Test Cricket Prediction and Discussion Thread [self - mod]

[JSRAW]

We have witnessed excellent cricket in last 3 days. Both team keep fighting back with the bat and ball, at one time Indians were leading the charge but their batting collapse changed the scenario and then English batters took the driving seat. In last 2 weeks Root singlehandedly saved the England 2 times and stood strong at one side, this time other English batter chipped in too.

Both team must be thinking that they should have taken the healthy lead and rightly so because both team had their chances. Cracking cricket in next 2 days is almost guaranteed.

[Sithara007]

Since England has taken the lead, I don't think that the Indians will go on for the offensive. Also, the threat of rain remains. There is a chance that either England or India can win this test match, but the bowlers haven't delivered any magical performance so far. And India seems to be badly missing Ashwin. Jadeja's spin was not very effective against the England batsmen, and Ashwin might have had a better result. Also, Indian bowling was really wayward and they conceded a total of 17 noballs.

[Swordsoffreedom]

Since England has taken the lead, I don't think that the Indians will go on for the offensive. Also, the threat of rain remains. There is a chance that either England or India can win this test match, but the bowlers haven't delivered any magical performance so far. And India seems to be badly missing Ashwin. Jadeja's spin was not very effective against the England batsmen, and Ashwin might have had a better result. Also, Indian bowling was really wayward and they conceded a total of 17 noballs.

The Indian bowlers did not perform very well. Joe Root was ultimately undefeated. India should be batting on the fourth day to draw, they will lose wickets very quickly if they play more aggressively. England's bowlers are experienced. They know what to do when. I think this match is also going to be a draw like the previous match.

[Iranus]

Pakistan is leading by 124 runs. They lost 5 wickets and scored 160 runs in the second innings. Out of 5 wickets, two batsmen have been dismissed for zero runs. The good news for Pakistan is that Babar Azam is still at the crease. If Pakistan can collect another 100 runs, they are more likely to win. There is no continuity of performance of West Indies players. I don't think they will be able to collect more than 200 in the last innings.

[UmerIdrees]

Pakistan is leading by 124 runs. They lost 5 wickets and scored 160 runs in the second innings. Out of 5 wickets, two batsmen have been dismissed for zero runs. The good news for Pakistan is that Babar Azam is still at the crease. If Pakistan can collect another 100 runs, they are more likely to win. There is no continuity of performance of West Indies players. I don't think they will be able to collect more than 200 in the last innings.

You never know what could be another day bring to the cricket. A 50-80 runs partnership by the WI in their last innings could make the game turn in their favor. Pakistan should bat well thought out the day and try to make sure more and more runs on the board. Baber Azam should play his best here as it is required by the Pakistani team now.
The captain is playing with Faheem Ashraf and both of them should add another 50 runs so Pakistani team come out of any panic situation.

[JohnBitCo]

~
Indian batting doesn't need to collapse, we have full 2 days which means even if India manage to score 250 tomorrow, England can easily chase it on day 5 and don't expect rain in England when result is not in favour of India. 

If there is no rain interruption and then the Indian batsman is able to play a long inning and if that happens then this match is going to be another draw as India will not declare without putting a challenging total on the board which means over 300 runs. With this pitch i am not expecting the bowlers to dominate unless the batsman play silly shots and starts a parade back to the pavilion.

Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane needs to perform as they failed to make any meaningful contribution for a long time.

This match will result in a draw now. Both teams have full batting to play and we have only two days left in the game. Joe Root 180 runs was the game saving innings else England would have been trailing by 150 runs approx.

The first test between these two countries was a draw and this match is also heading towards no result.

[bryant.coleman]

Hardly any chance of a result with the second test match between India and England. Virat Kohli was the last hope for the Indians and he too is gone now. The boring pair of Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara is at the crease and we can expect them to score 100-120 runs in the remaining (66) overs for today. The surprise today was that the wickets didn't went to the two best England bowlers (Anderson and Robinson), but to the two who looked pathetic in the first innings (Mark Wood and Sam Curran).

[nhaila]

Hardly any chance of a result with the second test match between India and England. Virat Kohli was the last hope for the Indians and he too is gone now. The boring pair of Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara is at the crease and we can expect them to score 100-120 runs in the remaining (66) overs for today. The surprise today was that the wickets didn't went to the two best England bowlers (Anderson and Robinson), but to the two who looked pathetic in the first innings (Mark Wood and Sam Curran).

Second season day 4 India already lead by 44 runs within they lost 3 wickets. Rahane and pujara batting and they are trying to ahead India to struggle..

[kro55]

Hardly any chance of a result with the second test match between India and England. Virat Kohli was the last hope for the Indians and he too is gone now. The boring pair of Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara is at the crease and we can expect them to score 100-120 runs in the remaining (66) overs for today. The surprise today was that the wickets didn't went to the two best England bowlers (Anderson and Robinson), but to the two who looked pathetic in the first innings (Mark Wood and Sam Curran).

India is leading by 66 runs. Pujara and Rahane at the crease. Neither Rahul, Rohit nor Virat played well. But everyone expected a good performance from them. If India can't give a lead of more than 160/180, then it is not surprising if they lost. Barely, the game of the second session of the fourth day is going on now.

[JSRAW]

Hardly any chance of a result with the second test match between India and England. Virat Kohli was the last hope for the Indians and he too is gone now. The boring pair of Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara is at the crease and we can expect them to score 100-120 runs in the remaining (66) overs for today. The surprise today was that the wickets didn't went to the two best England bowlers (Anderson and Robinson), but to the two who looked pathetic in the first innings (Mark Wood and Sam Curran).

This might look boring but they are doing job for India, that's why they are in the team. Rahane usually play fast but Pujara is known for such kind of batting. It has pros and Cons too but its working as of now. Let's see if they survive today or not.

Check this ball tracking data.  

[eaLiTy]

Hardly any chance of a result with the second test match between India and England. Virat Kohli was the last hope for the Indians and he too is gone now. The boring pair of Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara is at the crease and we can expect them to score 100-120 runs in the remaining (66) overs for today. The surprise today was that the wickets didn't went to the two best England bowlers (Anderson and Robinson), but to the two who looked pathetic in the first innings (Mark Wood and Sam Curran).

Mark Wood was able to pick the wickets because of his pace and when India wanted its top order to perform they failed big time and the pair of Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane who failed to play a good innings in a few innings are playing a defensive game and till now everything looks good and with just 76 runs lead how long they keep on defending without loosing the wickets.

If India has to save the match someone has to rise to the occasion and play a better innings and build a partnership.

[onecall123]

Hardly any chance of a result with the second test match between India and England. Virat Kohli was the last hope for the Indians and he too is gone now. The boring pair of Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara is at the crease and we can expect them to score 100-120 runs in the remaining (66) overs for today. The surprise today was that the wickets didn't went to the two best England bowlers (Anderson and Robinson), but to the two who looked pathetic in the first innings (Mark Wood and Sam Curran).

India is leading by 66 runs. Pujara and Rahane at the crease. Neither Rahul, Rohit nor Virat played well. But everyone expected a good performance from them. If India can't give a lead of more than 160/180, then it is not surprising if they lost. Barely, the game of the second session of the fourth day is going on now.

Among Virat Kohli, Rahane, and Pujara, all three are struggling for runs. Kholi hasn't scored a century since August 2019. Nonetheless, Rahane and Pujara are set for some of the most memorable innings of their careers. I would really appreciate it if he makes it until the last ball of the day and India is able to reach a healthy total.

[TheGreatPython]

Rahane and Pujara are set for some of the most memorable innings of their careers. I would really appreciate it if he makes it until the last ball of the day and India is able to reach a healthy total.

Right now both Rahane and Pujara are battling toward a draw hence it seems they both are not bothering about a healthy total but if they bat as long as possible then India may get into 250+ region which might be a challenging total to chase on Lords. At the same time if England blow out India below 200 runs then they may chase down easily to take 1-0 lead. Almost 34 overs to be bowled today which might be the part of this test match whether we are going to have a result or draw but India might be having lesser chances to win from here.

[Iranus]

Pakistan is leading by 124 runs. They lost 5 wickets and scored 160 runs in the second innings. Out of 5 wickets, two batsmen have been dismissed for zero runs. The good news for Pakistan is that Babar Azam is still at the crease. If Pakistan can collect another 100 runs, they are more likely to win. There is no continuity of performance of West Indies players. I don't think they will be able to collect more than 200 in the last innings.

You never know what could be another day bring to the cricket. A 50-80 runs partnership by the WI in their last innings could make the game turn in their favor. Pakistan should bat well thought out the day and try to make sure more and more runs on the board. Baber Azam should play his best here as it is required by the Pakistani team now.
The captain is playing with Faheem Ashraf and both of them should add another 50 runs so Pakistani team come out of any panic situation.

Day-4, session-1, Pakisthan have collected only 192 for 9. They are lead by only 156 runs. Is it possible to win against West Indies with so few runs? The match is unlikely to be a draw. There is still one more day left. If Pakistan could have scored 200 runs then maybe the result of the match would have been in their favor.

[Qunenin]

Pakistan is leading by 124 runs. They lost 5 wickets and scored 160 runs in the second innings. Out of 5 wickets, two batsmen have been dismissed for zero runs. The good news for Pakistan is that Babar Azam is still at the crease. If Pakistan can collect another 100 runs, they are more likely to win. There is no continuity of performance of West Indies players. I don't think they will be able to collect more than 200 in the last innings.

You never know what could be another day bring to the cricket. A 50-80 runs partnership by the WI in their last innings could make the game turn in their favor. Pakistan should bat well thought out the day and try to make sure more and more runs on the board. Baber Azam should play his best here as it is required by the Pakistani team now.
The captain is playing with Faheem Ashraf and both of them should add another 50 runs so Pakistani team come out of any panic situation.

Day-4, session-1, Pakisthan have collected only 192 for 9. They are lead by only 156 runs. Is it possible to win against West Indies with so few runs? The match is unlikely to be a draw. There is still one more day left. If Pakistan could have scored 200 runs then maybe the result of the match would have been in their favor.

West Indies team has shown great professionalism in their last couple of series. Previously we only knew them as a T20 team but the recent performance in the test shows that they are coming back on the track. West Indies have played well in this match and i think they deserve victory here.

Edit: They need 167 runs to win 

[JSRAW]

Edit: They need 167 runs to win  

Sometime small targets are tricky to chase in the last inning. Pakistan got good bowling attack and pitch also looking difficult to bat on so i won't rule out Pakistan yet. All they need is early wickets and then small batting collapse in the middle order can turn the tide in Pakistan's favour. Windies need two 50s runs of partnership if they want to win but it won't be cakewalk.

Aha 50 for Rahane! He and Puji got another lifeline (in team), this time for right reason i guess.

[Haunebu]

At the same time if England blow out India below 200 runs then they may chase down easily to take 1-0 lead. Almost 34 overs to be bowled today which might be the part of this test match whether we are going to have a result or draw but India might be having lesser chances to win from here.

I disagree. Draw is the most likely outcome of this match as I mentioned in my earlier post. The Indian team could post a target closer to 250-300 since Pujara and Rahane are batting well and they still have several batsmen remaining.

Aha 50 for Rahane! He and Puji got another lifeline (in team), this time for right reason i guess.

1 good performance by both players doesn't cancel out their recent bad performances. They need to perform consistently in order to retain their positions in the squad.

[bryant.coleman]

Everything was going well for India, and then Cheteshwar Pujara got out to Mark Wood. He had batted patiently for so long.. but in the end, he couldn't keep his bat away on time. I don't have much hope on Rishabh Pant, as he is not suitable for such conditions. He will bat in usual T20 style, irrespective of the surface conditions. And after him and Jadeja, the tail starts. And this time India went with 4 genuine tailenders. So they need to bat out the remaining 16 overs without losing anymore wickets.

[JSRAW]

Aha 50 for Rahane! He and Puji got another lifeline (in team), this time for right reason i guess.

1 good performance by both players doesn't cancel out their recent bad performances. They need to perform consistently in order to retain their positions in the squad.

I agree..

Consistency is important but i feel that most of the discussion is focused on Pujara and Rahane only. Kohli is struggling too but no one talking about him. Rahane and Pujara struggle with consistency is not new thing but Indian team should worry about Kohli's form more because he's our main batsman. In recent time our middle order averaging like 25-ish something, one of the worst in the world atm. Surprisingly in last WTC cycle Rahane was the leading run scorer for India.

Edit

India need minimum 50 more runs if they want to compete. Pant-Jadeja duo is capable of reaching this target and everything after 200 runs is bonus, hope they survive the new ball. India will surely miss Ashwin tomorrow.

[S A KHAIR]

Pakistan is leading by 124 runs. They lost 5 wickets and scored 160 runs in the second innings. Out of 5 wickets, two batsmen have been dismissed for zero runs. The good news for Pakistan is that Babar Azam is still at the crease. If Pakistan can collect another 100 runs, they are more likely to win. There is no continuity of performance of West Indies players. I don't think they will be able to collect more than 200 in the last innings.

You never know what could be another day bring to the cricket. A 50-80 runs partnership by the WI in their last innings could make the game turn in their favor. Pakistan should bat well thought out the day and try to make sure more and more runs on the board. Baber Azam should play his best here as it is required by the Pakistani team now.
The captain is playing with Faheem Ashraf and both of them should add another 50 runs so Pakistani team come out of any panic situation.

Day-4, session-1, Pakisthan have collected only 192 for 9. They are lead by only 156 runs. Is it possible to win against West Indies with so few runs? The match is unlikely to be a draw. There is still one more day left. If Pakistan could have scored 200 runs then maybe the result of the match would have been in their favor.

Pakistan has given a target of only 168 runs. The West Indies players had plenty of time. If they could have stayed at the crease without losing wickets, they could have easily won the match. But they lost 3 wickets to collect only 16 runs and Pakistan bowlers are in form. I think Pakistan will win this match.