Test Cricket Prediction and Discussion Thread [self - mod]

[JSRAW]

This pitch is goldmine for the spinners.

Aussie spin duo ticked all the boxes and bowled with discipline but on the other hand Sri Lankan spinners are not bowling with any discipline so far, they did got couple of wickets and 1 run out but they are still leaking runs. Their score is not big so need some tight overs, wickets will fall eventually.

The majority of the wickets that have fallen in this match are taken by spinners. And it is not like they don’t have good fast bowlers. They have ballers like Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins. I think that Sri Lankan bowlers are also going to exploit the content from the pitch. I don’t think they will be as effective as the Australian bowlers. But for now, spin is the way to go. Things might change later in the test match but I am going to say on the next day it will be the same as the previous one.

They could've been very effective but they manage to bowl 1-2 loose delivery in every over and Aussie batters didn't missd any chance and responded beautifully.

Dickwella also missed 2 stumping chance, although some might say they were really tough which is kinda true due to unexpected bounce but this is not alien condition to him so he should've reacted quickly cause he's excellent behind the wickets and you don't expect good keeper to miss 2 chances in a short span of time.

[Sithara007]

At the end of the first day, Australia scored 98 runs losing 3 wickets. Usman Khawaja is unbeaten on 47 at the crease. Australia is still 114 runs behind. If Australia wants to control the match, they must play well next season. If Australia wants to dominate and win this match, they must give a lead of at least 100 runs. Otherwise, if Sri Lanka can bat well in the last innings, it will be difficult for Australia to win.

Give the credit where it is due. First of all, the match is taking place in Galle. And the Sri Lankans are very famous for creating tracks that suits their players. Under these conditions, the Aussie bowlers managed to bundle out the Lankans for just 212 runs in the first innings. Mitchell Swepson and Nathan Lyon gave the Lankans a taste of their own medicine. The Australian batsmen did a decent job so far, but a lot will depend on how the middle and lower order performs. A lead of 100 plus will swing the match in their favor.

[LittleBitFunny]

At the end of the first day, Australia scored 98 runs losing 3 wickets. Usman Khawaja is unbeaten on 47 at the crease. Australia is still 114 runs behind. If Australia wants to control the match, they must play well next season. If Australia wants to dominate and win this match, they must give a lead of at least 100 runs. Otherwise, if Sri Lanka can bat well in the last innings, it will be difficult for Australia to win.

Give the credit where it is due. First of all, the match is taking place in Galle. And the Sri Lankans are very famous for creating tracks that suits their players. Under these conditions, the Aussie bowlers managed to bundle out the Lankans for just 212 runs in the first innings. Mitchell Swepson and Nathan Lyon gave the Lankans a taste of their own medicine. The Australian batsmen did a decent job so far, but a lot will depend on how the middle and lower order performs. A lead of 100 plus will swing the match in their favor.

I don't think the Australian batsmen are playing very well. They lost 3 wickets before collecting 100 runs. Top order batsmen did not play well, except Usman Khawaja. If they lose two more wickets in the first session tomorrow, it will be very difficult for the Australian batsmen to score 212 runs. I would say that the outcome of the match will depend on the performance of the first 15-20 overs tomorrow.

[Sithara007]

I don't think the Australian batsmen are playing very well. They lost 3 wickets before collecting 100 runs. Top order batsmen did not play well, except Usman Khawaja. If they lose two more wickets in the first session tomorrow, it will be very difficult for the Australian batsmen to score 212 runs. I would say that the outcome of the match will depend on the performance of the first 15-20 overs tomorrow.

The run out by Steven Smith was entirely unnecessary. What is the point in getting run out in the test format? Apart from that, the other two wickets fell to spinner Ramesh Mendis. The strategy from Sri Lanka is very clear. They are using spinners to unsettle the Australian batsmen. The pitch is supportive towards spin bowling, and the Lankan bowlers are making the maximum use out of it. The Australian batsmen need to devise a strategy on how to counter this. Two experienced batsmen are now at the crease, and hopefully they can build a good partnership for Australia.

[kro55]

The run out by Steven Smith was entirely unnecessary. What is the point in getting run out in the test format? Apart from that, the other two wickets fell to spinner Ramesh Mendis. The strategy from Sri Lanka is very clear. They are using spinners to unsettle the Australian batsmen. The pitch is supportive towards spin bowling, and the Lankan bowlers are making the maximum use out of it. The Australian batsmen need to devise a strategy on how to counter this. Two experienced batsmen are now at the crease, and hopefully they can build a good partnership for Australia.

We don't expect such unprofessional gameplay from an experienced batsman like Steven Smith. He should have batted more responsibly and survived at the crease. He was able to collect only 6 runs. However, if Australia wants to win this match, they definitely need a big partnership. But if Usman Khawaja and Travis Head can't build a big partnership, it will be difficult for Australia to score 200 runs.

[Mahdirakib]

I am unable to understand why Bangladesh is always in trouble. They should be a strong team by now, like the other teams of South Asia - India, SriLankan and Pakistan.
But they are always under radar after the matches. I am not happy with Bangladesh team performance.

Bangladesh is in bad condition comparing to the other teams in the test format. They are staying below the average rank in T20. But they are quite strong in ODI format. Bangladeshi players always perform pathetically in test matches. You will rarely see the contribution of all Bangladeshi players in a test match. They have won only 16 matches after playing 134 match.

[Sithara007]

We don't expect such unprofessional gameplay from an experienced batsman like Steven Smith. He should have batted more responsibly and survived at the crease. He was able to collect only 6 runs. However, if Australia wants to win this match, they definitely need a big partnership. But if Usman Khawaja and Travis Head can't build a big partnership, it will be difficult for Australia to score 200 runs.

Australian middle and lower middle order is not weak. Even if Khwaja or Head fails, there is a good chance that upcoming batsmen such as Cameron Green or Alex Carey, or even Pat Cummins will be able to build a good partnership. And that is the reason why I posted yesterday that Australia seems to be having the upper hand at this point. I am not concerned much about the first innings of Australia. The real trouble will occur when they come in to bat for their second innings. The track is providing a lot of assistance to the spinners.

[pakhitheboss]

Saw the highlights between Srilanka and Australia as I do not have the patience to watch it throughout the day and felt that the winner of this test match will be decided by the spinners again. Steve Smith's dismissal was unnecessary there was no need to take that run. The whole point of test cricket is to check the patience and skills of both batter and bowler. The game is still in its early stage but Australia needs to rethink its batting strategy as they have already lost 3 wickets and trail by 114 runs.

[JSRAW]

2 dominating days for the Aussie, as of now lead is 101 and they still have 2 wickets in the bank. This is arguably match winning lead, pretty surprise that SriLankan spinners couldn't purchase enough from the wicket, if we leave Mendis out then every other Lankan went for the runs with their indiscipline bowling.

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England vs India off test match is next.

- Bumrah is going to lead the Indian team as Rohit is not available due to covid.

[onecall123]

2 dominating days for the Aussie, as of now lead is 101 and they still have 2 wickets in the bank. This is arguably match winning lead, pretty surprise that SriLankan spinners couldn't purchase enough from the wicket, if we leave Mendis out then every other Lankan went for the runs with their indiscipline bowling.

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A good day for the Australians, as they have taken a healthy lead. Having a triple figure lead is a good achievement; they might not have to bat long in the second innings if they can push it to 150. Looking forward to seeing Australia win the test without any disturbances since Sri Lankan spinners were unable to acquire enough from the wicket.

[LittleBitFunny]

Australia batted quite well in their first innings. They scored 313 runs. And they will probably be able to collect 30/40 more runs. Usman Khawaja was able to collect 71 and Cameron Green 77 runs. With Australia leading by 101 runs, they are still more likely to win the match unless they face a batting disaster in the second innings. After trailing by more than 100 runs in the second innings, it is almost impossible for the Sri Lankans to deliver a big target.

[noormcs5]

Australia batted quite well in their first innings. They scored 313 runs. And they will probably be able to collect 30/40 more runs. Usman Khawaja was able to collect 71 and Cameron Green 77 runs. With Australia leading by 101 runs, they are still more likely to win the match unless they face a batting disaster in the second innings. After trailing by more than 100 runs in the second innings, it is almost impossible for the Sri Lankans to deliver a big target.

Srilankans were all out for 212 in their first innings and England have a lead of 101 runs which can be very handy for setting a big total for the Srilanka. With 2 wickets still in hand, England will try to stretch the lead as much as possible.

We still have three days left in this match so England has a very good chance of winning this first test match.

[Sithara007]

2 dominating days for the Aussie, as of now lead is 101 and they still have 2 wickets in the bank. This is arguably match winning lead, pretty surprise that SriLankan spinners couldn't purchase enough from the wicket, if we leave Mendis out then every other Lankan went for the runs with their indiscipline bowling.

---------

England vs India off test match is next.

- Bumrah is going to lead the Indian team as Rohit is not available due to covid.

Bumrah as the captain is a very surprising choice. He is an integral part of the Indian team, but was never considered as a serious challenger for this post. One thing that I have noticed about the Indian team is that they always give preference to the batsmen when it comes to captainship. That is why incompetent people like KL Rahul managed to become captain of the Indian team. Bumrah, I feel is a good choice. He is calm and cool and deserves a chance of being the test captain for the Indian team.

[Iranus]

Australia batted quite well in their first innings. They scored 313 runs. And they will probably be able to collect 30/40 more runs. Usman Khawaja was able to collect 71 and Cameron Green 77 runs. With Australia leading by 101 runs, they are still more likely to win the match unless they face a batting disaster in the second innings. After trailing by more than 100 runs in the second innings, it is almost impossible for the Sri Lankans to deliver a big target.

Srilankans were all out for 212 in their first innings and England have a lead of 101 runs which can be very handy for setting a big total for the Srilanka. With 2 wickets still in hand, England will try to stretch the lead as much as possible.
We still have three days left in this match so England has a very good chance of winning this first test match.

The match is being played between Australia and Sri Lanka. Perhaps you mistakenly said England.
However, since Australia has two more wickets left. The collection of Cummins and Lyon at the crease is 26 and 8 respectively. They will try to lengthen their scoreboard as much as possible. If Australia can lead by 150 runs, it will be difficult for the Sri Lankan players to collect this run. Because it is a bit difficult to collect runs in the second innings on such a pitch.

[Sithara007]

The match is being played between Australia and Sri Lanka. Perhaps you mistakenly said England.
However, since Australia has two more wickets left. The collection of Cummins and Lyon at the crease is 26 and 8 respectively. They will try to lengthen their scoreboard as much as possible. If Australia can lead by 150 runs, it will be difficult for the Sri Lankan players to collect this run. Because it is a bit difficult to collect runs in the second innings on such a pitch.

Australia still need to come out to bat for the 4th innings. Lankan spinners will be much more threatening then. Even a lead of 150 (for Sri Lanka) will be tricky for the Australians. Although they conceded 300 plus runs, Lankan bowlers created a lot of issues for the Australian batsmen. Only some resistance by lower middle order batsmen such as Cameron Green and Alex Carey took them to a decent score. Australia is leading by 101 runs with 2 wickets in hand. They may get to a lead of 120-125.

[fuguebtc]

The match is being played between Australia and Sri Lanka. Perhaps you mistakenly said England.
However, since Australia has two more wickets left. The collection of Cummins and Lyon at the crease is 26 and 8 respectively. They will try to lengthen their scoreboard as much as possible. If Australia can lead by 150 runs, it will be difficult for the Sri Lankan players to collect this run. Because it is a bit difficult to collect runs in the second innings on such a pitch.

Australia still need to come out to bat for the 4th innings. Lankan spinners will be much more threatening then. Even a lead of 150 (for Sri Lanka) will be tricky for the Australians. Although they conceded 300 plus runs, Lankan bowlers created a lot of issues for the Australian batsmen. Only some resistance by lower middle order batsmen such as Cameron Green and Alex Carey took them to a decent score. Australia is leading by 101 runs with 2 wickets in hand. They may get to a lead of 120-125.

The performance of the Sri Lankan bowlers was not good. Australia lost all four top-order batsmen in 100 runs. And at the end of the second day they scored 313 runs for 8 wickets. If the Sri Lankan bowlers had bowled well, Australia's innings could have ended within 250 overs. With Australia far ahead now, Sri Lanka's chances of winning are slim. The match is completely under Australian control. And Australia is going to win the first Test match.

[Haunebu]

The performance of the Sri Lankan bowlers was not good. Australia lost all four top-order batsmen in 100 runs. And at the end of the second day they scored 313 runs for 8 wickets. If the Sri Lankan bowlers had bowled well, Australia's innings could have ended within 250 overs. With Australia far ahead now, Sri Lanka's chances of winning are slim. The match is completely under Australian control. And Australia is going to win the first Test match.

Australia bats deep which is why this isn't really surprising if you ask me. Mendis troubled them, but that wasn't enough as Green and Carey blew the game away from Sri Lanka. Also, Cummins is clobbering them like crazy.

It's like he's playing in a T-20 match and it doesn't look like he will get out anytime soon. Am expecting Australia to get close to 360 before losing their remaining wickets.

[JSRAW]

2 dominating days for the Aussie, as of now lead is 101 and they still have 2 wickets in the bank. This is arguably match winning lead, pretty surprise that SriLankan spinners couldn't purchase enough from the wicket, if we leave Mendis out then every other Lankan went for the runs with their indiscipline bowling.

---------

England vs India off test match is next.

- Bumrah is going to lead the Indian team as Rohit is not available due to covid.

Bumrah as the captain is a very surprising choice. He is an integral part of the Indian team, but was never considered as a serious challenger for this post. One thing that I have noticed about the Indian team is that they always give preference to the batsmen when it comes to captainship. That is why incompetent people like KL Rahul managed to become captain of the Indian team. Bumrah, I feel is a good choice. He is calm and cool and deserves a chance of being the test captain for the Indian team.

It's not reserved to Indians only but scene is changing everywhere. Cummins leading the Aussie, Stokes leading the England, Holder used to lead the Windies and Shakib doing this job on and off, he's off break but it's still count as bowler.

Bumrah is quick fix anyway in absence of vada pav.

[Mahdirakib]

Australia bats deep which is why this isn't really surprising if you ask me. Mendis troubled them, but that wasn't enough as Green and Carey blew the game away from Sri Lanka. Also, Cummins is clobbering them like crazy.
It's like he's playing in a T-20 match and it doesn't look like he will get out anytime soon. Am expecting Australia to get close to 360 before losing their remaining wickets.

Australia is playing in the attacking mode now. They have already taken a good lead. Sri Lanka will struggle to set a good target as the pitch isn't batting friendly. Cummins occasionally plays well in the attacking mode and he was playing in this way today. Perhaps, Australia won't be able to score above 350 runs. And Sri Lanka has very low chance to turn the match in their favour.

[rojan]

Australia bats deep which is why this isn't really surprising if you ask me. Mendis troubled them, but that wasn't enough as Green and Carey blew the game away from Sri Lanka. Also, Cummins is clobbering them like crazy.
It's like he's playing in a T-20 match and it doesn't look like he will get out anytime soon. Am expecting Australia to get close to 360 before losing their remaining wickets.

Australia is playing in the attacking mode now. They have already taken a good lead. Sri Lanka will struggle to set a good target as the pitch isn't batting friendly. Cummins occasionally plays well in the attacking mode and he was playing in this way today. Perhaps, Australia won't be able to score above 350 runs. And Sri Lanka has very low chance to turn the match in their favour.

I think Sri Lanka will have a hard time getting this match back. Sri Lanka will have to play very well. If they play very well for this match, it will be a game worth watching.  Australia has scored 313 runs but Australia has lost 8 wickets.