be played throughout the year provided they sync!. Currently ICC and Test nations are trying to fit everything, yet they are having problem with clusters of game, which is disturbing the harmony of most teams. Hence selectors and administrators are taking precaution of their players and amount of cricket they are required to play. I feel T20 precedes other format, and club contest precedes Int. games.
Therefore if this can be played at “beginning” of cricketing season than it would benefit all. However the word “beginning” is variant for all. Perhaps a look at month wise stats for Int. matches (divided into 3 format)will show clusters and vacant periods. This should give authorities a good understanding of how to harmonise 3 formats, and club cricket with Int cricket.
