Test Cricket Prediction and Discussion Thread [self - mod]

[Mahdirakib]

As expected, the fourth Test between Australia vs India ends in a draw, and India secured the series with a 2-1 lead. By winning the series, India has qualified to play at The Oval for the WTC title. It comes as no surprise that both Australia and India have qualified for the World Test Championship final. As final will be held at Kennington Oval, thus giving Australia dominant over India. This will be a battle that will truly reflect the art of Test Cricket, and I'm looking forward to it.

It is a common thing in cricket that the home team tries to make the pitch in favour of themselves. The third test was played on a bowling friendly pitch. Unfortunately, Indian players performed poorly in that match and lost it. But they made a batting friendly pitch in the last test match to minimise their losing chances. Anyway, India has qualified for the WTC final, and Sri Lanka has lost their opportunity as they lost against New Zealand at the ending moment of the game.

[1714644927]

1714644927

[1714644927]

1714644927

[ZAINmalik75]

New Zealand could win the match because Kane Williamson was there till the end for them.

Finally the effort and hardwork of newZealand batter paysoff because they won the first test match of this series against SiriLanka, it's tough match for new Zealand because most of the kiwi batter got dismissed before scoring decent runs while the only two contender from kiwi side is D.Mitchell who scored 81 and former captain K.willimson who scored 121 in last session of match with a strike rate of 62. It's important victory for them to recover his form after too brutal defeats from india

[YinShuiSiYuan]

New Zealand could win the match because Kane Williamson was there till the end for them.

Finally the effort and hardwork of newZealand batter paysoff because they won the first test match of this series against SiriLanka, it's tough match for new Zealand because most of the kiwi batter got dismissed before scoring decent runs while the only two contender from kiwi side is D.Mitchell who scored 81 and former captain K.willimson who scored 121 in last session of match with a strike rate of 62. It's important victory for them to recover his form after too brutal defeats from india

Newzealand finally won the test despite of hard 4 days kane Williamson and Mitchell saved them at last minute. 
Everyone thought Sirlanka will win this match but Kiwis saved their team .

[Vaskiy]

Williamson and Mitchell screwed Lankan hope which was small to begin with and India secured a spot in the WTC 2023 final as expected. I won decent amounts thanks to these recent tests and I am excited for the final.

Thanks to Shane Williamson Kiwis won the almost losing test match.

Lol. This cracked me up. It's Kane Williamson(Not Shane Williamson).

Sri Lanka was with high hope on winning the match. Even after the first innings performance the winning probability of New Zealand was found high. I felt this to be surprising and finally the same came true. The match going till the last ball is the interesting thing. As stated Williamson stole the show with the last over performance.

[JSRAW]

WTC update

Aussies are the first finalist.
Indians have their one leg in the door and need to win BGT by 2-1 or 2-0
Sri Lanka's chances are still there if they clean sweep Kiwis in away tour.
South Africans were humiliated by Kangaroos and now they need to whitewash the Windies at home and hope India and SL lose their respective series.

We have our 2 finalists and they will meet again at the Oval. This WTC cycle is almost complete,  One-off test left (NZ vs SL) but has no impact on the points tally so it doesn't matter anymore.

Aussies were unlucky last time due to overrate penalties but these guys corrected their mistakes and were dominant at home against Eng-WI-SA and they also leveled the series in SL and won against Pakistan.

2 back to back WTC finals for India and it tells you how good and consistent this team has been in the last 4 years (8 in general), despite its inconsistent top order. Having said that I like how the Indian team performed in this cycle, except for a couple of matches. We should have won the series against SA but they were too good despite being 1 down in the series. I believe everyone expected 2-1 in favor of India in BGT so the result is not surprising but the Indian top order was not up to the mark and is still an area of concern (Didn't like the last match at all).

Aussies will be the favorite as English conditions suit their batters most when compared to Indians so the Australian bowling attack will have an edge against the Indian batting lineup. Although both bowling attacks are well equipped in seaming conditions.
 

[Sithara007]

As expected, the fourth Test between Australia vs India ends in a draw, and India secured the series with a 2-1 lead. By winning the series, India has qualified to play at The Oval for the WTC title. It comes as no surprise that both Australia and India have qualified for the World Test Championship final. As final will be held at Kennington Oval, thus giving Australia dominant over India. This will be a battle that will truly reflect the art of Test Cricket, and I'm looking forward to it.

I don't think that Australia will be having an advantage during final of the 2021–2023 ICC World Test Championship. The match will be played at Kia Oval in    Kennington, London and may offer equal support for both the bowlers and the batsmen. Even if the track offers extra support for the pacers, Australia doesn't have quality pacers in their squad now. Starc, Hazlewood, Boland and Cummins are no match for the legendary pacers such as McGrath, Lee and Gillespie who represented Australia two decades back. On the other hand, the Indian pace attack looks extremely good, with Shami, Umesh and Bumrah consistently performing well on pitches abroad.

One advantage for Australia is that their batsmen are doing well, including Khawaja, Smith and Labuschagne. For Indians, the lack of form from regular players such as Pujara is a big concern. None of the Indian batsmen showed any fighting spirit during the first 3 matches. They only managed to score while playing in the dead track during the 4th test.

[JSRAW]

I don't think that Australia will be having an advantage during final of the 2021–2023 ICC World Test Championship. The match will be played at Kia Oval in    Kennington, London and may offer equal support for both the bowlers and the batsmen. Even if the track offers extra support for the pacers, Australia doesn't have quality pacers in their squad now. Starc, Hazlewood, Boland and Cummins are no match for the legendary pacers such as McGrath, Lee and Gillespie who represented Australia two decades back. On the other hand, the Indian pace attack looks extremely good, with Shami, Umesh and Bumrah consistently performing well on pitches abroad.

One advantage for Australia is that their batsmen are doing well, including Khawaja, Smith and Labuschagne. For Indians, the lack of form from regular players such as Pujara is a big concern. None of the Indian batsmen showed any fighting spirit during the first 3 matches. They only managed to score while playing in the dead track during the 4th test.

Don't forget that In England they use Duke balls and Australia's kookaburra ball is a lot similar to duke ones in seaming-bouncy conditions when compared to the SG ball, which India uses.

It's true that the Oval is a bit flat in comparison to other grounds in England but overcast conditions can change the odds quickly in Aus's favor, it happens regularly when playing in England. The Indian team will miss Bumrah and Pant again.

[Sithara007]

Don't forget that In England they use Duke balls and Australia's kookaburra ball is a lot similar to duke ones in seaming-bouncy conditions when compared to the SG ball, which India uses.

It's true that the Oval is a bit flat in comparison to other grounds in England but overcast conditions can change the odds quickly in Aus's favor, it happens regularly when playing in England. The Indian team will miss Bumrah and Pant again.

Agreed on Bumrah and Pant. Bumrah is the best Indian pacer by a distance and he can be lethal in overseas conditions. Somehow he hasn't managed to resolve his recurring injury issue and it may be impossible for him to play on a regular basis. A few days back he underwent back surgery in New Zealand. According to his manager, he should be ready to bowl in nets by August this year and may take part in the ODI World Cup (timeline looks a bit optimistic, if you ask me). His last match was on 25th September last year, against Australia.

Regarding Pant, it may take even longer time for him to be back on action when compared to Bumrah. As per the doctors, he has suffered significant damage in his knee ligaments and won't be back in action before beginning of 2024. And his replacement (Srikar Bharat) has so far done a poor job, both with the bat with the gloves.

[pakhitheboss]

Don't forget that In England they use Duke balls and Australia's kookaburra ball is a lot similar to duke ones in seaming-bouncy conditions when compared to the SG ball, which India uses.

It's true that the Oval is a bit flat in comparison to other grounds in England but overcast conditions can change the odds quickly in Aus's favor, it happens regularly when playing in England. The Indian team will miss Bumrah and Pant again.

Agreed on Bumrah and Pant. Bumrah is the best Indian pacer by a distance and he can be lethal in overseas conditions. Somehow he hasn't managed to resolve his recurring injury issue and it may be impossible for him to play on a regular basis. A few days back he underwent back surgery in New Zealand. According to his manager, he should be ready to bowl in nets by August this year and may take part in the ODI World Cup (timeline looks a bit optimistic, if you ask me). His last match was on 25th September last year, against Australia.

Regarding Pant, it may take even longer time for him to be back on action when compared to Bumrah. As per the doctors, he has suffered significant damage in his knee ligaments and won't be back in action before beginning of 2024. And his replacement (Srikar Bharat) has so far done a poor job, both with the bat with the gloves.

Forget about both Panth & Bhumrah. These won't be part of the Indian team for quite sometime now. I think the amount of time these two players need to heal themselves would let others take thier position on the team. Unless BCCI doesn't find a good replacement of these two, which is highly unlikely I think thier career are over for now. Please do not forget BCCI has one of the biggest talent pool. All of those talents are waiting to just get one opportunity.

I am still not sure about Bharat as he has only played 4 international test matches up till now. I think more exposure to international cricket would certainly help him in future games.

[Sithara007]

I am still not sure about Bharat as he has only played 4 international test matches up till now. I think more exposure to international cricket would certainly help him in future games.

I am also in favor of giving more chances to Bharat. Obviously Sanju Samson fans are not going to be happy, as they believe that their player is the sole heir to the throne of Indian keeper. During one of the matches held in Kerala, his fans booed Kohli since Samson was not included in the playing XI. I am actually surprised. He was given far more chances than any of the younger players, and still wasted all of those chances. I would prefer Bharat over Samson at any day of the year. If Bharat is unable to perform, then the other younger players like Anuj Rawat should be considered for selection.

[pakhitheboss]

I am still not sure about Bharat as he has only played 4 international test matches up till now. I think more exposure to international cricket would certainly help him in future games.

I am also in favor of giving more chances to Bharat. Obviously Sanju Samson fans are not going to be happy, as they believe that their player is the sole heir to the throne of Indian keeper. During one of the matches held in Kerala, his fans booed Kohli since Samson was not included in the playing XI. I am actually surprised. He was given far more chances than any of the younger players, and still wasted all of those chances. I would prefer Bharat over Samson at any day of the year. If Bharat is unable to perform, then the other younger players like Anuj Rawat should be considered for selection.

Lol! Even Shashi Tharoor supported him when he was not selected in playing 11. Too many opportunities were given to him but he literally blew them all out. I do not understand what he thinks about himself? I never liked his attitude and I also never felt he plays for team. He is one selfish players who always will think about himself before the team. This is the primary reason why he is not getting selected.

[Haunebu]

Aussies will be the favorite as English conditions suit their batters most when compared to Indians so the Australian bowling attack will have an edge against the Indian batting lineup. Although both bowling attacks are well equipped in seaming conditions.

I will place a bet on India to win against Australia in the WTC 2023 finals soon even though Australia has a slightly bigger edge as you mentioned.

Lyon vs Ashwin, Todd vs Jadeja, Smith vs Kohli, Marnus vs Rohit, Head vs Gill etc are what I am most excited for. Am hoping for a spin friendly pitch for a greater entertainment factor overall.

[Sithara007]

Lol! Even Shashi Tharoor supported him when he was not selected in playing 11. Too many opportunities were given to him but he literally blew them all out. I do not understand what he thinks about himself? I never liked his attitude and I also never felt he plays for team. He is one selfish players who always will think about himself before the team. This is the primary reason why he is not getting selected.

Well.. Shashi Tharoor has reasons to support him. Elections are due in 12 months from now, and Sanju Samson is a resident of the parliamentary constituency that he represents. Despite being given so many chances, neither Samson nor his fans are happy. They keep asking for even more chances, despite not performing up to the mark. Fans in Kerala, be it the cricket fans or the football fans, behave in a boorish way when things don't go in their favor. Booing the Indian captain during an international match is a strict no.

[JSRAW]

I am still not sure about Bharat as he has only played 4 international test matches up till now. I think more exposure to international cricket would certainly help him in future games.

I am also in favor of giving more chances to Bharat. Obviously Sanju Samson fans are not going to be happy, as they believe that their player is the sole heir to the throne of Indian keeper. During one of the matches held in Kerala, his fans booed Kohli since Samson was not included in the playing XI. I am actually surprised. He was given far more chances than any of the younger players, and still wasted all of those chances. I would prefer Bharat over Samson at any day of the year. If Bharat is unable to perform, then the other younger players like Anuj Rawat should be considered for selection.

Where did Sanju's name come from in the context of Tests? IMO He's not even in the competition in red ball cricket.

I would argue that in WTC finals management could try Kishan instead of Bharat because the former is a better bat, it gives you another left-hand batter combination in the middle order so it would be a Like for Like replacement for Pant. Also, I feel that you need a batter-keeper in England instead of a keeper-batter (the latter is a better keeper, no doubt).

~snip~

I will place a bet on India to win against Australia in the WTC 2023 finals soon even though Australia has a slightly bigger edge as you mentioned.

Lyon vs Ashwin, Todd vs Jadeja, Smith vs Kohli, Marnus vs Rohit, Head vs Gill etc are what I am most excited for. Am hoping for a spin friendly pitch for a greater entertainment factor overall.

Let's hope no injuries or fatigue to players because of IPL, the window is very small.

[Iranus]

Lol! Even Shashi Tharoor supported him when he was not selected in playing 11. Too many opportunities were given to him but he literally blew them all out. I do not understand what he thinks about himself? I never liked his attitude and I also never felt he plays for team. He is one selfish players who always will think about himself before the team. This is the primary reason why he is not getting selected.

Well.. Shashi Tharoor has reasons to support him. Elections are due in 12 months from now, and Sanju Samson is a resident of the parliamentary constituency that he represents. Despite being given so many chances, neither Samson nor his fans are happy. They keep asking for even more chances, despite not performing up to the mark. Fans in Kerala, be it the cricket fans or the football fans, behave in a boorish way when things don't go in their favor. Booing the Indian captain during an international match is a strict no.

I have to say after all it is not only upon the captain to select who is playing or not. There is a different board of selectors who have a big say in which players are going to play. And if the fans of a certain player start booing the captain of the Indian team during a match. For only that reason, I am going to say that is just ignorance at its best.

People have to realize if he was good enough, he would get the chance to play. Maybe instead of booing the captain, tell your player to get better?

[eaLiTy]

~
Well.. Shashi Tharoor has reasons to support him. Elections are due in 12 months from now, and Sanju Samson is a resident of the parliamentary constituency that he represents. Despite being given so many chances, neither Samson nor his fans are happy. They keep asking for even more chances, despite not performing up to the mark.

Shashi Tharoor is a Cricket fan and he does not need to do any gimmick to win an election as the voters does not see him as a professional politician but is skillful enough to carry on the duties if he is given the opportunity.

Fans in Kerala, be it the cricket fans or the football fans, behave in a boorish way when things don't go in their favor. Booing the Indian captain during an international match is a strict no.

Yuvraj's house were attacked for not performing and even Sachin Tendulkar was booed in Mumbai when he was going through a lean patch, MSD was booed and his house were attacked by the so called fans, India team faced the same issue of house attacks by hooligans in the past when they fail to perform in World Cups in 2007 and before that and booing for stupid team selection is a big no  .
Since you touched Football, if the ISL incident is what you were referring, then the referee was stupid to allow that goal during crucial time according to any standard and the decision by the coach to walk out is appreciated and was given a warm welcome when the team landed in airport .

[Sithara007]

Since you touched Football, if the ISL incident is what you were referring, then the referee was stupid to allow that goal during crucial time according to any standard and the decision by the coach to walk out is appreciated and was given a warm welcome when the team landed in airport .

In sports, sometimes the decision goes in your favor, and sometimes that doesn't happen. But still sports is just for entertainment and after the match everything should be forgiven. A lot of controversy was generated after that ISL incident involving Sunil Chhetri. Irrespective of what he did during that match, fans need to remember that he is the captain of the Indian national team. And same with Kohli as well. Back then, he was the captain of the Indian team. Reacting in such a manner for not selecting a player is illogical. And I don't think that it will do any good for Samson.

Anyway, I agree with the first part. This is not the first time. There were similar incidents in Mumbai and Chandigarh. Overall, the fans need to treat sports as just an entertainment medium. No need to get too emotional.

[BobK71]

Lol! Even Shashi Tharoor supported him when he was not selected in playing 11. Too many opportunities were given to him but he literally blew them all out. I do not understand what he thinks about himself? I never liked his attitude and I also never felt he plays for team. He is one selfish players who always will think about himself before the team. This is the primary reason why he is not getting selected.

Well.. Shashi Tharoor has reasons to support him. Elections are due in 12 months from now, and Sanju Samson is a resident of the parliamentary constituency that he represents. Despite being given so many chances, neither Samson nor his fans are happy. They keep asking for even more chances, despite not performing up to the mark. Fans in Kerala, be it the cricket fans or the football fans, behave in a boorish way when things don't go in their favor. Booing the Indian captain during an international match is a strict no.

I have to say after all it is not only upon the captain to select who is playing or not. There is a different board of selectors who have a big say in which players are going to play. And if the fans of a certain player start booing the captain of the Indian team during a match. For only that reason, I am going to say that is just ignorance at its best.

People have to realize if he was good enough, he would get the chance to play. Maybe instead of booing the captain, tell your player to get better?

Just scolding to the captain won't change entire things. A national cricket team is fielded after a lot of research on the team. And to be included here, he must have consistent good performance. But a captain has quite a priority over player choosing. Normally players are included and excluded from the team by decision of the selection committee and the captain. It is not only the responsibility of the captain.

[JSRAW]

Yuvraj's house were attacked for not performing and even Sachin Tendulkar was booed in Mumbai when he was going through a lean patch, MSD was booed and his house were attacked by the so called fans, India team faced the same issue of house attacks by hooligans in the past when they fail to perform in World Cups in 2007 and before that and booing for stupid team selection is a big no  .

This type of behavior has vanished from Indian cricket tho and we hardly see such incidents. The main reason is all fanatic fans take out their frustration on social media only.

Also, i feel the majority of Indian fans are maturing, the reason I am saying this is because no drama takes place on the airport or roads (except social media) when team India fails in ICC tournaments and they are failing for quite some time now. These days fans are also divided in different fan clubs like Dhoni fan club, Rohitians, Viaratians or Sanju fan club etc. Booing players during the match is just a side effect of IPL popularity and imaginary rivalry between fanclubs.

[Sithara007]

This type of behavior has vanished from Indian cricket tho and we hardly see such incidents. The main reason is all fanatic fans take out their frustration on social media only.

Also, i feel the majority of Indian fans are maturing, the reason I am saying this is because no drama takes place on the airport or roads (except social media) when team India fails in ICC tournaments and they are failing for quite some time now. These days fans are also divided in different fan clubs like Dhoni fan club, Rohitians, Viaratians or Sanju fan club etc. Booing players during the match is just a side effect of IPL popularity and imaginary rivalry between fanclubs.

I agree that the boorish behavior from the fans have become rare. Not sure whether it is due to fans becoming more mature, or because the Indian police becoming more competent in arresting the culprits. Anyway, we can't blame the fans solely. After all, some of the senior players do behave like monkeys on and off the field. At least some of the fans may get influenced by them. And I am not sure whether the IPL teams have a large fanbase. In India, fandom is mostly based on the player. Some (like Kohli and Rohit) have fans all over India, while some others (including Samson) have fan bases concentrated in certain geographies.