Test Cricket Prediction and Discussion Thread [self - mod]

[doomloop]

No changes in the batting order and inclusion of Ashwin and Thakur might able to do some damage control because our middle order is not in great form and Pant is looking dim too.

I guess that India must need to look at Rahane and may play Vihari or Surya Kumar in that place. Pant may get another chance as he is alright with wicket keeping job hence if he fires up then that might be some extra runs for India otherwise lower orders may need to take care of that.

Jaddu, Ashwin, Thakur batting at number 7,8,9 looks okay.

I remember India played 2 spinners for the final of world test championship but that did not work for them. Hence, I doubt Kohli may go for that again for English conditions.

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[bryant.coleman]

Jaddu, Ashwin, Thakur batting at number 7,8,9 looks okay.

OK with the first two. But I am not in favor of Shardul. He seems to be the worst performing bowler among the available options. And IMO, Shardul can't be considered as an allrounder yet, as he is very inconsistent with bat. Adding him in to the playing XI (by replacing either Ishant Sharma or Mohammed Siraj) would considerably weaken the bowling attack. India needs their best pace bowlers to trouble the England batsmen (especially if they are planning to go with three pacers and two spinners for the fourth test match).

[JSRAW]

No changes in the batting order and inclusion of Ashwin and Thakur might able to do some damage control because our middle order is not in great form and Pant is looking dim too.

I guess that India must need to look at Rahane and may play Vihari or Surya Kumar in that place. Pant may get another chance as he is alright with wicket keeping job hence if he fires up then that might be some extra runs for India otherwise lower orders may need to take care of that.

Jaddu, Ashwin, Thakur batting at number 7,8,9 looks okay.

I remember India played 2 spinners for the final of world test championship but that did not work for them. Hence, I doubt Kohli may go for that again for English conditions.

I don't have any problem with Vihari but i doubt if Virat is ready to leave his deputy atm and if we look at the last 2 years numbers Rahane looked better batman when comparing to Kohli.

On WTC, i think Kohli made a tactical error. It was raining for day or 2 and condition were suitable for the pacers but he decided not to go with 4 seamers.

Jaddu, Ashwin, Thakur batting at number 7,8,9 looks okay.

OK with the first two. But I am not in favor of Shardul. He seems to be the worst performing bowler among the available options. And IMO, Shardul can't be considered as an allrounder yet, as he is very inconsistent with bat. Adding him in to the playing XI (by replacing either Ishant Sharma or Mohammed Siraj) would considerably weaken the bowling attack. India needs their best pace bowlers to trouble the England batsmen (especially if they are planning to go with three pacers and two spinners for the fourth test match).

Don't want to repeat myself on Shardul Thakur so adding my previous comment and his stats (Check the bowling average and SR). I do agree that calling him all-rounder is not right but IMO it would be dumb thing to think that number 8 should average 40+ etc.

His batting skills are not bad, but he can't be considered as an allrounder. And at this point, I would prefer to go with the best bowlers available. Keeping an experienced pacer like Ishant out, because Shardul is a better batsman doesn't make any sense. Shardul has been given enough chances and he has failed to impress with the ball. And regarding Ashwin, I would prefer to include him in the playing XI. He adds variety to the bowling attack, and England batsmen have historically fared poorly against spin.

Lol Enough chances??

Don't know what are you talking about. So far Shardul featured in 3 test match and in his debut match back in 2018, he got injured after bowling 1-ish overs so technically he has played only 2 test match. 11 wickets + 73 runs in 2 game doesn't look bad when you're batting at number 8 and how can you forget his important role in 120 +runs partnership with Sunder in Gabba where he contributed 67 runs. 

Batting


Bowling

[bryant.coleman]

~~
I don't have any problem with Vihari but i doubt if Virat is ready to leave his deputy atm and if we look at the last 2 years numbers Rahane looked better batman when comparing to Kohli.
~~~

Both Rahane and Kohli have been out of form for sometime. The difference is that Kohli can't be dropped even if he scores 0 runs in the next 5 matches, while Rahane may get dropped after this series if his form doesn't improve. But one thing we need to remember is that Rahane and Pujara are the two test-specific batsmen in the Indian squad currently. Everyone else is better in the shorter format compared to test.

Rahane averages 38.85 for 2020, and 21.05 so far in 2021. But he had a test average of 71.33 in 2019 (642 runs from 8 matches). Compared to him, Kohli's record is worse. Average of 19.33 in 2020, and 27.15 in 2021. But in 2019, he had scored @ 68.00 (612 runs from 8 matches).

[Iranus]

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I don't have any problem with Vihari but i doubt if Virat is ready to leave his deputy atm and if we look at the last 2 years numbers Rahane looked better batman when comparing to Kohli.
~~~

Both Rahane and Kohli have been out of form for sometime. The difference is that Kohli can't be dropped even if he scores 0 runs in the next 5 matches, while Rahane may get dropped after this series if his form doesn't improve. But one thing we need to remember is that Rahane and Pujara are the two test-specific batsmen in the Indian squad currently. Everyone else is better in the shorter format compared to test.

Rahane averages 38.85 for 2020, and 21.05 so far in 2021. But he had a test average of 71.33 in 2019 (642 runs from 8 matches). Compared to him, Kohli's record is worse. Average of 19.33 in 2020, and 27.15 in 2021. But in 2019, he had scored @ 68.00 (612 runs from 8 matches).

Kohli will not be dropped from the team even if he performs poorly in the next few series. But Rahane may also be given more opportunities by the Indian management. Because Rahane is experienced and talented. If we can get back to form, we can see the devastating batting from him. But if he is dropped from the team before he is given a chance, it will be detrimental to both India and Rahane.

[Haunebu]

What if for the next match India give rest to their 2 seamers (Ishant + 1 more) and include Ashwin and Thakur saab?

No changes in the batting order and inclusion of Ashwin and Thakur might able to do some damage control because our middle order is not in great form and Pant is looking dim too.

Jaddu, Ashwin, Thakur batting at number 7,8,9 looks okay.

I don't think India will make any major changes to their lineup unless someone is injured or ill. However, if they do decide to make the changes, I vote for Ashwin(Not Thakur) obviously because of his experience and skills.

Siraj, Ashwin, Jadeja, Shami and Bumrah could decimate the English side while Robinson, Anderson, Ali, Overton and Curran could decimate the Indian side in my opinion.

[7788bitcoin]

~
I don't think India will make any major changes to their lineup unless someone is injured or ill. However, if they do decide to make the changes, I vote for Ashwin(Not Thakur) obviously because of his experience and skills.

It depends upon the pitch, i do not think India will be playing two spinners but i would like to see Ashwin in the team as i want to see how the England players would play against genuine spin.

Siraj, Ashwin, Jadeja, Shami and Bumrah could decimate the English side while Robinson, Anderson, Ali, Overton and Curran could decimate the Indian side in my opinion.

Batsman determines the match, any team who is able to build partnership will end up winning the match as both team has world class bowlers and England is relying too much on Root and if he does not perform it will be a big headache for them as well.

[pakhitheboss]

What if for the next match India give rest to their 2 seamers (Ishant + 1 more) and include Ashwin and Thakur saab?

No changes in the batting order and inclusion of Ashwin and Thakur might able to do some damage control because our middle order is not in great form and Pant is looking dim too.

Jaddu, Ashwin, Thakur batting at number 7,8,9 looks okay.

Ashwin will be the best option available because of his experience. Another important aspect about Ashwin is that he can bat down the order. You cannot depend on Ishant for batting down the line. I still think India will not go for any changes in the next match but depending on the wicket they might.

[Sithara007]

Ashwin will be the best option available because of his experience. Another important aspect about Ashwin is that he can bat down the order. You cannot depend on Ishant for batting down the line. I still think India will not go for any changes in the next match but depending on the wicket they might.

The question is whether we should change the bowling lineup just because one of the bowler has the capability to add 10-15 extra runs. What if he concedes 60 or 70 additional runs while bowling? IMO, India should go with the best available pace combination - Ishant, Shami and Bumrah. If Ashwin needs to be included, then Siraj needs to sit out. And at this point, I don't know whether dropping Siraj would be a good idea, because he performed well during the last couple of matches. IMO, it is the batting lineup that needs change and not the bowling.

[JSRAW]

What if for the next match India give rest to their 2 seamers (Ishant + 1 more) and include Ashwin and Thakur saab?

No changes in the batting order and inclusion of Ashwin and Thakur might able to do some damage control because our middle order is not in great form and Pant is looking dim too.

Jaddu, Ashwin, Thakur batting at number 7,8,9 looks okay.

I don't think India will make any major changes to their lineup unless someone is injured or ill. However, if they do decide to make the changes, I vote for Ashwin(Not Thakur) obviously because of his experience and skills.

Siraj, Ashwin, Jadeja, Shami and Bumrah could decimate the English side while Robinson, Anderson, Ali, Overton and Curran could decimate the Indian side in my opinion.

So far both team looked strong and vulnerable at the same. Bowling department is dominating batters so far and this is true for the both sides.

I'm expecting 2 changes. Ashwin seems strong candidate but not sure about other replacement, let's see if Kohli make changes in batting or bowling.

[Haunebu]

Batsman determines the match, any team who is able to build partnership will end up winning the match as both team has world class bowlers and England is relying too much on Root and if he does not perform it will be a big headache for them as well.

Both batsmen and bowlers matter equally though India is over-dependent on its bowlers and England is over-dependent on Root currently as you mentioned which are their clear weaknesses at present.

I'm expecting 2 changes. Ashwin seems strong candidate but not sure about other replacement, let's see if Kohli make changes in batting or bowling.

This link provides a detailed analysis of the current Indian lineup.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.hindustantimes.com/cricket/india-predicted-xi-for-fourth-test-against-england-kohli-likely-to-make-two-changes-will-ashwin-get-a-game-101630473700062-amp.html

Based on this link, I guess you are right about Kohli bringing in Ashwin and some other player(Probably Vihari).

[Vishnu.Reang]

Strange news coming in. Prasidh Krishna has been added to the extended squad for the 4th test. Doesn't make any sense, right? All the Indian pacers are in such great form, and I can't foresee Prasidh getting a spot unless one of them getting injured. However there are rumors that Ravindra Jadeja's knee injury is a concern and he is not 100% fit. In that case Ashwin may replace Jadeja. But I don't see any change to the pace lineup. I don't know about the batsmen, but I would like SKY to replace Ajinkya Rahane.

[JSRAW]

Strange news coming in. Prasidh Krishna has been added to the extended squad for the 4th test. Doesn't make any sense, right? All the Indian pacers are in such great form, and I can't foresee Prasidh getting a spot unless one of them getting injured. However there are rumors that Ravindra Jadeja's knee injury is a concern and he is not 100% fit. In that case Ashwin may replace Jadeja. But I don't see any change to the pace lineup. I don't know about the batsmen, but I would like SKY to replace Ajinkya Rahane.

Formalities i suppose?

I believe i saw on my twitter feed that Sir Jadeja is 100% fit. I would be very surprise if SKY making his debut in English condition because you never throw your newborn in front of the hungry wolves, Vihari may be... chances are slim tho.

[bryant.coleman]

Formalities i suppose?

I believe i saw on my twitter feed that Sir Jadeja is 100% fit. I would be very surprise if SKY making his debut in English condition because you never throw your newborn in front of the hungry wolves, Vihari may be... chances are slim tho.

Yeah.. chances of Rahane getting dropped is low. His position is shaky, but the selectors may include him for the remainder of the series. But if he fails to perform, then he may be kicked out (after the series) and in all probability will never be able to make a comeback. It is tragic.. as he was one of the best performers in 2019. Scored two centuries - one each against West Indies and South Africa. He is not that old, but Rahane has been out of form for too long, and I believe that his time with the Indian national team is up.

[teosanru]

~~
I don't have any problem with Vihari but i doubt if Virat is ready to leave his deputy atm and if we look at the last 2 years numbers Rahane looked better batman when comparing to Kohli.
~~~

Both Rahane and Kohli have been out of form for sometime. The difference is that Kohli can't be dropped even if he scores 0 runs in the next 5 matches, while Rahane may get dropped after this series if his form doesn't improve. But one thing we need to remember is that Rahane and Pujara are the two test-specific batsmen in the Indian squad currently. Everyone else is better in the shorter format compared to test.

Rahane averages 38.85 for 2020, and 21.05 so far in 2021. But he had a test average of 71.33 in 2019 (642 runs from 8 matches). Compared to him, Kohli's record is worse. Average of 19.33 in 2020, and 27.15 in 2021. But in 2019, he had scored @ 68.00 (612 runs from 8 matches).

I don't think even Rahane can be removed from the team, we really don't have many options in place of Rahane with us, the only appropriate backup is Hanuma Vihari which too has not been in great form when last tried, they won't bring Mayank Aggarwal, so obviously there aren't a lot of options available, I think India will pick up the other method by creating batting depth using all-rounders, I think one pacer will be dropped in the next match and an all-rounder like Sharadul could come in, on the batting side, even Ravindra Jadeja might be dropped and Ashwin could come into the team.

[eaLiTy]

What if for the next match India give rest to their 2 seamers (Ishant + 1 more) and include Ashwin and Thakur saab?
No changes in the batting order and inclusion of Ashwin and Thakur might able to do some damage control because our middle order is not in great form and Pant is looking dim too.
Jaddu, Ashwin, Thakur batting at number 7,8,9 looks okay.

England paid the price in the second Test match when they let go of the tactics and Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami took advantage of that situation and changed the match around and i doubt they will do the same mistakes again. If the top order fails there is nothing the tail end can do. We might see some performance here and there and the bowlers are performing well and the batsman has to put runs on the board.

I would like to see Ajinkya Rahane getting rested and India giving some new talents the opportunity to make their debut but the talks going on is that Hanuma Vihari will get a chance and Ashwin will be playing the next game instead of Jadeja. It would be great if they give Suryakumar Yadav to make his debut and i am expecting him to be an asset in the team by the way he performs in other formats on a consistent basis.

[pakhitheboss]

What if for the next match India give rest to their 2 seamers (Ishant + 1 more) and include Ashwin and Thakur saab?
No changes in the batting order and inclusion of Ashwin and Thakur might able to do some damage control because our middle order is not in great form and Pant is looking dim too.
Jaddu, Ashwin, Thakur batting at number 7,8,9 looks okay.

England paid the price in the second Test match when they let go of the tactics and Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami took advantage of that situation and changed the match around and i doubt they will do the same mistakes again. If the top order fails there is nothing the tail end can do. We might see some performance here and there and the bowlers are performing well and the batsman has to put runs on the board.

I would like to see Ajinkya Rahane getting rested and India giving some new talents the opportunity to make their debut but the talks going on is that Hanuma Vihari will get a chance and Ashwin will be playing the next game instead of Jadeja. It would be great if they give Suryakumar Yadav to make his debut and i am expecting him to be an asset in the team by the way he performs in other formats on a consistent basis.

The match starts today, there is a high chance of Ashwin being part of this team and Jadeja as well as Ishant will sit throughout the match. The weather and the pitch will also play an important part. I do not want the rain to ruin this match. The team winning the toss and batting first will have a higher chance of wining due to the rain forecast in London.

[Sithara007]

The match starts today, there is a high chance of Ashwin being part of this team and Jadeja as well as Ishant will sit throughout the match. The weather and the pitch will also play an important part. I do not want the rain to ruin this match. The team winning the toss and batting first will have a higher chance of wining due to the rain forecast in London.

If Jadeja is fit, then he needs to play. He is the best allrounder with the team right now. He is a batsmen who could bowl, while others like Ashwin are bowlers who could bat a bit. Jadeja has rescued the team on many crucial situations before and has been involved in many important partnerships. His absence will weaken the Indian middle-order and lower order considerably. And Jadeja has performed relatively well in both the departments so far (on top of that, he is also one of the best Indian fielders).

[Juggy777]

The match starts today, there is a high chance of Ashwin being part of this team and Jadeja as well as Ishant will sit throughout the match. The weather and the pitch will also play an important part. I do not want the rain to ruin this match. The team winning the toss and batting first will have a higher chance of wining due to the rain forecast in London.

If Jadeja is fit, then he needs to play. He is the best allrounder with the team right now. He is a batsmen who could bowl, while others like Ashwin are bowlers who could bat a bit. Jadeja has rescued the team on many crucial situations before and has been involved in many important partnerships. His absence will weaken the Indian middle-order and lower order considerably. And Jadeja has performed relatively well in both the departments so far (on top of that, he is also one of the best Indian fielders).

@Sithar007 Jadeja doesn’t gets lots of credit for the work he’s done, but finally people are realising how important he’s to the team. Also I feel that he has a unique way of playing the game, which puts the pressure back on the opposition bowler hence if he’s fit then he should definitely be included in the playing 11.

[Vishnu.Reang]

@Sithar007 Jadeja doesn’t gets lots of credit for the work he’s done, but finally people are realising how important he’s to the team. Also I feel that he has a unique way of playing the game, which puts the pressure back on the opposition bowler hence if he’s fit then he should definitely be included in the playing 11.

Agreed. Sir Jadeja is one of the most underrated players in the team. He is a genuine match winner for the Indian team, and on numerous occasions he has guided the Indian team to victory from the claws of defeat. Most of the occasions, he is left high and dry, as he bats at no.7. Even if he is on form, there is a good chance that he will run out of partners at the end. If you check his batting average, then it may not be as astounding as the same from top-order batsmen. But the reason for that is he gets hardly anytime to settle in, due to his position lower down the order.