Test Cricket Prediction and Discussion Thread [self - mod]

[pakhitheboss]

Unbelievable scenes unfolding at the MCG. England blown away by Scott Boland and Mitchell Starc for 68, as they slip to an innings defeat. Australia is up by 3-0 in Ashes, and with every passing day a 5-0 whitewash looks likely. Had anyone even considered this possibility before the start of the series? I have followed most of the posts in this thread, and a lot of users actually predicted 5-0 in England's favor. And today morning they got bowled out for a two digit total, and that too without key bowlers in the Australian playing XI (Hazlewood, Richardson.etc).

This is a nightmare for the England team and fans. Something is seriously gone wrong in their team. No one would have expected that England will close the year on such miserable performance. They need to work out on something or make big changes in the team to be able to show some performance in the remaining last two test matches.

How will you explain the bowling by Scott Boland. He took 6 wickets in just 4 overs and gave only seven runs. I wonder how many records have broken by this bowling spell from Scott Boland ?
Australian looking in full form at the moment and their target should be to whitewash the series.

I won't give him all the credit. You cannot forget the English batting lineup, they have been struggling from the beginning of this series. Nothing new though in the past to they have proved that they cannot play in any kind of pitches nor can face new bowlers. That being said I think this series will be a whitewash.

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[galambo]

In England there are almost all kinds of sports including football and rugby. At the same time they also participated in the Olympics and won many medals. Football is more popular in England than cricket. The ECB should take steps to increase the popularity of cricket. Otherwise, they will not be able to find talented and experienced players for the national team after a while.

That's not the case in England. Developed countries don't only focus on one sport only. See case of Australia they play every sport like football, rugby and have good presence at Olympics. Cricket is major sports in under developed countries like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri lanka.


Meanwhile 3rd test of Ashes has completely taken over discussion here and no one talking about India/SA test match. Match is in interesting phase with major chances of India winning the game.

[JSRAW]

SA vs IND game might turn into good contest and some sort of mental gymnastic on declaration decision, only because of Rain forecast.

Kohli & co need to thread carefully about how long they want to bat or what target they want to set for Proteas. Pitch also looking dangerous for the batters so 250 seems defendable total but considering Bumrah's new injury, they should target close to 300 runs.


Edit

Lead is now 241 runs and they are 6 down.

Edit

SA need 304 runs to win.

[virasog]

South Africa need 262 more runs to win the test match but they are 2 wickets down at the moment with 43 on the board. I want to place the bet on this match and i fancy placing my bet on a draw and hope there is rain on the last day of the match.  
If there is no rain, then both teams would have equal chances of winning, however, India might have a slight advantage.

[onecall123]

South Africa need 262 more runs to win the test match but they are 2 wickets down at the moment with 43 on the board. I want to place the bet on this match and i fancy placing my bet on a draw and hope there is rain on the last day of the match.  
If there is no rain, then both teams would have equal chances of winning, however, India might have a slight advantage.

To win, South Africa needs to reach a challenging total. India may hold a slight advantage. With two wickets down, will the fast bowlers take early wickets? Otherwise, the match ends in a draw if rain falls on the fifth day. Although there's no reason to be surprised if India doesn't win the test, it's now the bowlers' turn to perform well.

[galambo]

South Africa need 262 more runs to win the test match but they are 2 wickets down at the moment with 43 on the board. I want to place the bet on this match and i fancy placing my bet on a draw and hope there is rain on the last day of the match.  
If there is no rain, then both teams would have equal chances of winning, however, India might have a slight advantage.

Indian batting failed miserably in the second innings, not even a single one scored 50. India manage to give target of 305 to south africa, thanks to there 130 runs lead. With three down and 230 more runs required, I would say better place bet on India as they have better chances of winning the game.

[Theones]

To win, South Africa needs to reach a challenging total. India may hold a slight advantage. With two wickets down, will the fast bowlers take early wickets? Otherwise, the match ends in a draw if rain falls on the fifth day. Although there's no reason to be surprised if India doesn't win the test, it's now the bowlers' turn to perform well.

India clearly are now the favorite for this game, as south africa has lost 4 wickets and they still need 211 more runs to. With one complete day remaining its almost impossible for south africa to draw the game. If you are placing bet then better place bet on India win if the book is still open.

[Maidak]

South Africa need 262 more runs to win the test match but they are 2 wickets down at the moment with 43 on the board. I want to place the bet on this match and i fancy placing my bet on a draw and hope there is rain on the last day of the match.  
If there is no rain, then both teams would have equal chances of winning, however, India might have a slight advantage.

Indian batting failed miserably in the second innings, not even a single one scored 50. India manage to give target of 305 to south africa, thanks to there 130 runs lead. With three down and 230 more runs required, I would say better place bet on India as they have better chances of winning the game.

India's batting lineup collapsed badly in the second innings. Maybe they will still win. But at least more than 200 should have been collected. With so many talented players, the performance is still irregular. Batsmen need to be responsible and patient to play in the Test format.
South Africa is not a very strong team now. Against them, India needed to dominate the match and win.

[Theones]

India's batting lineup collapsed badly in the second innings. Maybe they will still win. But at least more than 200 should have been collected. With so many talented players, the performance is still irregular. Batsmen need to be responsible and patient to play in the Test format. South Africa is not a very strong team now. Against them, India needed to dominate the match and win.

The other worry thing for India is that Kohli is not scoring runs after he was removed from captaincy. If he continuous to play like that I am sure not only his test captaincy also he will be removed from the team altogether. At the stumps of day 4, India has picked 4 vital wickets and south Africa are very much out of the game.

[Maidak]

India's batting lineup collapsed badly in the second innings. Maybe they will still win. But at least more than 200 should have been collected. With so many talented players, the performance is still irregular. Batsmen need to be responsible and patient to play in the Test format. South Africa is not a very strong team now. Against them, India needed to dominate the match and win.

The other worry thing for India is that Kohli is not scoring runs after he was removed from captaincy. If he continuous to play like that I am sure not only his test captaincy also he will be removed from the team altogether. At the stumps of day 4, India has picked 4 vital wickets and south Africa are very much out of the game.

We haven't seen Kohli's innings for a long time even before he left for the captaincy.
He is one of the best batsmen in the world. So of course his fans are eager to see good batting. He has not been in form for a long time. T did not play well in the World Cup. He is also out of form in the last Test series. If this situation continues, he may be out of the team in the next series.

[Haunebu]

If there is no rain, then both teams would have equal chances of winning, however, India might have a slight advantage.

Equal chances? How did you reach that conclusion? India stand a far better chance at winning this one when compared to South Africa currently since they already lost 4 wickets and Elgar is the lone warrior.

If this situation continues, he may be out of the team in the next series.

Kohli kicked out of the team? Hilarious. He will continue receiving well-deserved chances until he himself decides to quit from all formats of the game.

[barbara44]

Equal chances? How did you reach that conclusion? India stand a far better chance at winning this one when compared to South Africa currently since they already lost 4 wickets and Elgar is the lone warrior.

South Africa could draw this match from this point as they still have Dean Elgar, Temba Bavuma and Quinton de Kock. First they need to try for batting for all 90 overs among these 3 players then if they manage with 1 or 2 wickets for first 2 sessions then they may go for trying to score for winning.

At the same time, I am sure the India bowling line up might create chances to push for winning as they need just 6 more scalps which is very easier for their 4 pacers and 1 spinner. I guess Ashwin may shine on the final day still pacers are alone seeming enough to finish up in first 2 sessions itself for India favor.

[JSRAW]

South Africa need 262 more runs to win the test match but they are 2 wickets down at the moment with 43 on the board. I want to place the bet on this match and i fancy placing my bet on a draw and hope there is rain on the last day of the match.  
If there is no rain, then both teams would have equal chances of winning, however, India might have a slight advantage.

Indian batting failed miserably in the second innings, not even a single one scored 50. India manage to give target of 305 to south africa, thanks to there 130 runs lead. With three down and 230 more runs required, I would say better place bet on India as they have better chances of winning the game.

With all due respect to you and couple of posters in this thread. It clear to me that you guys didn't watch the match (Saying because i did) and posting by simply checking the scorecard. I don't blame you but please you don't need to exaggerate. Pitch was extremely tough to bat on and i'm not even bringing declaration decision gymnastic and rain predictions (One of the reason everyone was into slogging or got out due to uneven bounce), there are already big cracks on the pitch, source is live feed FYI.

This would be historic win for SA if they manage to score remaining 211 runs. Yeah that's right SENA countries thinks that's way, for dim Indian fans winning at home conditions on tough contest is normal affair. Tbh In current scenario Proteas even take draw as a big win.

[Maidak]

If this situation continues, he may be out of the team in the next series.

Kohli kicked out of the team? Hilarious. He will continue receiving well-deserved chances until he himself decides to quit from all formats of the game.

BCCI has a lot of talented players. They have already given Kohli a lot of opportunities. But Kohli could not take advantage of these opportunities. His performance has further deteriorated. Now it is natural to say that BCCI will give place to the most deserving candidate in the Indian team. Isn't that supposed to happen?

I know Kohli's position is undeniable for the Indian team. There are few talented players like him in the whole world. But if he still can't play well, the Indian board will not keep him in the team for very long.

[kro55]

If this situation continues, he may be out of the team in the next series.

Kohli kicked out of the team? Hilarious. He will continue receiving well-deserved chances until he himself decides to quit from all formats of the game.

BCCI has a lot of talented players. They have already given Kohli a lot of opportunities. But Kohli could not take advantage of these opportunities. His performance has further deteriorated. Now it is natural to say that BCCI will give place to the most deserving candidate in the Indian team. Isn't that supposed to happen? I know Kohli's position is undeniable for the Indian team. There are few talented players like him in the whole world. But if he still can't play well, the Indian board will not keep him in the team for very long.

I also agree with @Maidak. Because, Kohli has been formless for a long time. Kohli is a legend for the Indian team.

I think Kohli and Rohit are the most talented and experienced players in the Indian team right now. Yet India has a lot of talented players. Kohli has not been able to play well for a long time. He has been given many opportunities. If any other player had lost such form in his place, he would not have been given so much time and opportunity. Kohli should voluntarily make himself better from outside the team for a while.

[pakhitheboss]

Equal chances? How did you reach that conclusion? India stand a far better chance at winning this one when compared to South Africa currently since they already lost 4 wickets and Elgar is the lone warrior.

South Africa could draw this match from this point as they still have Dean Elgar, Temba Bavuma and Quinton de Kock. First they need to try for batting for all 90 overs among these 3 players then if they manage with 1 or 2 wickets for first 2 sessions then they may go for trying to score for winning.

At the same time, I am sure the India bowling line up might create chances to push for winning as they need just 6 more scalps which is very easier for their 4 pacers and 1 spinner. I guess Ashwin may shine on the final day still pacers are alone seeming enough to finish up in first 2 sessions itself for India favor.

I do not think SA can draw the match they are already down with 4 wickets and have just scored 94 runs. This match is slowly moving out of their hands and with the deteriorating pitch condition, it will be very hard to play. I think they will start losing wickets in the quick intervals from now on they have only one day left. Dean Elgar is still batting well but for how long?

[Sithara007]

It was not a simple inning lose but humiliation. This current England team sucks on different level and hitting new low every time they come to bat.

This i a new level of humiliation and i am expecting major changes in the team as this team sucks in the longer format, when i woke up today, i logged into my subscription app to watch the match live and i could not see them and i thought weather has stopped play and then when i saw one the notifications i came to know that England is all out for double digits .

Same here. Logged in to Sony LIV at around 7:15am Indian time and came to know that the match has been finished already. Big loss for the broadcasters, because the match lasted for just two days and one session. BTW, I need to congratulate the Australian selectors for their bold choice in getting Scott Boland in the playing XI for the third test. He has an excellent record at the MCG, and he singlehandedly destroyed the England batting lineup in the third test. And still, he may be dropped from the playing XI for the fourth test.

[FanEagle]

I do not think SA can draw the match they are already down with 4 wickets and have just scored 94 runs. This match is slowly moving out of their hands and with the deteriorating pitch condition, it will be very hard to play.

But, Kesav Maharaj is not a top order batsman hence literally I do consider only 3 wickets down and if they are about to exploit the home advantage then this fifth day going to very exciting otherwise India will finish off the match with 1 - 0 lead.

I guess Bavuma's skills today is going to decide the final result of this match. He batted superbly for the first inning and if he could show same level of patience today as well then Indian bowlers will have tough time and my another man to watch is Rabada. He is always doing decent job at tail end and today also he could some some resistance against India's plans.

[JSRAW]

Now i'm starting to like Buvama. Gun fielder in circle and batting exceptionally well with responsibility when his team need the most.

India need 5 wickets and SA need 150 runs, plenty of overs in the bank and only forecast could ruin the mood.  

SA atm playing excellent cricket.

Edit

Lol Miya ji got the De Kock. India now need 4 wickets.

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Edit

7th down!!

[noormcs5]

Now i'm starting to like Buvama. Gun fielder in circle and batting exceptionally well with responsibility when his team need the most.

India need 5 wickets and SA need 150 runs, plenty of overs in the bank and only forecast could ruin the mood.  

SA atm playing excellent cricket.

Edit

Lol Miya ji got the De Kock. India now need 4 wickets.

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Edit

7th down!!

With too early wickets for india very much sums up the match in the favor of India. De Kock was the last hope for South Africa but he was dismissed by Mohammed Siraj and soon after that Wiaan Mulder  was caught on the bowling of Mohammed Shami.

The first test belongs to India and south african needs to focus on building some batting friendly wickets.