Test Cricket Prediction and Discussion Thread [self - mod]

[JSRAW]

So India went with a 4 seam + 1 spin combination and again Ashwin is sitting out in England. You got to feel for the guy, he does all the hard work for 2-year and gets dropped in England due to conditions where spinners have virtually no role to play and the team can't afford to have 2 spinners in the Playing XI.

And you will feel worse when you realize that he was the leading wicket-taker for India in this WTC with the best average and a fair amount of match-winning performances with the bat as well.

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[Sithara007]

So India went with a 4 seam + 1 spin combination and again Ashwin is sitting out in England. You got to feel for the guy, he does all the hard work for 2-year and gets dropped in England due to conditions where spinners have virtually no role to play and the team can't afford to have 2 spinners in the Playing XI.

And you will feel worse when you realize that he was the leading wicket-taker for India in this WTC with the best average and a fair amount of match-winning performances with the bat as well.

Obviously when 4 seamers are included, there is only place for one spin-bowling allrounder in the playing XI. And it was between Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel and Ravichandran Ashwin. And here Jadeja got the preference because he is the better batsmen out of these three. In case of Axar and Ashwin, there is a generalization that they are more suitable for subcontinental conditions. And during the recently concluded Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Jadeja picked up wickets at crucial intervals and proved to be a better bowler than any of the other two. 

[onecall123]

So India went with a 4 seam + 1 spin combination and again Ashwin is sitting out in England. You got to feel for the guy, he does all the hard work for 2-year and gets dropped in England due to conditions where spinners have virtually no role to play and the team can't afford to have 2 spinners in the Playing XI.

And you will feel worse when you realize that he was the leading wicket-taker for India in this WTC with the best average and a fair amount of match-winning performances with the bat as well.

Obviously when 4 seamers are included, there is only place for one spin-bowling allrounder in the playing XI. And it was between Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel and Ravichandran Ashwin. And here Jadeja got the preference because he is the better batsmen out of these three. In case of Axar and Ashwin, there is a generalization that they are more suitable for subcontinental conditions. And during the recently concluded Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Jadeja picked up wickets at crucial intervals and proved to be a better bowler than any of the other two. 

India selected the no. 1 all-rounder in the test championship final, over no. 1 test bowler. While some may question this decision, but there is a few factors that could have influenced their choice.

Ravindra Jadeja is known to be a better batter than Ashwin in SENA conditions. This could have played a role in the decision-making process, as having a solid batting line-up can be crucial in the championship final. It's would be rare to see if teams play with two spinners in such conditions. So, Jadeja's ability to contribute both with the bat and as a left-hand batter may have given him the benefit of the doubt.

[JSRAW]

So India went with a 4 seam + 1 spin combination and again Ashwin is sitting out in England. You got to feel for the guy, he does all the hard work for 2-year and gets dropped in England due to conditions where spinners have virtually no role to play and the team can't afford to have 2 spinners in the Playing XI.

And you will feel worse when you realize that he was the leading wicket-taker for India in this WTC with the best average and a fair amount of match-winning performances with the bat as well.

Obviously when 4 seamers are included, there is only place for one spin-bowling allrounder in the playing XI. And it was between Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel and Ravichandran Ashwin. And here Jadeja got the preference because he is the better batsmen out of these three. In case of Axar and Ashwin, there is a generalization that they are more suitable for subcontinental conditions. And during the recently concluded Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Jadeja picked up wickets at crucial intervals and proved to be a better bowler than any of the other two. 

If you compare the next best off-spinner (Nathon Lyon) with Ashwin then you will find out that it's a myth. It's just Ashwin is way too dominating at home that his away contribution looks bad according to his reputation and as far as bowling number goes in England. Again Ashwin proved to be a better bowler in comparison to Jadeja, even Lyon comes second.

Jadeja is the best bat, I guess everybody knows that but at the same time, it's criminal to leave out your best wicket-taker and modern-time great, every time when you play in England. He missed 6 matches in trot in England due to Green decks and conditions.

[Litzki1990]

Yesterday I revealed India's probable XI for the World Test Championship which was a XI of my own making. The XI that India fielded against Australia today has 10 cricketers in common with the XI that I made. Shardul Thakur has been replaced by Ravichandran Ashwin after seeing only fast bowling supporting wickets. In other words, Team India has entered the field with four professional fast bowlers against Australia.
Opting to bowl four fast bowlers in this match was a good decision for Rohit Sharma as Australia had already suffered a lot of batting woes against India on the first day. Australia lost 3 wickets for 80 runs. And the three wickets that fell were picked up by India's three fast bowlers. A good start for India on day one.

[LDL]

So India went with a 4 seam + 1 spin combination and again Ashwin is sitting out in England. You got to feel for the guy, he does all the hard work for 2-year and gets dropped in England due to conditions where spinners have virtually no role to play and the team can't afford to have 2 spinners in the Playing XI.

And you will feel worse when you realize that he was the leading wicket-taker for India in this WTC with the best average and a fair amount of match-winning performances with the bat as well.

Obviously when 4 seamers are included, there is only place for one spin-bowling allrounder in the playing XI. And it was between Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel and Ravichandran Ashwin. And here Jadeja got the preference because he is the better batsmen out of these three. In case of Axar and Ashwin, there is a generalization that they are more suitable for subcontinental conditions. And during the recently concluded Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Jadeja picked up wickets at crucial intervals and proved to be a better bowler than any of the other two. 

India selected the no. 1 all-rounder in the test championship final, over no. 1 test bowler. While some may question this decision, but there is a few factors that could have influenced their choice.

Ravindra Jadeja is known to be a better batter than Ashwin in SENA conditions. This could have played a role in the decision-making process, as having a solid batting line-up can be crucial in the championship final. It's would be rare to see if teams play with two spinners in such conditions. So, Jadeja's ability to contribute both with the bat and as a left-hand batter may have given him the benefit of the doubt.

Australia lost three wickets in WTC and all three wickets were collected by fast bowlers. Although in this case India has arranged the squad with only one spinner but till now Ravindra Jadeja has not started the bowling spell. However, Australia's top order batsmen did not get off to a good start with only David Warner getting out with 43 runs.
However, the first session was very stressful for Australia where they fell by three wickets. Although today's game has two whole sessions left to finish the first day and there is a possibility that Australia will be all out.

[coinerer]

I agree with you India last won the ICC trophy in 2013 that too under captain Dhoni. After Dhoni's departure,i never saw India lift another international trophy. India lost to New Zealand in the final of the Test Championship last time.  Here as India XI as you said Rohit and Gill will come as openers. India's middle order has batsmen like Kohli and Pujara. But as a wicket keeper batsman I think Ishan can take Kishan as he is a good quality batsman and wicket keeper. On the other hand,Australia is a very good team.

Yes, India has had a strong cricketing legacy with their last ICC trophy victory in 2013 under the leadership of Dhoni. But they couldn't secure another international trophy after Dhoni departure. they continue to strive for success in the Test Championship final the first day second session has started with Australia at 80/3 thanks to some impressive bowling from India. With a talented team comprising openers Rohit and S. Gill and formidable middle-order batsmen like Kohli and Pujara India is poised for a competitive match against Australia. Let see how India determined efforts unfold in the remainder of the match.

Australia lost 3 wickets for 90 runs. Like India, Australia is also a good cricket team. but we don't know why they are losing wickets so easily.  It seems that they are not able to play in harmony with India. because India is the king of the game of cricket and they are the strongest and smartest team in the game of cricket. India are doing fairly well in bowling and hope they will put up a great performance in batting as well.  And we may see India as the winning team in the final test match

[Haunebu]

Australia lost 3 wickets for 90 runs. Like India, Australia is also a good cricket team. but we don't know why they are losing wickets so easily.  It seems that they are not able to play in harmony with India. because India is the king of the game of cricket and they are the strongest and smartest team in the game of cricket. India are doing fairly well in bowling and hope they will put up a great performance in batting as well.  And we may see India as the winning team in the final test match

Slow your roll. This is a test match(Not T-20) which is why it's still an evenly contested match at this point. Australia still have Head, Smith, Carey and Green which is why they can still reach a total close to 300.

Also, the Indian batsmen need to bat really well if they wish to defeat Australia in this finale.

[rojan]

I agree with you India last won the ICC trophy in 2013 that too under captain Dhoni. After Dhoni's departure,i never saw India lift another international trophy. India lost to New Zealand in the final of the Test Championship last time.  Here as India XI as you said Rohit and Gill will come as openers. India's middle order has batsmen like Kohli and Pujara. But as a wicket keeper batsman I think Ishan can take Kishan as he is a good quality batsman and wicket keeper. On the other hand,Australia is a very good team.

Yes, India has had a strong cricketing legacy with their last ICC trophy victory in 2013 under the leadership of Dhoni. But they couldn't secure another international trophy after Dhoni departure. they continue to strive for success in the Test Championship final the first day second session has started with Australia at 80/3 thanks to some impressive bowling from India. With a talented team comprising openers Rohit and S. Gill and formidable middle-order batsmen like Kohli and Pujara India is poised for a competitive match against Australia. Let see how India determined efforts unfold in the remainder of the match.

Australia lost 3 wickets for 90 runs. Like India, Australia is also a good cricket team. but we don't know why they are losing wickets so easily.  It seems that they are not able to play in harmony with India. because India is the king of the game of cricket and they are the strongest and smartest team in the game of cricket. India are doing fairly well in bowling and hope they will put up a great performance in batting as well.  And we may see India as the winning team in the final test match

Australia came down to bat and scored 113 runs in 31 overs. Team India's bowler Mohammad Shami took 1 wicket in 10 overs. Mohammad Siraj took 1 wicket with 37 runs in 10 overs. Shardul Thakur took 1 wicket in 4 overs. Indian bowlers have started to perform well in the bowling line.  Looks like Australia will be all out very soon.  Australian team batsman is under a lot of pressure now.

[coinerer]

Australia lost 3 wickets for 90 runs. Like India, Australia is also a good cricket team. but we don't know why they are losing wickets so easily.  It seems that they are not able to play in harmony with India. because India is the king of the game of cricket and they are the strongest and smartest team in the game of cricket. India are doing fairly well in bowling and hope they will put up a great performance in batting as well.  And we may see India as the winning team in the final test match

Slow your roll. This is a test match(Not T-20) which is why it's still an evenly contested match at this point. Australia still have Head, Smith, Carey and Green which is why they can still reach a total close to 300.
Also, the Indian batsmen need to bat really well if they wish to defeat Australia in this finale.

I believe that 300 runs is a big target be it in ODI match or Test match but if a team can save wickets and play for a long time then surely it is easy for that team to cross this target.  So I have a faith in India that they can do it if Australia sets a target above 300 runs.  Yes it has to be admitted that Australia is a very strong cricket team and they have been seen doing very well in the game of cricket.  So the Test match is going to be very tight as both the teams are very strong here

[elevates]

As expected MD Shiraz got the first wicket. It is just the first day so I won't talk about the performance of Indian team. I am not happy with this wicket keeper. He is still behaving like a WK who is playing an International match for the first time. Someone needs to remind him he is playing in WTC. Already 3 wickets are gone on the first day. Hoping that the spinners are put into work to make it more harder for Aussies to bat.

[Gladitorcomeback]

I believe that 300 runs is a big target be it in ODI match or Test match but if a team can save wickets and play for a long time then surely it is easy for that team to cross this target.  So I have a faith in India that they can do it if Australia sets a target above 300 runs.  Yes it has to be admitted that Australia is a very strong cricket team and they have been seen doing very well in the game of cricket.  So the Test match is going to be very tight as both the teams are very strong here

In one day match 300 is good score to defend because chaser team will have to score and defend wicket at the same time which definitely will put pressure on the team. I test cricket 300 is not big target in test matches and atleast 400 runs in first inining. India is very strong team and 300 runs will be quiet easy for them to chase. India have very long batting line up.
Australia lost their three wicket earlier but now this 4th wicket partnership is looking strong. Steven smith is very experienced player and known for scoring runs. Smith has same quality of batting like Kohli. I am expecting 300+ score today. Australia have to give best total to defend, their bowlers have quality to pick wickets.

[Swordsoffreedom]

As expected MD Shiraz got the first wicket. It is just the first day so I won't talk about the performance of Indian team. I am not happy with this wicket keeper. He is still behaving like a WK who is playing an International match for the first time. Someone needs to remind him he is playing in WTC. Already 3 wickets are gone on the first day. Hoping that the spinners are put into work to make it more harder for Aussies to bat.

Australia lost the first wicket for just 2 runs. They then lost the two crucial wickets of Warner and Labuschagne at 71 and 76 respectively. However, the third wicket pair of Travis Head and Steven Smith is batting well. Smith remained unbeaten with 50 runs from 144 balls and Head with 97 runs from 99 balls. Smith is batting very patiently. And Head's batting looks like it's an ODI match. Australia has batted only 62 overs. Looks like they can collect like 320-340 by the end of the day. Australia collected 225 runs in 62 overs.

[eaLiTy]

Australia is in a good position even though they lost Usman Khawaja for a duck, Travis Head is counter attacking and scoring at run a ball and on the verge of scoring a century as he is one run short of his century and Smith played a patient knock. India needs to break this partnership if not Australia will run away with this match.

Edit: Travis Head scored his century.

[Haunebu]

Australia is in a good position even though they lost Usman Khawaja for a duck, Travis Head is counter attacking and scoring at run a ball and on the verge of scoring a century as he is one run short of his century and Smith played a patient knock. India needs to break this partnership if not Australia will run away with this match.

Horrible session for India. Shardul Thakur gave away so many unnecessary extras helping the Australians in more ways than one. Axar/Ashwin would have probably performed better than him even though this is a seamers pitch.

India desperately need to remove wickets quickly since Draw/Aus win look like the only results at this point.

[CryptoBuds]

As expected MD Shiraz got the first wicket. It is just the first day so I won't talk about the performance of Indian team. I am not happy with this wicket keeper. He is still behaving like a WK who is playing an International match for the first time. Someone needs to remind him he is playing in WTC. Already 3 wickets are gone on the first day. Hoping that the spinners are put into work to make it more harder for Aussies to bat.

Australia lost the first wicket for just 2 runs. They then lost the two crucial wickets of Warner and Labuschagne at 71 and 76 respectively. However, the third wicket pair of Travis Head and Steven Smith is batting well. Smith remained unbeaten with 50 runs from 144 balls and Head with 97 runs from 99 balls. Smith is batting very patiently. And Head's batting looks like it's an ODI match. Australia has batted only 62 overs. Looks like they can collect like 320-340 by the end of the day. Australia collected 225 runs in 62 overs.

It was not a good day for India. Although they managed to pick up the first three wickets quickly, they were unable to pick up any more wickets. Australia has now collected 320 runs with the loss of 3 wickets. Smith remains unbeaten with 91 runs and Travis Head with 143 runs. Travis Head scored 22 t4 and Smith 13 t4. These two batsmen are batting well. On the other hand, the Indian bowlers seem aimless. They are bowling very uncontrolled. If Australia bats like this, they will collect at least 550 runs in the first innings.

[Sithara007]

Remarkable recovery by Australia. When Marnus Labuschagne got out, Australia was struggling at 76/3. From there, Steven Smith and Travis Head took them to 327/3. The 4th wicket partnership is now worth 251 runs. Indian seam attack once again proves that they are ineffective without Jasprit Bumrah. None of them, including Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Umesh Yadav and Shardul Thakur seemed like they could trouble Smith and Head. And this curse continues for India in ICC tournaments. It is going to be yet another missed opportunity for India. 
 

[JSRAW]

Normally in test cricket, I'd say it was a tough day at work and we still have 4 more days to go.

But considering our performances in ICC finals I would say we are fucked royally lol. Bowlers did bowl exceptionally well in patches but failed to put pressure on Aussie. It all started with the Thick boy Yadav, Shami also didn't chip in with the new ball despite being tight. Shardul started well but he was punished after his first spell.

Ik i am being negative but the 90% chance is we are losing the final, again. Unless our top 5 scores a shitload amount of runs, like Daddy hundreds.

[LittleBitFunny]

Remarkable recovery by Australia. When Marnus Labuschagne got out, Australia was struggling at 76/3. From there, Steven Smith and Travis Head took them to 327/3. The 4th wicket partnership is now worth 251 runs. Indian seam attack once again proves that they are ineffective without Jasprit Bumrah. None of them, including Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Umesh Yadav and Shardul Thakur seemed like they could trouble Smith and Head. And this curse continues for India in ICC tournaments. It is going to be yet another missed opportunity for India. 

After seeing the performance of the Indian bowlers at the beginning of the day, I thought the match might be controlled by the Indian bowlers. Mohammad Shami, Mohammad Shiraj and Shardul Thakur picked up one wicket each. But the Indian bowlers could not maintain consistency. Despite picking up three wickets for 786 runs, they could not pick up any more wickets throughout the day. Smith and Head dominated the Indian bowlers today. And with the way Australia are batting, scoring 500-600 runs will not be a tough task for the Australian players. Even then I would say the match will depend on the first session tomorrow. If the Indian bowlers can do well in the first session, Australia's innings will not be too long. But if the dominance of Australia's batsmen is seen in the first session too, Australia will not collect less than 550.

[Minecache]

Normally in test cricket, I'd say it was a tough day at work and we still have 4 more days to go.

But considering our performances in ICC finals I would say we are fucked royally lol. Bowlers did bowl exceptionally well in patches but failed to put pressure on Aussie. It all started with the Thick boy Yadav, Shami also didn't chip in with the new ball despite being tight. Shardul started well but he was punished after his first spell.

Ik i am being negative but the 90% chance is we are losing the final, again. Unless our top 5 scores a shitload amount of runs, like Daddy hundreds.

Well, this seems to be a pitch that is absolutely made for batting. Australia is absolutely dominating the match so far. Now I don't think they are done. They are going to play on the next day and also try to put a big first innings total in front of India. It is only the end of the first day. So it is still very hard to say which team is going to win. But the indication after the first day is that Australia is very confident. India will also have to perform just like Australia if they want to have any chance of winning the match.