Cricket is pretty unique in the sporting world. Indeed, it’s hard to think of any sport where the conditions play such a part in the outcome of a game. In test cricket, the wear and degradation of a pitch will determine how a captain calls at the toss, while on greener wickets, most will have no hesitation in sticking the other team in to bat.
Normally, it is expected that the conditions play less of a role in limited-overs cricket, but the recent men’s T20 World Cup completely dispelled that myth: in 13 matches played in Dubai, the team batting second won 12 of them.
The men’s 2023 World Cup will take place in India, and of course, in those unique atmospheric and ground-level conditions, the spinners really tend to come to the fore. That would explain why the Indians, priced at +250 in the latest cricket odds, and Pakistan at +600, are amongst the favorites to lift the trophy.
Just 2️⃣0️⃣0️⃣ days until the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup begins in New Zealand 👀
To celebrate, we’ve released a sneak preview of what’s to come! #CWC22 #LetsShowThem pic.twitter.com/R1Me9jC45p
— Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) August 16, 2021
In contrast, there should hopefully be less stock put on the pitches and the weather at the women’s World Cup next year, which will take place in New Zealand. It’s true that the pitches there tend to have a tinge of green to them, and the cloud cover – common in the country – also assists those who can keep the seam upright and swing the ball.
Traditional skillsets are likely to be rewarded, and to that end, England has to be considered the red hot favorites to regain their trophy.
Been There, Done It.
Sports bettors often look for prior ‘evidence’ to help them make their decisions on their wagers and as far as international women’s cricket is concerned, and bets placed ahead of the World Cup, the series between England and New Zealand has to be considered an excellent lesson-learning guide.
Played in Kiwi-like conditions, Heather Knight’s team ran out comfortable 4-1 winners. The skipper herself set the tone in the first ODI with a well-aced knock of 89, and brilliant spells of bowling from Kate Cross and Charlie Dean saw England open up a 2-0 lead.
England won the first ODI against New Zealand by 30 runs and will be looking to take a 2-0 lead in the five-match series today 🏴🇳🇿
Will Heather Knight’s side triumph again or will the White Ferns fight back? 🤔
Find out from 10.30am on Sky Sports Cricket and YouTube 📺💻 pic.twitter.com/b7o5feiuWI
— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) September 19, 2021
The Kiwis hit back in the third, before England pulled away in the final two games – Knight once again leading from the front with a ton in the fourth before a fine Tammy Beaumont century laid the foundation for their insurmountable total of 347/5 in the fifth.
Another advantage that England and Australia share is that they will lock horns in three ODIs and three T20 series Down Under next February. That will give all involved a chance to get used to the conditions in Oceania while handing the two World Cup favorites a chance to feel each other out before the main action gets underway in March.
That is the perfect warm-up for England, whose quick and highly-skilled bowling attack will enjoy the extra pace and bounce in the wickets under the hot Oceanic sun. The likes of Sophie Devine and Harmanpreet Kaur have been in excellent form in the WBBL, but it’s England, you suspect, who hold all of the aces heading into a definitive 2022 campaign.
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