It's a terrible week ahead for New Zealand fans as England, after thumping them in the Rugby World Cup semi-finals, travel all the way south to remind them yet again about that World Cup Super Over. Expect that video to keep flashing on the ECB Cricket Twitter handle during the course of the series. Kane Williamson has already sat himself out due to injury and England, with some stirring additions, make for a fantastic T20I side
WATCH OUT FOR:
Tom Banton - The Somerset opener has already become the toast of the nation before his international debut. A 360° player with some stunning repertoire of shots, Banton is one player you do not want to miss watching this week. The short New Zealand grounds and the incredible bat speed of the youngster should make this a lop-sided contest.
Australia set to whiplash Sri Lanka again
Australia made light work of Sri Lanka's pompous T20I outfit by inflicting the heaviest defeat in their shortest format history. David Warner's maiden T20I hundred, Glenn Maxwell's fireworks and Adam Zampa's leg-breaks made for a perfect Diwali as Sri Lanka folded in no time. This week could present more of the same.
WATCH OUT FOR:
Steven Smith - He is back in the hunt in the shortest format of the game, but his reputation isn't huge in T20Is. With Warner intent on making up his numbers when Stuart Broad isn't present, Smith's opportunities might be few and far between. He will want to latch onto what does come his way, though.
Pakistan may or may not tour Australia
Given how the Sri Lankan tour to Australia is starting to go, Misbah-ul-Haq coached Pakistan might be planning on cancelling this tour at the eighth hour. That Sri Lanka humbled their side in Pakistan (a merciless 3-0 whitewash) should be reason enough for Pakistan to forego the tour. They might want the wait to see if Australia test David Warner, though.
WATCH OUT FOR:
Babar Azam - Promoted as Pakistan's T20I skipper, ODI run machine, Azam, has a few things to prove. His tenure could well be crucial for Misbah-ul-Haq's peaceful reign which has had a rocky start with the Sri Lankans whitewashing them. Reputations are at stake and young Azam will have much more than keeping up with Virat Kohli to worry about.
Head to Sportsbet.io to make your selections and let the ball rolling.
Featured image courtesy: AFP / Brenton Edwards
