Test Cricket Prediction and Discussion Thread [self - mod]

[Vishnu.Reang]

The Test match between Bangladesh and West Indies ended today. West Indies won the Test match by 3 wickets. Until yesterday, I did not think the West Indies would win this match. Kyle Mayers played great stormy innings of 210 runs. It was mainly because of his great performance that the West Indies were able to win the match.

No one actually gave any chance for West Indies. What was the chance that a team like West Indies (who lost the ODI series 0-3 in a very humiliating manner) would score 395 runs in their second innings to win the match (in the first innings they had scored 259). The West Indies playing XI comprised of three players who were making their test debut (Kyle Mayers, Shayne Moseley and Nkrumah Bonner), and one of them scored a double century.

Although I don't want to discount the effort put forward by the West Indies players, some attention must be given to the performance of Bangladesh during the last day of play. The captain (Mominul Haque) looked out of sorts and he didn't knew how to break the partnership between Mayers and Bonner. He made a number of tactical mistakes. I know that the BCB is not very fond of Shakib al Hassan. But if they want the team to perform, then Shakib must be made the captain.

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[LittleBitFunny]

Although I don't want to discount the effort put forward by the West Indies players, some attention must be given to the performance of Bangladesh during the last day of play. The captain (Mominul Haque) looked out of sorts and he didn't knew how to break the partnership between Mayers and Bonner. He made a number of tactical mistakes. I know that the BCB is not very fond of Shakib al Hassan. But if they want the team to perform, then Shakib must be made the captain.

Mominul Haque is a good player for Test matches. But not experienced enough to carry out the captain's duties. I think Mushfiqur Rahim or Shakib Al Hasan is much more experienced than the Mominul Haque. Bangladesh is already a very weak team for the Test format. So an experienced captain is very much needed to guide them in the right direction.

[Iranus]

The Pakistan vs South Africa match is turning out to be a very interesting one. The advantage is still with Pakistan, as their opponents need another 245 runs with 9 wickets in hand. But the partnership between Aiden Markram and Rassie van der Dussen has made 92 runs, and has given hope to South Africa. And they have Faf du Plessis and Quiton de Kock to follow.. IMO, right now it is like 50/50. The match can swing either way.

South Africa needs 243 runs to win. They still have 9 wickets. If they can start tomorrow well, they will win the match. I think the team that plays well in the first session will win the match. But I am optimistic about South Africa's victory.

Scoring close to 400 runs in the last innings is an uphill task, especially for a team that has a fragile middle/lower order such as South Africa. Pakistani bowlers are in fine form and all it takes is just one good spell from either Hasan Ali or Shaheen Shah Afridi. I still believe that at this point Pakistan has a 90% chance of winning the match. The first session tomorrow morning is going to be very crucial. If the Pakistani bowlers can get one or two quick wickets, then South Africa is done and dusted for good.

I think the outcome of the whole match depends on the first 15 overs of tomorrow morning. If South Africa does not lose a wicket in the first 15 overs, they will win the match. Because now both the batsmen at the crease are playing great. On the other hand, if Pakistan can break Dussen and Markram's partnership quickly in the morning, I think South Africa will lose the remaining wickets very quickly.

[onrise]

India seems to have lost the grip of this test match now and most likely they might even end up losing it by innings and few runs now it seems . The only thing now that could save the match is some one in second innings play a marathon innings and pile up the score which though seems to be very unlikely from here. Credit to England team they way they have played the game so far and controlling this test from the first day .

[ene1980]

South Africa needs 243 runs to win. They still have 9 wickets. If they can start tomorrow well, they will win the match. I think the team that plays well in the first session will win the match. But I am optimistic about South Africa's victory.

South Africa is in a really great position to win the match, they still have Faf du Plessis, Temba Bavuma, Quinton de Kock and if they can come together and play a good innings then South Africa can win the match. Glad that i did not place a bet in the match.

Bangladesh loss was a real surprise as the odds for West Indies were really high and thought about placing a bet on Bangladesh and the odds were 1.01 and hence thought of skipping that, if not i would have messed up big time  .

[Avirunes]

Credit to England team they way they have played the game so far and controlling this test from the first day .

They definitely played it well. Scored a good score all thanks to Sibely, Root and Stokes and they played with game plan- bat first, put a good total and pick up some wickets and take as much advantage.  It is all working out for them. As for India, they have been struggling since the first innings, if you check the England innings you will notice that except for Dan Lawrence everyone to the middle order at least scored 30+. I actually hoped for someone to step up in their batting to put up a good total but they are really falling up for the England's bowlers. But I have to say that England are playing some great cricket with bat, bowl and fielding. I am Indian fan but TBH England are putting themselves so much into the game and they are obviously performing better than India right now.

[Vishnu.Reang]

Although I don't want to discount the effort put forward by the West Indies players, some attention must be given to the performance of Bangladesh during the last day of play. The captain (Mominul Haque) looked out of sorts and he didn't knew how to break the partnership between Mayers and Bonner. He made a number of tactical mistakes. I know that the BCB is not very fond of Shakib al Hassan. But if they want the team to perform, then Shakib must be made the captain.

Mominul Haque is a good player for Test matches. But not experienced enough to carry out the captain's duties. I think Mushfiqur Rahim or Shakib Al Hasan is much more experienced than the Mominul Haque. Bangladesh is already a very weak team for the Test format. So an experienced captain is very much needed to guide them in the right direction.

Shakib al Hassan is the best guy for the captaincy role as far as Bangladesh is concerned. Previously he had handled that role and during this period Bangladesh had the most memorable victories. Now he is back from his politically motivated ban, and he deserves a better rank within the team. The Bangladesh Cricket Board should make up the differences, and reconcile. The current captain is a disaster (Mominul Haque), and they need to take action before it is too late. This was a match which everyone expected Bangladesh to win.

[SaShiRaJaVu]

Previously he had handled that role and during this period Bangladesh had the most memorable victories. Now he is back from his politically motivated ban, and he deserves a better rank within the team. The Bangladesh Cricket Board should make up the differences, and reconcile. The current captain is a disaster (Mominul Haque), and they need to take action before it is too late. This was a match which everyone expected Bangladesh to win.

May be the situation came to light because of political reasons but the fact is Shakib Al Hasan was approached by a bookie and he did not inform the authorities as per the rules and so is the reason he was banned and they reduced his punishment if i remember correctly. The reason for the loss is because of their out fielding as they missed multiple catches and Mayers took that opportunity and the bowlers were bowling short and full volley and  Shakib Al Hasan did not bat nor bowl as he was injured.

[bryant.coleman]

May be the situation came to light because of political reasons but the fact is Shakib Al Hasan was approached by a bookie and he did not inform the authorities as per the rules and so is the reason he was banned and they reduced his punishment if i remember correctly. The reason for the loss is because of their out fielding as they missed multiple catches and Mayers took that opportunity and the bowlers were bowling short and full volley and  Shakib Al Hasan did not bat nor bowl as he was injured.

There were rumors that Shakib was being made a scapegoat. A few weeks before the ban, he had some high-voltage fight with the BCB. And regarding the allegations, there is no indication that Shakib tried to fix matches. He was approached by a bookie during the IPL and there was a delay from his part in reporting this incident to the authorities. Now the question is how can the bookie approach him, without the knowledge of the franchise owners and other team members. I personally felt that the quantum of punishment handed over to him was excessive.

[ene1980]

I actually hoped for someone to step up in their batting to put up a good total but they are really falling up for the England's bowlers. But I have to say that England are playing some great cricket with bat, bowl and fielding. I am Indian fan but TBH England are putting themselves so much into the game and they are obviously performing better than India right now.

Two days left in the match and the Indian players can step up their performance even now and draw the match. The pitch will be difficult to bat as the dust is puffing whenever the ball lands and it is not going to be easy for the batsman but they can draw the match if two batsman could come up with outstanding performance. Pant once again showed his talent and counter attacked the bowlers and if he would have improved his keeping skills he is a talent that will win matches.

[Sithara007]

Two days left in the match and the Indian players can step up their performance even now and draw the match. The pitch will be difficult to bat as the dust is puffing whenever the ball lands and it is not going to be easy for the batsman but they can draw the match if two batsman could come up with outstanding performance. Pant once again showed his talent and counter attacked the bowlers and if he would have improved his keeping skills he is a talent that will win matches.

The pitch was supposed to support the spinners. The Indian spinners failed to make use of it (they got 5 wickets after conceding 418 runs), but the England spinners and Bess in particular made good use of the ground conditions. Bess is having figures of 23-5-55-4 and I am sure that he will end up with a five wicket haul today. Jack Leach was targeted by Rishabh Pant, and his figures doesn't look too good. But Bess was an exception.

[Iranus]

South Africa needs 243 runs to win. They still have 9 wickets. If they can start tomorrow well, they will win the match. I think the team that plays well in the first session will win the match. But I am optimistic about South Africa's victory.

South Africa is in a really great position to win the match, they still have Faf du Plessis, Temba Bavuma, Quinton de Kock and if they can come together and play a good innings then South Africa can win the match. Glad that i did not place a bet in the match.

South Africa lost two important wickets at the start of the day. Dussen and du Plessis are out. du Plessis has scored only 5 runs. South Africa need just 211 runs to win. Mark ran is playing great. If he stays at the crease I think South Africa will be able to win the match.

[Vishnu.Reang]

South Africa lost two important wickets at the start of the day. Dussen and du Plessis are out. du Plessis has scored only 5 runs. South Africa need just 211 runs to win. Mark ran is playing great. If he stays at the crease I think South Africa will be able to win the match.

LOL.. do you really think that scoring another 211 runs would be easy? They have already lost half of their top order batsman. Aiden Markram is batting alongside Temba Bavuma now. After these two, it's the turn of Quinton de Kock and Wiaan Mulder. The tail starts after that. Here we can claim that on paper the South African tail looks strong. George Linde and Keshav Maharaj can be described as lower order batsmen rather than tail-enders. But the target is very challenging.

BTW, the match between England and India is turning out to be very interesting. England managed to get a lead of 241, but they have lost their opener (Rory Burns) without any runs on board. Ideally they will be looking to score 150-200 runs in the second innings and then give their bowlers 4 sessions to bowl India out.

[JSRAW]

South Africa lost two important wickets at the start of the day. Dussen and du Plessis are out. du Plessis has scored only 5 runs. South Africa need just 211 runs to win. Mark ran is playing great. If he stays at the crease I think South Africa will be able to win the match.

LOL.. do you really think that scoring another 211 runs would be easy? They have already lost half of their top order batsman. Aiden Markram is batting alongside Temba Bavuma now. After these two, it's the turn of Quinton de Kock and Wiaan Mulder. The tail starts after that. Here we can claim that on paper the South African tail looks strong. George Linde and Keshav Maharaj can be described as lower order batsmen rather than tail-enders. But the target is very challenging.

BTW, the match between England and India is turning out to be very interesting. England managed to get a lead of 241, but they have lost their opener (Rory Burns) without any runs on board. Ideally they will be looking to score 150-200 runs in the second innings and then give their bowlers 4 sessions to bowl India out.

Don't count Proteas out, they are very much in the game. We already seen couple of times when visiting team chasing target successfully at away condition on 5th day pitch. India in Australia and most recently Windies excellent chase against Bangladesh.

[bryant.coleman]

Don't count Proteas out, they are very much in the game. We already seen couple of times when visiting team chasing target successfully at away condition on 5th day pitch. India in Australia and most recently Windies excellent chase against Bangladesh.

I can literally smell an upset. The partnership between Aiden Markram and Temba Bavuma has made 101 runs till now. South Africa only need another 134 runs, and it should be achievable for them (with Quinton de Kock at no.6). Feels bad about Pakistan. Their bowlers worked so hard in the first innings, to restrict South Africa to just 201. But now the same bowlers look clueless on how to tackle Markram/Bavuma.

[Haunebu]

Two days left in the match and the Indian players can step up their performance even now and draw the match. The pitch will be difficult to bat as the dust is puffing whenever the ball lands and it is not going to be easy for the batsman but they can draw the match if two batsman could come up with outstanding performance. Pant once again showed his talent and counter attacked the bowlers and if he would have improved his keeping skills he is a talent that will win matches.

Pant's keeping skills are going down the drain with time. I view him only as a great batsman. Saha is better in comparison in only the keeping department in the test format.

Also, Sundar was outstanding as usual. He could have easily scored a century if the other tail-enders could didn't lose their wickets. Draw or an English win seem like the only probable options at this point(Rooting for a Draw).

[JSRAW]

Two days left in the match and the Indian players can step up their performance even now and draw the match. The pitch will be difficult to bat as the dust is puffing whenever the ball lands and it is not going to be easy for the batsman but they can draw the match if two batsman could come up with outstanding performance. Pant once again showed his talent and counter attacked the bowlers and if he would have improved his keeping skills he is a talent that will win matches.

Pant's keeping skills are going down the drain with time. I view him only as a great batsman. Saha is better in comparison in only the keeping department in the test format.

Also, Sundar was outstanding as usual. He could have easily scored a century if the other tail-enders could didn't lose their wickets. Draw or an English win seem like the only probable options at this point(Rooting for a Draw).

Pant doing good work behind the wicket in second inning tho and that 4th day turning pitch against Ashwin. Something to cheer about his keeping. If target is under 400 then India should try to chase although its tough as pitch is playing fair amount of tricks. Draw would be very disappointing for England, visiting team don't get to dominate game in India much.

Nadeem is not playing next game for sure. If he wants to play then he need to pick last 5 wickets by himself in his next 2 overs

Edit
So far 26 No ball from India!

Well done Pakistan.....

[SaShiRaJaVu]

England is leading with 376 runs and they are not planning to declare the innings, Jos Buttler is in the crease and he might look to increase the run rate and they might try to add 50 odd runs and reach a safe position and they need more time to put pressure back on the Indian players, the pitch is not looking good as there is uneven bounce and the fast bowlers are getting reverse swing, it will be a real test for Indian batsman if they want to save this match.

[Vishnu.Reang]

Nadeem is not playing next game for sure. If he wants to play then he need to pick last 5 wickets by himself in his next 2 overs

Edit
So far 26 No ball from India!

Well done Pakistan.....

Nadeem was picked over Kuldeep Yadav, as the captain/damaadji combination thought that playing three off-spinners would be a good idea. Kohli's tactics once again not working in this match. He should have given more overs to Ishant and Bumrah, while keeping Ashwin solidly at the other end. But in order to justify his selection, he was again and again giving spells to Shahbaz. The other three picked up 5 wickets for 50 runs, while Shahbaz have figures of 47/1. Hopefully after this match, the BCCI may consider replacing Kohli with Rahane as the test captain.  

[GbitG]

Nadeem is not playing next game for sure. If he wants to play then he need to pick last 5 wickets by himself in his next 2 overs

Edit
So far 26 No ball from India!

Well done Pakistan.....

Nadeem was picked over Kuldeep Yadav, as the captain/damaadji combination thought that playing three off-spinners would be a good idea. Kohli's tactics once again not working in this match. He should have given more overs to Ishant and Bumrah, while keeping Ashwin solidly at the other end. But in order to justify his selection, he was again and again giving spells to Shahbaz. The other three picked up 5 wickets for 50 runs, while Shahbaz have figures of 47/1. Hopefully after this match, the BCCI may consider replacing Kohli with Rahane as the test captain.  

You are right in this case as Kohli tactics not working right now because he is not doing things as its need to be Shahbaz is really poor in current match Kuldeep was surely deserve a chance here now things completely out of Indian control because lead is crossing 400+.
About Kohli captaincy I am feeling BCCE will not take any quick decision specially in middle of a crucial series but surely they will think about this in near future.