Test Cricket Prediction and Discussion Thread [self - mod]

[Sithara007]

Things now seems to have changed since after the vaccine being available in the world and it will start to reach to common people in coming months so might be considering all this thing would have got a go ahead of 50%. They are maintaining the distance as I guess for every seat between 2 people 1 would be vacant. Board could experiment in a test match and may change if things go out of hand.

On average 10,000 to 15,000 new infections are being reported from India each day, but the government has decided to reopen the economy. Schools, colleges, movie theatres.etc are open. So I don't think that admitting fans to the cricket stadium poses an additional risk. If people can be allowed in to closed movie theaters, then why can't they be allowed in to cricket stadiums which are open?

[JSRAW]

^^ They are even eyeing on full house for T-20 and ODI series.

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Just in : Australia tour of South Africa is postponed due to COVID and NZ automatically became first team to qualify in WTC finals.
~snip

Interesting. This test championship final has made even the test series so interesting and worth fighting for. It would be like two elite teams fighting to be the best in the world but to reach that point there is cutthroat competition. We usually see such things in T20s but nice to see this in Test Cricket. Moreover, the format is so good. If England beat India in India they truly deserve to be in the Finals.

BCCI considering crowds in the stadium for 2nd test, may be 50%. They are already allowing clubs to attending 1st test.

On funny note, how many venue get to see full house in the Tests in India? Minus Eden Gardens. Guess they are counting on cricket hungry spectators this time.
BCCI explore allowing crowds for India-England Tests

Isn't this suicidal? I understand that even cinema theatres have opened up but cricket matches especially test last the whole day and there can be huge spectators because cricket is back after a long time. Moreover, I don't think it's for the money too because tickets really don't add a great deal to the revenue especially for Test Matches it's the broadcasting rights that do. What's the thought process behind this?

Indeed, and i am hoping that next WTC would be even more exciting once the ICC figure it out all the problems like schedule, same matches series (Depend on revenue tho), DRS-Umpires calls etc.

Allowing crowd does seem a bad idea as far as second wave is concern. Numbers are going down in India but she shouldn't let her guard down at the stage. My reading is that BCCI trying to create norm for IPL and WC by opening up.

[Vishnu.Reang]

Indeed, and i am hoping that next WTC would be even more exciting once the ICC figure it out all the problems like schedule, same matches series (Depend on revenue tho), DRS-Umpires calls etc.

Allowing crowd does seem a bad idea as far as second wave is concern. Numbers are going down in India but she shouldn't let her guard down at the stage. My reading is that BCCI trying to create norm for IPL and WC by opening up.

Under current circumstances, I don't favor allowing spectators in to the stadiums. The justification being given is that movie theatres are open in India. But my opinion on this is that "two wrongs make a right". After all, cricket is a sport that is more suitable to watching on TV, rather than watching it live at the stadium. And if the BCCI is so adamant, I would request them to limit the seating to 20% or 25% of the capacity rather than the proposed 50%.

And regarding the IPL and T20 World Cup, I hope by that time the situation will improve considerably as the vaccination drive is going on at full pace. But first the BCCI need to sort out issues with ICC related to the tax liability for the T20 World Cup.

[JSRAW]

~snip~

Under current circumstances, I don't favor allowing spectators in to the stadiums. The justification being given is that movie theatres are open in India. But my opinion on this is that "two wrongs make a right". After all, cricket is a sport that is more suitable to watching on TV, rather than watching it live at the stadium. And if the BCCI is so adamant, I would request them to limit the seating to 20% or 25% of the capacity rather than the proposed 50%.

And regarding the IPL and T20 World Cup, I hope by that time the situation will improve considerably as the vaccination drive is going on at full pace. But first the BCCI need to sort out issues with ICC related to the tax liability for the T20 World Cup.

Well bhai, you can't beat the real time experience and if you got the seat close to sight screen (straight pitch view), experience is killer. They are going with 50% spectators from 2nd test. I hope everything goes well for everyone.
Sir Dinda took retirement.


I know, everyone including me cracked countless joke on him during every IPL season but he was solid asset for his state team in the Ranji.

[onrise]

1st test begins between WI and Bangladesh, choosing to bat first Bangladesh ended the day with 242/5. Shadman played well as a opener and was out at 59 while rest of the players all got good start but only thing they could not capitalize and made it into half century. Got out in mid’s 20's and 30's. Shakib and Liton are on crease and if they can survive the first hour of tomorrow play then Bangladesh is set to reach near 350 or more too. They should try to score maximum in first innings and put WI under pressure.

[teosanru]

Indeed, and i am hoping that next WTC would be even more exciting once the ICC figure it out all the problems like schedule, same matches series (Depend on revenue tho), DRS-Umpires calls etc.

Allowing crowd does seem a bad idea as far as second wave is concern. Numbers are going down in India but she shouldn't let her guard down at the stage. My reading is that BCCI trying to create norm for IPL and WC by opening up.

Under current circumstances, I don't favor allowing spectators in to the stadiums. The justification being given is that movie theatres are open in India. But my opinion on this is that "two wrongs make a right". After all, cricket is a sport that is more suitable to watching on TV, rather than watching it live at the stadium. And if the BCCI is so adamant, I would request them to limit the seating to 20% or 25% of the capacity rather than the proposed 50%.

And regarding the IPL and T20 World Cup, I hope by that time the situation will improve considerably as the vaccination drive is going on at full pace. But first the BCCI need to sort out issues with ICC related to the tax liability for the T20 World Cup.

At the current pace of vaccination and the way India is heavily exporting vaccines to foreign countries chances are we won't get vaccinated soon. I think a considerable portion of population would only be vaccinated by the end of this year especially the middle class who form the major crowd in such stadiums.

~snip~

Under current circumstances, I don't favor allowing spectators in to the stadiums. The justification being given is that movie theatres are open in India. But my opinion on this is that "two wrongs make a right". After all, cricket is a sport that is more suitable to watching on TV, rather than watching it live at the stadium. And if the BCCI is so adamant, I would request them to limit the seating to 20% or 25% of the capacity rather than the proposed 50%.

And regarding the IPL and T20 World Cup, I hope by that time the situation will improve considerably as the vaccination drive is going on at full pace. But first the BCCI need to sort out issues with ICC related to the tax liability for the T20 World Cup.

Well bhai, you can't beat the real time experience and if you got the seat close to sight screen (straight pitch view), experience is killer. They are going with 50% spectators from 2nd test. I hope everything goes well for everyone.
Sir Dinda took retirement.


I know, everyone including me cracked countless joke on him during every IPL season but he was solid asset for his state team in the Ranji.

Dinda is a classic bowler. Even though in T20 we know him popularly as chairman of the dinda Club Lol but in First class he has achieved great success.

[Sithara007]

Ashok Dinda will be forever remembered for his 30-run last over during IPL 2017 (Pune Supergiant v Mumbai Indians). Dinda was bowling the last ball of the innings, and Hardik Pandya managed to hit him for four maximums, plus one four. Dinda's IPL career essentially ended there. Dinda had previously conceded 26 runs in a single over on two occasions (in 2011, and then again in 2013). But we should note that the record for most expensive over in the history of IPL doesn't belong to Dinda. Prasanth Parameswaran conceded 37 runs in a single over during IPL 2011 (vs the Universe Boss).

[Swordsoffreedom]

Bangladesh team is playing well enough against West Indies. They lost 5 wickets and scored 248 runs. If they can score more than 350 runs, I think they will be able to beat the West Indies. At the moment Shakib Al Hasan and Liton Das are at the crease. Shakib scored 41 and Liton 38 runs.

[Vishnu.Reang]

Bangladesh team is playing well enough against West Indies. They lost 5 wickets and scored 248 runs. If they can score more than 350 runs, I think they will be able to beat the West Indies. At the moment Shakib Al Hasan and Liton Das are at the crease. Shakib scored 41 and Liton 38 runs.

Shakib Al Hasan made 68 runs and that enabled Bangladesh to cross the 300 mark. They are 328/7 now and I guess a total of 350-400 looks probable. And taking in to account the fragility of the West Indian batting lineup, I don't think that they stand a chance in this match. Even avoiding follow on looks difficult now. All credits to the Bangladesh lower order for putting up the runs.

BTW, anyone following the second test match between Pakistan and South Africa? Pakistan just lost opener Imran Butt. And the good news from South African side is that after facing much criticism, they included Wiaan Mulder in the playing XI for this match.

[Swordsoffreedom]

Bangladesh team is playing well enough against West Indies. They lost 5 wickets and scored 248 runs. If they can score more than 350 runs, I think they will be able to beat the West Indies. At the moment Shakib Al Hasan and Liton Das are at the crease. Shakib scored 41 and Liton 38 runs.

Shakib Al Hasan made 68 runs and that enabled Bangladesh to cross the 300 mark. They are 328/7 now and I guess a total of 350-400 looks probable. And taking in to account the fragility of the West Indian batting lineup, I don't think that they stand a chance in this match. Even avoiding follow on looks difficult now. All credits to the Bangladesh lower order for putting up the runs.

Bangladesh scored 416 runs losing 8 wickets. Mehidy Hasan Miraz is still unbeaten on 92 runs. I think Bangladesh will declare the innings after Miraz scores a century. 416 runs are enough. If Bangladesh bowlers are able to perform their duties properly then Bangladesh will win this match. With the exception of Tamim Iqbal and Taijul Islam, each Bangladesh batsman has managed to score more than 25 runs.

[Vishnu.Reang]

Bangladesh scored 416 runs losing 8 wickets. Mehidy Hasan Miraz is still unbeaten on 92 runs. I think Bangladesh will declare the innings after Miraz scores a century. 416 runs are enough. If Bangladesh bowlers are able to perform their duties properly then Bangladesh will win this match. With the exception of Tamim Iqbal and Taijul Islam, each Bangladesh batsman has managed to score more than 25 runs.

What is the point in declaring at 400-450? Anyway, they were bowled out for 430, with Mehidy Hasan Miraz making 103. Lower order batted really well for Bangladesh, as they were 248/6 when Liton Das got out. This time no excuses for West Indies, as their bowlers were quite experienced (Kemar Roach, Shannon Gabriel.etc). And they are not at 57/2 and need another 173 runs to avoid the follow on.

Pakistan innings has now stabilized against South Africa. At one point, they were 22/3. But the partnership between Fawad Alam and the ever-reliable Babar Azam rescued them. They are facing rain interruption now.

[7788bitcoin]

The beautiful surroundings looks stunning in this Gawadar Cricket Stadium in Pakistan ....

The Scenery is marvelous, since i see mountains near the stadium i would like to know about the seating capacity.

Bangladesh scored 416 runs losing 8 wickets. Mehidy Hasan Miraz is still unbeaten on 92 runs. I think Bangladesh will declare the innings after Miraz scores a century. 416 runs are enough.

Thought about placing a bet but there is no odds for Bangladesh to place a bet. Should have placed the bet before the match started.

Pakistan innings has now stabilized against South Africa. At one point, they were 22/3. But the partnership between Fawad Alam and the ever-reliable Babar Azam rescued them. They are facing rain interruption now.

Babar Azam is still in the crease and as long as he is the crease they will put a good total on the board. I am yet to decide on where to place my bet in this match.

[bryant.coleman]

Quite irritating to have the rain interruption for the Pakistan vs South Africa match. The partnership between Babar Azam and Fawad Alam was progressing nicely before the rains occurred. South Africa wasted such a great start. Maharaj and Nortje picked up three very important wickets and yet they allowed the Pakistanis to come back in to the match. And it looks as if George Linde is injured. In that case, the South African bowling lineup will be further weakened.

[JSRAW]

~snip~

This is my team for 1st match
Rohit
Gill
Kohli
Pujara
Rahane
Pant
Sundar
Ashwin
Kuldeep
Ishant
Bumrah

In recent press conference Kohli gave a thumbs up to Pant and hinted that he's going to play 1st match instead of Saha. He also going with Rohit-Gill, as expected. So looks like Batting line up is set with 6 specialists batsmen. Fight is for bowling slot, Ashwin, Ishant and Bumrah are fixed.

Sunder/Axar Patel (new name) Kuldeep are fighting for 2 slots if India going with 3 spinners.

[Swordsoffreedom]

Bangladesh scored 416 runs losing 8 wickets. Mehidy Hasan Miraz is still unbeaten on 92 runs. I think Bangladesh will declare the innings after Miraz scores a century. 416 runs are enough. If Bangladesh bowlers are able to perform their duties properly then Bangladesh will win this match. With the exception of Tamim Iqbal and Taijul Islam, each Bangladesh batsman has managed to score more than 25 runs.

What is the point in declaring at 400-450? Anyway, they were bowled out for 430, with Mehidy Hasan Miraz making 103. Lower order batted really well for Bangladesh, as they were 248/6 when Liton Das got out. This time no excuses for West Indies, as their bowlers were quite experienced (Kemar Roach, Shannon Gabriel.etc). And they are not at 57/2 and need another 173 runs to avoid the follow on.

At the end of the second day, West Indies managed to score 75 runs losing 2 wickets. West Indies team trail by 355 runs. And they need 155 runs to avoid the follow on. The middle order of Bangladesh team is always strong. But the open and lower order of Bangladesh team was very weak. But today's match is completely different. Everyone has been able to run. Mehidy Hasan Miraz batted at No. 8 and scored a great century. Which was really awesome.

Bangladesh scored 416 runs losing 8 wickets. Mehidy Hasan Miraz is still unbeaten on 92 runs. I think Bangladesh will declare the innings after Miraz scores a century. 416 runs are enough.

Thought about placing a bet but there is no odds for Bangladesh to place a bet. Should have placed the bet before the match started.

I made a bet of a small amount for the victory of Bangladesh. I don't want to risk a handsome amount of money with this team. Because this team is always unpredictable. They have also lost many easy winning matches.

[teosanru]

~snip~

This is my team for 1st match
Rohit
Gill
Kohli
Pujara
Rahane
Pant
Sundar
Ashwin
Kuldeep
Ishant
Bumrah

In recent press conference Kohli gave a thumbs up to Pant and hinted that he's going to play 1st match instead of Saha. He also going with Rohit-Gill, as expected. So looks like Batting line up is set with 6 specialists batsmen. Fight is for bowling slot, Ashwin, Ishant and Bumrah are fixed.

Sunder/Axar Patel (new name) Kuldeep are fighting for 2 slots if India going with 3 spinners.

I think Kuldeep or Sunder are much ahead in the race than Axar Patel. This is a turning track Axar Patel isn't the best turner. His strength is the variety that he has along with the pace. But yes putting Ashwin-sundar-Axar would give immense depth in batting to the team. It would be like playing with 9 batsmen or 10 batsmen considering even Bumrah can hit a 50 anytime  . But yes top 6 are almost certain and I knew this right after the Aussie Tour. But I expect Rohit to hit some runs now. Considering the competition in the team he is no more a default choice in the playing XI for test matches. He was pretty ineffective in Australia too.

[onrise]

BTW, anyone following the second test match between Pakistan and South Africa? Pakistan just lost opener Imran Butt. And the good news from South African side is that after facing much criticism, they included Wiaan Mulder in the playing XI for this match.

I’m looking forward to the match, the first session isn’t over yet. Pakistan has already lost 3 wickets for just 63 runs. The first 3 batsmen to be dismissed collected only 21 runs. South Africa has had a great comeback. I hope South Africa will be able to win this match.  I bet for South Africa in this match.

Pakistan managed to end the days play with same 3 wickets and were able to score 145/3. Due to rain interruption only 58 overs could happen in the day. Quite strange of rain in Pakistan currently as this is not the season. Let’s see if rest 4 days could match happen without any interruption. Azam and Alam partnership is crucial at this point, else if they lose couple of wickets early morning tomorrow then reach 250+ itself will be challenge for Pakistan.

[GbitG]

BTW, anyone following the second test match between Pakistan and South Africa? Pakistan just lost opener Imran Butt. And the good news from South African side is that after facing much criticism, they included Wiaan Mulder in the playing XI for this match.

I’m looking forward to the match, the first session isn’t over yet. Pakistan has already lost 3 wickets for just 63 runs. The first 3 batsmen to be dismissed collected only 21 runs. South Africa has had a great comeback. I hope South Africa will be able to win this match.  I bet for South Africa in this match.

Pakistan managed to end the days play with same 3 wickets and were able to score 145/3. Due to rain interruption only 58 overs could happen in the day. Quite strange of rain in Pakistan currently as this is not the season. Let’s see if rest 4 days could match happen without any interruption. Azam and Alam partnership is crucial at this point, else if they lose couple of wickets early morning tomorrow then reach 250+ itself will be challenge for Pakistan.

Most chances we are going to have rain interruption in coming days because forecast is we are going to have heavy rains in coming day in all over Pakistan its not good news for South African teams as they was good in first session but second steal by Babar and Alam in good way now we have to wait for all details how is this going in coming days very frustrating for visitors.

[Sithara007]

Most chances we are going to have rain interruption in coming days because forecast is we are going to have heavy rains in coming day in all over Pakistan its not good news for South African teams as they was good in first session but second steal by Babar and Alam in good way now we have to wait for all details how is this going in coming days very frustrating for visitors.

Pakistan needs to win this match, because the points they earn here can be crucial for the calculation of positions in the ICC World Test Championship. A home series against one of the teams outside the big-3 structure is their best opportunity to get some points. They need to take in to account the possibility of rain interruption, and it would be a good idea to step up the scoring rate, once they are in a comfortable position.

[mersal]

Anyone watching the 1st match between India vs England?

England won the toss and elected to bat first and the pitch looks flat so going to be high scoring test?