Test Cricket Prediction and Discussion Thread [self - mod]

[Sithara007]

Anyone following the second test match between Pakistan and New Zealand? Pakistan managed to take three quick wickets, but Kane Williamson and Henry Nicholls have now stabilized the New Zealand innings. Now they are 149/3, and trail by 148 runs. I expect New Zealand to take the first innings lead, but there is still no guarantee about it.

[JSRAW]

How the table turns... if you think about it then this whole situation is quite hilarious from both sides.  

Few years back Australian media/ Experts / Almost everyone used to say that Indians are scared to play in the Australia but now every one says that they are scared to play in the certain ground. People forget that they are still playing in Australia's home turf be it Gabba, Adelaide, Melbourne or Sydney.

Australian bowling was never this much weak. There was a time when they had Glenn McGrath, Shane Warne and Brett Lee in the playing XI. Before that they had Merv Hughes and Craig McDermott. Even after the McGrath-Warne era, they had legendary bowlers such as Mitchell Johnson and Shaun Tait. But look at the condition right now. The Indian pace/spin bowling attack is much better than that of the Australians.

I would never say that they are weak bowling side. They are in top 3 in the world cricket and were looking at top form before they lost the 2nd game. And their bowlers didn't perform bad at all, their batting looking vulnerable because Smudge (smith) is not performing.

The way i see it, world cricket going through some phase of average batting from every single team but not bowling.

[SATWAT]

Anyone following the second test match between Pakistan and New Zealand? Pakistan managed to take three quick wickets, but Kane Williamson and Henry Nicholls have now stabilized the New Zealand innings. Now they are 149/3, and trail by 148 runs. I expect New Zealand to take the first innings lead, but there is still no guarantee about it.

Now New Zealand is in complete control because at the end of second day they are 286/3 Williamson on 112 and Nicholis is also around 89 so they are going to win this match as well because lead about 100+ is really good for them Pakistani batting is not giving good response and now bowling is also average.

[7788bitcoin]

The way i see it, world cricket going through some phase of average batting from every single team but not bowling.

If you look at the modern day batsman they are struggling if there is some movement from the pitch and to make Test matches interesting and to avoid draws the pitches are made that offers some assistance to the bowlers as well while the shorter format pitches are flat and so is the reason these batsman are able to make big runs.

I expect New Zealand to take the first innings lead, but there is still no guarantee about it.

New Zealand just trail by 11 runs and they only lost 3 wickets, until and unless Pakistan bowlers produce some magical spells they will take a lead of around 150 to 200 runs.

[onrise]

The way i see it, world cricket going through some phase of average batting from every single team but not bowling.

If you look at the modern day batsman they are struggling if there is some movement from the pitch and to make Test matches interesting and to avoid draws the pitches are made that offers some assistance to the bowlers as well while the shorter format pitches are flat and so is the reason these batsman are able to make big runs.

I expect New Zealand to take the first innings lead, but there is still no guarantee about it.

New Zealand just trail by 11 runs and they only lost 3 wickets, until and unless Pakistan bowlers produce some magical spells they will take a lead of around 150 to 200 runs.

Williamson and Henry partnership changed the game for NZ else even they were struggling once when they lost 3d wicket at just 71. This partnership if plays the majority of the first session tomorrow then lead could well be above 250+ runs easily for NZ and this would mean that Pakistan chances reduces to win the test or even to draw if they play like first innings.

For Pakistan to be back they will need quick wickets tomorrow and probably try to restrict the lead under 125 runs if possible else will be very difficult for them to save the match.

[Swordsoffreedom]

For Pakistan to be back they will need quick wickets tomorrow and probably try to restrict the lead under 125 runs if possible else will be very difficult for them to save the match.

If Pakistan is unable to take early wickets in the first session, I think they will lose by an innings. If New Zealand gives Pakistan a target of 200 runs. Pakistan will not be able to score 200 runs in their second innings. The series of completely one-sided.

[bryant.coleman]

If Pakistan is unable to take early wickets in the first session, I think they will lose by an innings. If New Zealand gives Pakistan a target of 200 runs. Pakistan will not be able to score 200 runs in their second innings. The series of completely one-sided.

Don't be overconfident about the New Zealanders. First of all, they don't even have a lead right now. They may be able to build a lead tomorrow, but Pakistan has some talented pace bowlers and if they bowl well, then they can restrict NZ to somewhere around a lead of 100-150. Now it will be Pakistan's turn and I have a feeling that they will bat sensibly this time, as this is the last match of the tour.

[Indymoney]

If Pakistan is unable to take early wickets in the first session, I think they will lose by an innings. If New Zealand gives Pakistan a target of 200 runs. Pakistan will not be able to score 200 runs in their second innings. The series of completely one-sided.

Don't be overconfident about the New Zealanders. First of all, they don't even have a lead right now. They may be able to build a lead tomorrow, but Pakistan has some talented pace bowlers and if they bowl well, then they can restrict NZ to somewhere around a lead of 100-150. Now it will be Pakistan's turn and I have a feeling that they will bat sensibly this time, as this is the last match of the tour.

In first inning of this match they done some good batting but sadly few batsmen unable to read bounce of this wicket and fall very quickly but I am very confident about them they will do some better in second inning but first pacers need to do some better use of this all and restrict New Zealand from building any big lead which create more problems for them in this test.

[Swordsoffreedom]

If Pakistan is unable to take early wickets in the first session, I think they will lose by an innings. If New Zealand gives Pakistan a target of 200 runs. Pakistan will not be able to score 200 runs in their second innings. The series of completely one-sided.

Don't be overconfident about the New Zealanders. First of all, they don't even have a lead right now. They may be able to build a lead tomorrow, but Pakistan has some talented pace bowlers and if they bowl well, then they can restrict NZ to somewhere around a lead of 100-150. Now it will be Pakistan's turn and I have a feeling that they will bat sensibly this time, as this is the last match of the tour.

I am not overconfident with the New Zealand players. I said, if they are able to give a target of more than 200 runs, then Pakistan will lose by an innings. And that's what I think. If NZ doesn't lose any wickets in the first session, I think they will be able to give a lead of more than 200 runs And that's what I think. Because I don't see such an experienced player in the Pakistan team. I am not satisfied with their overall performance. I'm just giving my own opinion.

[onrise]

In another test which is low key affair SL in second innings are 150/4 and thanks to Dimuth who is batting on 91 else SL would have being all out under 200 like first innings. SL now lead by 5 runs. Though not expecting any miracle here which could help SL to even draw the test. SA should win this easily even if they have to chase 200-250 runs on last day.

[bryant.coleman]

If Pakistan is unable to take early wickets in the first session, I think they will lose by an innings. If New Zealand gives Pakistan a target of 200 runs. Pakistan will not be able to score 200 runs in their second innings. The series of completely one-sided.

Don't be overconfident about the New Zealanders. First of all, they don't even have a lead right now. They may be able to build a lead tomorrow, but Pakistan has some talented pace bowlers and if they bowl well, then they can restrict NZ to somewhere around a lead of 100-150. Now it will be Pakistan's turn and I have a feeling that they will bat sensibly this time, as this is the last match of the tour.

I am not overconfident with the New Zealand players. I said, if they are able to give a target of more than 200 runs, then Pakistan will lose by an innings. And that's what I think. If NZ doesn't lose any wickets in the first session, I think they will be able to give a lead of more than 200 runs And that's what I think. Because I don't see such an experienced player in the Pakistan team. I am not satisfied with their overall performance. I'm just giving my own opinion.

Maybe you are right. But let's not forget the fact that now Pakistan will be under tremendous pressure to perform well in the final match. Their performance was disappointing so far in this tour, apart from that consolation win during the 3rd T20I match. And the Pakistani bowlers actually started well, and at one point they had restricted New Zealand to 71/3. Also, their batting was not that disappointing in the first innings. IMO, it is still 50/50.

[JSRAW]

I would never say that they are weak bowling side. They are in top 3 in the world cricket and were looking at top form before they lost the 2nd game. And their bowlers didn't perform bad at all, their batting looking vulnerable because Smudge (smith) is not performing.

The way i see it, world cricket going through some phase of average batting from every single team but not bowling.

You are right. The problem is with their batting and not with their bowling. The same set of bowlers blasted out India for 36 runs in the first test. And let's not forget the fact that the playing XI had players such as Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara. The bowlers can't do much, when the batsmen are performing so poorly. First they should fire their captain (Tim Paine) as he is not contributing for a long time.

I feel you are ignoring his contribution in the Australian squad. He led the team when they were in big crisis due to Smith-Warner ban and at 1st test he scored 70+ runs, which earned him man of the match award.

[bryant.coleman]

I would never say that they are weak bowling side. They are in top 3 in the world cricket and were looking at top form before they lost the 2nd game. And their bowlers didn't perform bad at all, their batting looking vulnerable because Smudge (smith) is not performing.

The way i see it, world cricket going through some phase of average batting from every single team but not bowling.

You are right. The problem is with their batting and not with their bowling. The same set of bowlers blasted out India for 36 runs in the first test. And let's not forget the fact that the playing XI had players such as Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara. The bowlers can't do much, when the batsmen are performing so poorly. First they should fire their captain (Tim Paine) as he is not contributing for a long time.

I feel you are ignoring his contribution in the Australian squad. He led the team when they were in big crisis due to Smith-Warner ban and at 1st test he scored 70+ runs, which earned him man of the match award.

I have to disagree with you on this one. Tim Paine has underperformed in test cricket. His test batting average is just 32.20 and the only test player with a regular slot in the playing XI with a lower average (as far as I can remember) is Temba Bavuma of South Africa. A 36-year old with sub-40 batting average in test? I think some younger player deserves that slot.

[teosanru]

I would never say that they are weak bowling side. They are in top 3 in the world cricket and were looking at top form before they lost the 2nd game. And their bowlers didn't perform bad at all, their batting looking vulnerable because Smudge (smith) is not performing.

The way i see it, world cricket going through some phase of average batting from every single team but not bowling.

You are right. The problem is with their batting and not with their bowling. The same set of bowlers blasted out India for 36 runs in the first test. And let's not forget the fact that the playing XI had players such as Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara. The bowlers can't do much, when the batsmen are performing so poorly. First they should fire their captain (Tim Paine) as he is not contributing for a long time.

I feel you are ignoring his contribution in the Australian squad. He led the team when they were in big crisis due to Smith-Warner ban and at 1st test he scored 70+ runs, which earned him man of the match award.

I have to disagree with you on this one. Tim Paine has underperformed in test cricket. His test batting average is just 32.20 and the only test player with a regular slot in the playing XI with a lower average (as far as I can remember) is Temba Bavuma of South Africa. A 36-year old with sub-40 batting average in test? I think some younger player deserves that slot.

Tim Paine is in the squad merely due to the fact that he is a wicket-keeper batsman. Australia doesn't have a batter wicket-keeper batsmen with them. They tried Nevill but he hasn't batted well same is the case with Alex Carrey. They earlier had Mathew Wade but even he isn't a great performer in Test Cricket. Only one player who has a better batting average than Tim Paine in test cricket is Peter Handscomb but I don't think he is considered a full-time keeper moreover Tim Paine is much more experienced at least at the domestic level and after that Ball-Tampering Incident, they aren't left with lot of options for captaincy too. I don't think Australia has got any legendary Wicket-keeper batsmen after Gilchrist. Brad Haddin was good but nowhere near Gilchrist.

[7788bitcoin]

Tim Paine has underperformed in test cricket. His test batting average is just 32.20 and the only test player with a regular slot in the playing XI with a lower average (as far as I can remember) is Temba Bavuma of South Africa. A 36-year old with sub-40 batting average in test? I think some younger player deserves that slot.

Tim Paine is in the team because of his experience and a keeper after Steve Smith and Warner were suspended which shows that they do see foresee anyone in the team that could handle the leadership role and CA always go with non controversial captains. I still think Shane Warne could have being the best captain because of his tactical skills but they never gave him an opportunity because of his outlandish character outside cricket.

I don't think Australia has got any legendary Wicket-keeper batsmen after Gilchrist. Brad Haddin was good but nowhere near Gilchrist.

It is hard to find a replacement for Adam Gilchrist or Ian Healy who were considered as the best to ever play the game and that is the situation with India and Sri Lanka as they will not find a replacement for MS Dhoni or Kumar Sangakkara.

[Sithara007]

Kane Williamson is slowly closing on his double hundred against Pakistan, and New Zealand is approaching a total of 500 (right now they are at 487/5). I was expecting a better performance from the Pakistani bowlers, after their good showing with the bat. But they look out of sorts and incapable of taking the wickets (even with supportive ground conditions). It is going to be an innings defeat for Pakistan.

[mersal]

Kane Williamson is slowly closing on his double hundred against Pakistan, and New Zealand is approaching a total of 500 (right now they are at 487/5). I was expecting a better performance from the Pakistani bowlers, after their good showing with the bat. But they look out of sorts and incapable of taking the wickets (even with supportive ground conditions). It is going to be an innings defeat for Pakistan.

NZ scored 659 before they declare their innings, Williamson played exceptionally and scored 238 in an innings. Now pakistan trail by 354 runs and they already lost One of their opener before the stumps. Two days are still remaining so its an impossible task for PAK to draw or win this match.

[JSRAW]

Kiwis and Proteas are literally bullying Pakistan and Sri Lanka respectively.

And look at that home track bully Kane Williamson (JK) lol, scoring double tons for fun nowadays

[SATWAT]

Kiwis and Proteas are literally bullying Pakistan and Sri Lanka respectively.

And look at that home track bully Kane Williamson (JK) lol, scoring double tons for fun nowadays

About Pakistan nothing new they mostly done things like this in Australia New Zealand because they never done home work before these tours but really shocked with way playing Sri Lanka because in last tour they completely out class Proteas but this time they are not near this which they done in last tour.

[mersal]

Kiwis and Proteas are literally bullying Pakistan and Sri Lanka respectively.
And look at that home track bully Kane Williamson (JK) lol, scoring double tons for fun nowadays

Not a good sign for test cricket. Even test matches involving teams outside the big 3 are getting lop-sided now. South Africa literally destroyed Sri Lanka. But this same South Africa will lose by a big margin, if they play against any of the big 3 teams. I am gradually losing my interest in test cricket. What is the point in watching such one sided matches? Only the matches involving big 3 teams are interesting nowadays.

Those two team failed to produce good quality players in the last few years that is the reason why these teams are struggling now but its all part of their cricket journey. Soon these teams will find someone who can lift the confidence among the other players and that is why lot of domestic leagues were conducted all around the world.