Test Cricket Prediction and Discussion Thread [self - mod]

[Sithara007]

Yes, you are right that the spin bowling line in Pakistan is a bit weak.  But I think Pakistan team is very strong.  They are leading in all aspects but they are lagging behind in one aspect. If they can make their spin bowling a little stronger then I think they will be a strong team in all aspects.

If they want to beat pig-4 teams on a regular basis, then they need to have a well balanced team. And at this point, spin should be their biggest worry (doesn't mean that they are perfect in other departments). Also, they need to focus on the middle order. Top order batsmen such as Babar are getting the runs, but middle order is not being consistent. For now, middle order is low priority. They need to focus on spin bowling, if they want to perform well against the Asian teams such as India and Sri Lanka.

[JSRAW]

This Pakistani team has every ingredient to succeed there tho. Historically they are good in England so Aus + NZ + SA should be their priority.

Hasan-Afridi already gained fair amount of experience now. Afridi in particular is future star, Naseem is new so he'll learn the art. I'm sure Pak also have fair amount of back up seamers.

Spin should be covered by Yasir Ali but they need his back up soon as he's getting old. It would be amazing if they can also find solid spin all rounder, may be 2 so that they can do bit of batting as well. Abdullah Shafique is looking promising opener but his next test would be against seamers when playing away so we have to wait for more. With Azhar Ali and Babar middle order seems safe, yeah Ali failed in the last test but he's amazing number 3 so not worry about him much. I just hope that they give some chance to Fawad Alam too when playing in seaming conditions.

Pakistan has all the ingredients except one. Their spin bowling looks really weak. I would say that it has remained that way ever since Saqlain Mushtaq and Mushtaq Ahmed retired almost two decades ago. Yasir Ali doesn't look impressive and he is inconsistent. I am amazed to see the inability of Pakistani selectors in finding new emerging spinners within their country. And this is the country from where Imran Tahir and Fawad Ahmed had to emigrate, because it was impossible for them to find a spot in the playing XI.

Saqlain Mushtaq and Mushtaq Ahmed are very big name and it's hard to find such players. They had Saeed Ajmal for some time but he got banned by icc. I used to like Yasir Ali but yeah i agree lately he's  being bit dodgy with his form.

Pakistan has fast bowling culture and i think that's a main reason they failed to create another Saqlain.

[jaberwock]

Saqlain Mushtaq and Mushtaq Ahmed are very big name and it's hard to find such players. They had Saeed Ajmal for some time but he got banned by icc. I used to like Yasir Ali but yeah i agree lately he's  being bit dodgy with his form.

Pakistan has fast bowling culture and i think that's a main reason they failed to create another Saqlain.

No doubt recently Pakistan have the biggest issue in spin department and no one doing anything for covering this because we have batting academies and fast bowling academies but after death of Legendary Abdul Qadir no one dare to have any academy for this purpose even PCB is also having no interest in this department which is surely big concern.

Saqlain Mushtaq and Mushtaq Ahmed both settled in England with doing jobs for different Cricket Boards because they have good offers and salaries but here in Pakistan no one giving them anything for doing this job recently we have Saqlain Mushtaq as Head Coach, but this is also not permanently it's going to series basis which is not good they need to do something better planning for this as well.

[BobK71]

Although Pakistan won this 1st test but it was a great comparative match between the two. Both teams played well and both had chances as well to win. Actually audience enjoyed the game very well. Viewer usually expect to watch such type of competitive game. Anyway they will appear again in the next match where each team will try to adopt a new strategy.

[romero121]

Although Pakistan won this 1st test but it was a great comparative match between the two. Both teams played well and both had chances as well to win. Actually audience enjoyed the game very well. Viewer usually expect to watch such type of competitive game. Anyway they will appear again in the next match where each team will try to adopt a new strategy.

With the win Pakistan have reached the third position on the ICC test cricket rankings. This increase in the ranking have given way to be participant on World ICC test championship.

[Cryptock]

Although Pakistan won this 1st test but it was a great comparative match between the two. Both teams played well and both had chances as well to win. Actually audience enjoyed the game very well. Viewer usually expect to watch such type of competitive game. Anyway they will appear again in the next match where each team will try to adopt a new strategy.

With the win Pakistan have reached the third position on the ICC test cricket rankings. This increase in the ranking have given way to be participant on World ICC test championship.

Congratulation to Team Pakistan for winning the match against Sri Lanka.
Abdul Qadir did a very good part in winning this match - it was very thoughtful of captain to give a place to him and he did hit the bulls eye.

[Sithara007]

Although Pakistan won this 1st test but it was a great comparative match between the two. Both teams played well and both had chances as well to win. Actually audience enjoyed the game very well. Viewer usually expect to watch such type of competitive game. Anyway they will appear again in the next match where each team will try to adopt a new strategy.

This test match was watchable, because of the fightback from Pakistan during the 4th and 5th days. Usually I skip matches that are played on dust bowls, such as the ones in Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. Test match surfaces need to be neutral. But teams such as Sri Lanka are preparing the pitches that provide undue support for their players. And when they tour the SENA nations, their batsmen are completely unprepared and even in pitches that offer equal support to both bowlers and the batsmen, they fail to perform.

[pakhitheboss]

Although Pakistan won this 1st test but it was a great comparative match between the two. Both teams played well and both had chances as well to win. Actually audience enjoyed the game very well. Viewer usually expect to watch such type of competitive game. Anyway they will appear again in the next match where each team will try to adopt a new strategy.

This test match was watchable, because of the fightback from Pakistan during the 4th and 5th days. Usually I skip matches that are played on dust bowls, such as the ones in Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. Test match surfaces need to be neutral. But teams such as Sri Lanka are preparing the pitches that provide undue support for their players. And when they tour the SENA nations, their batsmen are completely unprepared and even in pitches that offer equal support to both bowlers and the batsmen, they fail to perform.

I skipped the whole match as I cannot sit infront of the screen whole day. I do agree that the match did generate excitement from second innings onwards. The last day was the most interesting day of the match. I did check the score regularly on that day and watched the highlights the next day.

[onecall123]

Sri Lanka and Pakistan played an interesting first test, with Pakistani batters displaying good resilience. Now we're moving on to the second test. There is no Shaheen Shah Afridi to lead Pakistan in the crucial second SLvPAK Test. Shaheen will be missed as he destroyed SL in the first inning and bowled only seven overs in the second inning due to an injury. Considering the pitch does not offer anything for fast bowlers, his miss won't be costly for Pakistan.

[kro55]

Although Pakistan won this 1st test but it was a great comparative match between the two. Both teams played well and both had chances as well to win. Actually audience enjoyed the game very well. Viewer usually expect to watch such type of competitive game. Anyway they will appear again in the next match where each team will try to adopt a new strategy.

This test match was watchable, because of the fightback from Pakistan during the 4th and 5th days. Usually I skip matches that are played on dust bowls, such as the ones in Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. Test match surfaces need to be neutral. But teams such as Sri Lanka are preparing the pitches that provide undue support for their players. And when they tour the SENA nations, their batsmen are completely unprepared and even in pitches that offer equal support to both bowlers and the batsmen, they fail to perform.

I skipped the whole match as I cannot sit infront of the screen whole day. I do agree that the match did generate excitement from second innings onwards. The last day was the most interesting day of the match. I did check the score regularly on that day and watched the highlights the next day.

Every day of this match was exciting. Pakistan batted very badly in the first innings. However, due to Babar Azam's extraordinary innings, Pakistan managed to collect more than 200. And I would say Pakistan won because of this innings. If they were behind by 70/80 runs, it would have been difficult for them to win this match. At the same time, Shafique's batting in the second innings was very commendable.

[Rigon]

Sri Lanka and Pakistan played an interesting first test, with Pakistani batters displaying good resilience. Now we're moving on to the second test. There is no Shaheen Shah Afridi to lead Pakistan in the crucial second SLvPAK Test. Shaheen will be missed as he destroyed SL in the first inning and bowled only seven overs in the second inning due to an injury. Considering the pitch does not offer anything for fast bowlers, his miss won't be costly for Pakistan.

Pakistan Pakistan is a perfect team for Test matches.Pakistan is perfect not only for Tests but also for all three series.Pakistan won the Test match between Sri Lanka and Pakistan.Pakistan's first phase was a bit weak but later they played very strong and won.

[Marvell1]

You know that this pitch does not offer much to the fast bowlers. However, Shaheen Shah Afridi was still a great performer and an instrumental part of Pakistan's bowling attack. Now Pakistan should not miss him too much. Obviously, that's considering the situation on the field. But that will surely be a thing that Pakistan is obliged to keep in mind and the question I have is, will Pakistan be able to manage without him?

I hope they don’t feel any psychological disadvantage because of that. They will be at a certain disadvantage no doubt. But they should be able to manage.

Sri Lanka and Pakistan played an interesting first test, with Pakistani batters displaying good resilience. Now we're moving on to the second test. There is no Shaheen Shah Afridi to lead Pakistan in the crucial second SLvPAK Test. Shaheen will be missed as he destroyed SL in the first inning and bowled only seven overs in the second inning due to an injury. Considering the pitch does not offer anything for fast bowlers, his miss won't be costly for Pakistan.

[Sithara007]

You know that this pitch does not offer much to the fast bowlers. However, Shaheen Shah Afridi was still a great performer and an instrumental part of Pakistan's bowling attack. Now Pakistan should not miss him too much. Obviously, that's considering the situation on the field. But that will surely be a thing that Pakistan is obliged to keep in mind and the question I have is, will Pakistan be able to manage without him?

I hope they don’t feel any psychological disadvantage because of that. They will be at a certain disadvantage no doubt. But they should be able to manage.

Shaheen Shah Afridi has all the ingredients that can make him a legendary fast bowler, in the league of Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis and Shoaib Akhtar. And it is difficult to believe that he is just 22 years old. We have been watching him for so long, and it is almost impossible to admit that he's in his early 20s. He just need to be careful about his fitness and he can continue to play for another 15 years or so. Already he has close to 100 test wickets. I won't be surprised if he finishes ahead of James Anderson.

[noormcs5]

This Pakistani team has every ingredient to succeed there tho. Historically they are good in England so Aus + NZ + SA should be their priority.

Hasan-Afridi already gained fair amount of experience now. Afridi in particular is future star, Naseem is new so he'll learn the art. I'm sure Pak also have fair amount of back up seamers.

Spin should be covered by Yasir Ali but they need his back up soon as he's getting old. It would be amazing if they can also find solid spin all rounder, may be 2 so that they can do bit of batting as well. Abdullah Shafique is looking promising opener but his next test would be against seamers when playing away so we have to wait for more. With Azhar Ali and Babar middle order seems safe, yeah Ali failed in the last test but he's amazing number 3 so not worry about him much. I just hope that they give some chance to Fawad Alam too when playing in seaming conditions.

Pakistan has all the ingredients except one. Their spin bowling looks really weak. I would say that it has remained that way ever since Saqlain Mushtaq and Mushtaq Ahmed retired almost two decades ago. Yasir Ali doesn't look impressive and he is inconsistent. I am amazed to see the inability of Pakistani selectors in finding new emerging spinners within their country. And this is the country from where Imran Tahir and Fawad Ahmed had to emigrate, because it was impossible for them to find a spot in the playing XI.

I remember that once Pakistan side was known for its spin bowlers but now it is not the case. Pakistan team always had a good spin and fast bowlers but they lacked in consistent batting performances. However, the current team under the leadership of Baber Azam has improved a lot in the batting department.

Any idea of how many more test matches they (pakistan) have to win in order to be in the top 2 of the international test championship?

[JSRAW]

Any idea of how many more test matches they (pakistan) have to win in order to be in the top 2 of the international test championship?

If my memory serves me well then they have 6 more tests in this WTC cycle

1 Against SL
3 against Eng
2 against NZ

- Winning all of em would be amazing but it's tough for any team even in home conditions.
- They need at least 68-ish points to secure their seat and have to win 4 tests +1 draw and they can afford only 1 loss. They should also hope that India and SA are not winning their all remaning match (especially India) as they are playing against 2 matches against Bangladesh at away series and 4 against Aus at home (this is very tough nut to crack for India).


Pakistan should try to clean sweep SL, it would be very helpful for them.

[Sithara007]

I remember that once Pakistan side was known for its spin bowlers but now it is not the case. Pakistan team always had a good spin and fast bowlers but they lacked in consistent batting performances. However, the current team under the leadership of Baber Azam has improved a lot in the batting department.

Any idea of how many more test matches they (pakistan) have to win in order to be in the top 2 of the international test championship?

That is surprising, because Pakistan was dominated by fast bowlers since the time of Imran Khan (90s). They had some quality spinners such as Saqlain, but at no point of time during the last three decades Pakistan relied on these bowlers more than the pacers. Also one of the reasons is that the presence of fast bowlers gave them dominance over the other South Asian nations (especially India and Sri Lanka) until very recently. During the 90s and early 2000s, the Indian batsmen used to struggle against the raw pace of Shoaib Akhtar and Wasim Akram.

[pakhitheboss]

I remember that once Pakistan side was known for its spin bowlers but now it is not the case. Pakistan team always had a good spin and fast bowlers but they lacked in consistent batting performances. However, the current team under the leadership of Baber Azam has improved a lot in the batting department.

Any idea of how many more test matches they (pakistan) have to win in order to be in the top 2 of the international test championship?

That is surprising, because Pakistan was dominated by fast bowlers since the time of Imran Khan (90s). They had some quality spinners such as Saqlain, but at no point of time during the last three decades Pakistan relied on these bowlers more than the pacers. Also one of the reasons is that the presence of fast bowlers gave them dominance over the other South Asian nations (especially India and Sri Lanka) until very recently. During the 90s and early 2000s, the Indian batsmen used to struggle against the raw pace of Shoaib Akhtar and Wasim Akram.

I still remember the competition between Sachin Tendulkar and Shoaib Akhtar till to date. In my opinion Shaheen Afridi is a great bowler in modern day cricket for Pakistan and as a batter it will be Babar Azam. They still need another good bowler and couple of good all rounder to balance the team. Abdullah Shafique's performance in the last test match looks quite promising. Now he needs to repeat it in the next test match to make a name for himself.

[rojan]

This Pakistani team has every ingredient to succeed there tho. Historically they are good in England so Aus + NZ + SA should be their priority.

Hasan-Afridi already gained fair amount of experience now. Afridi in particular is future star, Naseem is new so he'll learn the art. I'm sure Pak also have fair amount of back up seamers.

Spin should be covered by Yasir Ali but they need his back up soon as he's getting old. It would be amazing if they can also find solid spin all rounder, may be 2 so that they can do bit of batting as well. Abdullah Shafique is looking promising opener but his next test would be against seamers when playing away so we have to wait for more. With Azhar Ali and Babar middle order seems safe, yeah Ali failed in the last test but he's amazing number 3 so not worry about him much. I just hope that they give some chance to Fawad Alam too when playing in seaming conditions.

Pakistan has all the ingredients except one. Their spin bowling looks really weak. I would say that it has remained that way ever since Saqlain Mushtaq and Mushtaq Ahmed retired almost two decades ago. Yasir Ali doesn't look impressive and he is inconsistent. I am amazed to see the inability of Pakistani selectors in finding new emerging spinners within their country. And this is the country from where Imran Tahir and Fawad Ahmed had to emigrate, because it was impossible for them to find a spot in the playing XI.

I remember that once Pakistan side was known for its spin bowlers but now it is not the case. Pakistan team always had a good spin and fast bowlers but they lacked in consistent batting performances. However, the current team under the leadership of Baber Azam has improved a lot in the batting department.

Any idea of how many more test matches they (pakistan) have to win in order to be in the top 2 of the international test championship?

Pakistan team used to be very strong, Pakistan has a lot of strong spin to talk about, but now I don't see if there is any strong spin to talk like before. But now we see some strong batting from Pakistan. But they play a lot of balls in every match. Pakistan team would have been much stronger if they had strong spin like before. But I don't know. I don't know how many matches they have to play to be at the top of the International Test Championship.

[Sithara007]

I still remember the competition between Sachin Tendulkar and Shoaib Akhtar till to date. In my opinion Shaheen Afridi is a great bowler in modern day cricket for Pakistan and as a batter it will be Babar Azam. They still need another good bowler and couple of good all rounder to balance the team. Abdullah Shafique's performance in the last test match looks quite promising. Now he needs to repeat it in the next test match to make a name for himself.

Yeah.. I remember Pakistani team touring India sometime in late 1990s. It was Shoiab Akhtar's first tour of India and he wrecked havoc. Indian batsmen (including Ganguly, Tendulkar, Sachin and Laxman) were complaining that he was so fast that they can't even see the ball. And India didn't had bowlers with that much pace. Javagal Srinath used to hit 90mph once in a while, but the other bowlers such as Debashish Mohanty, Ajit Agarkar and Ashish Nehra used to bowl in low 70s, or early 80s. LOL.. back then test cricket was entertaining.

[virasog]

I still remember the competition between Sachin Tendulkar and Shoaib Akhtar till to date. In my opinion Shaheen Afridi is a great bowler in modern day cricket for Pakistan and as a batter it will be Babar Azam. They still need another good bowler and couple of good all rounder to balance the team. Abdullah Shafique's performance in the last test match looks quite promising. Now he needs to repeat it in the next test match to make a name for himself.

Yeah.. I remember Pakistani team touring India sometime in late 1990s. It was Shoiab Akhtar's first tour of India and he wrecked havoc. Indian batsmen (including Ganguly, Tendulkar, Sachin and Laxman) were complaining that he was so fast that they can't even see the ball. And India didn't had bowlers with that much pace. Javagal Srinath used to hit 90mph once in a while, but the other bowlers such as Debashish Mohanty, Ajit Agarkar and Ashish Nehra used to bowl in low 70s, or early 80s. LOL.. back then test cricket was entertaining.

Yes, Shoaib Akhtar was the fastest and perhaps the one who set this trend but then Brett Lee, Mitchell Starc, and Shaun Tait also were considered the fastest and more consistent fast bowlers as compared to Shoaib Akhtar.

However, among all the bowlers, the Shoaib Akhtar action was the most furious and devastating. No one could be compared to him in this department.