Test Cricket Prediction and Discussion Thread [self - mod]

[covfefe_]

Finally they did it.... Its still 1-1 and decider is on Brisbane, Australia is fav but i wouldn't write India off now.

Yesterday winning or draw were looking a dream for Indian fans but the way they put up the excellent show of grit on 5th day against the quality bowlers, not to mention with injured team. When Pant was batting i was thinking may be, may be there is a chance of winning the game but still I am extremely proud.

I thought Australia would win the match from the situation they were in and they took the wicket of Ajinkya Rahane quite cheaply in the morning session and i thought it was a matter of time that they will pick the rest of the wickets but when they started dropping crucial catches especially Pant before he even started scoring runs and that changed the match in my opinion and the entire burden goes to Tim Paine for dropping those and not taking advantage of the new ball.

It was OZ game till ystd as they needed only couple of quick wickets at the start of the today's session and they would have easily wrapped up tail enders. But after losing Rahane easily, Pant stood up to the challenge and this made India confident that they could end up drawing the test. Also, Pujara, Vihari and Aswin did well to stand on the pitch for long time to ensure they do not give up easily their wickets and resulted in the draw. Overall, India would be happy with the result.

With this test drawn now all eyes on the decider probably if any team could make it win or else series would end in a draw.

Was calling it a comfortable draw after the 4th day but with the loss of Rishab Pant and Pujara back to back, felt like Australia could get this game out of India. But Hanuma Vihari and Ashwin played a real test, playing safe and taking no risks. They weren't even running for runs unless it was completely safe. Last test is going to be an interesting one.

[Timelord2067]

Why does Australia continue to pin it's hopes on players like David Warner, out for a duck (or close to it) then he's hurt his arm/shoulder fielding a mediocre slow ball.

I picked up odds of ~3.4:1 for the third test ending in a draw.

[onrise]

How do you all see the Smith case who purposely erased the batting guard mark of Rishabh Pant after the drinks break. Like anyone seen this before happening or its just heat of the moment and should be ignored. Can any action be taken on Smith or will he be given warning by either ICC/Australian board to behave and play in the spirit of the game.

[Haunebu]

How do you all see the Smith case who purposely erased the batting guard mark of Rishabh Pant after the drinks break. Like anyone seen this before happening or its just heat of the moment and should be ignored. Can any action be taken on Smith or will he be given warning by either ICC/Australian board to behave and play in the spirit of the game.

Heat of the moment? Bullshit. He knew damn well what he was doing and he probably forgot about the bail camera and thought that he could get away with it since his face is hidden. Pathetic stuff which I didn't expect from Smith.

He is an amazing batsman, but his sportsmanship and character sucks. Warner is way better in comparison.

Smith and Paine's unethical crap, Kohli missing along with the racist Oz crowd couldn't stop the Indian team from losing this one which is why India achieved something phenomenal here.

[Iranus]

Hanuma Vihari and Ashwin played a real test, playing safe and taking no risks. They weren't even running for runs unless it was completely safe. Last test is going to be an interesting one.

I was impressed to see Hanuma Vihari and Ravichandran Ashwin's gameplay. That is the beauty of Test cricket. Hanuma Vihari played 161 balls and scored only 23 runs. On the other hand, looking at Rishabh Pant's style of play, I thought he was playing an ODI match. He hit 12 4s. Although he played a great inning of 97 runs

[AB de Royse777]

I was almost placing a bet on Australia when India lost their fifth wicket. But then I thought to wait a bit to see how the game moves.

In one of the Test between Pakistan vs New Zealand I was pretty sure that the Test will draw so placed a bet in draw but then I had to recover my lose by placing a bet in New Zealand to win. Thinking about that bet, I was just taking time in this one. But later I forgot that the match in progress and got busy with something else. Now just checked the score and feel lucky myself :-P

[ene1980]

It was OZ game till ystd as they needed only couple of quick wickets at the start of the today's session and they would have easily wrapped up tail enders. But after losing Rahane easily, Pant stood up to the challenge and this made India confident that they could end up drawing the test. Also, Pujara, Vihari and Aswin did well to stand on the pitch for long time to ensure they do not give up easily their wickets and resulted in the draw. Overall, India would be happy with the result.

Australian bowlers bowled their heart out as far as i consider but they missed the catches and that will hurt the bowlers and the pitch was slower in the final day but it was holding up without any major tear and wear and for a Test match they need to prepare wickets that wears in the last two days and India was supposed to draw the match because they fought till the end.

With this test drawn now all eyes on the decider probably if any team could make it win or else series would end in a draw.

The next match is taking place in Brisbane and Australia usually dominate the opponent and India is struggling with fitness and which player will be in the playing eleven is still a mystery.

[JSRAW]

^^ @Royse777 I told you so... Although it was bumpy ride and both teams gave it all. On 4th day I thought I was going to lose but damn Indian team pulled it off.

The experts here - what do you think of me and my relationship in India tour of Australia LOL

Not an expert 

Sydney is batting track so I am expecting draw there and the last game at Gabba should go in favor of Australia as this is their stronghold.

Why does Australia continue to pin it's hopes on players like David Warner, out for a duck (or close to it) then he's hurt his arm/shoulder fielding a mediocre slow ball.

I picked up odds of ~3.4:1 for the third test ending in a draw.

Because their openers were struggling and they had to drop Burns from the team, Wade did okay as opener but he's also left arm batsman similar to David Warner so they moved him to down the order as Warner can't bat at middle order. Warner was their best option and solid opener when playing in Australia, that's why he was preferred although he was not 100% for the game, he was slow on the field too due to injury.

--snip--

They must be beating the shit out of Paine in the dressing room and rightly so..

[KennyR]

What a coincidence, today it was the birthday of Rahul Dravid who is named wall of India for his strong play against any bowlers at test matches. On his birthday one more player showing his ability that equals his performance is really a big surprise gift for him. This is the first match after 1980 in which Indian team have faced 131 overs in the second innings of the game.

[teosanru]

^^ @Royse777 I told you so... Although it was bumpy ride and both teams gave it all. On 4th day I thought I was going to lose but damn Indian team pulled it off.

The experts here - what do you think of me and my relationship in India tour of Australia LOL

Not an expert 

Sydney is batting track so I am expecting draw there and the last game at Gabba should go in favor of Australia as this is their stronghold.

Why does Australia continue to pin it's hopes on players like David Warner, out for a duck (or close to it) then he's hurt his arm/shoulder fielding a mediocre slow ball.

I picked up odds of ~3.4:1 for the third test ending in a draw.

Because their openers were struggling and they had to drop Burns from the team, Wade did okay as opener but he's also left arm batsman similar to David Warner so they moved him to down the order as Warner can't bat at middle order. Warner was their best option and solid opener when playing in Australia, that's why he was preferred although he was not 100% for the game, he was slow on the field too due to injury.

--snip--

They must be beating the shit out of Paine in the dressing room and rightly so..

Well a great performance by India today but I am sad about Jadeja. If Jadeja would have been fit India definitely would have looked for a win today. It was the fear of exposing the tail that stopped them to a draw because I think the number of runs Vihari and Ashwin did not run was enough to narrow down the gap to 40-50 runs. But Pant has muted his critics for quite some time and he definitely will be very much in the playing XI unless he isn't fit. But fitness is becoming a pretty big issue now. Jadeja is a pretty important trump card for India, especially with his bat. If India could still win the next match with more than half a dozen major players injured this series would be the ever best performance by India in Australia. Moreover, that tag of over-dependence on Kohli is also something India would get rid off.

[pakhitheboss]

^^ @Royse777 I told you so... Although it was bumpy ride and both teams gave it all. On 4th day I thought I was going to lose but damn Indian team pulled it off.

The experts here - what do you think of me and my relationship in India tour of Australia LOL

Not an expert 

Sydney is batting track so I am expecting draw there and the last game at Gabba should go in favor of Australia as this is their stronghold.

Why does Australia continue to pin it's hopes on players like David Warner, out for a duck (or close to it) then he's hurt his arm/shoulder fielding a mediocre slow ball.

I picked up odds of ~3.4:1 for the third test ending in a draw.

Because their openers were struggling and they had to drop Burns from the team, Wade did okay as opener but he's also left arm batsman similar to David Warner so they moved him to down the order as Warner can't bat at middle order. Warner was their best option and solid opener when playing in Australia, that's why he was preferred although he was not 100% for the game, he was slow on the field too due to injury.

--snip--

They must be beating the shit out of Paine in the dressing room and rightly so..

Well a great performance by India today but I am sad about Jadeja. If Jadeja would have been fit India definitely would have looked for a win today. It was the fear of exposing the tail that stopped them to a draw because I think the number of runs Vihari and Ashwin did not run was enough to narrow down the gap to 40-50 runs. But Pant has muted his critics for quite some time and he definitely will be very much in the playing XI unless he isn't fit. But fitness is becoming a pretty big issue now. Jadeja is a pretty important trump card for India, especially with his bat. If India could still win the next match with more than half a dozen major players injured this series would be the ever best performance by India in Australia. Moreover, that tag of over-dependence on Kohli is also something India would get rid off.

I still do not know what went wrong in the last test but I was expecting a win when Panth was on the field. I thought that if he could have stayed a little longer, India could have win the match. I also did not expect a lot from the tail enders as Jadeja was not playing. Anyways next match is crucial now for both the teams.

[JSRAW]

~snip~

Speaking of fitness, Bumrah might miss the Brisbane test due to abdominal strain. Team management don't want to risk him as England tour is coming up. Jadeja already ruled out of Brisbane test, including first 2 test against England.

Next team selection is going to be very easy.. Ravi Shastri and Rahane might tell " You all are playing" that's it.  

That's my team for last game.

Rohit
Gill
Pujara
Rahane
Mayank (He should bat at number 5 as he's not in good touch)
Pant (He should do the WK because of team balance)
Ashwin
Shardul Thakur ( Ashwin and Shardul can make up for another batsmen as both know thing or two about batting)
Saini
Siraj
Natarajan (Debut)

Going with 5 bowler combination because Ashwin need some rest as well for England's series. Jadeja is already out so you don't want to exhaust another key bowler.

** In case Pant is not fit to keep then Saha should get in the team as WK, Pant would play as specialist batsman and no debut for Natarajan.


If by any chance India facing more injuries then they should borrow Marnus and Strac from the Aussie.

[Sithara007]

^^^ I would really love to see Natarajan make his debut, but then it depends on Damaadji. If he prefers Kuldeep Yadav for the final test, then Natarajan may need to wait some more time for his test debut. All that said, I have a feeling that India needs a left-arm pacer right now. It will add more variety to their pace attack, which is looking quite homogenous nowadays.

[coin_1122]

^^^ I would really love to see Natarajan make his debut, but then it depends on Damaadji. If he prefers Kuldeep Yadav for the final test, then Natarajan may need to wait some more time for his test debut. All that said, I have a feeling that India needs a left-arm pacer right now. It will add more variety to their pace attack, which is looking quite homogenous nowadays.

Now everything is in confusion which most of the efficient team members are facing problems with injuries, this will strongly affect the Indians. For the final Test, they need to choose the Indian team wisely with a strong lineup. Otherwise, the Aussies might trounce the Indians.

[bryant.coleman]

Now everything is in confusion which most of the efficient team members are facing problems with injuries, this will strongly affect the Indians. For the final Test, they need to choose the Indian team wisely with a strong lineup. Otherwise, the Aussies might trounce the Indians.

LOL.. do you still believe that the Aussies will be able to "trounce" the Indians? It was the other way around in the second and third tests. Despite the injury woes, Indians managed to hold Australians to a draw in the third test. They were missing their top players such as Virat Kohli and Mohammad Shami. On top of that, Jadeja and Pant had serious injuries while many of the other members in the paying XI had to deal with minor injuries.

[SaShiRaJaVu]

Heat of the moment? Bullshit. He knew damn well what he was doing and he probably forgot about the bail camera and thought that he could get away with it since his face is hidden. Pathetic stuff which I didn't expect from Smith.

You cannot put too much pressure on Smith, many experts said the same that they never expected this from Smith when the ball tampering issue popped up and now he was trying to remove the guard taken by a batsman and still people did not expect this from Smith  .

Another setback for India, Jasprit Bumrah ruled out of the next Test and the long list of injuries continue to hurt India.

[Haunebu]

You cannot put too much pressure on Smith, many experts said the same that they never expected this from Smith when the ball tampering issue popped up and now he was trying to remove the guard taken by a batsman and still people did not expect this from Smith  .

Why shouldn't I? He embarrassed himself once again through his unethical crap and his own people are pissed with him currently.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.wionews.com/sports/disgrace-fans-slam-steve-smith-tim-paine-matthew-wade-for-wayward-antics-in-sydney-test-355990/amp

Paine mentioned that it is his habit or something, but that doesn't mean it's alright since it's annoying for the batsmen. If it's just a habit, he needs to get rid of it asap in my opinion.

[mersal]

~snip~

Speaking of fitness, Bumrah might miss the Brisbane test due to abdominal strain. Team management don't want to risk him as England tour is coming up. Jadeja already ruled out of Brisbane test, including first 2 test against England.

Next team selection is going to be very easy.. Ravi Shastri and Rahane might tell " You all are playing" that's it.  

That's my team for last game.

Rohit
Gill
Pujara
Rahane
Mayank (He should bat at number 5 as he's not in good touch)
Pant (He should do the WK because of team balance)
Ashwin
Shardul Thakur ( Ashwin and Shardul can make up for another batsmen as both know thing or two about batting)
Saini
Siraj
Natarajan (Debut)

Going with 5 bowler combination because Ashwin need some rest as well for England's series. Jadeja is already out so you don't want to exhaust another key bowler.

** In case Pant is not fit to keep then Saha should get in the team as WK, Pant would play as specialist batsman and no debut for Natarajan.


If by any chance India facing more injuries then they should borrow Marnus and Strac from the Aussie.

Too much of injuries in very short time period, don't know how many of them will return to their dressing room again because we had seen lots of stories in cricket history that once injured then they never got room in the playing XI.  Bowling is the key of winning a test match so they can't afford to lose any more bowlers and it should be another lucky opportunity for Natrajan.

[ene1980]

Another setback for India, Jasprit Bumrah ruled out of the next Test and the long list of injuries continue to hurt India.

With a long list of injuries India will not get into much trouble by the authorities even if they loose the next match. India really impressed everyone with their performance in the last two matches after a one sided blow in the first match and now with more than half their side injured there is nothing much to prove and even if they loose it was a good series.
I will be surprised if India is able to pull a draw in the next match and if India wins or draws the match then Ajinkya Rahane should be the full time captain in Test matches.

[bryant.coleman]

I will be surprised if India is able to pull a draw in the next match and if India wins or draws the match then Ajinkya Rahane should be the full time captain in Test matches.

There won't be much surprise if they manage to do that. Apart from the first test, the Indian team has performed exceptionally well in this series. A win in the last match would be the perfect ending to this tour. And Ajinkya Rahane should get full marks for his captaincy. He played a large part in winning the second test as well as in drawing the third. Kohli's position is under real threat.