Test Cricket Prediction and Discussion Thread [self - mod]

[pakhitheboss]

England's team for white ball cricket is already strong both in t20 and one day format their team in amongst the best.
But in test matches their performance is going down too much. Their batting line up largely depends upon root and may be stokes. Apart from these two none of the batsman has performed consistently. Their opening combination is also not settled.

Let's not forget the fact that the Australians are having home advantage. Playing at home, Australia is almost invincible. On top of that, they have top players like Smith, Labuschagne, Starc and Cummins. On the other side, there is no stability in England team. Their openers are not in form, and the same can be said about their spinners and middle order. The absence of Archer is hurting them, and Ben Stokes is yet to return to full form. Australia is up by 2-0, and I won't be surprised if the series ends at 5-0.

We all know before this series what is going to happen with England because their performance against India at home was not good, and they were going to face Australia in Australia with they are having services of some top ranked players currently in test world.

Still many were feeling England is going to have some very good but this all was in media or on papers in reality they were really crap with no good batsman and just two bowlers those have not enough back up but still they are doing some better and batsmen are completely outclassed which is big concern at the time. Let's watch now how they plan and complete this tour because surely they are going to lose by whitewash.

There is something lacking in this English side and as for me is the batting capability. The whole team is dependent on two players and the lower middle order is a big-time mess. Last two test matches only root and Malan were able to stick to the wicket as long as they can after they were out the whole batting order got crumbled in just a few hours. The lack of experience can be another reason for such a performance by the English side.

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[LittleBitFunny]

There is something lacking in this English side and as for me is the batting capability. The whole team is dependent on two players and the lower middle order is a big-time mess. Last two test matches only root and Malan were able to stick to the wicket as long as they can after they were out the whole batting order got crumbled in just a few hours. The lack of experience can be another reason for such a performance by the English side.

I have no complaints against England's bowlers. The bowlers have tried their best and I would say they have played well enough. But the performance of the batsmen was disgusting. I especially want to talk about the two openers. When the opponent is a strong team like Australia. The openers of the team should have played an important role then. I have not seen two openers survive the 10 over crease in 4 innings in two Test matches. The two openers should have been at the crease for at least 1 session.

[Sithara007]

I have no complaints against England's bowlers. The bowlers have tried their best and I would say they have played well enough. But the performance of the batsmen was disgusting. I especially want to talk about the two openers. When the opponent is a strong team like Australia. The openers of the team should have played an important role then. I have not seen two openers survive the 10 over crease in 4 innings in two Test matches. The two openers should have been at the crease for at least 1 session.

During the last Ashes series, the Australian openers were also in the same condition. David Warner hardly went past single digits during the entire series. But we all know how the series ended up. Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne neutralized their weakness in the top order. In case of England this time, Malan and Root have been scoring runs, but they are not scoring enough runs to make it up for the off-form players. The roles seems to have completely reversed between 2019 and 2021, but England seems to be in a worse position when compared to Australia in 2019.

[Juggy777]

Came across excellent article about Ashwin. This guy is one of the brightest spinner in World cricket history, if not history then at least in the last decade due to exposure of technical aspect in mordern cricket which previous spinners lacked.

Highly recommended article about his overall personality. Which includes his insecurity, fragile body and preparations toward any series.
https://www.thecricketmonthly.com/story/1293861/r-ashwin---ive-always-been-good-at-assessing-batsmen-but-now-i-think-ive-taken-it-to-another-level



This is real nerd level observation.



Despite all admiration i don't believe he should play in the first match against South Africa because its in Centurion.   Its a absolute graveyard for the spinners but if any chance he does gets a chance in playing XI, then i would be very happy if he even gets 3-4 wickets.


Big blow to Proteas - Anrich Nortje is ruled out of the full test series due to injury-
https://twitter.com/OfficialCSA/status/1473219481266794498

@JSRAW there’s no doubt that Ashwin is a world class spinner, but there’s lot of competition these days for the spinner slot so he won’t find it easy to get into playing 11. Furthermore you’re absolutely correct the pitch isn’t spin friendly, but he may yet get the nod due to his experience and the fact that he can add few runs if the top order collapses, but then again if he’s not selected then the team management would be justified in doing so.

[JSRAW]

~snip~


Despite all admiration i don't believe he should play in the first match against South Africa because its in Centurion.   Its a absolute graveyard for the spinners but if any chance he does gets a chance in playing XI, then i would be very happy if he even gets 3-4 wickets.


Big blow to Proteas - Anrich Nortje is ruled out of the full test series due to injury-
https://twitter.com/OfficialCSA/status/1473219481266794498

@JSRAW there’s no doubt that Ashwin is a world class spinner, but there’s lot of competition these days for the spinner slot so he won’t find it easy to get into playing 11. Furthermore you’re absolutely correct the pitch isn’t spin friendly, but he may yet get the nod due to his experience and the fact that he can add few runs if the top order collapses, but then again if he’s not selected then the team management would be justified in doing so.

Jadeja is not with the squad because of injury so atm no competition for Ashwin. 4 pacer + 1 spin should be ideal combination considering ICC is taking slow over rates very seriously and recently they deducted 10 points from the England points tally.  This combination will make Indian tail very long so may be 3 front line pacer (Shami/Bumrah/Ishant or Siraj) + 1 pace allrounder (Shardul) + 1 spin allrounder (Ashwin).

[Haunebu]

Came across excellent article about Ashwin. This guy is one of the brightest spinner in World cricket history, if not history then at least in the last decade due to exposure of technical aspect in mordern cricket which previous spinners lacked.

Highly recommended article about his overall personality. Which includes his insecurity, fragile body and preparations toward any series.
https://www.thecricketmonthly.com/story/1293861/r-ashwin---ive-always-been-good-at-assessing-batsmen-but-now-i-think-ive-taken-it-to-another-level

Ashwin has been a legend in the Cricket world for sometime now though he is also one of the most controversial cricketers around. He loves stating his opinion without shying away like most other cricketers do.

He clearly had to go through a lot in order to continue setting new records and staying relevant which is very difficult since he's not exactly young currently.

[coinism]

During the last Ashes series, the Australian openers were also in the same condition. David Warner hardly went past single digits during the entire series. But we all know how the series ended up. Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne neutralized their weakness in the top order. In case of England this time, Malan and Root have been scoring runs, but they are not scoring enough runs to make it up for the off-form players. The roles seems to have completely reversed between 2019 and 2021, but England seems to be in a worse position when compared to Australia in 2019.

Australia are in habit of winning with big margins. Last time they whitewashed England was in 2013/14 5-0 and the way things are going I am sure Australians have worked hard for 5-0 this time also. 2019 Ashes was balanced, as both sides won 2 matches and one game was draw. Before Series England was favorite but during the series odds went in favour of Australia.

[goku19]

During the last Ashes series, the Australian openers were also in the same condition. David Warner hardly went past single digits during the entire series. But we all know how the series ended up. Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne neutralized their weakness in the top order. In case of England this time, Malan and Root have been scoring runs, but they are not scoring enough runs to make it up for the off-form players. The roles seems to have completely reversed between 2019 and 2021, but England seems to be in a worse position when compared to Australia in 2019.

Australia are in habit of winning with big margins. Last time they whitewashed England was in 2013/14 5-0 and the way things are going I am sure Australians have worked hard for 5-0 this time also. 2019 Ashes was balanced, as both sides won 2 matches and one game was draw. Before Series England was favorite but during the series odds went in favour of Australia.

It rain does not come in play in rest of the matches then I can see another 5-0 win for Australia. England batting is very poor I would say and their bowling is not that good enough to cover their batting performance. England bowlers concede way to many runs and batsman not even able to reach the follow on target .

[JSRAW]

Came across excellent article about Ashwin. This guy is one of the brightest spinner in World cricket history, if not history then at least in the last decade due to exposure of technical aspect in mordern cricket which previous spinners lacked.

Highly recommended article about his overall personality. Which includes his insecurity, fragile body and preparations toward any series.
https://www.thecricketmonthly.com/story/1293861/r-ashwin---ive-always-been-good-at-assessing-batsmen-but-now-i-think-ive-taken-it-to-another-level

Ashwin has been a legend in the Cricket world for sometime now though he is also one of the most controversial cricketers around. He loves stating his opinion without shying away like most other cricketers do.

He clearly had to go through a lot in order to continue setting new records and staying relevant which is very difficult since he's not exactly young currently.

Because of those reasons i have a huge respect for him and for me he's GOAT. When its comes to cricketing-spin ideology(hinting his explosive post match interview on so called bad pitch=Spin track),he's not the guy you want to mess with on field or off field. I remember those IPL Mankading days when he was bullied by every SENA cricket pundit, commentator, he stood his ground every time.

[coinism]

Australia are in habit of winning with big margins. Last time they whitewashed England was in 2013/14 5-0 and the way things are going I am sure Australians have worked hard for 5-0 this time also. 2019 Ashes was balanced, as both sides won 2 matches and one game was draw. Before Series England was favorite but during the series odds went in favour of Australia.

It rain does not come in play in rest of the matches then I can see another 5-0 win for Australia. England batting is very poor I would say and their bowling is not that good enough to cover their batting performance. England bowlers concede way to many runs and batsman not even able to reach the follow on target .

Before Series they have big claims but right now only malan/root are clicking in there entire line up. There runs are not adequate to give some chance to English bowlers. There was big news when squad was announced that Stokes is available for ashes but so far he is a complete failure.

Meanwhile NZ has announced its squad for 2 test against Bangladesh. There is a big surprise (to me at least), Ajaz Patel who recently made a historic record by picking 10 wickets in an inning against India is dropped.

[lixer]

Before Series they have big claims but right now only malan/root are clicking in there entire line up. There runs are not adequate to give some chance to English bowlers. There was big news when squad was announced that Stokes is available for ashes but so far he is a complete failure.

These were not big claims mostly hype creates for this current Ashes series because we all know these two boards having some good benefits from this, and they need to do this all for more revenues which were good but after two tests results peoples understanding this all with third test is going to play at MCB on Boxing Day which is also having some good for CA as these five days are most important for them.

Meanwhile NZ has announced its squad for 2 test against Bangladesh. There is a big surprise (to me at least), Ajaz Patel who recently made a historic record by picking 10 wickets in an inning against India is dropped.

Drop of Ajaz Patel is not surprise as New Zealand home pitches are not good favorable for spinners mostly their seamers doing very good, so mostly they drop them and having just one spinner with some good batting skills, or we can say all-rounder.

[pakhitheboss]

Australia are in habit of winning with big margins. Last time they whitewashed England was in 2013/14 5-0 and the way things are going I am sure Australians have worked hard for 5-0 this time also. 2019 Ashes was balanced, as both sides won 2 matches and one game was draw. Before Series England was favorite but during the series odds went in favour of Australia.

It rain does not come in play in rest of the matches then I can see another 5-0 win for Australia. England batting is very poor I would say and their bowling is not that good enough to cover their batting performance. England bowlers concede way to many runs and batsman not even able to reach the follow on target .

Before Series they have big claims but right now only malan/root are clicking in there entire line up. There runs are not adequate to give some chance to English bowlers. There was big news when squad was announced that Stokes is available for ashes but so far he is a complete failure.

Meanwhile NZ has announced its squad for 2 test against Bangladesh. There is a big surprise (to me at least), Ajaz Patel who recently made a historic record by picking 10 wickets in an inning against India is dropped.

I think they have dropped Ajaz Patel because they are confident that they will easily win this series with Bangladesh without him or they might try someone else this time. In my opinion, they should have given this guy another opportunity this would have helped him to gain more experience and make some more improvement.

[Sithara007]

I think they have dropped Ajaz Patel because they are confident that they will easily win this series with Bangladesh without him or they might try someone else this time. In my opinion, they should have given this guy another opportunity this would have helped him to gain more experience and make some more improvement.

I am not surprised. Ajaz managed to pick 10 wickets, only because the match was being played in a dust-bowl, and the other two spinners (William Somerville and Rachin Ravindra) were out of form. I don't think that he'll be much effective in the green and bouncy tracks in New Zealand and IMO the selectors did the right thing by dropping him. Personally I still think that Mitchell Santner is a level higher than Ajaz Patel (Santner also didn't managed to find a spot. The spin bowlers are Rachin and Daryl).

[galambo]

I am not surprised. Ajaz managed to pick 10 wickets, only because the match was being played in a dust-bowl, and the other two spinners (William Somerville and Rachin Ravindra) were out of form. I don't think that he'll be much effective in the green and bouncy tracks in New Zealand and IMO the selectors did the right thing by dropping him. Personally I still think that Mitchell Santner is a level higher than Ajaz Patel (Santner also didn't managed to find a spot. The spin bowlers are Rachin and Daryl).

That's how you pay tribute to someone who made a unique world record? There are only 3 players till date who have taken 10 wickets in an innings and Patel is one of them. Out of form Rachin is still included in the squad. This news is the headline of every sports website.

[JSRAW]

I think they have dropped Ajaz Patel because they are confident that they will easily win this series with Bangladesh without him or they might try someone else this time. In my opinion, they should have given this guy another opportunity this would have helped him to gain more experience and make some more improvement.

I am not surprised. Ajaz managed to pick 10 wickets, only because the match was being played in a dust-bowl, and the other two spinners (William Somerville and Rachin Ravindra) were out of form. I don't think that he'll be much effective in the green and bouncy tracks in New Zealand and IMO the selectors did the right thing by dropping him. Personally I still think that Mitchell Santner is a level higher than Ajaz Patel (Santner also didn't managed to find a spot. The spin bowlers are Rachin and Daryl).

As their coach Gary Stead said Horses for courses is the way of every series. Despite Azaz Patel's once in a lifetime achievement, this Seems absolute right choice considering pitches in NZ and Ban team performance against the pace. They would go for spin all-rounder may be Rachin or Satner. Unfortunately for every SENA countries this horses for courses argument holds only in SENA countries (Leaving spinner out). Remember last England tour of India? England opted for 4 seamers + 1 spin combination. Also similar squad when South Africa toured India and Kiwis with part timers (One of em -Somerville- went wicketless).

[GbitG]

I am not surprised. Ajaz managed to pick 10 wickets, only because the match was being played in a dust-bowl, and the other two spinners (William Somerville and Rachin Ravindra) were out of form. I don't think that he'll be much effective in the green and bouncy tracks in New Zealand and IMO the selectors did the right thing by dropping him. Personally I still think that Mitchell Santner is a level higher than Ajaz Patel (Santner also didn't managed to find a spot. The spin bowlers are Rachin and Daryl).

That's how you pay tribute to someone who made a unique world record? There are only 3 players till date who have taken 10 wickets in an innings and Patel is one of them. Out of form Rachin is still included in the squad. This news is the headline of every sports website.

This is not all about tribute and records every team is going with their conditions and strategy Current Bangladesh team is not good against seamers so just because of this they are having green and bouncy wickets and giving chance to their pace attack instead of spinners. They mostly pick Ajaz Patel for subcontinent tours or against Pakistan in the UAE because they feel better here with this option at home they never do this in last few series, so I am feeling it's not big issue.

[eaLiTy]

~
I think they have dropped Ajaz Patel because they are confident that they will easily win this series with Bangladesh without him or they might try someone else this time. In my opinion, they should have given this guy another opportunity this would have helped him to gain more experience and make some more improvement.

For this sole reason they should have retained Ajaz Patel as the lone spinner if they are confident that they would win the match easily against Bangladesh. The reason is they might be going with an all out pace attack and Bangladesh batsman are not known to play pace and swing at good speeds very well and they might be planning to finish the matches faster  .

[Haunebu]

2 big test matches are starting on 26th right after Christmas and I am excited for both of them. One of them is basically the decider for Ashes 2021 between Australia and England and I feel like England will win or draw the match.

The other match is being played between India and South Africa and I am expecting India to whitewash South Africa on their turf based on my research.

[Sithara007]

2 big test matches are starting on 26th right after Christmas and I am excited for both of them. One of them is basically the decider for Ashes 2021 between Australia and England and I feel like England will win or draw the match.

The other match is being played between India and South Africa and I am expecting India to whitewash South Africa on their turf based on my research.

LOL... after such pathetic performance from England, you still expect them to win? You sure that you are not being overly optimistic? And I would say the same for India vs South Africa as well. The tracks are going to be bouncy, and supportive of seam bowling. I heard that Nortje is injured, but there is no dearth of pace bowling talent in South Africa. Still, it would be interesting to see how the South African batsmen fare against the Indian seamers (especially Quinton de Kock, Temba Bavuma and Aiden Markram).

[onecall123]

2 big test matches are starting on 26th right after Christmas and I am excited for both of them. One of them is basically the decider for Ashes 2021 between Australia and England and I feel like England will win or draw the match.

The other match is being played between India and South Africa and I am expecting India to whitewash South Africa on their turf based on my research.

LOL... after such pathetic performance from England, you still expect them to win? You sure that you are not being overly optimistic? And I would say the same for India vs South Africa as well. The tracks are going to be bouncy, and supportive of seam bowling. I heard that Nortje is injured, but there is no dearth of pace bowling talent in South Africa. Still, it would be interesting to see how the South African batsmen fare against the Indian seamers (especially Quinton de Kock, Temba Bavuma and Aiden Markram).

We've seen a one-sided game so far during the Ashes series. Australia is the top choice to win. India doesn't have the best record when traveling to South Africa. But, India can definitely win this time in South Africa if they follow the basics properly without overreaching. The numbers are certainly not ones that the Indian team is proud of, but there is a chance that they can be improved this time around.