Test Cricket Prediction and Discussion Thread [self - mod]

[eaLiTy]

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Now fourth test match is going to be interesting because after winning third test match at Indore Australians will try their best to level this series evens they will lose BGT but still this could be one of the best result for them in current conditions, and they can take good physiological advantage from India as well for the next series.

The only change Australia made after devastating losses in the first two matches is to make Steve Smith the captain and that changed the results and hopefully they will stick to Steve Smith rather than punishing him for the antics he did a few years back citing moral values.

Australia needs an aggressive captain and Steve Smith fits the bill and the way in which he exploited a loophole in the DRS is just incredible and now the 4th Test became interesting when everyone predicted an Australian white wash after seeing the first two matches, which is incredible.

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[teosanru]

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Now fourth test match is going to be interesting because after winning third test match at Indore Australians will try their best to level this series evens they will lose BGT but still this could be one of the best result for them in current conditions, and they can take good physiological advantage from India as well for the next series.

The only change Australia made after devastating losses in the first two matches is to make Steve Smith the captain and that changed the results and hopefully they will stick to Steve Smith rather than punishing him for the antics he did a few years back citing moral values.

Australia needs an aggressive captain and Steve Smith fits the bill and the way in which he exploited a loophole in the DRS is just incredible and now the 4th Test became interesting when everyone predicted an Australian white wash after seeing the first two matches, which is incredible.

Just saw a tweet from someone that sources claim 4th track is going to be a normal usual test wicket. Nothing like the previous 3 low bounce spin wickets. This seems interesting as now India might decide to play only with Ashwin and Jadeja and keep an extra paces instead of Axar but obviously that will hurt the batting to some extent but obviously Axar's main task isn't the batting. I am expecting Ishan Kishan to play the match instead of Bharat this time because Bharath hasn't so far proven anything and obviously Kishan might not get another chance for a long time after this. So technically makes sense as well. Other than this I hardly expect any change.

[Vaskiy]

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Now fourth test match is going to be interesting because after winning third test match at Indore Australians will try their best to level this series evens they will lose BGT but still this could be one of the best result for them in current conditions, and they can take good physiological advantage from India as well for the next series.

The only change Australia made after devastating losses in the first two matches is to make Steve Smith the captain and that changed the results and hopefully they will stick to Steve Smith rather than punishing him for the antics he did a few years back citing moral values.

Australia needs an aggressive captain and Steve Smith fits the bill and the way in which he exploited a loophole in the DRS is just incredible and now the 4th Test became interesting when everyone predicted an Australian white wash after seeing the first two matches, which is incredible.

Just saw a tweet from someone that sources claim 4th track is going to be a normal usual test wicket. Nothing like the previous 3 low bounce spin wickets. This seems interesting as now India might decide to play only with Ashwin and Jadeja and keep an extra paces instead of Axar but obviously that will hurt the batting to some extent but obviously Axar's main task isn't the batting. I am expecting Ishan Kishan to play the match instead of Bharat this time because Bharath hasn't so far proven anything and obviously Kishan might not get another chance for a long time after this. So technically makes sense as well. Other than this I hardly expect any change.

If that's bounce spin wickets, then this is going to favour Australia. India will continue with the same squad, maybe pacers will be changed. Whether it is bowling, batting or any other position it isn't easy to prove the skills in two matches. They need to be given time, in that way Bharat needs to be given more matches only then he'll understand well about players and change his play accordingly. Switching between players often couldn't let them do the best.

[JSRAW]

Just saw a tweet from someone that sources claim 4th track is going to be a normal usual test wicket. Nothing like the previous 3 low bounce spin wickets. This seems interesting as now India might decide to play only with Ashwin and Jadeja and keep an extra paces instead of Axar but obviously that will hurt the batting to some extent but obviously Axar's main task isn't the batting. I am expecting Ishan Kishan to play the match instead of Bharat this time because Bharath hasn't so far proven anything and obviously Kishan might not get another chance for a long time after this. So technically makes sense as well. Other than this I hardly expect any change.

Bharat didn't do anything special with the bat but it's also true for every top order batter in the team and he hardly made any mistakes behind the wickets if we neglect the few DRS calls.

So i believe they'll go with Bharat again as he's superior WK when compared to Kishan. I'd still prefer spin tracks.

[pakhitheboss]

Bharat didn't do anything special with the bat but it's also true for every top order batter in the team and he hardly made any mistakes behind the wickets if we neglect the few DRS calls.

So i believe they'll go with Bharat again as he's superior WK when compared to Kishan. I'd still prefer spin tracks.

Bharat is far better than Ishan Kishan behind the stumps. I also agree that his batting hasn't been up to the mark but replacing him for just that reason doesn't make any sense. Recently KL Rahul was replaced by Shubhman Gill considering his present form but the outcome is still not satisfactory. I think India should stick with the present team and not make any more changes. All they need to do is work on their batting.

[LittleBitFunny]

Bharat didn't do anything special with the bat but it's also true for every top order batter in the team and he hardly made any mistakes behind the wickets if we neglect the few DRS calls.

So i believe they'll go with Bharat again as he's superior WK when compared to Kishan. I'd still prefer spin tracks.

Bharat is far better than Ishan Kishan behind the stumps. I also agree that his batting hasn't been up to the mark but replacing him for just that reason doesn't make any sense. Recently KL Rahul was replaced by Shubhman Gill considering his present form but the outcome is still not satisfactory. I think India should stick with the present team and not make any more changes. All they need to do is work on their batting.

I actually agree with @pakhitheboss. Right now India is performing really well. Any change in the team might actually bring bad results for India. I believe it is going to be better if they continue with the same squad. I also think that just continue with the same squad and try to improve. Improving individual performances is going to be better than just changing the squad around.

And keeping stability in the squad is also going to be a way to give surety to the players that they are not going to be replaced if they make any mistake. So they will play more fearlessly. Let's see what happens in the last text match.

[JSRAW]

Bharat didn't do anything special with the bat but it's also true for every top order batter in the team and he hardly made any mistakes behind the wickets if we neglect the few DRS calls.

So i believe they'll go with Bharat again as he's superior WK when compared to Kishan. I'd still prefer spin tracks.

Bharat is far better than Ishan Kishan behind the stumps. I also agree that his batting hasn't been up to the mark but replacing him for just that reason doesn't make any sense. Recently KL Rahul was replaced by Shubhman Gill considering his present form but the outcome is still not satisfactory. I think India should stick with the present team and not make any more changes. All they need to do is work on their batting.

On turner he's doing a wonderful job behind the wicket so it's fine for now.

Having said that i guess management will go back to the old formula of home-away (Saha-Pant) keeper again as Pant is out of the action. On the turner deck, you need a skilled keeper but when touring SENA countries you can compromise on WK skills as you look for an extra batter in form of WK batsman, here Ishan Kishan could play some part.

[KennyR]

Bharat didn't do anything special with the bat but it's also true for every top order batter in the team and he hardly made any mistakes behind the wickets if we neglect the few DRS calls.

So i believe they'll go with Bharat again as he's superior WK when compared to Kishan. I'd still prefer spin tracks.

Bharat is far better than Ishan Kishan behind the stumps. I also agree that his batting hasn't been up to the mark but replacing him for just that reason doesn't make any sense. Recently KL Rahul was replaced by Shubhman Gill considering his present form but the outcome is still not satisfactory. I think India should stick with the present team and not make any more changes. All they need to do is work on their batting.

For the upcoming test match the batting line-up needs improvement. When the team have good score, the bowlers will have the better choice to bowl. If not they constraint themselves within specific limits and bowl. This couldn't let them go for wickets, as they are also in a situation to restrict runs. As said, the squad is good enough to play with focus on batting line-up.

[wiss19]

If that's bounce spin wickets, then this is going to favour Australia. India will continue with the same squad, maybe pacers will be changed. Whether it is bowling, batting or any other position it isn't easy to prove the skills in two matches. They need to be given time, in that way Bharat needs to be given more matches only then he'll understand well about players and change his play accordingly. Switching between players often couldn't let them do the best.

Fourth and final test match which is going to play At Ahmedabad on 9th March with India is already leading the series by 2 - 1 and in case of this match won by Australia, India will still hold the BGT as they were last time winner I need to few changes in this Indian team because this is good time for the selectors to bring youths for big occasions and rest the few veteran players which are not performing as we need to have their performance because while you are already winner and have chance to bring your best new players for the future here they can take this risk which will give them good advantage for the future games as well.
 
Even most chances nothing is going to happen but still they can think about this all and youngsters surely will give their best and try to have positive change for the Indian batting which is currently struggling badly specially against spinners from Australia.

[Sithara007]

^^^ I don't know who will win the 4th and final test match. But one thing is sure. The series has become alive after lop-sided matches during the first two tests. Australia will be having the momentum, after their huge 9-wicket victory at Indore. And the Indian curators will be confused. If they prepare a pitch that supports spin, then Australia have Nathan Lyon, Matthew Kuhnemann and Todd Murphy in their lineup and may trouble the Indian batsmen. If they prepare a flat track, then there is a good chance that the match will end up as a draw. And by some chance if they make the track pace-friendly, then Starc and Boland will destroy the Indians.

[WatChe]

^^^ I don't know who will win the 4th and final test match. But one thing is sure. The series has become alive after lop-sided matches during the first two tests. Australia will be having the momentum, after their huge 9-wicket victory at Indore. And the Indian curators will be confused. If they prepare a pitch that supports spin, then Australia have Nathan Lyon, Matthew Kuhnemann and Todd Murphy in their lineup and may trouble the Indian batsmen. If they prepare a flat track, then there is a good chance that the match will end up as a draw. And by some chance if they make the track pace-friendly, then Starc and Boland will destroy the Indians.

And what will be India response in case of spin and pace friendly pitch? So far we have seen that Jadega and Ashwin are a big success in all three Test matches. The reason why pitches are not pace friendly is because India don't have quality pace bowlers in there line-up. For pace attack India only have  Mohammed Siraj and Umesh Yadav. Defiantly curators will prepare pitch according to instructions issued by BCCI and I think the pitch will same as we have seen in previous three matches.

[JSRAW]

^^^ I don't know who will win the 4th and final test match. But one thing is sure. The series has become alive after lop-sided matches during the first two tests. Australia will be having the momentum, after their huge 9-wicket victory at Indore. And the Indian curators will be confused. If they prepare a pitch that supports spin, then Australia have Nathan Lyon, Matthew Kuhnemann and Todd Murphy in their lineup and may trouble the Indian batsmen. If they prepare a flat track, then there is a good chance that the match will end up as a draw. And by some chance if they make the track pace-friendly, then Starc and Boland will destroy the Indians.

And what will be India response in case of spin and pace friendly pitch? So far we have seen that Jadega and Ashwin are a big success in all three Test matches. The reason why pitches are not pace friendly is because India don't have quality pace bowlers in there line-up. For pace attack India only have  Mohammed Siraj and Umesh Yadav. Defiantly curators will prepare pitch according to instructions issued by BCCI and I think the pitch will same as we have seen in previous three matches.

Indians are no mug on pace friendly pitches either and the current pace battery of India is the best lot in the history of Indian cricket.

Why we are forgetting that Indians have already beaten Australia in 2 back to back series in their own backyard, which includes Gabba. They also drew the series against England on seaming conditions.

Also during their(Shami and Yadav) tenure, they outbowled visiting seamers most of the time, especially Yadav goes into god mode level when playing on Indian pitches, doesn't matter if the pitches support the pace bowlers or not.

[pakhitheboss]

^^^ I don't know who will win the 4th and final test match. But one thing is sure. The series has become alive after lop-sided matches during the first two tests. Australia will be having the momentum, after their huge 9-wicket victory at Indore. And the Indian curators will be confused. If they prepare a pitch that supports spin, then Australia have Nathan Lyon, Matthew Kuhnemann and Todd Murphy in their lineup and may trouble the Indian batsmen. If they prepare a flat track, then there is a good chance that the match will end up as a draw. And by some chance if they make the track pace-friendly, then Starc and Boland will destroy the Indians.

Undoubtedly you are underestimating the Indian side just because they lost the third test match. I am pretty much sure the Australian side would be thinking in the same manner  . They did that before the series even started and lost two matches back to back. Just hold your horses before coming into any conclusion. You will get all your answers when the last test match of this tournament start.

[BobK71]

The pitches were terrible and the ball was keeping really low, some of the dismissals were because the players were not having solid defense. Rohit Sharma was stumped in the first innings, Pujara was out trying to play an extravagant cut as soon as he reached the crease which was a terrible shot and Shubman Gill was dismissed in the second innings charging down the track where he completely lost the line of the ball and gifted his wicket.
Shreyas Iyer needs rest as they need to give some youngsters a chance.

Right now, Indian selectors are working on new generation of batsmen which is never been easy to have their spots with veteran batsmen Rohit Sharma, Pujara and Kohli all are fail to deliver as well which is also concern so with this all playing against team like Australia has never been easy even they won first two test matches but keep one thing in mind Australians are quickest those learn from their mistakes and settled things quickly so this happening in this series as well and their spinners are also working on as their plan which is also good advantage for them.

Now fourth test match is going to be interesting because after winning third test match at Indore Australians will try their best to level this series evens they will lose BGT but still this could be one of the best result for them in current conditions, and they can take good physiological advantage from India as well for the next series.

In the 4th test match, Australia is going to have to play attacking cricket from the start. Because India is going to try and play a little defensively. India already has a lead in the series. So if India can only draw this test match India will be the series winner. Australia will have to try extra hard.

India had a collapse in the first innings of the last match. And that was very beneficial for Australia. So India is going to be careful about that in the next match as well. Australia will have to have a good performance overall to win this match. Otherwise, I think this match is going to end up in a draw.

India's batting disaster was the only reason lost the match which was seen in the third Test. India scored in the first innings 109 and 163 in the second innings while Australia scored 197 in the first innings and in the 2nd 78 runs by which Australia win by 9 wickets. There was such a situation among the India batters that none could score runs. Anyway, the result of this series will depend on the upcoming fourth test. If Australia wins this match that will be series draw. But I am confident India will win the fourth Test match against Australia.

[Sithara007]

Undoubtedly you are underestimating the Indian side just because they lost the third test match. I am pretty much sure the Australian side would be thinking in the same manner  . They did that before the series even started and lost two matches back to back. Just hold your horses before coming into any conclusion. You will get all your answers when the last test match of this tournament start.

Well.. let's see. I never claimed that India will be the underdogs for 4th test. In fact I would say that they are the overwhelming favorites. But there is no doubt that the Australians have been rapidly improvising over time. If they had given enough time to get adjusted and played a few warmup matches before the first test, then I am sure that the first two matches could have been much more competitive. Still, Australia can give a good fight for the 4th match and try to draw the series 2-2 if they manage to win the Ahmedabad test.

[JSRAW]

^^ Australia always gives a tough fight tho, although in my recent memory, 2017 series in India was more competitive as most of the matches were tight, that's why no one takes them lightly.

Considering India's record at home, Australia would take a 2-2 result gladly and can claim the victory, rightly so. For 2-2 Australia need to play their A-game again and hope India plays a shitty one like the last match.

[DanWalker]

India's batting disaster was the only reason lost the match which was seen in the third Test. India scored in the first innings 109 and 163 in the second innings while Australia scored 197 in the first innings and in the 2nd 78 runs by which Australia win by 9 wickets. There was such a situation among the India batters that none could score runs. Anyway, the result of this series will depend on the upcoming fourth test. If Australia wins this match that will be series draw. But I am confident India will win the fourth Test match against Australia.

If India does not have any serious disasters as they had in the last test match, I believe India will be strong enough to win the match or at least get a draw quite easily. Australia is expected to play really aggressive in the final match. India might be able to take advantage of that as well. I also believe that if India is clever about it, they are likely to win the last test match. India will also be able to win the series as well. But we have to remember it is Australia we are talking about who is going to play against India. So no outcome is impossible in such a situation.

[LittleBitFunny]

South Africa vs West Indies

The second Test match between South Africa and West Indies is going to start shortly after in Johannesburg. The performance of the South African bowlers in the first match was quite good and they won. However, in the second innings, they lost all wickets for just 116 runs. If South Africa wants to continue its dominance in the second match as well, the bowlers as well as the batsmen must bat responsibly.

The West Indies team is quite weak for the Test format. Especially I think their batsmen have very little patience. So we don't see good performances from West Indies batsmen in the Test format. If West Indies batsmen don't perform well in today's match too, I don't see any chance of them winning.

[Sithara007]

South Africa vs West Indies

The second Test match between South Africa and West Indies is going to start shortly after in Johannesburg. The performance of the South African bowlers in the first match was quite good and they won. However, in the second innings, they lost all wickets for just 116 runs. If South Africa wants to continue its dominance in the second match as well, the bowlers as well as the batsmen must bat responsibly.

The West Indies team is quite weak for the Test format. Especially I think their batsmen have very little patience. So we don't see good performances from West Indies batsmen in the Test format. If West Indies batsmen don't perform well in today's match too, I don't see any chance of them winning.

I have a feeling that future of West Indies in test format will depend heavily on how Tagenarine Chanderpaul will perform in the coming years. Apart from him, I don't think that any of the other West Indian batsmen have the skills to score runs in this format. And I would like the West Indian selectors to give another opportunity for Gudakesh Motie. He is the best spinner they got and can be useful against the South Africans. And from what I heard, South Africa will be including two spinners for today's match - Simon Harmer and Keshav Maharaj.

[pakhitheboss]

^^ Australia always gives a tough fight tho, although in my recent memory, 2017 series in India was more competitive as most of the matches were tight, that's why no one takes them lightly.

Considering India's record at home, Australia would take a 2-2 result gladly and can claim the victory, rightly so. For 2-2 Australia need to play their A-game again and hope India plays a shitty one like the last match.

In a span of 10 years, the Indian test team has only lost 3 test matches when played on home ground. A single loss cannot over shadows their excellent performance as a test team. I am confident that they will come back strong and overcome all the issues the batting lineup has been facing in the past three matches. I would say that the team management could have promoted Axar Patel up the order in the previous match above Ashwin as he has proven in this tournament that he can score good runs. Keeping him down the order only increases the pressure when the top and middle order collapse.

Australia would be happy with any result they know that the real test is not the BGT but the test world cup. They have already qualified for it and I am sure they would not be as competitive as they were in the third test. That does not mean that they would give a tough fight to India. That means the pressure would be on Rohit and his team to get into the final of the ICC events.