Test Cricket Prediction and Discussion Thread [self - mod]

[UmerIdrees]

Haha yeah for like 30-40 minutes. Fox sports feed went poof and everyone suffered. It was hilarious tho, literally felt like i was watching county cricket or some other local league.  

Even when they resumed the coverage, it was not the usual stuff. I don't really understand the point in reducing the number of passes allotted to the TV staff, giving the excuse of COVID protocols. They can reduce the number of viewers, but how can they reduce the number of technical staff? Even after two years, it is really irritating to see at least some of the countries engaging in this sort of restrictions. And I guess in Australia the vast majority of the adult population are already vaccinated.

I missed this hilarious event as I was not watching it live at that very moment. We can't expect such types of incidents in modern day cricket when technology help is at its peak. I know technical guys get little attention as no one thinks they are important, but after this incident, the importance of technical staff would be realized. 

[Theones]

Umpiring is a hard job. Umpires need to work for 100% of the time and in a test match it means working continuously for 40 hours or so. Technology made their lives easier and I don't see any point in going back to the old system. In today's world, if someone is not using technology, then it is their fault. I was watching African T20 qualifier a few weeks ago, and even there they were using technology to their advantage. Now Australia is a board with tens of millions of USD in annual revenues, and it will be laughable to say that they couldn't arrange for better technology.

Well game in its natural form has its own charm. See football for instance, EU didn't modified it for decades nor introduced technology in it until now, that too is very limited usage. Technology in cricket has made job of umpires challenging, See face of an umpire when it's decision is overture by 3rd umpire.

[pakhitheboss]

Haha yeah for like 30-40 minutes. Fox sports feed went poof and everyone suffered. It was hilarious tho, literally felt like i was watching county cricket or some other local league.  

Even when they resumed the coverage, it was not the usual stuff. I don't really understand the point in reducing the number of passes allotted to the TV staff, giving the excuse of COVID protocols. They can reduce the number of viewers, but how can they reduce the number of technical staff? Even after two years, it is really irritating to see at least some of the countries engaging in this sort of restrictions. And I guess in Australia the vast majority of the adult population are already vaccinated.

There is nothing wrong with taking precautions. But, they should allow TV staff from the next match onwards otherwise this same incident can again happen. I think it might have been a link failure someone might have tripped on the wire lol. Even after two years the virus is not leaving us and has been upgrading itself continuously.

[Sithara007]

Well game in its natural form has its own charm. See football for instance, EU didn't modified it for decades nor introduced technology in it until now, that too is very limited usage. Technology in cricket has made job of umpires challenging, See face of an umpire when it's decision is overture by 3rd umpire.

Humans can never be as accurate as machines. In an ODI match, the umpire needs to be out there with 100% focus for the entire duration (100 overs), while the players need to concentrate only on a much smaller duration. My solution would be to have a change in umpires every 10 overs or so. Instead of three umpires, lets have 6, with them changing every 10 or 15 overs in a rotational basis. This will hopefully keep the umpires in better morale and will reduce the chances of any error from their part.

[JohnBitCo]

Well game in its natural form has its own charm. See football for instance, EU didn't modified it for decades nor introduced technology in it until now, that too is very limited usage. Technology in cricket has made job of umpires challenging, See face of an umpire when it's decision is overture by 3rd umpire.

Humans can never be as accurate as machines. In an ODI match, the umpire needs to be out there with 100% focus for the entire duration (100 overs), while the players need to concentrate only on a much smaller duration. My solution would be to have a change in umpires every 10 overs or so. Instead of three umpires, lets have 6, with them changing every 10 or 15 overs in a rotational basis. This will hopefully keep the umpires in better morale and will reduce the chances of any error from their part.

That would be funny indeed having 6 umpires for focusing on the 100 overs match. If a single umpire cant focuses a 100 overs, i would say he should stop the umpiring and adopt some other profession where people work 10 - 12 hrs a day and yet paid less.
Instead of finding more umpires, the focus should be to increase the quality of the existing umpires.

[eaLiTy]

~
That would be funny indeed having 6 umpires for focusing on the 100 overs match. If a single umpire cant focuses a 100 overs, i would say he should stop the umpiring and adopt some other profession where people work 10 - 12 hrs a day and yet paid less.
Instead of finding more umpires, the focus should be to increase the quality of the existing umpires.

The umpires have all the technology at their disposal and they have three umpires officiating the match and now a days the third umpire looks after the front foot no ball and may be that is the reason the umpires these days are not careful with the front foot and if the technology is not working then they will miss calling them. The umpiring quality should be better and the reason they are depending on technologies to assist them might be the reason we saw many no balls being ignored by the on field umpire in the first Ashes Test.

[mm2543363580]

Humans can never be as accurate as machines. In an ODI match, the umpire needs to be out there with 100% focus for the entire duration (100 overs), while the players need to concentrate only on a much smaller duration. My solution would be to have a change in umpires every 10 overs or so. Instead of three umpires, lets have 6, with them changing every 10 or 15 overs in a rotational basis. This will hopefully keep the umpires in better morale and will reduce the chances of any error from their part.

The field umpire these days are not empowered anymore as they were once, since almost everything these days is monitored by technology. I think rather then increasing number of umpires, its better to eliminate them completely and install cameras that can give 100% accurate results. Field umpire these days are just dummies. 

[Haunebu]

Looks like Australia are in trouble since two of their in-form players(Warner and Hazlewood) got injured in the first test and have already left the squad. Richardson and Khawaja have been called in as their replacements.

Haven't seen either of these players in action for a long time now and this could provide the boost that England desperately needs currently in the series.

[TheGreatPython]

The field umpire these days are not empowered anymore as they were once, since almost everything these days is monitored by technology. I think rather then increasing number of umpires, its better to eliminate them completely and install cameras that can give 100% accurate results. Field umpire these days are just dummies. 

May be good decision but not going to happen in near future because right now no sport is completely managing by technology we need referee's and empires in all way which is very important for the game. Just giving them too much technology is also hurting game very badly because first all no balls were given by stand in umpires and now by third empire which is not ideal they need to have just check by third umpire and all decisions by standing umpire is still good for better game and better results.

With the involvement of umpire it's more hassle and confusion as we have in first test of The Ashes which won by Australia and still many talks about this all which drama happen in game.

[romero121]

Looks like Australia are in trouble since two of their in-form players(Warner and Hazlewood) got injured in the first test and have already left the squad. Richardson and Khawaja have been called in as their replacements.

Haven't seen either of these players in action for a long time now and this could provide the boost that England desperately needs currently in the series.

Both are important players. Richardson played his last test match against Sri Lanka. During this time he was playing on different other formats of cricket. So, as a right arm fast bowler he needs to help the team in taking early wickets. Khwaja have played against England in his last test match. Both have got a big gap in playing test cricket. Last test match played by them was back in 2019. Lets see what these players gonna contribute.

[JSRAW]

Looks like Australia are in trouble since two of their in-form players(Warner and Hazlewood) got injured in the first test and have already left the squad. Richardson and Khawaja have been called in as their replacements.

Haven't seen either of these players in action for a long time now and this could provide the boost that England desperately needs currently in the series.

Wasn't serious injury but i think they are taking precautionary measure which is necessary in 5 matches series. Jye Richardson did good in some white ball cricket but they should also consider Pattinson, he's scary bowler. Khawaja is one unlucky individual who can't catch a break. He was supposed to bat for Australia at no 3, 4 or 5 but Marnus-Smith and now Travis Head cemented their position for long run. Khawaja is talented tho, he could bat anywhere. Although i would still prefer Warner when playing at home conditions.

[barbara44]

Looks like Australia are in trouble since two of their in-form players(Warner and Hazlewood) got injured in the first test and have already left the squad. Richardson and Khawaja have been called in as their replacements.

Haven't seen either of these players in action for a long time now and this could provide the boost that England desperately needs currently in the series.

Both are important players. Richardson played his last test match against Sri Lanka. During this time he was playing on different other formats of cricket. So, as a right arm fast bowler he needs to help the team in taking early wickets. Khwaja have played against England in his last test match. Both have got a big gap in playing test cricket. Last test match played by them was back in 2019. Lets see what these players gonna contribute.

There is no doubt these both were very good players, but Australia is having some good advantages which are going to help them now in remaining series and with these both players they are not going to have any side effect on team newly both players are also had good experience and can handle their positions in positive way for their winning team.

Currently, all troubles with England which is looking for winning combination which is most important for them in first test we have only Root for them who was on target and give some resistance all other players were not near their positive way and collapse in both innings having not good impression.

[mm2543363580]

Here are some interesting facts about first test,

• Fast-bowling veterans Jimmy Anderson and Stuart Broad have an incredible 1,156 Test scalps between them, yet were left out.
• Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting said he was stunned, particularly since Broad removed dangerman David Warner seven times at the last Ashes.

Source: https://sports.ndtv.com/the-ashes-2021-22/ben-stokes-struggles-joe-roots-bad-call-what-we-learned-from-1st-ashes-test-2646504

English team is too much dependent on Ben stokes that even he wasnt 100% fit, he was included in the team. He was having a knee niggle that doesnt allow him to perform his 100%.

[perfect999]

Here are some interesting facts about first test,

• Fast-bowling veterans Jimmy Anderson and Stuart Broad have an incredible 1,156 Test scalps between them, yet were left out.
• Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting said he was stunned, particularly since Broad removed dangerman David Warner seven times at the last Ashes.

Source: https://sports.ndtv.com/the-ashes-2021-22/ben-stokes-struggles-joe-roots-bad-call-what-we-learned-from-1st-ashes-test-2646504

English team is too much dependent on Ben stokes that even he wasnt 100% fit, he was included in the team. He was having a knee niggle that doesnt allow him to perform his 100%.

I believe it's big blunder from English team that they are dependent on an injured player and having no faith in Stuart Broad which was good and inform bowler now they need to do some good changes for second test as now they have very small-time for preparations in next few days 2 tests are waiting for them. They need some good changes into batting line-up as well their most batsmen have no good experience to play here in Australia and bowling attack is also very strong, so they have very few chances with these things hopefully now in second test match we will have legendary duo of Anderson and Broad back into attack.

[blatchcorn]

I believe it's big blunder from English team that they are dependent on an injured player and having no faith in Stuart Broad which was good and inform bowler now they need to do some good changes for second test as now they have very small-time for preparations in next few days 2 tests are waiting for them. They need some good changes into batting line-up as well their most batsmen have no good experience to play here in Australia and bowling attack is also very strong, so they have very few chances with these things hopefully now in second test match we will have legendary duo of Anderson and Broad back into attack.

News coming in are that both Anderson and Broad are fit and will be included in second match squad. Its stunning to see Root defending the omission of these two bowlers from first test.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/inews.co.uk/sport/cricket/england-cricket-team-news-joe-root-2nd-ashes-test-selection-adelaide-1347909/amp

Jack Leach may not be included in second test after seeing his performance in first test. From batting prespective I don't think they have much options, current squad is the best one. They can consider replacing Haseeb but don't have anyother opener in there squad.

[Haunebu]

News coming in are that both Anderson and Broad are fit and will be included in second match squad. Its stunning to see Root defending the omission of these two bowlers from first test.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/inews.co.uk/sport/cricket/england-cricket-team-news-joe-root-2nd-ashes-test-selection-adelaide-1347909/amp

Root is usually good at delivering interviews, but messed up big-time this time around. What on earth was he thinking leaving out both Anderson and Broad from the lineup? Stupid and nonsensical strategy.

Almost everyone are criticising him for these decisions. Root along with his team need to seriously rethink their strategies.

Also, England are great at bowling in Adelaide and Melbourne which could rattle the Australian batting line-up. Warner and Hazlewood getting injured and replaced adds to their woes. Expecting intense contests.

[TheGreatPython]

Root is usually good at delivering interviews, but messed up big-time this time around. What on earth was he thinking leaving out both Anderson and Broad from the lineup? Stupid and nonsensical strategy.

Almost everyone are criticising him for these decisions. Root along with his team need to seriously rethink their strategies.

Also, England are great at bowling in Adelaide and Melbourne which could rattle the Australian batting line-up. Warner and Hazlewood getting injured and replaced adds to their woes. Expecting intense contests.

England's start is not good as they are messed up with bowlers selection and their batting is also not having some good out put which is the biggest concern right now, Root is doing some bad mistakes which are causing more problems. Now they are heading for Adelaide where Australia having very good record against them 18 wins 8 loses and just 3 draws in last 2 matches Australia won very comfortably. With current batting line-up and preferring injured Stokes to Broad was very poor from them now they have to do some better strategy if they want to have some better result of this test match.

[Sithara007]

Root is usually good at delivering interviews, but messed up big-time this time around. What on earth was he thinking leaving out both Anderson and Broad from the lineup? Stupid and nonsensical strategy.

Almost everyone are criticising him for these decisions. Root along with his team need to seriously rethink their strategies.

Also, England are great at bowling in Adelaide and Melbourne which could rattle the Australian batting line-up. Warner and Hazlewood getting injured and replaced adds to their woes. Expecting intense contests.

These sort of decisions can go both ways. This time it failed and Root needs to admit his mistake. He went ahead with the combination of Chris Woakes/Ollie Robinson/Mark Wood. These three bowlers took 9 wickets in total, after conceding 239 runs. As you can see, these figures doesn't look too bad. The failure was from the part of the spinners (Jack Leach) and the part-time bowler (Ben Stokes). Anyway, it was a blunder to leave out two of the most experienced pacers (who are among the top wicket takers in test cricket at this point).

[JSRAW]

- Jimmy-Broad are available for the selection. Every pundit focusing on bowler's fault, kinda weird cause main culprits were batters.
- Rohit Sharma is ruled out from the South Africa Test series due to serious hamstring injury.
- Priyank Panchal replaces Rohit as test opener. (He's playing with India A in South Africa already). My boii Vihari is also there and looking good so far.

[Shagnasty]

- Jimmy-Broad are available for the selection. Every pundit focusing on bowler's fault, kinda weird cause main culprits were batters.
- Rohit Sharma is ruled out from the South Africa Test series due to serious hamstring injury.
- Priyank Panchal replaces Rohit as test opener. (He's playing with India A in South Africa already). My boii Vihari is also there and looking good so far.

Absolutely right the main culprit in the first ashes test were batsman. They collapsed in 1st innings and also in second innings after the partnership between root and malan they collapsed. This is the major issue for them at the moment their batting. Even the return of broad and anderson wont make any difference if their batting unit keep performing like this.