Test Cricket Prediction and Discussion Thread [self - mod]

[JSRAW]

In the first innings of the pink ball or Day/night Test match, India and Australia had a batting disaster, but in the second innings, the Indian batsmen are playing great. Mayank Agarwal and Shubman Gill played very well. India lost 3 wickets and scored 164 runs. This will be a big challenge for the Australia A team. Because they were 86 runs behind in the first innings. Australia A lost all their wickets for 108 runs. I don't know if they faced such a bad batting disaster like this.

Some how in 2nd inning Australia A bowling looking bit weak. Cameron Green exclusion due to concussion might be one of the reason. Shubman Gill in particular was smashing everyone but facing likes of Starc, Cummins, Hazelwood would be completely different. Overall i would say India did good by playing 2 warm up games, this is good practice for almost everyone and in the future they should stick with the same template when visiting any SENA country, may be make it 3 warm up games ( 2 - three days test and 1 - four day test).

Let's see if Gill opens the inning with Mayank in the 1st test as Shaw seems to be in pretty bad form.

[Vishnu.Reang]

West Indies trail by 361 runs, 5 wickets in hand. Only set batsman at the pitch Blackwoood, batting with 60 runs after 84 delivery and Holder on his side. Are West Indies team repeat the same story or the batsman rescue them unless another big defeat which is absolutely pathetic to see WI unable to give a fight.

At the end of second day's play, West Indies trail by 336 runs, with just two wickets remaining. Two debutants are at the crease - Joshua Da Silva and Chemar Holder. As of now, West Indies look completely incapable of playing test format. They are still very good in T20, and to an extent ODI formats. But time and again, it has been proved that they can't compete in the test format.

[FIFA worldcup]

West Indies trail by 361 runs, 5 wickets in hand. Only set batsman at the pitch Blackwoood, batting with 60 runs after 84 delivery and Holder on his side. Are West Indies team repeat the same story or the batsman rescue them unless another big defeat which is absolutely pathetic to see WI unable to give a fight.

At the end of second day's play, West Indies trail by 336 runs, with just two wickets remaining. Two debutants are at the crease - Joshua Da Silva and Chemar Holder. As of now, West Indies look completely incapable of playing test format. They are still very good in T20, and to an extent ODI formats. But time and again, it has been proved that they can't compete in the test format.

This is a poor performance from West Indies and NZ will ensure the follow-on and try to win the match by an innings. The test may end in just 3 days time. That will be a disappointment not only for the West Indies team but also the organizers and spectators won't like to see these one sided test matches.

[onrise]

West Indies trail by 361 runs, 5 wickets in hand. Only set batsman at the pitch Blackwoood, batting with 60 runs after 84 delivery and Holder on his side. Are West Indies team repeat the same story or the batsman rescue them unless another big defeat which is absolutely pathetic to see WI unable to give a fight.

At the end of second day's play, West Indies trail by 336 runs, with just two wickets remaining. Two debutants are at the crease - Joshua Da Silva and Chemar Holder. As of now, West Indies look completely incapable of playing test format. They are still very good in T20, and to an extent ODI formats. But time and again, it has been proved that they can't compete in the test format.

This is a poor performance from West Indies and NZ will ensure the follow-on and try to win the match by an innings. The test may end in just 3 days time. That will be a disappointment not only for the West Indies team but also the organizers and spectators won't like to see these one sided test matches.

There is not much cricket now left in this this match because more or less the result will be New Zealand winning by an inning and some runs, unless NZ decide not to give them follow on which seems unlikely. Sad part is that none of them were able to build partnership from another end when Jermaine was batting else atleast they could have reached some respectable score. Let’s see in second innings if WI can build partnership and if can reach anywhere near 300 runs will help them for the 2nd test match.

[mersal]

In the first innings of the pink ball or Day/night Test match, India and Australia had a batting disaster, but in the second innings, the Indian batsmen are playing great. Mayank Agarwal and Shubman Gill played very well. India lost 3 wickets and scored 164 runs. This will be a big challenge for the Australia A team. Because they were 86 runs behind in the first innings. Australia A lost all their wickets for 108 runs. I don't know if they faced such a bad batting disaster like this.

Some how in 2nd inning Australia A bowling looking bit weak. Cameron Green exclusion due to concussion might be one of the reason. Shubman Gill in particular was smashing everyone but facing likes of Starc, Cummins, Hazelwood would be completely different. Overall i would say India did good by playing 2 warm up games, this is good practice for almost everyone and in the future they should stick with the same template when visiting any SENA country, may be make it 3 warm up games ( 2 - three days test and 1 - four day test).

Let's see if Gill opens the inning with Mayank in the 1st test as Shaw seems to be in pretty bad form.

I think the Australian A bowlers are deliberately giving India a chance to score so many runs. So that the Indian players do not have to guess the real strength of Australia, and do not build themselves accordingly. I saw the batting style of  Rishab Pant. He has batted to T20 style. He will be out for very few runs in international test matches against Australia if he will batting in this way.

We can't say like this because Shewag was the one who changed the whole teat cricketing style when he came up to this level of cricket from that players are setting their own batting in test format as well but keeping wickets is also the importan in test match which comes with more experience in this format.

[JSRAW]

In the first innings of the pink ball or Day/night Test match, India and Australia had a batting disaster, but in the second innings, the Indian batsmen are playing great. Mayank Agarwal and Shubman Gill played very well. India lost 3 wickets and scored 164 runs. This will be a big challenge for the Australia A team. Because they were 86 runs behind in the first innings. Australia A lost all their wickets for 108 runs. I don't know if they faced such a bad batting disaster like this.

Some how in 2nd inning Australia A bowling looking bit weak. Cameron Green exclusion due to concussion might be one of the reason. Shubman Gill in particular was smashing everyone but facing likes of Starc, Cummins, Hazelwood would be completely different. Overall i would say India did good by playing 2 warm up games, this is good practice for almost everyone and in the future they should stick with the same template when visiting any SENA country, may be make it 3 warm up games ( 2 - three days test and 1 - four day test).

Let's see if Gill opens the inning with Mayank in the 1st test as Shaw seems to be in pretty bad form.

I think the Australian A bowlers are deliberately giving India a chance to score so many runs. So that the Indian players do not have to guess the real strength of Australia, and do not build themselves accordingly. I saw the batting style of  Rishab Pant. He has batted to T20 style. He will be out for very few runs in international test matches against Australia if he will batting in this way.

Haha may be, may be not but it does looks like it. It would be pretty disappointing if in-form batsmen failing against Aussie Trio (Starc-Cummins-Hazelwood). Rishab Pant does play unconventional shots and sometimes looks ridiculously ugly as batsman but his short test career looks too good in comparison of T-20/ODI. He only played 13 tests and got 2 test 100s ( each in England and Australia) and got out on 90's 2 times in India.  

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Rohit might be available for selection as soon as he completes his 14 days quarantine upon arrival, may be last 2 tests.
Rohit Sharma clears fitness test, set to join Indian team in Australia

[7788bitcoin]

Very poor batting from west indies players. In the first Test against New Zealand, West Indies lost by 134 runs and an innings. It was a completely one-sided Test match. I thought the West Indies would be fixed their mistakes in the second Test. And will fight a bit even if they can't win the match. But I was wrong. West Indies will also lose this Test match by an innings. West Indies scored 124 runs for the loss of 8 wickets.

I cannot remember a Test match where West Indies played well in a very long time and the second Test match against New Zealand is just a replicate of their first match. West Indies is struggling to find quality Test players even though they have players that dominate the T20 format and until they can create interest in the longer format among the younger generation you will always see one sided matches.

As you mentioned the match is not yet over, it will be interesting to know what New Zealand will be deciding whether they want to enforce the follow on or not.

[eaLiTy]

As we know Will Pucovski is in doubt for a call up in the Australian team for the first test match and so could Cameron Green after getting hit in the head from a straight drive shot while bowling so two of Australia's young talent could be out with concussions.

It is a really unfortunate situation to see Will Pucovski and now Cameron Green out for atleast two weeks due to concession and i was really worried about Cameron Green as the ball hit flush in his head and the response by Siraj during that period dropping the bat and running to aide the injured Green was an instant viral sequence in social media.

[Sithara007]

As expected, New Zealand is inching towards another innings win against West Indies. The latter are trailing by 171 runs, with 5 wickets remaining (after follow on was enforced). Tim Southee and Kyle Jamieson picked up 5 wickets each during the West Indies first innings, while Trent Boult and Jamieson have picked up two wickets apiece till now in the second innings.  

The West Indies tour of New Zealand ends today. From next week onwards, the Pakistan tour of New Zealand will start, with the first T20I scheduled for 18th December.

[Swordsoffreedom]

Very poor batting from west indies players. In the first Test against New Zealand, West Indies lost by 134 runs and an innings. It was a completely one-sided Test match. I thought the West Indies would be fixed their mistakes in the second Test. And will fight a bit even if they can't win the match. But I was wrong. West Indies will also lose this Test match by an innings. West Indies scored 124 runs for the loss of 8 wickets.

I cannot remember a Test match where West Indies played well in a very long time and the second Test match against New Zealand is just a replicate of their first match. West Indies is struggling to find quality Test players even though they have players that dominate the T20 format and until they can create interest in the longer format among the younger generation you will always see one sided matches.

As you mentioned the match is not yet over, it will be interesting to know what New Zealand will be deciding whether they want to enforce the follow on or not.

The main problem of Wast Indies players is their lack of patience. They like to play franchises and T20 series. They like short matches, but none of their players is destined to stay at the crease for long. I think the West Indies board should have a separate squad for Test matches. Otherwise, they will never be able to perform well in Test matches.

[JSRAW]

As expected, New Zealand is inching towards another innings win against West Indies. The latter are trailing by 171 runs, with 5 wickets remaining (after follow on was enforced). Tim Southee and Kyle Jamieson picked up 5 wickets each during the West Indies first innings, while Trent Boult and Jamieson have picked up two wickets apiece till now in the second innings.  

The West Indies tour of New Zealand ends today. From next week onwards, the Pakistan tour of New Zealand will start, with the first T20I scheduled for 18th December.

Let's start calling Kiwis home track bully as well. Exactly same playing XI bent the knee in Australia last year and now they are bullying Windies at their home turf. #Every team is home track bully.
----
Babar Azam ruled out due to thumb injury.

[UmerIdrees]

----
Babar Azam ruled out due to thumb injury.

He got a  fracture in his right thumb while having a practice session on sunday. What sort of practice it is which make you unfit rather than making you fit for the match  
First covid-19 rumors and now Babar, Imam, Shadab injuries worries Pakistan ahead of NZ series will further dent the team performance.  

[mersal]

Very poor batting from west indies players. In the first Test against New Zealand, West Indies lost by 134 runs and an innings. It was a completely one-sided Test match. I thought the West Indies would be fixed their mistakes in the second Test. And will fight a bit even if they can't win the match. But I was wrong. West Indies will also lose this Test match by an innings. West Indies scored 124 runs for the loss of 8 wickets.

I cannot remember a Test match where West Indies played well in a very long time and the second Test match against New Zealand is just a replicate of their first match. West Indies is struggling to find quality Test players even though they have players that dominate the T20 format and until they can create interest in the longer format among the younger generation you will always see one sided matches.

As you mentioned the match is not yet over, it will be interesting to know what New Zealand will be deciding whether they want to enforce the follow on or not.

The main problem of Wast Indies players is their lack of patience. They like to play franchises and T20 series. They like short matches, but none of their players is destined to stay at the crease for long. I think the West Indies board should have a separate squad for Test matches. Otherwise, they will never be able to perform well in Test matches.

West Indies cricket board doesn't even have money to pay for their current players which is the major reason why they like to play other leagues than international matches. WI was the best team in test match as well but its been a long time ago, now alao they got skills but not enough experienced players to keep patience in a five day game.

[FIFA worldcup]

Very poor batting from west indies players. In the first Test against New Zealand, West Indies lost by 134 runs and an innings. It was a completely one-sided Test match. I thought the West Indies would be fixed their mistakes in the second Test. And will fight a bit even if they can't win the match. But I was wrong. West Indies will also lose this Test match by an innings. West Indies scored 124 runs for the loss of 8 wickets.

I cannot remember a Test match where West Indies played well in a very long time and the second Test match against New Zealand is just a replicate of their first match. West Indies is struggling to find quality Test players even though they have players that dominate the T20 format and until they can create interest in the longer format among the younger generation you will always see one sided matches.

As you mentioned the match is not yet over, it will be interesting to know what New Zealand will be deciding whether they want to enforce the follow on or not.

The main problem of Wast Indies players is their lack of patience. They like to play franchises and T20 series. They like short matches, but none of their players is destined to stay at the crease for long. I think the West Indies board should have a separate squad for Test matches. Otherwise, they will never be able to perform well in Test matches.

West Indies cricket board doesn't even have money to pay for their current players which is the major reason why they like to play other leagues than international matches. WI was the best team in test match as well but its been a long time ago, now alao they got skills but not enough experienced players to keep patience in a five day game.

WI is still 85 runs behind and they have only 4 wickets remaining. Jason Holder is playing good at 60 and is holding the innings together otherwise the match would have been ended in a loss for WI.  West Indies will still lose the match today or on the forth day.

[Vishnu.Reang]

WI is still 85 runs behind and they have only 4 wickets remaining. Jason Holder is playing good at 60 and is holding the innings together otherwise the match would have been ended in a loss for WI.  West Indies will still lose the match today or on the forth day.

The partnership between Jason Holder and debutant Joshua Da Silva has made 74 runs so far and it is possible that they may be able to force New Zealand to bat again. At the end of third day's play, West Indies still trails by 85 runs. If they don't lose by an innings, it may give them some sort of consolation. 85 runs is still a lot, and surviving against the lethal pace of Boult, Southee, Jamieson and Wagner will be a tough task.

All that said, I have zero sympathy for West Indies. Their no.1 test batsmen of recent times (Shivnarine Chanderpaul) was forced to retire, as the WICB selectors didn't want an East Indian player to break the record of Brian Lara for having the highest number of test runs for West Indies.

[JSRAW]

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Babar Azam ruled out due to thumb injury.

He got a  fracture in his right thumb while having a practice session on sunday. What sort of practice it is which make you unfit rather than making you fit for the match  
First covid-19 rumors and now Babar, Imam, Shadab injuries worries Pakistan ahead of NZ series will further dent the team performance.  

May be he got knocked out in thumb war. 

Anyway its not like he's ruled out from the tour, its just T-20 series and i am sure he would recover and come back for Tests, which is more important.

[bryant.coleman]

West Indies cricket board doesn't even have money to pay for their current players which is the major reason why they like to play other leagues than international matches. WI was the best team in test match as well but its been a long time ago, now alao they got skills but not enough experienced players to keep patience in a five day game.

If you look at the central contracts from the WICB, you can see that they are not that bad. But obviously WICB can't compete with the T20 franchises who are ready to dish out millions of USD for the top players such as Pollard, Fletcher and Pooran. And unlike the BCCI, they don't have the power to ban their players from foreign T20 leagues. If they do so, then the players will simply retire from international cricket and solely concentrate on franchise leagues.

[mersal]

West Indies cricket board doesn't even have money to pay for their current players which is the major reason why they like to play other leagues than international matches. WI was the best team in test match as well but its been a long time ago, now alao they got skills but not enough experienced players to keep patience in a five day game.

If you look at the central contracts from the WICB, you can see that they are not that bad. But obviously WICB can't compete with the T20 franchises who are ready to dish out millions of USD for the top players such as Pollard, Fletcher and Pooran. And unlike the BCCI, they don't have the power to ban their players from foreign T20 leagues. If they do so, then the players will simply retire from international cricket and solely concentrate on franchise leagues.

We can't compare the payout from BCCI with other cricket boards but other boards allowing their players to play on other leagues as well which is good for the individual future and which gave life for many players to move to other international teams as well. Practice match between Aus A and IND ends in a draw but I expected a result when Indian bowlers did good in the earlier overs but they failed to take wickets later.

[onrise]

WI is still 85 runs behind and they have only 4 wickets remaining. Jason Holder is playing good at 60 and is holding the innings together otherwise the match would have been ended in a loss for WI.  West Indies will still lose the match today or on the forth day.

The partnership between Jason Holder and debutant Joshua Da Silva has made 74 runs so far and it is possible that they may be able to force New Zealand to bat again. At the end of third day's play, West Indies still trails by 85 runs. If they don't lose by an innings, it may give them some sort of consolation. 85 runs is still a lot, and surviving against the lethal pace of Boult, Southee, Jamieson and Wagner will be a tough task.

All that said, I have zero sympathy for West Indies. Their no.1 test batsmen of recent times (Shivnarine Chanderpaul) was forced to retire, as the WICB selectors didn't want an East Indian player to break the record of Brian Lara for having the highest number of test runs for West Indies.

Holder is the key batsmen now who is  on 60. Playing better in second innings which is a positive thing. Their goal today would be to atleast ensure NZ come to bat in their second innings. Chances are slim as only 4 wickets left and need to make another 85 runs. If they can do it and even if can take some 50 lead will be much better considering their first innings batting. Just will help them to prepare better and will motivate them for second test as well. This will just bring little cheer to West Indies fan as well to see some sort of resilience from the team.

[bryant.coleman]

We can't compare the payout from BCCI with other cricket boards but other boards allowing their players to play on other leagues as well which is good for the individual future and which gave life for many players to move to other international teams as well. Practice match between Aus A and IND ends in a draw but I expected a result when Indian bowlers did good in the earlier overs but they failed to take wickets later.

Well.. there is nothing wrong in allowing players to participate in franchise T20 leagues. But with the proliference of such leagues all over the globe, those who participate in them hardly get any spare time for national duty. Earlier there was a proposal from some of the boards, to limit the maximum participation for a player to a maximum of three leagues. But this has been opposed by the players association.