Test Cricket Prediction and Discussion Thread [self - mod]

[Vishnu.Reang]

To Zimbabwe's credit, they managed to stretch it to the 4th day. Apart from a half century by Regis Chakabva and a 3-wicket haul by Blessing Muzarabani, there was nothing in this match for Zimbabwe. Until they get ready for the test matches, they should refrain from staging matches against strong teams such as Pakistan. First they should play some 4-day matches against Ireland, Afghanistan or some of the other associate nations. If they perform well, they can play against test nations. 

[7788bitcoin]

Abid Ali was on 215. He was almost hundred runs away from scoring a triple century. I don't understand the argument here. How can you guys say that he was denied of a triple century? Are you 100% sure that he could have scored another 85 runs without getting dismissed? Pakistan had just two wickets remaining and the Zimbabwe bowlers could have taken those two within a couple of overs.

The problem might be the argument came because they did not see the entire scorecard . If he was above 260 runs then the captain would have given him the opportunity to score the runs and reach the milestone as it can be once in a lifetime opportunity, but clearly that was not the situation here.

The declaration came after Nauman Ali was dismissed. The no.10 and no.11 batsmen were Shaheen Shah Afridi and Tabish Khan, who are genuine tail enders. I fully agree with Babar Azam's decision to declare the innings. Abid had zero chance of getting a triple century. 

I am hearing about these players for the first time but he played an outstanding innings and he deserved a century as he feel short of just 3 runs.

[bryant.coleman]

Abid Ali was on 215. He was almost hundred runs away from scoring a triple century. I don't understand the argument here. How can you guys say that he was denied of a triple century? Are you 100% sure that he could have scored another 85 runs without getting dismissed? Pakistan had just two wickets remaining and the Zimbabwe bowlers could have taken those two within a couple of overs.

The problem might be the argument came because they did not see the entire scorecard . If he was above 260 runs then the captain would have given him the opportunity to score the runs and reach the milestone as it can be once in a lifetime opportunity, but clearly that was not the situation here.

If you check the posts, I was the first one to point out that Abid Ali was batting on 215. To say that someone batting on 215 missed a triple century is like saying that someone on 15 lost his chance for scoring a century. If we go by this logic, then the captains won't be able to declare the innings. I am not sure about 260, but if Abid had scored 280 or 290, then the captain (Babar Azam) would have definitely allowed him to complete the triple ton. I don't know what these people are smoking, when they expect Abid Ali to score another 85 runs when two tail end batsmen are batting with him.

[JSRAW]

To Zimbabwe's credit, they managed to stretch it to the 4th day. Apart from a half century by Regis Chakabva and a 3-wicket haul by Blessing Muzarabani, there was nothing in this match for Zimbabwe. Until they get ready for the test matches, they should refrain from staging matches against strong teams such as Pakistan. First they should play some 4-day matches against Ireland, Afghanistan or some of the other associate nations. If they perform well, they can play against test nations. 

Well they did manage to score highest total by the end of the series. Before 2nd inning of the last match Zimbabwe scorecard looked like this 176,134, 132. Give some credit to them that they crossed the 200 mark.

[Vishnu.Reang]

To Zimbabwe's credit, they managed to stretch it to the 4th day. Apart from a half century by Regis Chakabva and a 3-wicket haul by Blessing Muzarabani, there was nothing in this match for Zimbabwe. Until they get ready for the test matches, they should refrain from staging matches against strong teams such as Pakistan. First they should play some 4-day matches against Ireland, Afghanistan or some of the other associate nations. If they perform well, they can play against test nations.  

Well they did manage to score highest total by the end of the series. Before 2nd inning of the last match Zimbabwe scorecard looked like this 176,134, 132. Give some credit to them that they crossed the 200 mark. 

LOL.. in that regard, yes.. we need to appreciate Zimbabwe. Perhaps the ICC can change rules to make the matches more competitive. Other teams should be given only one innings per test match, while Zimbabwe should be allowed to bat for two innings. But the problem is that even then there is no guarantee that the matches will be competitive. The total Pakistan scored in their first innings was higher than the combined total Zimbabwe made in two of their innings.

[7788bitcoin]

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I don't know what these people are smoking, when they expect Abid Ali to score another 85 runs when two tail end batsmen are batting with him.

It must be something hard as everyone is going through hard times and let them enjoy the fun smokes  .
There is a long gap between the next match i think, after looking at the schedule the next Test match is between England and New Zealand on June 2 and the second match starts on June 10th and after that we have the WTC final.

[ene1980]

Perhaps the ICC can change rules to make the matches more competitive. Other teams should be given only one innings per test match, while Zimbabwe should be allowed to bat for two innings. But the problem is that even then there is no guarantee that the matches will be competitive. The total Pakistan scored in their first innings was higher than the combined total Zimbabwe made in two of their innings.

Another better way is to force the Pakistan players who bats right handed to play the match left handed and the left handed batsman to right handed to become competitive . May be they are playing according to the ICC schedule, either way these type of one sided matches will not help either teams and i will be surprised if there is any substantial viewership for series like these.

[Sithara007]

Another better way is to force the Pakistan players who bats right handed to play the match left handed and the left handed batsman to right handed to become competitive . May be they are playing according to the ICC schedule, either way these type of one sided matches will not help either teams and i will be surprised if there is any substantial viewership for series like these.

I don't think that such fixtures are necessitated due to the ICC requirement. Pakistan is placed in the first division of the test cricket, while Zimbabwe is in the second division. As such, both the teams are not required to play against each other. Zimbabwe should be ideally paying against teams such as Ireland and Nepal, which they have refused on multiple occasions (probably due to the fear that they will lose such matches against the associate nations). And since the ICC want to maintain the status quo, we are stuck with Zimbabwe for the near future.

[UmerIdrees]

Sanjay Manjrekar, Aakash Chopra, Deep Dasgupta and few others are exploring the options of  implementing a two-tier structure in test cricket.
Do you guys agree if this two tier structure should be implemented in test cricket ?

[Vaskiy]

Sanjay Manjrekar, Aakash Chopra, Deep Dasgupta and few others are exploring the options of  implementing a two-tier structure in test cricket.
Do you guys agree if this two tier structure should be implemented in test cricket ?

Two tier structure in cricket team is a good thing for the small teams than the one in the top order. When small teams perform better, they get the chance to play against teams in the top order. This will increase the competence level among the bottom teams and improve their performance playing against the top teams.

[Vishnu.Reang]

Sanjay Manjrekar, Aakash Chopra, Deep Dasgupta and few others are exploring the options of  implementing a two-tier structure in test cricket.
Do you guys agree if this two tier structure should be implemented in test cricket ?

It should have been implemented at least one decade ago. Now these jokers are just exploring the possibility. This lack of inclusiveness is the reason why cricket has remained as a stagnating sport, confined to South Asia. I just hope that now the ICC will wake up from their deep slumber and allow the second tier test cricket. But again, a second division test league is meaningless, if there is no relegation-promotion structure. After a period of 3 or 4 years, the best performing team from the second division should be promoted to the first division, and the worst performing first division member should be relegated to the second division.

[ene1980]

It should have been implemented at least one decade ago. Now these jokers are just exploring the possibility. This lack of inclusiveness is the reason why cricket has remained as a stagnating sport, confined to South Asia.

The main reason cricket remained a stagnant sport is because of the long playing hours and it is different from any other sporting event and things have changed globally and people do not have the time to spend long hours to watch a match. The reason shorter formats is getting more popular is because of the short time period and it can gel with the fast paced society.

I just hope that now the ICC will wake up from their deep slumber and allow the second tier test cricket. But again, a second division test league is meaningless, if there is no relegation-promotion structure. After a period of 3 or 4 years, the best performing team from the second division should be promoted to the first division, and the worst performing first division member should be relegated to the second division.

They can make any number of experiments but i doubt whether these changes will make any major changes in the viewership or attract new audience.

[Vishnu.Reang]

^^^ Well.. I agree. During the old days, people had the luxury of watching test cricket. But that is not the case now. Time has become really sparse and most of us don't have more than 30 minutes per day to watch sports. So apart from the die hard cricket fans, only T20 matches are being watched by considerable number of people for the entire duration. If I was the chairman of the ICC, then I would have discouraged teams from playing more than 2-3 test matches per year. That time could be better utilized for T20 or ODI matches. 

[UmerIdrees]

^^^ Well.. I agree. During the old days, people had the luxury of watching test cricket. But that is not the case now. Time has become really sparse and most of us don't have more than 30 minutes per day to watch sports. So apart from the die hard cricket fans, only T20 matches are being watched by considerable number of people for the entire duration. If I was the chairman of the ICC, then I would have discouraged teams from playing more than 2-3 test matches per year. That time could be better utilized for T20 or ODI matches. 

Also it is also about the options available to watch. Previously there were only ODI and Test Matches but since the introduction of T20 and then the leagues like IPL/PSL , the trend of people have changed and now they want to see more aggressive cricket however the real beauty of cricket still lies in the classic 5 days test matches.

[bryant.coleman]

Also it is also about the options available to watch. Previously there were only ODI and Test Matches but since the introduction of T20 and then the leagues like IPL/PSL , the trend of people have changed and now they want to see more aggressive cricket however the real beauty of cricket still lies in the classic 5 days test matches.

Let's not forget the fact that the cricket boards were forced to rethink on shorter formats. It was not their natural choice. Back in 1977, Kerry Packer came up with his World Series Cricket, which was the first limited overs cricket tournaments. The ICC banned any player who took part in this tournament. But gradually they realized that the ODI format generates much more revenue when compared to the longer format.

Same happened with the T20 format. It was Subhash Chandra who came up with the idea of Indian Cricket League. The BCCI was quick to ban anyone who was associated with this event. But they eventually came up with the IPL, after realizing that the ICL was generating a lot of revenue.

[Vishnu.Reang]

Those who are fans of the longer-format can watch country cricket championship (4-day) free on YouTube. Right now, the following matches are ongoing:

Northamptonshire v Lancashire: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bP7tN5ttQGU
Derbyshire vs Durham: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4wgJn3hSipc
Kent vs. Glamorgan: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m8uHTWJb6LA
Surrey v Middlesex: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xc3Xk4pnmiI
Nottinghamshire CCC vs Worcestershire CCC: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-uv6jLd2CNM
Hampshire v Leicestershire: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Plnt91rPSQ
Gloucestershire v Somerset: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2VacH8bkViQ
Essex v Warwickshire: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FgRu8d7INFY

A big thanks for all the county sides for making the matches freely available to watch. This is a boon for those who don't have subscription to Apps such as Fancode and WillowTV.

[UmerIdrees]

Those who are fans of the longer-format can watch country cricket championship (4-day) free on YouTube. Right now, the following matches are ongoing:
<snip>
A big thanks for all the county sides for making the matches freely available to watch. This is a boon for those who don't have subscription to Apps such as Fancode and WillowTV.

I don't think anyone has time to watch these matches and stay on youtube for 9+ hrs to watch these matches. Though it is a great initiative to have these matches seen live on Youtube.
I always heard about the county championship but now first time watching live.  Anyone here on bitcointalk interested in these matches ?

[pakhitheboss]

Those who are fans of the longer-format can watch country cricket championship (4-day) free on YouTube. Right now, the following matches are ongoing:
<snip>
A big thanks for all the county sides for making the matches freely available to watch. This is a boon for those who don't have subscription to Apps such as Fancode and WillowTV.

I don't think anyone has time to watch these matches and stay on youtube for 9+ hrs to watch these matches. Though it is a great initiative to have these matches seen live on Youtube.
I always heard about the county championship but now first time watching live.  Anyone here on bitcointalk interested in these matches ?

I cannot sit glued infront of my laptop or my mobile the whole day to watch County cricket. There are other things that can be done to pass time. If you are someone who loves sports and cannot live without it and then you should go ahead and watch it.

[Juggy777]

Those who are fans of the longer-format can watch country cricket championship (4-day) free on YouTube. Right now, the following matches are ongoing:
<snip>
A big thanks for all the county sides for making the matches freely available to watch. This is a boon for those who don't have subscription to Apps such as Fancode and WillowTV.

I don't think anyone has time to watch these matches and stay on youtube for 9+ hrs to watch these matches. Though it is a great initiative to have these matches seen live on Youtube.
I always heard about the county championship but now first time watching live.  Anyone here on bitcointalk interested in these matches ?

I cannot sit glued infront of my laptop or my mobile the whole day to watch County cricket. There are other things that can be done to pass time. If you are someone who loves sports and cannot live without it and then you should go ahead and watch it.

@pakhitheboss I totally agree with you and I too would give these matches a pass, because these matches are being played at the local level, and they’re not worth investing 9 hours to watch them.

However if the same option arises when Ashes or two big teams are playing then I might make use of it and watch for a hour or two, but do you’ll feel that they’ll show big team matches for free.

[JohnBitCo]

Those who are fans of the longer-format can watch country cricket championship (4-day) free on YouTube. Right now, the following matches are ongoing:
<snip>
A big thanks for all the county sides for making the matches freely available to watch. This is a boon for those who don't have subscription to Apps such as Fancode and WillowTV.

I don't think anyone has time to watch these matches and stay on youtube for 9+ hrs to watch these matches. Though it is a great initiative to have these matches seen live on Youtube.
I always heard about the county championship but now first time watching live.  Anyone here on bitcointalk interested in these matches ?

I cannot sit glued infront of my laptop or my mobile the whole day to watch County cricket. There are other things that can be done to pass time. If you are someone who loves sports and cannot live without it and then you should go ahead and watch it.

@pakhitheboss I totally agree with you and I too would give these matches a pass, because these matches are being played at the local level, and they’re not worth investing 9 hours to watch them.

However if the same option arises when Ashes or two big teams are playing then I might make use of it and watch for a hour or two, but do you’ll feel that they’ll show big team matches for free.

Well, Ashes is covered world wide and you can watch it on your national tv and don't need to find a live streaming on youtube. Secondly all the big matches can be watched easily as they are being broadcast on global sports channels. The local leagues like county cricket is rarely seen by many of us who are not residents of England.