Asia Cup 2014 Preview

The cricket calendar barely gives enough time for fans and players to breathe. Post-mortems for India’s recently concluded tour to New Zealand haven’t been completed, while Sri Lanka and Bangladesh just finished a series of close matches that ideally deserved more time to be cherished by both team’s fans. In stead, the aforementioned trio of sub continental teams along with Pakistan and Afghanistan turn their attention to the 2014 Asia Cup, as the non-stop world of cricket churns out one marquee tournament after the other. Here, I provide my preview for the five participating teams who will battle it out to be Asia’s best over the next fortnight in Bangladesh.

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka come into the tournament in fine fettle, winning all three series on their tour to Bangladesh. The obvious added bonus of the tour that just finished on the weekend is that next to the hosts, the islanders will have gained the most familiarity with conditions on and off the pitch in Bangladesh. Angelo Matthews and his men will also be looking to improve on their performance in 2012, when they failed to win a single match despite being heavily fancied. This will probably be the last Asia Cup for some of their veterans, and with new talent slowly beginning to make their mark, Sri Lanka will be confident of having an excellent campaign this time around.

Strengths:

The experience, explosiveness and class of their fabled batting duo – Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardane. In the absence of Tillakaratne Dilshan, the two legends will be relied upon to provide solidity in the middle order. If the two click in the same innings, it’s highly unlikely Sri Lanka will lose any match. Angelo Matthews and Dinesh Chandimal, captain and vice-captain respectively, can be counted to keep a cool head in the later stages of the innings, especially when things get close.

Lasith Malinga’s bowling in the death overs and the ability to surprise opposing batsmen with his variation at any stage of the innings will be Sri Lanka’s crucial weapon in the field. Thisara Perera will provide the x-factor with both ball and bat, especially if he hits a purple patch in either discipline.

Weaknesses:

Other than the series victory over Bangladesh, Angelo Matthews hasn’t claimed many significant victories since taking over as captain. Matthews has the temperament to become one of his nation’s best cricketers. The jury is still out on how that translates to captaincy, but there will be pressure on his young shoulders as fans yearn for an overdue international tournament victory.

Other than Malinga, the bowling attack is pretty weak. Suranga Lakmal hasn’t translated glimpses of potential into sustained success, while Ajantha Mendis no longer possesses the mystery that helped Sri Lanka win the Asia Cup in 2008. Sachitra Senanayeke will likely struggle against India and Pakistan, hence the skipper and Thisara Perera will have to contribute with the ball considerably for the attack to have any zip.

Key Players:

Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardane, Lasith Malinga, Thisara Perera

India

After not winning a single ODI on their tours to South Africa and New Zealand, India enter the tournament under substantial pressure. However, not many teams master conditions in the subcontinent like India do, and under the captaincy of the colossal Virat Kohli, fans will expect nothing less than victory. A batting line-up that is the envy of the world ostensibly makes India favourites, however bowling vulnerabilities could undermine the team.

Strengths:

Since opening the batting together for the first time in India’s successful Champions Trophy campaign last year, Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma have arguably become the best opening pair in ODI cricket. There aren’t many words left to describe Virat Kohli’s combination of artistry and ruthless consistency. The top three can take the game away from the opposition within a span of 15 to 20 overs.

A middle order of Ajinkya Rahane, Ambati Rayudu and Dinesh Karthik isn’t one to be scoffed at either. Further down the order, expect Ravindra Jadeja and Stuart Binny to provide fireworks galore in the slog overs. Batting is by far India’s greatest strength, though Mohammed Shami’s ability to swing the ball at pace might have a significant role to play in the team’s success. Jadeja’s ability to get big wickets at crucial times will also be key.

Weaknesses:

While no chase is beyond their batsmen, no target is truly safe for India’s bowlers. The aforementioned Shami has had a good start to his international career, but this will be the first time he will be bowling in ODI’s on the batting friendly pitches of the subcontinent. Bhuvneshwar Kumar can be potent with the new ball, but is easy to hit in the slog overs. The rest of the attack with the exception of the wily Jadeja, are all fair game for opposing batsmen.

Virat Kohli can be relied to lead with example as far as his batting is concerned. However, in all the excitement to see how India will do under his leadership, the fact is that Kohli hasn’t captained internationally in such an important tournament. Not that the IPL is necessarily a barometer for captaincy in international cricket, but the fact that the Royal Challengers have failed to make the playoffs the last two seasons under Kohli’s leadership despite having the most explosive batting line-up, suggests that there maybe some tactical limitations on display.

Players to watch out for:

Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Ravindra Jadeja, Shikhar Dhawan

Pakistan

The defending champions enter their first ODI assignment of the year, after having a stellar 2013 in the format. An incredible bowling attack allied with Misbah-ul-Haq’s astute leadership has resulted in Pakistan becoming a formidable ODI unit. The team enjoys playing in Bangladesh, and will look to repeat their success of 2012, though batting vulnerabilities could haunt them.

Strengths:

Few teams have the luxury of variety that Pakistan’s bowling attack possesses. Junaid Khan’s incisive swing with the new ball seems to guarantee at least one wicket if not more in the opening overs. Umar Gul provides the experience at the other end, while all-rounders Bilawal Bhatti and Anwar Ali have shown promise in their nascent careers.

That being said, Pakistan’s greatest asset in the subcontinent is the miserly bowling of Mohammed Hafeez and Saeed Ajmal. Ajmal can be called upon to bowl at any stage of the innings, and not many batsmen will have success negating the wily off spinner. On his day Shahid Afridi can cause havoc with his leg spin, completing the comprehensive nature of the attack.

Weaknesses:

Despite conditions likely to favour batsmen, one simply can’t make any guarantees on behalf of the Pakistani batsmen. Mohammed Hafeez had a stellar series against Sri Lanka in December, scoring three centuries. However, there have been too many false dawns with Hafeez, and it’s likely that Misbah will be called upon to contribute in the middle order in the measured manner that is the antithesis of the rest of the team. Shoaib Maqsood looks to be a better batsman than most recent debutants for Pakistan, but is still inexperienced.

Umar Akmal will be hit and miss in the lower middle order, while Afridi’s contributions with the bat, if any at all, should only be considered a bonus. The aforementioned Bilawal Bhatti and Anwar Ali have played a couple of decent knocks in the lower order, however a quick collapse of the tail can’t be ruled out on any given day.

Key Players:

Mohammed Hafeez, Misbah-Ul-Haq, Junaid Khan, Saeed Ajmal

Bangladesh

The heartbreak of losing the 2012 final by two runs at home is still fresh in the minds of Bangladesh’s cricketers and fans alike. In an ideal world, Bangladesh would approach this year’s tournament with confidence considering they are the hosts. However, the team suffered psychologically in the limited overs leg of the series against Sri Lanka, contriving to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory on a few occasions. Adding to the fragility is the absence of their two most dynamic ODI players – Tamim Iqbal and Shakib Al-Hasan to injury and suspension respectively. It’s unlikely that the hosts are going to repeat their 2012 heroics.

Strengths:

The fact that they will be playing in front of sell-out crowds backed by one of the most vociferous supporters in the sport. If Bangladesh could rouse themselves on the back of the crowd, inspired performances could lead the Tigers to some big upsets.

A young and deep batting line up. The absence of Tamim and Shakib will certainly be felt, however Bangladesh are not lacking for options. Leading from the front will be skipper Mushfiqur Rahim, while youngster Mominul Haque and Nasir Hossain have already played match-winning knocks for the Tigers. Sohag Gazi and Mashrafe Mortaza can provide the fireworks in the slog overs.

Weaknesses:

Despite their batsmen being extremely talented, they are prone to lapses in concentration as well as being guilty of throwing their wickets to rash shots in tense situations.

Mortaza isn’t the bowler he once was, and with Shakib missing for the first two matches, veteran Abdur Razzak will shoulder a big burden when it comes to spin. Gazi has potential, but tends to try too much, while Rubel Hossain can be erratic and easy to punish.

Key Players:

Mushfiqur Rahim, Mominul Haque, Abdur Razzak, Nasir Hossain

Afghanistan

By participating in the tournament, one gets the feeling Afghanistan, and by extension the sport of cricket are already winners. The players are extremely excited and will be keen to make an impression. However, the joviality of the occasion should not mask the hard work and pride that the players put into their efforts, and it would not surprise me in the least if Afghanistan win at least one match against their more storied opponents.

Strengths:

The impressive leadership of captain Mohammed Nabi. Afghanistan’s leader is an expert at rallying his troops, equally at home being stern when the team’s standards drop and cajoling the best out of his peers in tough situations. Expect Shapoor Zadran to bowl some nasty spells against illustrious batsmen, while Dawlat Zadran will contribute with both bat and ball. Nawroz Mangal will provide ballast down the order, and don’t be surprised if Asghar Stanikzai attempts some audacious shots.

Weaknesses:

Of course this has to be taken in the context of how far they have come, and how far they still have to go. The fielding is a big worry. Not that dissimilar to their neighbours, Afghanistan tend to undo a lot of their hard work with schoolboy fielding and elementary errors. Big match temperament is also a concern, but they can hardly be faulted considering their inexperience when it comes to playing against the world’s best.

Key Players:

Mohammed Nabi, Nawroz Mangal, Shapoor Zadran, Dawlat Zadran

Key battles - South Africa vs Australia Test Series

Over the next few weeks nostalgic cricket fans will reminisce about the artistry of Barry Richards and Graeme Pollock as they elegantly caressed Graham McKenzie, Alan Connolly and John Glesson to all parts of Newlands, the Wanderers, Kingsmead and St. George’s Park. Some will recall Eddie Barlow’s all-round stranglehold on Bill Lawry’s Australian side. A few others will regale tales of the ferocity and pace of Mike Procter and Peter Pollock as they tore through Australia’s fabled batting lineup which, in addition to their venerable captain, featured Keith Stackpole, Ian Chappell and Doug Walters. That epic 4-0 series win in 1970 was meant to announce the arrival of one of the most dominant teams in test cricket, but in stead, South Africa’s sporting exile — the lowest injustice amongst the litany of heinous asperities manifested by Apartheid — resulted in the game losing some of its greatest ambassadors to an unfortunate but ultimately necessary political movement against an illegal regime.

Like me, those who grew up watching cricket in the nineties will remember Fanie de Villiers bowling one of test cricket’s most memorable spells as South Africa defeated Australia by six runs defending a modest 117 at Sydney. Then there was Mark Waugh compiling a masterly 116, as his supple wrists guided Australia to a close two-wicket win while chasing 271 on the fast grassy pitch at Port Elizabeth, a result that also a sealed the series, the first time that South Africa lost a test match rubber at home since readmission. The younger Waugh was to be South Africa’s scourge in the return series, compiling an unbeaten 115 of 305 balls as Australia saved the deciding test at the Adelaide Oval, much to the chagrin of the visiting captain Hansie Cronje, who speared a stump through the umpires dressing room in the frustrating aftermath of another series defeat to their greatest rivals.

Those of a more recent persuasion are likely to remember South Africa’s brilliant chase of 414 at the WACA, courtesy of supreme centuries by Graeme Smith and AB de Villiers. The next test at Melbourne was another great advert for the game. With the visitors trailing by 143 in the first innings, JP Duminy and Dale Steyn put on 180 runs for the ninth wicket, to ensure South Africa finished with a lead of 65. Pumped by his batting efforts, Steyn then took a fiver in Australia’s second innings, enabling the visitors to canter home by nine wickets and complete their first test series win over Australia since readmission.

As recently as 2011, the two teams served up a surreal test at Newlands, when Australia routed South Africa for 96, only for the hosts to return the favour by bowling the visitors out for 47, before Hashim Amla and Smith hit delightful centuries to clinch the win. On the verge of their first home victory against Australia, South Africa set a daunting target of 310 at the Wanderers in the next test. With the Aussies 292 for 8, 18-year old Pat Cummins bravely attacked Imran Tahir to deny South Africa at home once again. Finally, 2012 witnessed Faf du Plessis’ remarkable unbeaten 110 that saw the number six bat 466 minutes as South Africa saved a draw from what appeared to be certain defeat at Adelaide. With Australia crestfallen, South Africa thrashed the hosts in Perth to win a second successive test series down under.

The simple fact of the matter is that other than the period between 2000 and 2007, when South Africa’s traumatic rebuilding process in the aftermath of Cronjegate coincided with Australia relentlessly pursuing test match perfection under Steve Waugh and Ricky Ponting, matches between these two rivals have always managed to capture the imagination of cricket lovers the world over. As fans of the game look forward to another exciting contest between South Africa and Australia, I take a look at some of the key battles that might be crucial in determining the outcome of the series.

Mitchell Johnson against the Proteas top order

It must seem like an eternity ago, but when Australia were drawing up plans to avenge another Ashes loss to England in August, few would have expected Mitchell Johnson to play such a big role. If it wasn’t for injuries to their first choice bowlers, Johnson probably wouldn’t have even made the squad for the return series. As things turned out, Johnson ended up writing the defining narrative of the recently concluded Ashes, as he terrified England’s batsmen to their downfall with some truly ferocious fast bowling.

History suggests that Johnson might struggle to maintain that form, although he has had plenty of success against South Africa. Johnson played a crucial role in Australia’s successful tour in 2009, when he took 16 wickets at 25 in what was South Africa’s last defeat in a test series. The hosts will hope that Johnson reverts to the form he displayed in the 2011 series, when his three wickets cost 85 runs each.

The South African top order will have to stay firm against a barrage of bouncers. Graeme Smith in particular will not have fond memories of Johnson, having his arm broken twice by his fellow southpaw in the space of three test matches in 2009. That being said, the Proteas skipper has negated Johnson successfully in recent outings and will be prepared for a tough fight. Alviro Peterson is certainly the more vulnerable opener against the new ball, and I wouldn’t be surprised if Michael Clarke has made specific plans for Johnson to pepper with short pitched bowling. Hashim Amla was below par against India in December, but South Africa’s most elegant batsman loves taking on Australia, and if he settles quickly he can score quickly to render Johnson expensive and ineffective. It's an interesting battle, with the side that comes out on top likely to gain a significant advantage in the war.

South Africa’s spearheads against Brad Haddin and the tail

History belongs to the victors, hence it's understandable that not much has been written about Australia’s top order woes during the Ashes. One could argue that Chris Rogers, David Warner, Michael Clarke, Shane Watson and Steve Smith all scored centuries during the series, but collectively they failed majority of the time. Messrs Steyn, Morkel and Philander will be licking their lips at the prospect of bowling against the visiting top order on seaming wickets.

However, that might not prove sufficient as the indefatigable Brad Haddin comes in at number seven. Many seasoned observers believed that the wicketkeeper should actually have been the man of the series against England, always coming in with Australia five wickets down with the score below 150, only to depart having carried the team to scores of 300 and above. It’s conceivable that England would have routed Australia for low scores were it not for the efforts of Haddin.

Despite possessing the best attack in the world, South Africa can at times get frustrated against lower orders and if Mitchell Johnson also contributes with the bat in tandem with Haddin, they could play a crucial role in swinging the momentum in Australia’s favour. Smith will have to ensure his bowlers maintain their intensity throughout the innings to ensure the hosts have control.

The form of Faf and AB

South Africa enter the series with a new number four, as the solid dependability of Jacques Kallis will be replaced with .... uhmm, the solid dependability of Faf du Plessis? Comparing a batsman of Kallis’ stature with the relatively new du Plessis is like comparing apples and oranges. That being said, du Plessis has already displayed fantastic temperament for the position in his nascent test career. A sound defence allied with all the shots in the book, du Plessis will have a crucial role in setting the platform for South Africa’s innings.

After a fairly lean year in 2012-13, AB de Villiers seems to have finally adjusted to the role of keeping wicket and batting at five for South Africa. That South Africa almost chased 458 against India was largely down to the brilliance of de Villiers. If the top four manage to set a decent platform for the team’s most dominant batsman, de Villiers could knock Australia out in a matter of sessions with his brilliant variety of attacking shots.

The all-rounders

When Shane Watson first became an international, Australia had high hopes that he would be their version of Kallis. Unfortunately Watson hasn’t been able to replicate his short form success in test cricket, where technical flaws and fitness issues have exposed him. Watson is going to miss the first test, and there are doubts if he will recover in time for the rest of the series. James Faulkner might get his chance to prove his credentials in the long form after a breakout year in ODI cricket.

Meanwhile South African fans might realize what it feels like for supporters of other teams, as they go into a test match with Jacques Kallis batting at four and bowling second change. It's not a flattering comparison, but having Wayne Parnell or Ryan McLaren replace Kallis draws parallels with David Moyes replacing Sir Alex Ferguson. Parnell and McLaren are decent cricketers in their own right, but as fans of the Red Devils will testify, replacing great with decent does result in a hangover. The solace for the Proteas lies in the fact that the brilliance that exists in the rest of the team allows for a bedding-in period in the search for the team’s next all-rounder.

South Africa’s mental block

Most teams look to win series away from home to signal their dominance in Test cricket. South Africa are that rare example of a team that need to win at home to prove a point after some comprehensive wins on their travels. Winning away to England and Australia in the space of five months twice consecutively is an accomplishment that only the great West Indian teams can match. Yet, it must rankle Smith and his men that they haven’t beaten either England or Australia at home in that same period. In the test arena, South Africa have largely rid themselves of the mental demons that have plagued them in the short form. They have perfected the art of preparation for a big test series. That being said, there is the burden of expectation on the Proteas to finally beat Australia at home, and if the visitors manage to arrive in Cape Town with the series undecided, it could all come down to a battle of nerves, conceivably negating the on field advantages that South Africa possess. We’ll get early indications of both teams' mental condition tomorrow, as the battle commences at SuperSport park in Centurion.

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Australian Open 2014 Mens Semifinals Preview

It seems almost sacrilegious to write a grand slam semifinals preview without assessing Novak Djokovic’s chances, but that is what tennis writers have to do for the 2014 Australian Open as the Serb has failed to make it past the quarterfinals for the first time in 15 attempts. Djokovic’s absence will be offset by the return of the greatest rivalry in mens tennis, as Rafael Nadal takes on Roger Federer in a grand slam for the first time in two years. Meanwhile Tomas Berdych and Stanislas Wawrinka won’t mind flying under the radar as they battle it out in the other semifinal.

Tomas Berdych (7) vs. Stanislas Wawrinka (8)

I predicted Berdych would lose to David Ferrer in the quarterfinals, but the Czech managed to maintain his consistency from the baseline while relentlessly pounding forehand winners on his way to a four set victory. Its taken a long time for the seventh seed to reach his first semifinal in Australia, but its evident that the faster conditions this year have been to Berdych’s liking. Outside the fab four in men’s tennis, Berdych could arguably be considered the next best player on fast courts. After rolling through without breaking a sweat in the first four rounds, the win over Ferrer — against whom he had a losing record — will be a massive psychological boost for Berdych going into the semifinals.

After endearing himself to the Australian fans after an epic five set loss to Djokovic in the round of 16 last year, Stan the Man has firmly entrenched himself as a crowd favourite after defeating the defending champion in another colossal five set battle in the quarterfinals. Wawrinka hit 51 winners in an exhibition of shotmaking, but of greater emphasis was his ability to recover after losing the first set 6-2, and then coming back from a break down to win in the deciding set. Despite being one of the shortest men on tour, Wawrinka has always been more than a match against his big hitting opponents, but over the past year he has also developed the focus and mentality required to win crucial matches under the tutelage of Magnus Norman.

Wawrinka leads the head-to-head 8-5, crucially winning three out of four last year including a four set victory in the round of 16 at the US Open. That being said, the margins of victory have been very thin, and the key differentiator between the two is Wawrinka’s greater variety which has enabled him to get Berdych out of his comfort zone. Despite Berdych having the bigger game, I believe Wawrinka has a more varied assortment of shots and tactics that can unsettle Berdych. I am tempted to label Wawrinka the favourite, but one also has to consider the fact that Berdych has spent less time on court compared to the Swiss. When compared to the other semi, this matchup might seem like the ugly step sister, but I believe we are in for a delightful match that could easily go the distance pending Wawrinka’s fitness.

Rafael Nadal (1) vs. Roger Federer (6)

There isn’t much to say that hasn’t already been said about this great rivalry. Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer meet at the same stage as their last grand slam meeting in 2012, when the world no.1 won in four sets of high quality tennis. The duo came through their toughest tests so far in winning their quarterfinals, with Federer securing the more convincing victory of the two. Now that’s not a sentence I thought I would be typing at the beginning of the tournament.

Federer had already shown signs of improvement and renewed focus in his serene progress through the draw including the straight sets victory over Jo-Wilfried Tsonga. Remarkably Federer managed to raise his game another level for the first two and a half sets against Andy Murray, playing a brand of aggressive tennis that was simply unbeatable. The Swiss maestro didn’t hesitate to finish points with volleys, winning 75% of the time he was at net. Furthermore, Federer also dominated on serve, winning 78% of first serve points. If there is one area of concern in the Federer camp, it’s the mental fragility in pressure situations. Seemingly on the brink of a routine straight sets victory, Federer threw away a service game at 5-4 in the third set, and then wasted two match points at 6-4 in the tie-break with some ugly shots. To compound matters the old Federer bugbear made an unwelcome return in the fourth set, when the sixth seed needed 11 break points before getting the decisive break to finish the match. Nevertheless, after all the doubts heading into the new year, to win two successive matches in the business end of the tournament against opponents who dealt him big defeats last year and that too by playing sublime tennis, sparks a major upturn in Federer’s fortunes after last year’s troubles.

In the other corner is the world no.1, who is also possibly the toughest man to beat across any individual sport in the world right now. Rafael Nadal simply doesn’t know when he is beaten, as evidenced in his wins against Kei Nishikori and Grigor Dimitrov. Ostensibly outplayed by both opponents, Nadal simply found a way to win, crucially increasing his level of play on the decisive points. In the quarterfinals against Dimitrov (The Bulgarian who has modelled his game on Federer), Nadal only got into his groove in the fourth set, barely hanging on during the onslaught of his opponent’s array of winners, but crucially managing to win two tie-breaks to take the lead in conditions that were not ideally suited to him.

It is this will to win that hands Nadal the decisive edge against Federer. Theoretically the faster conditions seen in Australia this year should suit Federer, but he is unlikely to have such a high success rate at net against Nadal’s almost inhuman speed and precise passing shots. If Federer is to have any chance he will have to maintain consistency on the first serve, because it's highly unlikely that Nadal will lose many long rallies. I am expecting Federer to play some inspired attacking tennis again, though I am skeptical about his chances of winning. Nadal clearly has the upper hand due to the head-to-head advantage he has over Federer, and while the former world no.1 will probably win a set, I think the current world no.1 will prevail due to his superior mental strength in addition to his ability to adjust tactics in the midst of a tough match.

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Australian Open 2014 Ladies Semifinals Preview

After a barrage of upsets in the 4th round and quarterfinals, we are down to the final four of the Australian Open ladies singles draw. Of the four protagonists set to take stage on Thursday, Na Li is the only player the punditocracy would have expected to be here at the onset of the tournament. The only certainty now is that there is going to be a new Australia Open champion, as an upstart from Canada, the Chinese veteran, a Slovakian baseliner and the tennis artist from Poland battle for a golden opportunity to win a grand slam.

Eugenie Bouchard (30) vs. Na Li (4)

The clichéd thing to say would be that Bouchard reaching the semis is the stuff of dreams. The truth is that those in the know have been predicting this reality for the Canadian teenager since she was on the junior circuit. With her calm demeanour, excellent control and shotmaking ability from all parts of the court, Bouchard has the hallmarks of a potential grand slam champion. In the quarterfinals against Ana Ivanovic, Bouchard hit 47 winners overall and of her 27 baseline winners, she had impressively balanced numbers on the forehand and backhand, managing 15 and 12 respectively. What the stats don’t reveal however, is the Canadian’s impressive resilience, as she has come back from a set down to win her last two matches against crowd favourites, further completing the picture of Bouchard as a top tennis player.

Lying in wait in the other corner is another sentimental favourite in Na Li. Desperately unlucky to lose two close finals at the Rod Laver Arena, Li knows she won’t have a better chance to win the Australian Open now that both Serena Williams and Victoria Azarenka have departed. The fourth seed was almost knocked out by Lucie Safarova in the third round, but has since increased the level of her tennis substantially. Li had little difficulty overcoming Flavia Pennetta in the quarterfinals, managed to hit winners at will off both wings. Crucially for Li, her first serve percentage has improved to almost 65% in the last two rounds, and the Chinese looks in much better rhythm when she doesn’t have to worry about her serve.

Despite the huge gap in experience, I think Bouchard actually has the more powerful groundstrokes of the two. It comes down to a question of whether she can do it consistently in the high pressure situation of a semifinal. Li has the dual advantage of experience as well as the desire to cross the final hurdle after coming so close last year. Bouchard has the edge from the baseline, and is also more comfortable at net if the need to mix it up arises. However, Li’s serve is more consistent, and she is also smart when it comes to varying the pace of rallies. There are simply too many variables in what should be a fantastic semifinal, hence I will refrain from making a call.

Dominika Cibulkova (20) vs. Agnieszka Radwanska (5)

Cibulkova followed up her upset of Maria Sharapova in the fourth round with a comprehensive thrashing of Simona Halep in the quarterfinals that not many saw coming. There is nothing complicated about the Slovakian’s game, it's simply a philosophy of seeing the ball and hitting it hard from the baseline. With the exception of her match against Sharapova when she had to come back from a set down, Cibulkova has hammered every opponent by occupying a position from the centre of court and unleashing her flat strokes off both wings.

One of the rare players to rely on finesse and tactical variety rather than brute force in the women’s game, Agnieszka Radwanska reached the semifinals after putting on a highlight reel of a third set in an outstanding victory against Victoria Azarenka. Allying a speedy defence with the cutest of drop shots and well placed volleys, Radwanska had the crowd in Rod Laver Arena on their feet on several occasions. It’s remarkable to think that the fifth seed came into the tournament on the back of five consecutive defeats on the WTA tour, but she has played her way into form during the business end of the tournament.

Cibulkova has done tremendously well to make it to this stage, and is clearly a dangerous opponent that can’t be underestimated. However, it's going to be extremely hard for the 20th seed to win on the basis of sheer power against Radwanska. With her smart tactics, variety of angles and incredible speed, I expect the in form Radwanska to qualify for her second grand slam final on the back of two well fought sets.

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Australian Open 2014 Day 10 Preview

After some stunning results on Day 9, I look forward to the remaining quarterfinals on Day 10 of the 2014 Australian Open.

Simona Halep (11) vs. Dominika Cibulkova (20)

Cibulkova leads the head-to-head 2-1 including a well-fought win in Indian Wells last year. However, Halep is a different player since the second half of 2013 and looks set to climb even further up the rankings in 2014. I think Cibulkova has the edge when it comes to power, although Halep is the better mover on court. It's going to be an interesting match that should go the distance. Halep just might have the edge due to her greater consistency, while Cibulkova can be prone to unforced errors when she doesn’t finish points early.

Agnieszka Radwanska (5) vs. Victoria Azarenka (2)

This match is a repeat of the 2012 quarterfinal when Azarenka beat Radwanska on the way to her first Australian Open title. Radwanska has flown under the radar in Melbourne this year, but remains one of the craftiest players on tour. Historically, Azarenka has dominated this contest, always managing to overpower Radwanska’s guile. It’s a no contest if this match is played from the baseline, so for Radwanska to trouble Azarenka, she is going to have utilize slices and drop shots to capitalize on the Belorussian’s weakness when it comes to moving up and down the court. This Australian Open is making a mockery out of pundits predictions, but I am still going to back Azarenka to overcome Radwanska, though I wouldn’t be surprised if the fifth seed manages to take a set.

Rafael Nadal (1) vs. Grigor Dimitrov (22)

In a recent interview Nadal said that Dimitrov has all the tools required to become the next great tennis player. All the niceties will be left off court for this contest, as the pressure ramps up in the mens draw. After the exit of Novak Djokovic, the giants in the top half of the draw will feel the Australian open is there for the taking if they reach the final. Despite winning in straight sets, Nadal’s round of 16 win against Kei Nishikori was anything but straightforward. The Japanese put Nadal on the back foot by playing aggressively, and Dimitrov will have to employ the same tactics if he is to have any chance. Unlike Nishikori, an attacking game comes naturally to the Bulgarian, so there is a good chance he won’t hit as many unforced errors. I believe Nadal is in for a fight in this one, and he might lose his first set of the tournament, although I still back the world no.1 to win in four sets.

Andy Murray (4) vs. Roger Federer (6)

It’s the mouthwatering clash that everyone has been waiting for since the draw was made. Both had their doubters with Murray just returning from injury after four months out of the game, while Federer was written off on the back of poor performances at Wimbledon and the US Open last year. Murray has shown little signs of trouble as he’s eased through the draw, though there was a brief stutter in the last round when he lost a tie-break to lucky loser Stephane Robert. While impressive, it must be acknowledged that Murray’s opponents so far have included two qualifiers and a lucky loser. Federer is an opponent of a different calibre altogether. The Swiss maestro has been playing some resplendent tennis at the Australian Open this year. The win over Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the fourth round was vintage Federer, leaving the big hitting Frenchman flatfooted by hitting winners from all parts of the court. These two played an intense five set semi-final last year, and I wouldn’t bet against a repeat this year. If omens mean anything, the lower ranked seed beat the higher ranked seed in the quarterfinals that stayed true to the draw, so despite many writing him off, a Federer win is not inconceivable. I am hesitant to make a call on this one. If it goes the distance, I am tempted to back Murray, while Federer’s best chance lies in finishing the match early.

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