Test Cricket Prediction and Discussion Thread [self - mod]

[Naficopa]

Currently, if we consider the Test cricket rankings, then we can see that India, Australia, England, and Pakistan are the top teams. The matches between England and Australia between these teams are truly eye-opening The game between Australia and England means intense excitement.  And although India and Pakistan have never played a series, India and Pakistan games are as exciting as England and Australia.

But I really wonder when we are actually going to be able to see an India versus Pakistan match. In the shorter formats of cricket, we have good chances of watching those matches happen.

Because obviously, we have many tournaments going on in the shorter formats of cricket. But there is nothing like that going on in the test format. It is true that a lot of people are really looking forward to seeing that match. And the Australia versus England match is obviously the best in test cricket for any viewers. There is a reason why ashes test cricket is so much popular even when test cricket is not doing good at all.

India and Pakistan are not over with what has happened in 1947 and the bitterness will stay there forever.
Obviously when there is a match between India and Pakistan. The crowd is charged and the whole nation is charged too. They can't accept defeat - not at any cost.

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[rugrats]

But I really wonder when we are actually going to be able to see an India versus Pakistan match. In the shorter formats of cricket, we have good chances of watching those matches happen.
Because obviously, we have many tournaments going on in the shorter formats of cricket. But there is nothing like that going on in the test format. It is true that a lot of people are really looking forward to seeing that match. And the Australia versus England match is obviously the best in test cricket for any viewers. There is a reason why ashes test cricket is so much popular even when test cricket is not doing good at all.

India and Pakistan are not over with what has happened in 1947 and the bitterness will stay there forever.
Obviously when there is a match between India and Pakistan. The crowd is charged and the whole nation is charged too. They can't accept defeat - not at any cost.

I am going to say about India and Pakistan I am actually over with what happened in 1947. At least most of the people are. There are only a certain amount of people in both countries who do not want this war to end. So they chose a path of conflict. And we know that the media of both countries are not independent. So the media does the job of pouring petrol into the fire.

[Sithara007]

For any fair system there should be no free lunches in grouping.

IMO every grouping should depend solely on ranking system, performance and nothing else. You should earn your place, no matter if big team failing to secure their spot or not, if someone fail then demote them and if lower tier team improving their rank then promote them to up. There should be consequence and incentives for every change.

I am also against free lunches. But how to get the tier 1 test nations agree to it? They don't even agree on asking all the countries (except the hosts) to participate on qualifying tournament for World Cup. As a result, 8 out of the 10 slots in ODI world cup are decided without any qualification tournament. And regarding test cricket, they will never agree to a promotion-relegation system. If such a system is implemented, then countries such as Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka will find it very difficult to survive.

[JSRAW]

For any fair system there should be no free lunches in grouping.

IMO every grouping should depend solely on ranking system, performance and nothing else. You should earn your place, no matter if big team failing to secure their spot or not, if someone fail then demote them and if lower tier team improving their rank then promote them to up. There should be consequence and incentives for every change.

I am also against free lunches. But how to get the tier 1 test nations agree to it? They don't even agree on asking all the countries (except the hosts) to participate on qualifying tournament for World Cup. As a result, 8 out of the 10 slots in ODI world cup are decided without any qualification tournament. And regarding test cricket, they will never agree to a promotion-relegation system. If such a system is implemented, then countries such as Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka will find it very difficult to survive.

Promotion-relegation system based on survival of the fittest, double edge sword but its fair to everyone.
 
If we look at financially then ICC need to find better way to subsidise test cricket. I believe convincing top tier nations (mainly Ind, Aus, Eng) won't be tough as they would love to play among themselves due to financial aspect (they won't stop playing bilateral with eachothers, even if they belong to different tier) and due to very same reason 2nd tier nation would oppose this.

[Hamza2424]

Test Cricket Seems to be chilling now especially in case of the Australians. I would must say competition runs here and there in between Top contenders as Australia, England & India , Pakistan thats my personal favorite list as well so it might be bised but it is what i think so.

Source: https://www.espncricinfo.com/rankings/content/page/211271.html

[S A KHAIR]

For any fair system there should be no free lunches in grouping.
IMO every grouping should depend solely on ranking system, performance and nothing else. You should earn your place, no matter if big team failing to secure their spot or not, if someone fail then demote them and if lower tier team improving their rank then promote them to up. There should be consequence and incentives for every change.

I am also against free lunches. But how to get the tier 1 test nations agree to it? They don't even agree on asking all the countries (except the hosts) to participate on qualifying tournament for World Cup. As a result, 8 out of the 10 slots in ODI world cup are decided without any qualification tournament. And regarding test cricket, they will never agree to a promotion-relegation system. If such a system is implemented, then countries such as Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka will find it very difficult to survive.

Promotion-relegation system based on survival of the fittest, double edge sword but its fair to everyone.
If we look at financially then ICC need to find better way to subsidise test cricket. I believe convincing top tier nations (mainly Ind, Aus, Eng) won't be tough as they would love to play among themselves due to financial aspect (they won't stop playing bilateral with eachothers, even if they belong to different tier) and due to very same reason 2nd tier nation would oppose this.

That is a really good point and that can be a big problem as well. If that happens the mid-tier and low-tier teams are obviously not going to be able to generate enough revenue at all. And eventually, that is not going to be good for the financial situation of ICC and also the cricket boards of mid and low tier teams. But I think that is something that ICC will have to tolerate because that is the way football clubs are playing for quite a long time and they have been very successful. My suggestion is that they should at least try.

[Sithara007]

Promotion-relegation system based on survival of the fittest, double edge sword but its fair to everyone.
 
If we look at financially then ICC need to find better way to subsidize test cricket. I believe convincing top tier nations (mainly Ind, Aus, Eng) won't be tough as they would love to play among themselves due to financial aspect (they won't stop playing bilateral with eachothers, even if they belong to different tier) and due to very same reason 2nd tier nation would oppose this.

It is not just the financial aspect. When a pig-4 nation takes on a team outside that grouping, in 90% of the cases the matches will be lopsided. What is the point in having such matches? That is one of the reasons why I never oppose pig-4 playing amongst themselves as far as test format is considered. For tier-2 nations, their concerns are justified. For example, take the case of CSA or WICB. If India or Australia play a test match against them, then it will be more lucrative for the board when compared to a match with Sri Lanka or Bangladesh.

[BobK71]

But I really wonder when we are actually going to be able to see an India versus Pakistan match. In the shorter formats of cricket, we have good chances of watching those matches happen.
Because obviously, we have many tournaments going on in the shorter formats of cricket. But there is nothing like that going on in the test format. It is true that a lot of people are really looking forward to seeing that match. And the Australia versus England match is obviously the best in test cricket for any viewers. There is a reason why ashes test cricket is so much popular even when test cricket is not doing good at all.

India and Pakistan are not over with what has happened in 1947 and the bitterness will stay there forever.
Obviously when there is a match between India and Pakistan. The crowd is charged and the whole nation is charged too. They can't accept defeat - not at any cost.

I am going to say about India and Pakistan I am actually over with what happened in 1947. At least most of the people are. There are only a certain amount of people in both countries who do not want this war to end. So they chose a path of conflict. And we know that the media of both countries are not independent. So the media does the job of pouring petrol into the fire.

Political issue of any country should not be imposed in cricket. India and Pakistan are geographically close to each other but various problems with them, This kind of problems always fallen in their cricket. Viewers always interested to watching  India - Pakistan match but there is no series with the two teams now . One of the reasons is the political issue where the arrogance acts extensively. It is very important to keep series frequently between the two teams for the expansion of cricket.

[JSRAW]

Promotion-relegation system based on survival of the fittest, double edge sword but its fair to everyone.
 
If we look at financially then ICC need to find better way to subsidize test cricket. I believe convincing top tier nations (mainly Ind, Aus, Eng) won't be tough as they would love to play among themselves due to financial aspect (they won't stop playing bilateral with eachothers, even if they belong to different tier) and due to very same reason 2nd tier nation would oppose this.

It is not just the financial aspect. When a pig-4 nation takes on a team outside that grouping, in 90% of the cases the matches will be lopsided. What is the point in having such matches? That is one of the reasons why I never oppose pig-4 playing amongst themselves as far as test format is considered. For tier-2 nations, their concerns are justified. For example, take the case of CSA or WICB. If India or Australia play a test match against them, then it will be more lucrative for the board when compared to a match with Sri Lanka or Bangladesh.

Mismatch fixtures are big problem but imo ICC and all cricketing board don't even care about this. Australia may be the only exception as they do raise these issue when Pakistan and Sri lanka visit their shores. Apart from them i don't see anyone else raising their eyebrows. 

Hard to find any concrete solution as far as profits goes. Only 3 nation "Usual suspects" earn money from Tests. Everyone else is losing money if they are not playing against those 3.

[rugrats]

Political issue of any country should not be imposed in cricket. India and Pakistan are geographically close to each other but various problems with them, This kind of problems always fallen in their cricket. Viewers always interested to watching  India - Pakistan match but there is no series with the two teams now . One of the reasons is the political issue where the arrogance acts extensively. It is very important to keep series frequently between the two teams for the expansion of cricket.

India versus Pakistan cricket has always been a center for various types of people to enjoy cricket. These two teams are the best at attracting people. Two of the best teams in the subcontinent. It’s a shame that they are not currently playing against each other for a long time. That has certainly dropped some viewers and decreased the interest of a lot of people in cricket. This is one of the series which actually attracted a lot of neutral fans. Just because of some dumb politicians cricket is suffering really badly in this region. And I have to say ultimately the blame is going to go to India because Pakistan is trying to do better.

[Sithara007]

Mismatch fixtures are big problem but imo ICC and all cricketing board don't even care about this. Australia may be the only exception as they do raise these issue when Pakistan and Sri lanka visit their shores. Apart from them i don't see anyone else raising their eyebrows. 

Hard to find any concrete solution as far as profits goes. Only 3 nation "Usual suspects" earn money from Tests. Everyone else is losing money if they are not playing against those 3.

Even these three countries can earn much more, if they play ODI or T20 instead of test cricket. Test matches last for 5 days, and using this time they can schedule either 3 T20 matches or 2 ODI matches. And I am sure that the revenue will be higher from the second option. And test matches last for 450 overs, while the second option lasts for 120/200 overs at the most. So it is beneficial for the players as well. But there are players who specialize in test format, such as Steve Smith, Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara. It will be a loss for them, if the number of test matches are reduced.

[pakhitheboss]

India versus Pakistan cricket has always been a center for various types of people to enjoy cricket. These two teams are the best at attracting people. Two of the best teams in the subcontinent. It’s a shame that they are not currently playing against each other for a long time. That has certainly dropped some viewers and decreased the interest of a lot of people in cricket. This is one of the series which actually attracted a lot of neutral fans. Just because of some dumb politicians cricket is suffering really badly in this region. And I have to say ultimately the blame is going to go to India because Pakistan is trying to do better.

I do not endorse political influence in any kind of sports but with India and Pakistan, the situation is completely different. Both countries have a good amount of talent pool for a lot of sports. At the moment India is able to utilize the talent which is evident with the number of medals India has been getting in the Commonwealth games.

Regarding cricket, I do not think Indian cricket or BCCI is suffering for not playing against Pakistan in a bilateral series. The Indian board has been churning a lot of money through IPL and the Indian team has been playing a lot of cricket globally when compared with the number of games being played by Pakistan. No one cares what the Pakistan board is trying as long as BCCI generates the highest revenue from cricket and donates a part of it to ICC.

[YinShuiSiYuan]

India versus Pakistan cricket has always been a center for various types of people to enjoy cricket. These two teams are the best at attracting people. Two of the best teams in the subcontinent. It’s a shame that they are not currently playing against each other for a long time. That has certainly dropped some viewers and decreased the interest of a lot of people in cricket. This is one of the series which actually attracted a lot of neutral fans. Just because of some dumb politicians cricket is suffering really badly in this region. And I have to say ultimately the blame is going to go to India because Pakistan is trying to do better.

I do not endorse political influence in any kind of sports but with India and Pakistan, the situation is completely different. Both countries have a good amount of talent pool for a lot of sports. At the moment India is able to utilize the talent which is evident with the number of medals India has been getting in the Commonwealth games.

Regarding cricket, I do not think Indian cricket or BCCI is suffering for not playing against Pakistan in a bilateral series. The Indian board has been churning a lot of money through IPL and the Indian team has been playing a lot of cricket globally when compared with the number of games being played by Pakistan. No one cares what the Pakistan board is trying as long as BCCI generates the highest revenue from cricket and donates a part of it to ICC.

Yes these days whole cricket world including ICC is under BCCI and primary reason is IPL. India has given new life to cricket which has very limited money but now a days IPL is paying cricketers equivalent to what English Premier league is paying. PCB ha lots of talent but doesnt generate much money thats why no one cares for Pakistan.

[JSRAW]

Mismatch fixtures are big problem but imo ICC and all cricketing board don't even care about this. Australia may be the only exception as they do raise these issue when Pakistan and Sri lanka visit their shores. Apart from them i don't see anyone else raising their eyebrows. 

Hard to find any concrete solution as far as profits goes. Only 3 nation "Usual suspects" earn money from Tests. Everyone else is losing money if they are not playing against those 3.

Even these three countries can earn much more, if they play ODI or T20 instead of test cricket. Test matches last for 5 days, and using this time they can schedule either 3 T20 matches or 2 ODI matches. And I am sure that the revenue will be higher from the second option. And test matches last for 450 overs, while the second option lasts for 120/200 overs at the most. So it is beneficial for the players as well. But there are players who specialize in test format, such as Steve Smith, Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara. It will be a loss for them, if the number of test matches are reduced.

Test cricket is sacred cow for some (ECB) and they hold a control on any narrative regarding test cricket. BCCI might be financially independent but they also toe their line along with SENA countries in this regard and rest of the cricketing nations follow, that's why team like iceland etc keep demanding full membership despite knowing that they can't hold a single test without denting their pocket. 

[ilovealtcoins]

Even these three countries can earn much more, if they play ODI or T20 instead of test cricket. Test matches last for 5 days, and using this time they can schedule either 3 T20 matches or 2 ODI matches. And I am sure that the revenue will be higher from the second option. And test matches last for 450 overs, while the second option lasts for 120/200 overs at the most. So it is beneficial for the players as well. But there are players who specialize in test format, such as Steve Smith, Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara. It will be a loss for them, if the number of test matches are reduced.

Test cricket is sacred cow for some (ECB) and they hold a control on any narrative regarding test cricket. BCCI might be financially independent but they also toe their line along with SENA countries in this regard and rest of the cricketing nations follow, that's why team like iceland etc keep demanding full membership despite knowing that they can't hold a single test without denting their pocket. 

I really don’t understand why test cricket needs to be a thing even now when the whole world has moved on from test cricket and test cricket is also not a necessity right now. To be honest it is just a waste of time right now. And if I know correctly, I don’t think ICC also gets enough revenue from test cricket to continue this anymore. As we have discussed, the only way to shrink it is going to survive is ICC shoot implement a league system or tier system otherwise the matchmaking is going to be unfair most of the time and people will lose more interest in test cricket.

[rugrats]

India versus Pakistan cricket has always been a center for various types of people to enjoy cricket. These two teams are the best at attracting people. Two of the best teams in the subcontinent. It’s a shame that they are not currently playing against each other for a long time. That has certainly dropped some viewers and decreased the interest of a lot of people in cricket. This is one of the series which actually attracted a lot of neutral fans. Just because of some dumb politicians cricket is suffering really badly in this region. And I have to say ultimately the blame is going to go to India because Pakistan is trying to do better.

snip
 
Regarding cricket, I do not think Indian cricket or BCCI is suffering for not playing against Pakistan in a bilateral series. The Indian board has been churning a lot of money through IPL and the Indian team has been playing a lot of cricket globally when compared with the number of games being played by Pakistan. No one cares what the Pakistan board is trying as long as BCCI generates the highest revenue from cricket and donates a part of it to ICC.

That is very true. Pakistan is the one who is suffering the most because of not having any India versus Pakistan series. And for a long time, it felt like Pakistan was dependent on others. But right now it feels like Pakistan is trying to get out of that situation and Pakistan is also trying to do things in their own way. I appreciate the approach from Pakistan. But I really doubt that Pakistan will be able to generate the amount of revenue that India is able to generate.

[YinShuiSiYuan]

That is very true. Pakistan is the one who is suffering the most because of not having any India versus Pakistan series. And for a long time, it felt like Pakistan was dependent on others. But right now it feels like Pakistan is trying to get out of that situation and Pakistan is also trying to do things in their own way. I appreciate the approach from Pakistan. But I really doubt that Pakistan will be able to generate the amount of revenue that India is able to generate.

Present government of India is strictly against playing with Pakistan. Moreover Pakistan like Srilanka is at the verge of economic collapse. In such circumstances its very difficult for pcb to generate heavy revenues. India Pakistan rivalry is hurting cricket fans alot as they are deprived of quality India Pakistan games.

[BobK71]

India versus Pakistan cricket has always been a center for various types of people to enjoy cricket. These two teams are the best at attracting people. Two of the best teams in the subcontinent. It’s a shame that they are not currently playing against each other for a long time. That has certainly dropped some viewers and decreased the interest of a lot of people in cricket. This is one of the series which actually attracted a lot of neutral fans. Just because of some dumb politicians cricket is suffering really badly in this region. And I have to say ultimately the blame is going to go to India because Pakistan is trying to do better.

snip
 
Regarding cricket, I do not think Indian cricket or BCCI is suffering for not playing against Pakistan in a bilateral series. The Indian board has been churning a lot of money through IPL and the Indian team has been playing a lot of cricket globally when compared with the number of games being played by Pakistan. No one cares what the Pakistan board is trying as long as BCCI generates the highest revenue from cricket and donates a part of it to ICC.

That is very true. Pakistan is the one who is suffering the most because of not having any India versus Pakistan series. And for a long time, it felt like Pakistan was dependent on others. But right now it feels like Pakistan is trying to get out of that situation and Pakistan is also trying to do things in their own way. I appreciate the approach from Pakistan. But I really doubt that Pakistan will be able to generate the amount of revenue that India is able to generate.

When the two countries come together in a big tournament they can play but despite these, there is no series between them. There may be political issues between the two countries but it should not bring in cricket. However, ICC does not play any role in this regard. As the controller of cricket, they have no action to solve this problem in this regard.

[YinShuiSiYuan]

When the two countries come together in a big tournament they can play but despite these, there is no series between them. There may be political issues between the two countries but it should not bring in cricket. However, ICC does not play any role in this regard. As the controller of cricket, they have no action to solve this problem in this regard.

ICC is just a dummy body, real power is in big 3. There won't be any India Pakistan series in next decade atleast but this has made there encounters in world cup even more interesting. The recent T20I match in worldcup last year was a thriller and no one was expecting Pakistan to win the game and that too with 10 wickets.

[pakhitheboss]

When the two countries come together in a big tournament they can play but despite these, there is no series between them. There may be political issues between the two countries but it should not bring in cricket. However, ICC does not play any role in this regard. As the controller of cricket, they have no action to solve this problem in this regard.

ICC is just a dummy body, real power is in big 3. There won't be any India Pakistan series in next decade atleast but this has made there encounters in world cup even more interesting. The recent T20I match in worldcup last year was a thriller and no one was expecting Pakistan to win the game and that too with 10 wickets.

It is wrong to expect anything from ICC. They live on the money generated by big boards and therefore they will not take any action against them especially BCCI. Until the political issue is resolved you will not be able to see any bilateral series between Pakistan and India. The only event where these two teams will face each other are ICC tournaments.