Test Cricket Prediction and Discussion Thread [self - mod]

[akhjob]

I could say that India lost the first test because Rohit was rested, Rahul not given a chance as WK batsmen and so on, but that would be a complete lie. I was completely disappointed with the recent performance and NZ clearly dominated. No Indian batsmen were able to stay in the crease for a longer period of time and put runs on board. Hope they don't continue this poor form in the upcoming matches

[JohnBitCo]

I could say that India lost the first test because Rohit was rested, Rahul not given a chance as WK batsmen and so on, but that would be a complete lie. I was completely disappointed with the recent performance and NZ clearly dominated. No Indian batsmen were able to stay in the crease for a longer period of time and put runs on board. Hope they don't continue this poor form in the upcoming matches

So there could be any of the below possibilities for the India losing the tests/ ODI

1- They were over confident especially after white wash NewZealand in T20
2- They were tired after playing a long Series with Australia and now NewZealand
3- They try to experiment too much

[Vishnu.Reang]

I don't understand the angry reaction from the Indian fans (I'm an Indian myself). Historically, India has performed poorly outside the subcontinent. However, ever since Virat Kohli became the captain, there have been a noticeable improvement in their performance. But even then, it was going to be tough against New Zealand, who have world class bowlers such as Neil Wagner and Trent Boult.

[7788bitcoin]

So if expectation does not meet the reality in cricket , it is termed as Match fixing.

If a team is not playing according to the expectation then the opposition is playing a much better game and the pressure of performing has taken the best out of them rather than match fixing.

India lost 3 ODIs consecutively to lose the series  and if they lost the 2nd test also, i think there would be match fixing in some way or the other.

If India looses the second Test then it is just a disappointing performance by India as the players failed to perform well outside the subcontinent and nothing else. New Zealand is a much better team in their background and to defeat them India needs to play a much better cricket to outclass New Zealand and with Kohli is not in good form someone has to rise to the occasion if not it will be another one sided encounter.

[mersal]

I don't understand the angry reaction from the Indian fans (I'm an Indian myself). Historically, India has performed poorly outside the subcontinent. However, ever since Virat Kohli became the captain, there have been a noticeable improvement in their performance. But even then, it was going to be tough against New Zealand, who have world class bowlers such as Neil Wagner and Trent Boult.

I don't say I got angry at the India after that match but definitely got dissapointed.Things changed from the past,India got world class players who can compete and win any team and not every matchs can be won also but here this match they didn't even tried to win the match they fell easy for NZ bowlers.I will say that India tested too much in the selection which is the only reason why they lost it.Atleast in the second test we hope to see some fight back and the right team selection first of all.

[Vishnu.Reang]

I don't understand the angry reaction from the Indian fans (I'm an Indian myself). Historically, India has performed poorly outside the subcontinent. However, ever since Virat Kohli became the captain, there have been a noticeable improvement in their performance. But even then, it was going to be tough against New Zealand, who have world class bowlers such as Neil Wagner and Trent Boult.

I don't say I got angry at the India after that match but definitely got dissapointed.Things changed from the past,India got world class players who can compete and win any team and not every matchs can be won also but here this match they didn't even tried to win the match they fell easy for NZ bowlers.I will say that India tested too much in the selection which is the only reason why they lost it.Atleast in the second test we hope to see some fight back and the right team selection first of all.

The choice for opening batsmen was baffling. The regular openers were doing a splendid job, and there was no need to shove in Prithvi Shaw and Mayank Agarwal. Virat Kohli was doing a good job at no.3 position and they pushed him down by one slot. And finally, Ashwin was selected over the other spinners, despite his poor performances in pace-friendly tracks.

[JSRAW]

~snip~
The choice for opening batsmen was baffling. The regular openers were doing a splendid job, and there was no need to shove in Prithvi Shaw and Mayank Agarwal. Virat Kohli was doing a good job at no.3 position and they pushed him down by one slot. And finally, Ashwin was selected over the other spinners, despite his poor performances in pace-friendly tracks.

Ummm, Well, Ummm....

Prithvi is the only new guy in this team. Mayank is part of the test squad for quite some time now, he's playing almost every test after his Debut against Australia in Dec 2018. How many time we have seen Virat batting at no 3 in the test match? hardly 5-6 innings may be? he always prefer 4th position in test. Ashwin is debatable but he did okay job in last game as bowler.

[Vishnu.Reang]

~snip~
The choice for opening batsmen was baffling. The regular openers were doing a splendid job, and there was no need to shove in Prithvi Shaw and Mayank Agarwal. Virat Kohli was doing a good job at no.3 position and they pushed him down by one slot. And finally, Ashwin was selected over the other spinners, despite his poor performances in pace-friendly tracks.

Ummm, Well, Ummm....

Prithvi is the only new guy in this team. Mayank is part of the test squad for quite some time now, he's playing almost every test after his Debut against Australia in Dec 2018. How many time we have seen Virat batting at no 3 in the test match? hardly 5-6 innings may be? he always prefer 4th position in test. Ashwin is debatable but he did okay job in last game as bowler.

My bad.. but I always felt that no.3 position suits more for Kohli, when compared to the no.4 slot. But it is his choice, since he is the captain. Anyway, for now India has nothing to worry. Although this series is a part of the ICC World Test Championship, as of now India is far ahead of the second placed team (Australia). And the other teams are too far behind them.

[pakhitheboss]

~snip~
The choice for opening batsmen was baffling. The regular openers were doing a splendid job, and there was no need to shove in Prithvi Shaw and Mayank Agarwal. Virat Kohli was doing a good job at no.3 position and they pushed him down by one slot. And finally, Ashwin was selected over the other spinners, despite his poor performances in pace-friendly tracks.

Ummm, Well, Ummm....

Prithvi is the only new guy in this team. Mayank is part of the test squad for quite some time now, he's playing almost every test after his Debut against Australia in Dec 2018. How many time we have seen Virat batting at no 3 in the test match? hardly 5-6 innings may be? he always prefer 4th position in test. Ashwin is debatable but he did okay job in last game as bowler.

My bad.. but I always felt that no.3 position suits more for Kohli, when compared to the no.4 slot. But it is his choice, since he is the captain. Anyway, for now India has nothing to worry. Although this series is a part of the ICC World Test Championship, as of now India is far ahead of the second placed team (Australia). And the other teams are too far behind them.

I still do not understand how ICC calculates the ranking of any team?

Sad to see Prithvi Shaw's performance in one day's and test. I expected some good innings by the youngster. I feel there was a hype created by the media about his batting.

Kohli's experiment to change his batting order has failed miserably and I think he should stick to his old position.

[erikalui]

^The ranking and points are better explained here: https://www.business-standard.com/sports/icc-world-test-championship/points-table

Even though India are ahead, we can see that only India and Aus have played 3 series each as of now (excluding the NZ test match) and have won all of them and hence they have more points. Some teams have played 1 and some 2. In no time the table can change with Australia being at the top and then followed by England. Yet many matches to come and England seems to quickly climb that table with matches against WI and Pak.

[Indymoney]

In Sub-Continent we have one serious problem we are very furious peoples every one seems he is better analyst and selector and want to bring his favorite players in every match its really terrible thinking India was winning very confortably and all was very happy as they lost one match too much criticism is coming for selectors and management I feel we have to keep cool and check how are they doing and what are doing its much better for us is this ok or no any thioughts ?

[Haunebu]

Test format is completely different beast. Rahul might become good bet for India in Sub-continent type wickets but SENA countries are tough nut to crack for majority of batsmen. He already got enough chances to prove but failed, may be team management give him another go in the next season, only if he performs in longer format for Domestic team/India A . I agree on pretty much everything except on one thing " Getting into Test Team because you have good form in T-20 as opener? its NO_GO_ZONE IMO"

I am taking this argument as Rahul_The_Opener. but if go by hypothetical situation where he can refine his keeping for 5 day cricket and bats in middle-order or may be Top-order then yes he should be first choice for Wicket-keeper batsman.

Can understand your opinion and I agree with some of your points, but T-20 and ODI form does actually help with tests sometimes. Lets take Rohit as an example. This man was known for his prowess in the T-20 and ODI formats specifically, but he was wonderful opening in tests too. Some cricketers are versatile basically.

In Sub-Continent we have one serious problem we are very furious peoples every one seems he is better analyst and selector and want to bring his favorite players in every match its really terrible thinking India was winning very confortably and all was very happy as they lost one match too much criticism is coming for selectors and management I feel we have to keep cool and check how are they doing and what are doing its much better for us is this ok or no any thioughts ?

Agreed. They need to learn from NZ. They lost so many close games, but still never gave up and look where they are now. Their fans have never stopped supporting them and that is all that they needed.

[pakhitheboss]

In Sub-Continent we have one serious problem we are very furious peoples every one seems he is better analyst and selector and want to bring his favorite players in every match its really terrible thinking India was winning very confortably and all was very happy as they lost one match too much criticism is coming for selectors and management I feel we have to keep cool and check how are they doing and what are doing its much better for us is this ok or no any thioughts ?

Indians only love one game and that is cricket. Newzealand's favorite and national game is Rugby. Cricket comes next to that. This is one of the reasons why you will hear or read less criticism about their team.

Indians treat cricketers as a god, NZ people don't. You cannot compare Indians with Newzealanders when you are talking about cricket.

[Indymoney]

In Sub-Continent we have one serious problem we are very furious peoples every one seems he is better analyst and selector and want to bring his favorite players in every match its really terrible thinking India was winning very confortably and all was very happy as they lost one match too much criticism is coming for selectors and management I feel we have to keep cool and check how are they doing and what are doing its much better for us is this ok or no any thioughts ?

Indians only love one game and that is cricket. Newzealand's favorite and national game is Rugby. Cricket comes next to that. This is one of the reasons why you will hear or read less criticism about their team.

Indians treat cricketers as a god, NZ people don't. You cannot compare Indians with Newzealanders when you are talking about cricket.

I am not comparing Indians and New Zealanders I am talking about Sub-Continent peoples please read carefully my post because I also understand all situation in India and New Zealand completely different countries in many ways but in here Sub-Continent nothing is different all same things happening.

[Vishnu.Reang]

India lost one test match abroad and all the hell breaks loose. It is not uncommon for top ranked teams to lose in sports. I have seen Brazil getting thrashed in the FIFA world cup. There was real shock, when the United States couldn't even reach the finals of the FIBA World Cup. It happens sometimes and that's what makes sports exciting.

BTW, New Zealand is facing a real dilemma with the selection of the bowlers for the second test. Neil Wagner is back to the squad. So they should drop one of the four bowlers (Boult, Southee, Jamieson and Ajaz). The coach is thinking about dropping Jamieson and I think that it will be a very stupid move. I would rather drop Ajaz and go with an all pace attack.

[BitSat19]

India lost one test match abroad and all the hell breaks loose. It is not uncommon for top ranked teams to lose in sports. I have seen Brazil getting thrashed in the FIFA world cup. There was real shock, when the United States couldn't even reach the finals of the FIBA World Cup. It happens sometimes and that's what makes sports exciting.

BTW, New Zealand is facing a real dilemma with the selection of the bowlers for the second test. Neil Wagner is back to the squad. So they should drop one of the four bowlers (Boult, Southee, Jamieson and Ajaz). The coach is thinking about dropping Jamieson and I think that it will be a very stupid move. I would rather drop Ajaz and go with an all pace attack.

This could be very interesting decision who is going out of second test for me also Ajaz Patel should be dropped because on these pitches he is not going to do any good thing for home team.
I was reading India just won 2 test matches in last 44 years and not can they win third and level series because its very important for them what you guys thinking about this can they won and level series.

[JSRAW]

~snip~
Ummm, Well, Ummm....

Prithvi is the only new guy in this team. Mayank is part of the test squad for quite some time now, he's playing almost every test after his Debut against Australia in Dec 2018. How many time we have seen Virat batting at no 3 in the test match? hardly 5-6 innings may be? he always prefer 4th position in test. Ashwin is debatable but he did okay job in last game as bowler.

My bad.. but I always felt that no.3 position suits more for Kohli, when compared to the no.4 slot. But it is his choice, since he is the captain. Anyway, for now India has nothing to worry. Although this series is a part of the ICC World Test Championship, as of now India is far ahead of the second placed team (Australia). And the other teams are too far behind them.

For limited over cricket, then yeah he likes to bat at 3rd position but not in test format, its fixed for Pujara. Similarly Dravid used to bat at no 3 and Sachin at no 4.

Sad to see Prithvi Shaw's performance in one day's and test. I expected some good innings by the youngster. I feel there was a hype created by the media about his batting.

No hype in case of Prithvi Shaw. he's blu eyed boy for everyone since he was 13yo due to his batting and non-stop good performances.

Kohli's experiment to change his batting order has failed miserably and I think he should stick to his old position.

Bhai, please read the post you quoted, one more time  

~snip~
Can understand your opinion and I agree with some of your points, but T-20 and ODI form does actually help with tests sometimes. Lets take Rohit as an example. This man was known for his prowess in the T-20 and ODI formats specifically, but he was wonderful opening in tests too. Some cricketers are versatile basically.

Haha now backing KL Rahul with Rohit's example? Rohit doing exceptionally great in Indian subcontinent as an test opener but only time will tell if he's able to play same in SENA countries as an opener or not. So far he didn't opened the inning there so there is no sample size and we can only speculate. BTW There is a reason why management keeps him in middle order instead of giving him opening slot whenever India tours SENA countries. Hope he remains fit when India tours Australia this year (Dec).

On KL Rahul we can agree to disagree. And i don't see him in the Test Squad as an opener in the next couple of years. for him to get selected in the team he needs to perform in 4 day cricket and Rohit, Prithvi or new guy Shubham (whenever he gets his test cap) needs to fail miserably.

[Vishnu.Reang]

This could be very interesting decision who is going out of second test for me also Ajaz Patel should be dropped because on these pitches he is not going to do any good thing for home team.

Ideally Ajaz Patel should be dropped, but the coach (Gary Stead) is not very comfortable in going with an all-pace attack. I watched the interview where the journalists pointed out that Ajaz played hardly any part in the first match. Stead then went on the aggressive mode and claimed that he would have played a major role, had the match went on for more than 4 days.

The signals are clear. Rather than Ajaz, Jamieson will be dropped and that is going to be a historic blunder.

[LittleBitFunny]

With the return of Neil Wagner, New-Zealand bowling attack has become stronger again. Another obstacle awaits for India.
Let's see how effective Neil Wagner can play in the field.

[Haunebu]

On KL Rahul we can agree to disagree. And i don't see him in the Test Squad as an opener in the next couple of years. for him to get selected in the team he needs to perform in 4 day cricket and Rohit, Prithvi or new guy Shubham (whenever he gets his test cap) needs to fail miserably.

For some reason, I feel like Rahul will become a permanent addition to the test squad in the near future(Just a wild guess). Shaw has been under-performing constantly along with Vihari. Am not expecting much from Shubman either.

With the return of Neil Wagner, New-Zealand bowling attack has become stronger again. Another obstacle awaits for India.
Let's see how effective Neil Wagner can play in the field.

Damn. He is a great bowler. If India can defeat NZ with such a strong bowling attack after losing to them in such a bad way recently, kudos to them. This will be a great test for the newbies to prove themselves against such sensational bowlers.