Test Cricket Prediction and Discussion Thread [self - mod]

[Lordshiva]

AFAIK, stokes was not in the squad that was announced on 10 Oct 2021 (source). His inclusion will definatly a big plus for England as he has good Test record.
Hope to see some fine cricket in the form of Ashes Test series, have seen too much T20. we all need some break and must see Test that is proper form of cricket.

England badly needs him to strengthen their batting and bowling lineup. Apart from Root and Anderson, none of the other England bowlers are consistent against India. He is not included in the squad for the Ashes, however if he returns for the one-off test against India then it will be a huge boost for England. Honestly, without Stokes England doesn't have much of a chance against India. They have the home advantage, but even that was not enough to prevent India from taking a 2-1 lead last time.

Not only in batting, he bowls some useful overs too and can be a wicket taker for England in some conditions. He makes things happen in the field weather in bat or ball in the hand. Yes in the series against India England batting was not upto the mark and may be his inclusion will boost their batting line up.

[BALIK]

AFAIK, stokes was not in the squad that was announced on 10 Oct 2021 (source). His inclusion will definatly a big plus for England as he has good Test record.
Hope to see some fine cricket in the form of Ashes Test series, have seen too much T20. we all need some break and must see Test that is proper form of cricket.

England badly needs him to strengthen their batting and bowling lineup. Apart from Root and Anderson, none of the other England bowlers are consistent against India. He is not included in the squad for the Ashes, however if he returns for the one-off test against India then it will be a huge boost for England. Honestly, without Stokes England doesn't have much of a chance against India. They have the home advantage, but even that was not enough to prevent India from taking a 2-1 lead last time.

Stokes is a really important player for England regardless of the situation. He can turn a match on its head at any given time. He is also a class all-rounder. So he's basically the Shakib Al Hasan of England. And if England wants to even have a chance against India they do be needing stocks in their squad. Though he has been away for a long time I think him being in the squad will help a lot as he can do things almost no other player can.

[RankerCan]

Stokes is a really important player for England regardless of the situation. He can turn a match on its head at any given time. He is also a class all-rounder. So he's basically the Shakib Al Hasan of England. And if England wants to even have a chance against India they do be needing stocks in their squad. Though he has been away for a long time I think him being in the squad will help a lot as he can do things almost no other player can.

From conceding 4 sixes in the final of T20 Wrodlcup 2016 to becoming no 1 allrounder in all formats, Ben has completed this journey in a very short duration. His comparison with Shakib is very much valid as both are vital for their teams. He has taken 163 wickets in tests while having batting average of 37. England is strong enough and can perform well even if he misses Ashes.

[Sithara007]

Stokes is a really important player for England regardless of the situation. He can turn a match on its head at any given time. He is also a class all-rounder. So he's basically the Shakib Al Hasan of England. And if England wants to even have a chance against India they do be needing stocks in their squad. Though he has been away for a long time I think him being in the squad will help a lot as he can do things almost no other player can.

If Stokes is fully fit, then I don't have an issue of England includes him in the playing XI. In around one month time, the Ashes series will start and we will get to see whether Stokes is performing up to the mark or not. Let's not forget the fact that he took the break from cricket due to mental health issues. I am not sure whether he can be back all of a sudden, without sufficient exposure to county matches. The last time he took part in domestic cricket was four months ago. He needs at least 2-3 county matches before the Ashes series.

[Juggy777]

Stokes is a really important player for England regardless of the situation. He can turn a match on its head at any given time. He is also a class all-rounder. So he's basically the Shakib Al Hasan of England. And if England wants to even have a chance against India they do be needing stocks in their squad. Though he has been away for a long time I think him being in the squad will help a lot as he can do things almost no other player can.

If Stokes is fully fit, then I don't have an issue of England includes him in the playing XI. In around one month time, the Ashes series will start and we will get to see whether Stokes is performing up to the mark or not. Let's not forget the fact that he took the break from cricket due to mental health issues. I am not sure whether he can be back all of a sudden, without sufficient exposure to county matches. The last time he took part in domestic cricket was four months ago. He needs at least 2-3 county matches before the Ashes series.

@Sithara007 Stokes is very strong mentally too, and by taking a break he’s going to become even stronger and better and he’ll be a nightmare for Australia in the Ashes. Also with his experience I’m sure he’ll pick up where he left even without match practice, but if he can get some practise then it’ll definitely help him sharpen his skills.

[LittleBitFunny]

Stokes is a really important player for England regardless of the situation. He can turn a match on its head at any given time. He is also a class all-rounder. So he's basically the Shakib Al Hasan of England. And if England wants to even have a chance against India they do be needing stocks in their squad. Though he has been away for a long time I think him being in the squad will help a lot as he can do things almost no other player can.

If Stokes is fully fit, then I don't have an issue of England includes him in the playing XI. In around one month time, the Ashes series will start and we will get to see whether Stokes is performing up to the mark or not. Let's not forget the fact that he took the break from cricket due to mental health issues. I am not sure whether he can be back all of a sudden, without sufficient exposure to county matches. The last time he took part in domestic cricket was four months ago. He needs at least 2-3 county matches before the Ashes series.

@Sithara007 Stokes is very strong mentally too, and by taking a break he’s going to become even stronger and better and he’ll be a nightmare for Australia in the Ashes. Also with his experience I’m sure he’ll pick up where he left even without match practice, but if he can get some practise then it’ll definitely help him sharpen his skills.

That's true. Doesn't matter how good you are, with some practice, you can become far better. But the thing about players form is about feeling it on a certain day. One day, a beautiful cover drive goes for four and the other day the same cover drive goes to a fielder. So, I do hope stokes come back and continue by 'feeling it'. But I'm sure he'll do great regardless.

[CDC AP]

Stokes is a really important player for England regardless of the situation. He can turn a match on its head at any given time. He is also a class all-rounder. So he's basically the Shakib Al Hasan of England. And if England wants to even have a chance against India they do be needing stocks in their squad. Though he has been away for a long time I think him being in the squad will help a lot as he can do things almost no other player can.

If Stokes is fully fit, then I don't have an issue of England includes him in the playing XI. In around one month time, the Ashes series will start and we will get to see whether Stokes is performing up to the mark or not. Let's not forget the fact that he took the break from cricket due to mental health issues. I am not sure whether he can be back all of a sudden, without sufficient exposure to county matches. The last time he took part in domestic cricket was four months ago. He needs at least 2-3 county matches before the Ashes series.

@Sithara007 Stokes is very strong mentally too, and by taking a break he’s going to become even stronger and better and he’ll be a nightmare for Australia in the Ashes. Also with his experience I’m sure he’ll pick up where he left even without match practice, but if he can get some practise then it’ll definitely help him sharpen his skills.

That's true. Doesn't matter how good you are, with some practice, you can become far better. But the thing about players form is about feeling it on a certain day. One day, a beautiful cover drive goes for four and the other day the same cover drive goes to a fielder. So, I do hope stokes come back and continue by 'feeling it'. But I'm sure he'll do great regardless.

Well stokes is surely a confidence player and even with a gap of many month from cricket i am sure he would come back with a positive frame of mind.
Both in his batting as well as with his bowling and not to forget his fielding as well. He is a complete package for the england team and looking forward to see him in the ashes.

[Gosgosking]

Stokes will be a victory to England , he is the kind of player that is needed for the game , he is the kind of player full of energy.. if you look back to his previous games he has always deliver. The best decision is for England to carry stoke along .

[barbara44]

Well stokes is surely a confidence player and even with a gap of many month from cricket i am sure he would come back with a positive frame of mind.
Both in his batting as well as with his bowling and not to forget his fielding as well. He is a complete package for the england team and looking forward to see him in the ashes.

There is no doubt that Stokes is quality player and game changer for England because he has already done some very good things for England in past but right now biggest issue is he is facing some multi problems one is physical injury and second one is mentally just because of this he was away from game so now just wait and watch how is he going to fix these because already out of game for long time is not issue but having burnout in game is also the biggest issue as we in past with few players they try to recover but fail like we have Carl Hooper from West Indies he was big player but sadly never able to play like he wants to do.

[Sithara007]

Which team is having the upper hand for the Ashes series? I was thinking that it would be a cakewalk for England, but given the fact that some of their players are injured, they may not be able to field their best side. And at the same time, some of the Australian players, who were not in great form earlier (Warner, Cummins.etc) seems to have recovered by now. It is going to be an evenly contested series between two of the big 3 teams, and the Australian players are always at their best during the Ashes.

[Swordsoffreedom]

Which team is having the upper hand for the Ashes series? I was thinking that it would be a cakewalk for England, but given the fact that some of their players are injured, they may not be able to field their best side. And at the same time, some of the Australian players, who were not in great form earlier (Warner, Cummins.etc) seems to have recovered by now. It is going to be an evenly contested series between two of the big 3 teams, and the Australian players are always at their best during the Ashes.

It doesn't matter if Australia plays good or bad in a certain match for the tournament they are always really serious about the ashes series. If you see the Australians play the ashes you will know that it means a lot to them. I personally love to see ashes because for me this is the biggest rivalry after probably India vs Pakistan. But if we talk about only test matches, ashes is by far the biggest rivalry ever. I have always supported Australia in ashes because they always seemed to have a flair about them and their play style. And probably another reason was Australia have always had some superstars like Glenn McGrath and Share Warne and Ponting etc. But this time I think  England is going to win the ashes series regardless of their injury problems. Because England seems to be a complete team to me right now.

[CDC AP]

Which team is having the upper hand for the Ashes series? I was thinking that it would be a cakewalk for England, but given the fact that some of their players are injured, they may not be able to field their best side. And at the same time, some of the Australian players, who were not in great form earlier (Warner, Cummins.etc) seems to have recovered by now. It is going to be an evenly contested series between two of the big 3 teams, and the Australian players are always at their best during the Ashes.

Well i would say australia are favorites because the ashes is going to happen in australia which is a huge advantage and england batting line up is not at his best right now and their swing bowlers may also struggle in australian conditions. YES it would surely me an exciting series but i would say australia are the favorites this time.

[TheGreatPython]

Which team is having the upper hand for the Ashes series? I was thinking that it would be a cakewalk for England, but given the fact that some of their players are injured, they may not be able to field their best side. And at the same time, some of the Australian players, who were not in great form earlier (Warner, Cummins.etc) seems to have recovered by now. It is going to be an evenly contested series between two of the big 3 teams, and the Australian players are always at their best during the Ashes.

Well i would say australia are favorites because the ashes is going to happen in australia which is a huge advantage and england batting line up is not at his best right now and their swing bowlers may also struggle in australian conditions. YES it would surely me an exciting series but i would say australia are the favorites this time.

Right now, Australia is clearly hot favorite for win of The Ashes even Stokes is coming in team because their biggest issue is batting which is not near a quality batting just Root can't do anything for team because he is also human. Ben Stokes is also good batsman but need sometime for his settling and having better result.

At home playing against Australia is never easy for any team recently just India is team which able to defeat them back to back series and doing this for England with these batsmen not possible bowlers are some better in presence of Anderson and Broad but still batting is really matter of concern for them.

[Sithara007]

Right now, Australia is clearly hot favorite for win of The Ashes even Stokes is coming in team because their biggest issue is batting which is not near a quality batting just Root can't do anything for team because he is also human. Ben Stokes is also good batsman but need sometime for his settling and having better result.

At home playing against Australia is never easy for any team recently just India is team which able to defeat them back to back series and doing this for England with these batsmen not possible bowlers are some better in presence of Anderson and Broad but still batting is really matter of concern for them.

Even with the home advantage, I would say that England are slightly ahead at this point. Australian players (especially Steve Smith) have performed poorly in 2020-21. The bowlers have performed even worse. They used to be dependent on Mitchell Starc, but he has been out of form for ages. Hazlewood is economical, but not lethal. The other bowlers such as Richardson and Pattinson doesn't have enough experience to take on the England batsmen. For England, Joe Root is in top form. The bowlers are also in good shape, especially Anderson, Woakes, Robinson and Broad.

[romero121]

Which team is having the upper hand for the Ashes series? I was thinking that it would be a cakewalk for England, but given the fact that some of their players are injured, they may not be able to field their best side. And at the same time, some of the Australian players, who were not in great form earlier (Warner, Cummins.etc) seems to have recovered by now. It is going to be an evenly contested series between two of the big 3 teams, and the Australian players are always at their best during the Ashes.

It doesn't matter if Australia plays good or bad in a certain match for the tournament they are always really serious about the ashes series. If you see the Australians play the ashes you will know that it means a lot to them. I personally love to see ashes because for me this is the biggest rivalry after probably India vs Pakistan. But if we talk about only test matches, ashes is by far the biggest rivalry ever. I have always supported Australia in ashes because they always seemed to have a flair about them and their play style. And probably another reason was Australia have always had some superstars like Glenn McGrath and Share Warne and Ponting etc. But this time I think  England is going to win the ashes series regardless of their injury problems. Because England seems to be a complete team to me right now.

The previous Ashes ended in a draw, and the same gives way for more expectation on the 2021-2022 series. The past team can't be compared with the present team. Those are legendary players who kept the Australia team as if like a strong palace which can't be destroyed that easy. Things changed little by little, and recently they regained good form. Something in between happened and once again the team went down. As in the above quote England looks complete, but Australia hasn't got perfect squad. Often players gets swapped which itself not a good sign of being strong.

[JSRAW]

~snip~

Even with the home advantage, I would say that England are slightly ahead at this point. Australian players (especially Steve Smith) have performed poorly in 2020-21. The bowlers have performed even worse. They used to be dependent on Mitchell Starc, but he has been out of form for ages. Hazlewood is economical, but not lethal. The other bowlers such as Richardson and Pattinson doesn't have enough experience to take on the England batsmen. For England, Joe Root is in top form. The bowlers are also in good shape, especially Anderson, Woakes, Robinson and Broad.

Have to agree with @TheGreatPython. English batting line up performed badly in the recent time, we have seen this in the last 2 Test series against kiwis and Indians. Couple of times they got knocked out under 60 overs when chasing and lost the game and odds were favoring the draw or to some extent their win when game started at the 5th day.

English bowlers are excellent but no one can rule out Aussie batters. Smith-Marnus duo is almost invincible. Other batters are also doing well in the current Sheffield season, couple of batters are scoring double ton for fun and becoming meme locally. Not counting Warner yet because of his form but he's destructive opener when playing in Australia, he's called home-track bully for a reason.

[galambo]

The previous Ashes ended in a draw, and the same gives way for more expectation on the 2021-2022 series. The past team can't be compared with the present team. Those are legendary players who kept the Australia team as if like a strong palace which can't be destroyed that easy. Things changed little by little, and recently they regained good form. Something in between happened and once again the team went down. As in the above quote England looks complete, but Australia hasn't got perfect squad. Often players gets swapped which itself not a good sign of being strong.

Compared to 2013/14 Ashes where Australia won 5/0, this time England time is strong enough to give aussies a tough time. I do agree that Aussies are a little bit weak when compared with mighty England. It is also confirmed that Ben will be there in Ashes. But as far as betting odds are concerned they are still favouring Australia.  https://bettingsite.com.au/cricket/ashes/#odds

[Sithara007]

~snip~
English bowlers are excellent but no one can rule out Aussie batters. Smith-Marnus duo is almost invincible. Other batters are also doing well in the current Sheffield season, couple of batters are scoring double ton for fun and becoming meme locally. Not counting Warner yet because of his form but he's destructive opener when playing in Australia, he's called home-track bully for a reason.

Almost forgot about Marnus Labuschagne. With Warner and Smith being out of form, he needs to step up if Australia wants to prevent a complete whitewash by England. And from what I can see, he is in good form for Queensland in the Sheffield Shield competition. And a few months back, he performed in an exceptional manner for Glamorgan as well. During the last Ashes series, Smith and Marnus scored the vast majority of the runs for Australia. This time the poor form of Smith should be a concern for them.

[JSRAW]

^^ Don't look at Smith's limited overs form much. He scored fair amount of runs against us in the last tour and scored shit load amount of runs in the last Ashes series. He is capable of switching into his god-mode in the test cricket out of nowhere. Warner's confidence looks bad but he's also champion batsman at home when playing tests. Apart from Marnus, other players like Travis head, Green and more or less outcast member (because of Smith-Marnus's form) Usman Khawaja are in excellent form.

[savetheFORUM]

^^ Don't look at Smith's limited overs form much. He scored fair amount of runs against us in the last tour and scored shit load amount of runs in the last Ashes series. He is capable of switching into his god-mode in the test cricket out of nowhere. Warner's confidence looks bad but he's also champion batsman at home when playing tests. Apart from Marnus, other players like Travis head, Green and more or less outcast member (because of Smith-Marnus's form) Usman Khawaja are in excellent form.

Currently, both teams facing some big dilemma with their batting, but Australian are much better with some good and quality batsmen and home advantage is also having big factor for them England is really crap in batting because at home they some better in Australia it has never been easy for them and their all batting line up just Root is not enough for having good performance in all series we already watch in series against INDIA Stokes is out of cricket for some time which is also big factor but biggest issue is their best domestic cricket system is not giving them any quality batsman in long time now it's time for think about this and have some better ideas about improving quality.