Test Cricket Prediction and Discussion Thread [self - mod]

[pakhitheboss]

Did anyone follow the test match between England and Newzealand? I was so engulfed with the test match between India and Australia that I forgot to follow this match. England obviously won the match, what is commendable was that they won by a huge margin of 267 runs. This aggressive strategy by the English batters had confused the Kiwi side. In both innings, they aggressively scored more than 300 runs. I am pretty much enjoying this going after the bowler's strategy of the English team.

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[Nrcewker]

Edit: They lost their remaining wickets pretty quickly. This game went from an interesting contest to a one-sided affair within a matter of hours. Crazy!

Yup it’s true. I went for a movie break, and when I returned back, I saw India batting with an easy chase target of 115 runs. I thought what the hell just happened, and went back to see the highlights of fall of wickets of Australia. Jadeja and Ashwin truly needs to be praised, i mean what a Bowling spell, specifically Jadeja, the spin that he was getting today is marvellous. The Aussies are also not acquainted with this type of pitch and hence threw away their wickets so easily. Bowling was well executed by captain Rohit Sharma.
Now for the next test Match, I want to see Gill in place of Rahul, as Rahul is out of form throughout the series, and Gill deserves a chance. What are your thoughts on this?

[ilovealtcoins]

Did anyone follow the test match between England and Newzealand? I was so engulfed with the test match between India and Australia that I forgot to follow this match. England obviously won the match, what is commendable was that they won by a huge margin of 267 runs. This aggressive strategy by the English batters had confused the Kiwi side. In both innings, they aggressively scored more than 300 runs. I am pretty much enjoying this going after the bowler's strategy of the English team.

The performance of England's bowlers was excellent in this match. This is why they were able to win. Anderson, Broad and Robinson bowled very well in both innings. In the second innings, the New Zealand batsmen could not stand up to the bowling of Anderson and Broad. England set a target of 394 runs. But New Zealand's collection was only 126 runs. I would say the main reason for England's victory in this match is the performance of their bowlers.

[JSRAW]

Tbh this Australian inning reminds me of our 36 all out accident, we played some braindead cricket there and the Aussies just returned the favor. Ofc bowling was good in both matches but dumb batting helped in a big way.

Aussie players never had a good defense and their only solution to counter spin was sweeps and reverse sweeps and they lost all their wickets trying to do something that is unconventional and will not work in these sort of pitches .

Also good to see KL taking care of the Australian lead singlehandedly by scoring 1 run.

KL needs some rest after that contribution, give some youngsters the chance to play.

True, it was really bad. In general sweep shots are high risk and rewarding shots but as Sir Jadeja said no sweeps on such a deck.

I think Rahul is not vice-captain anymore. BCCI announced the squad for last 2 tests and they subtly missed the "VC tag" in front of KL's name.

I think he is the only ex-cricketer who telling the truth about KL Rahul. In a series of tweets just a few hours back he gave KL Rahul multiple options to regain his lost form. Then in the end he asked him in a cryptic way whether he can skip this year's IPL to get his form back.

He is doing so because his private conversation were made public and he is trying to defend that stance in a way he knows best  .  Venkatesh Prasad has a point thought, India has a lot of young talents waiting to get a position in the team and KL Rahul is given more opportunities to perform in the longer format. In the shorter format he is performing but not in Test for a long time.

What private conversations? Happened recently or what?

[Kakmakr]

I watched some ICC Womens T20 World Cup Cricket this weekend ..and I have to say, it was VERY good quality Cricket. The England and Australia fielding was exceptional and nice to watch. 

Do you know where I can bet on these games? I know Australia are the defending World Cup holders, but I think some of the other teams might dethrone them this year... their performance was not that good against a struggling South African team. 

[John Abraham]

I did not watched the 2nd test match between Australia and India. After the first test match, Australia were already aware of such pitches. I believe they tried their level best. But, their effort wasted due to Ravindra Jadeja's extra ordinary bowling. This guy dominated Aussie batters from the first match and he still continue. He becomes a head ace for Aussie batters and coaches. Ten wickets from two innings is extra ordinary performance. Handscomb and Osman Khawaja played good in the first innings. But In the 2nd innings, Almost no one were able to play jadeja.

[pakhitheboss]

I did not watched the 2nd test match between Australia and India. After the first test match, Australia were already aware of such pitches. I believe they tried their level best. But, their effort wasted due to Ravindra Jadeja's extra ordinary bowling. This guy dominated Aussie batters from the first match and he still continue. He becomes a head ace for Aussie batters and coaches. Ten wickets from two innings is extra ordinary performance. Handscomb and Osman Khawaja played good in the first innings. But In the 2nd innings, Almost no one were able to play jadeja.

Every home team would takes the advantage of home ground this is why the word test is used in test matches because it is meant to test the skills of both batters and bowlers. Otherwise they would have simply called it a 5 days match similar to one day match. Two more matches would be played in this series and India now need to only win one of them in order to qualify for the finals.

At one point Australia were only 61/1 and after Sir Jadeja started his magical spell they lost 7 wickets in quick interval. Not to forget Ashwin also played and important part he took 3 important wickets.

[Haunebu]

But, you cannot ignore the rumors that India pitches are specially curated to suit spin and low bounce against non-Asian teams. When Dhoni was captaining and Australia was playing similar 4 test series in 2013, there were rumors like he was emailing officials for curating pitches for India team suitable. If the last 2 matches lasted for 4 or 5 days then we cannot weigh those rumors.

Rumors? Really? People like to gossip and spread rumors about literally everything, but most of them are false. Ask the media if you don't trust me since they are the foremost experts in this area.

When the pitch is prepared with more cracks for suiting spin attack, you cannot expect high scores in 2nd innings so result is possible inside 3rd day.

How the heck did you jump to this conclusion? Would just like to say that the driver matters more than the car, weather etc.

[Ayers]

I did not watched the 2nd test match between Australia and India. After the first test match, Australia were already aware of such pitches. I believe they tried their level best. But, their effort wasted due to Ravindra Jadeja's extra ordinary bowling. This guy dominated Aussie batters from the first match and he still continue. He becomes a head ace for Aussie batters and coaches. Ten wickets from two innings is extra ordinary performance. Handscomb and Osman Khawaja played good in the first innings. But In the 2nd innings, Almost no one were able to play jadeja.

Every home team would takes the advantage of home ground this is why the word test is used in test matches because it is meant to test the skills of both batters and bowlers. Otherwise they would have simply called it a 5 days match similar to one day match. Two more matches would be played in this series and India now need to only win one of them in order to qualify for the finals.

At one point Australia were only 61/1 and after Sir Jadeja started his magical spell they lost 7 wickets in quick interval. Not to forget Ashwin also played and important part he took 3 important wickets.

Of course, just because India is the home team, they are getting a good amount of advantage. And this is supposed to happen. Australia should know that. It is of course going to be better for Australia if they do not think about that too much and start taking accountability. Australia lost the first two test matches. And I believe they should be 100% accountable for that. When Australia came to India for playing test cricket, they knew that India was going to try to take advantage of home conditions.

There are two test matches left. And I hope instead of crying about India having home advantages, Australia should think about how they will be able to win the next two test matches.

[Vaskiy]

I did not watched the 2nd test match between Australia and India. After the first test match, Australia were already aware of such pitches. I believe they tried their level best. But, their effort wasted due to Ravindra Jadeja's extra ordinary bowling. This guy dominated Aussie batters from the first match and he still continue. He becomes a head ace for Aussie batters and coaches. Ten wickets from two innings is extra ordinary performance. Handscomb and Osman Khawaja played good in the first innings. But In the 2nd innings, Almost no one were able to play jadeja.

Every home team would takes the advantage of home ground this is why the word test is used in test matches because it is meant to test the skills of both batters and bowlers. Otherwise they would have simply called it a 5 days match similar to one day match. Two more matches would be played in this series and India now need to only win one of them in order to qualify for the finals.

At one point Australia were only 61/1 and after Sir Jadeja started his magical spell they lost 7 wickets in quick interval. Not to forget Ashwin also played and important part he took 3 important wickets.

Of course, just because India is the home team, they are getting a good amount of advantage. And this is supposed to happen. Australia should know that. It is of course going to be better for Australia if they do not think about that too much and start taking accountability. Australia lost the first two test matches. And I believe they should be 100% accountable for that. When Australia came to India for playing test cricket, they knew that India was going to try to take advantage of home conditions.

There are two test matches left. And I hope instead of crying about India having home advantages, Australia should think about how they will be able to win the next two test matches.

India have got home ground advantage, but the performance of India on a test matches away from home too good. India played test match against England last year and draw the 5 match series 2-2. In the test series against South Africa, India managed to win a test match. It means the team have improved and performing better. Every country will try to have their home advantage, India isn't an exception and Australia might've known it well and the plans will be according to that. Everytime what we plan can't be executed and that is where India got advantage.

[Sithara007]

Of course, just because India is the home team, they are getting a good amount of advantage. And this is supposed to happen. Australia should know that. It is of course going to be better for Australia if they do not think about that too much and start taking accountability. Australia lost the first two test matches. And I believe they should be 100% accountable for that. When Australia came to India for playing test cricket, they knew that India was going to try to take advantage of home conditions.

There are two test matches left. And I hope instead of crying about India having home advantages, Australia should think about how they will be able to win the next two test matches.

Australians lack a world class spinner and they can't blame India for that. And home advantage works both ways. Australia could have prepared green and bouncy wickets, when India toured that country for the previous edition of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. But then, they don't have any quality pace bowlers as well. Cummins and Starc are like a shadow of legendary pacers such as Glenn McGrath and Brett Lee. The Australian team has got degraded over the years and that is the reason for their defeat. They need to revamp their side rather than blaming the pitch conditions.

[pakhitheboss]

In the past, on this thread, we have discussed several times that Test cricket is losing viewership and fan base. After watching the test match between India and Australia I beg to differ. In my opinion, the Ashes and BGT are the two test tournaments that are still keeping test cricket alive. Delhi stadium was almost full when India & Australia was playing. The next match is scheduled to happen at Holkar stadium which is in Indore, I am expecting a good amount of spectator's presence when the 3rd test match starts. 

[Sithara007]

In the past, on this thread, we have discussed several times that Test cricket is losing viewership and fan base. After watching the test match between India and Australia I beg to differ. In my opinion, the Ashes and BGT are the two test tournaments that are still keeping test cricket alive. Delhi stadium was almost full when India & Australia was playing. The next match is scheduled to happen at Holkar stadium which is in Indore, I am expecting a good amount of spectator's presence when the 3rd test match starts. 

Getting a full house one or two times a year can't save test cricket. Even in this series, we had a fair share of lop-sided matches so far. Fans don't spend their hard earned money to watch this undiluted shit. And here we are talking about the matches between two of the pig-3 teams. Just imagine how bad the matches are between more lop-sided opponents. Recently there was a series between West Indies and Zimbabwe, which served just one purpose - to improve the personal stats of some of the players.

India is a country of 1400 million people and obviously there will be no dearth of spectators whenever the national team plays. But that shouldn't be linked to any revival of test cricket. Outside the pig-3, test cricket has become completely irrelevant. And the ICC's refusal to implement a tiered system with promotion-relegation has resulted in the situation deteriorating even further.

[WatChe]

Getting a full house one or two times a year can't save test cricket. Even in this series, we had a fair share of lop-sided matches so far. Fans don't spend their hard earned money to watch this undiluted shit. And here we are talking about the matches between two of the pig-3 teams. Just imagine how bad the matches are between more lop-sided opponents. Recently there was a series between West Indies and Zimbabwe, which served just one purpose - to improve the personal stats of some of the players.

India is a country of 1400 million people and obviously there will be no dearth of spectators whenever the national team plays. But that shouldn't be linked to any revival of test cricket. Outside the pig-3, test cricket has become completely irrelevant. And the ICC's refusal to implement a tiered system with promotion-relegation has resulted in the situation deteriorating even further.

In India, there is always a decent presence of spectators in test matches. After India we can say that there is some crowd in Australia and England but other then that countries there is very few crowd. Test cricket was deemed to have this fate as no one has that much time to spare 5 days to watch the game.
With time as T20 leagues are coming up, there will be more decline in Test crowd. Test cricket is alive only because it has a legacy and is considered proper cricket.

[pakhitheboss]

And here we are talking about the matches between two of the pig-3 teams. Just imagine how bad the matches are between more lop-sided opponents. Recently there was a series between West Indies and Zimbabwe, which served just one purpose - to improve the personal stats of some of the players.

Who cares about other teams? I specifically pointed out the Ashes & BGT which is played between Australia, England, and India. These three countries generate the maximum amount of viewership, revenue, and fanbase in test cricket. If test cricket has to survive all ICC needs to do is focus on these countries. I personally do not take any interest in matches where any of these three countries are not playing.

India and its cricket-crazy population are the reason for any format of cricket to survive. The BCCI should come up with either a test tri-series involving these three countries or a bilateral series between India and England. The only problem they might face will be on scheduling it in a cricket-packed year.

[JSRAW]

^^ Crowd has been excellent so far in this series but not every venue attracts this much crowd tho.

There are many valid reasons for this like Shitty facilities, loop-sided fixtures, or fewer tickets for sales like the recent match (only 20k -ish).

[pakhitheboss]

^^ Crowd has been excellent so far in this series but not every venue attracts this much crowd tho.

There are many valid reasons for this like Shitty facilities, loop-sided fixtures, or fewer tickets for sales like the recent match (only 20k -ish).

Bad news coming from Australian dressing room David Warner won't be playing the last two test match because he has fractured his left elbow today. As per news article he is expected back before the ODI series. Travis head might continue to open the Australian batting. He did played well in the second innings of the second test match.

Indian cricket grounds are a way ahead of most stadium in cricket playing nations. Still the amount of crowd BGT is pulling is excellent. I am sure we might see another full house in the third match. 

[JSRAW]

^^ Crowd has been excellent so far in this series but not every venue attracts this much crowd tho.

There are many valid reasons for this like Shitty facilities, loop-sided fixtures, or fewer tickets for sales like the recent match (only 20k -ish).

Bad news coming from Australian dressing room David Warner won't be playing the last two test match because he has fractured his left elbow today. As per news article he is expected back before the ODI series. Travis head might continue to open the Australian batting. He did played well in the second innings of the second test match.

Considering his struggle against Indian bowlers, it's hardly a bad news for Australia. In fact, I would say it's bad news for India as he was a walking wicket.

Head did okay so it makes sense that he'll continue at the top with his attacking mindset. Green should be fit for the next match so this is good news for the Aussies.

[Iranus]

^^ Crowd has been excellent so far in this series but not every venue attracts this much crowd tho.

There are many valid reasons for this like Shitty facilities, loop-sided fixtures, or fewer tickets for sales like the recent match (only 20k -ish).

Bad news coming from Australian dressing room David Warner won't be playing the last two test match because he has fractured his left elbow today. As per news article he is expected back before the ODI series. Travis head might continue to open the Australian batting. He did played well in the second innings of the second test match.

Indian cricket grounds are a way ahead of most stadium in cricket playing nations. Still the amount of crowd BGT is pulling is excellent. I am sure we might see another full house in the third match. 

David Warner is not in good form. And he can't play well on Indian spin-friendly pitches. We haven't seen a better performance from David Warner in the last two matches. India will make a similar pitch in the next match as well. And so, even if David Warner is not with the team, it doesn't seem like the Australian team will face any major problems. Australia's batsmen are not playing well against the Indian bowlers, if the batsmen do not perform well in the next match, then India will win.

People of India love cricket. And that's why a lot of spectators can be seen in the stadium in Test matches. Since the good is now in good form. So we will see a lot of spectators in the last match as well.

[Juggy777]

^^ Crowd has been excellent so far in this series but not every venue attracts this much crowd tho.

There are many valid reasons for this like Shitty facilities, loop-sided fixtures, or fewer tickets for sales like the recent match (only 20k -ish).

Bad news coming from Australian dressing room David Warner won't be playing the last two test match because he has fractured his left elbow today. As per news article he is expected back before the ODI series. Travis head might continue to open the Australian batting. He did played well in the second innings of the second test match.

Indian cricket grounds are a way ahead of most stadium in cricket playing nations. Still the amount of crowd BGT is pulling is excellent. I am sure we might see another full house in the third match.  

David Warner is not in good form. And he can't play well on Indian spin-friendly pitches. We haven't seen a better performance from David Warner in the last two matches. India will make a similar pitch in the next match as well. And so, even if David Warner is not with the team, it doesn't seem like the Australian team will face any major problems. Australia's batsmen are not playing well against the Indian bowlers, if the batsmen do not perform well in the next match, then India will win.

People of India love cricket. And that's why a lot of spectators can be seen in the stadium in Test matches. Since the good is now in good form. So we will see a lot of spectators in the last match as well.

@Iranus there were rumours that he’ll be benched for the third match, and now that he’s officially out this gives Australia a chance to experiment with the team selection but I strongly feel that they’ll yet continue to struggle and end up losing the third match too. Furthermore I believe that the spectators will come in heavy numbers, because they would love to see Australia batsmen struggle against the spin bowling hence I too expect a big turnout for the third match.