Test Cricket Prediction and Discussion Thread [self - mod]

[Minor Miner]

Australia VS Pakistan

Australia declared their second innings at 228 runs. And they gave a target of 351 runs. Is it enough to win? In the previous Test match too, Pakistan batted very well in the second innings. Pakistan's collection is now 73 runs without losing a wicket. Pakistan needed only 278 runs to win on the fifth day. They need 3.1 runs per over to win. No big goals. And I think Pakistan will win this match. Australia should have given more than 400 targets.

[galambo]

That "Aussie collapse" was my wishful thinking only to spice things up.

I don't know if Aussie were over confident or banking on volatile pak batting line-up but for me this was brave declaration on good batting wicket and I grudgingly admit that arguably Australia is the only cricketing team in the world who always try to win the game. In contrast if it was India or any other team then declaration was possible only when they were in safe positions.

Pakistan has excellent chance to win this historic series, let's see.

The match is in very interesting phase now. Pakistan has not lost any wicket so far but they can collapse at any moment. In first innings they are 169/1 and the whole team was out on 268. If Pakistan chase this up then it will be highest target chased at Lahore Cricket Stadium. Credit goes to Australians for making this bold decision.

[BALIK]

Australia VS Pakistan

Australia declared their second innings at 228 runs. And they gave a target of 351 runs. Is it enough to win? In the previous Test match too, Pakistan batted very well in the second innings. Pakistan's collection is now 73 runs without losing a wicket. Pakistan needed only 278 runs to win on the fifth day. They need 3.1 runs per over to win. No big goals. And I think Pakistan will win this match. Australia should have given more than 400 targets.

The chances of both teams winning this match are now equal. As we saw in the first innings, Pakistan started very well but the middle order did not play well. Their performance was poor. As a result, they lost all their wickets for just 26 runs. They may have started in the second innings and have not lost a wicket yet. Still, I doubt if they will be able to play well tomorrow.

[galambo]

The chances of both teams winning this match are now equal. As we saw in the first innings, Pakistan started very well but the middle order did not play well. Their performance was poor. As a result, they lost all their wickets for just 26 runs. They may have started in the second innings and have not lost a wicket yet. Still, I doubt if they will be able to play well tomorrow.

Thats why Australians have took this bold decision of declaring innings when target is 350. They know if they can get 2 to 3 quick wickets then whole Pakistani batting line up will get panic. Secondly Pakistan don't have that much depth in there batting like Aussies have. I think chances of Aus are more then Pakistan.

[laurenB7742]

England   -   West Indies

Watch the Test match between West Indies and England. I never imagined that England would be in such a bad situation. West Indies won the toss and elected to bowl. And England lost 7 wickets for 67 runs. No one expected England's batsmen to play so badly. However, England scored 85 runs in 40 overs. And my guess is they will lose all their wickets in 120 runs. West Indies batsmen have to play carefully today. Only then will they have an easy win against England.

-snip

Group system seems good solution imo. Reposting old discussion.

Two divisions are needed, because the gap between the pig 3 sides and smaller nations such as Sri Lanka are increasing. I would rather prefer three divisions of test cricket. It will be as follows:

Division 1: India, Australia, New Zealand, England and Pakistan
Division 2: South Africa, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and West Indies
Division 3: Zimbabwe, Ireland, Netherlands, Scotland and Nepal.

Ind-Pak are not going to play so they might end up playing with only SENA countries in this system.

Guess we discussed this topic couple of times here, anyway IMO it would be better if they could divide teams into 2 group according to their ranking. As of now we have 12 tests playing nations.

Group A  : Top 1-6 ranking team
Group B  : Bottom 7-12 ranking team

It could be a great option because in that way the lower teams will also have the chance of moving forward to the next stage.

But, I am also doubtful about this. because it seems like whatever is done, test cricket might not just get back the popularity that it once had.
it doesn't obviously look like a good idea but when there are no other ideas, the bad idea becomes a great idea.

[LittleBitFunny]

England   -   West Indies

Watch the Test match between West Indies and England. I never imagined that England would be in such a bad situation. West Indies won the toss and elected to bowl. And England lost 7 wickets for 67 runs. No one expected England's batsmen to play so badly. However, England scored 85 runs in 40 overs. And my guess is they will lose all their wickets in 120 runs. West Indies batsmen have to play carefully today. Only then will they have an easy win against England.

Perhaps your guess is going to be correct. England lost one more wicket. They lost 8 wickets and collected 97 runs. It was unimaginable that the performance of England's players would be so bad against an inexperienced team like the West Indies. I know England have been out of form for some time now, but I never thought I would see such a poor performance against the West Indies.

[doomloop]

Australia declared their second innings at 228 runs. And they gave a target of 351 runs. Is it enough to win? In the previous Test match too, Pakistan batted very well in the second innings. Pakistan's collection is now 73 runs without losing a wicket. Pakistan needed only 278 runs to win on the fifth day. They need 3.1 runs per over to win. No big goals. And I think Pakistan will win this match. Australia should have given more than 400 targets.

I have no words for this Australian decision because right now we have talk about this, few saying it's suicidal and few calling a very brave decision because they know Pakistan is unpredictable team and Australian can handle them in last and final day of this historic test series for win.

But, after watching this last 90 minutes game now I am feeling Pakistan can win from here, and surely It's going to be suicidal for Australia as there were some good criticism against Cummins about Karachi decision now this also can go against him in Australian media now requirement is nearly 90 overs, and we have 278 runs with all ten wickets in hands both openers playing very sensible with now their main target is tomorrow they have to save their wickets in first session for better win option for themselves.

[MinMan]

What a start for West Indies in their final and third test match against England. Their bowlers done some good job and have all English top batsmen out with just 90 for 8 from these all batsmen just Alex Lees reach in double figure and all others done just in single digit with Root having duck in front of his name even it is just first session, and we have to wait for West Indian batting line up in their first inning but from here they are feeling good with things are going for them.

Right now, Jack Leach and Chris Woakes both on crease for England, so they can feel some better because these both have some ability to give some stand for at least having three digit score for their team in first inning of this final test match.

[minairia3]

Australians didn't collapse but didn't they did suicide by declaring the innings a bit too early?
The problem is that we have a Pakistan team in front who are unpredictable. Pakistan could go on making 200-0 but then can collapse in 100 runs or so. If India or England were the opponents, they would have never missed this opportunity given by the overconfident declaration.
Anything could happen tomorrow, didn't thought the match would turn out to be that interesting.

I'm looking forward to tomorrow's final round of play! Australia's captain made a bold decision by declaring early. Pakistan's opener has given a valiant start to the team, needing another 278 runs to reach its target. We hope the team continues to show the same attitude tomorrow. Pakistan should not think about a draw but should instead go for a victory. It's a match that can be won by either team. A thriller is expected on the last day of the test and series decider? However, Pakistan stands a good chance of winning.

Pakistan have already scored 73 runs without any loss of wickets. now they need 278 runs, on the last day they declared the match, and with 10 wickets in hand, I think it is quite possible for them.
@onecall123, I think maybe Australia had thought that they will be able to get one or two wickets today but since they were unable to do that, I think there will be a little scared right now.

That "Aussie collapse" was my wishful thinking only to spice things up.
I don't know if Aussie were over confident or banking on volatile pak batting line-up but for me this was brave declaration on good batting wicket and I grudgingly admit that arguably Australia is the only cricketing team in the world who always try to win the game. In contrast if it was India or any other team then declaration was possible only when they were in safe positions.
Pakistan has excellent chance to win this historic series, let's see.

I think Pakistan is going to win this match if there don't lose early wickets in the first session the next day. they should play safe and hold on to their wicket. they don't need too many runs which they cannot get in in 90 over. so the key is not to get out early.

[Maidak]

Australia declared their second innings at 228 runs. And they gave a target of 351 runs. Is it enough to win? In the previous Test match too, Pakistan batted very well in the second innings. Pakistan's collection is now 73 runs without losing a wicket. Pakistan needed only 278 runs to win on the fifth day. They need 3.1 runs per over to win. No big goals. And I think Pakistan will win this match. Australia should have given more than 400 targets.

I have no words for this Australian decision because right now we have talk about this, few saying it's suicidal and few calling a very brave decision because they know Pakistan is unpredictable team and Australian can handle them in last and final day of this historic test series for win.

But, after watching this last 90 minutes game now I am feeling Pakistan can win from here, and surely It's going to be suicidal for Australia as there were some good criticism against Cummins about Karachi decision now this also can go against him in Australian media now requirement is nearly 90 overs, and we have 278 runs with all ten wickets in hands both openers playing very sensible with now their main target is tomorrow they have to save their wickets in first session for better win option for themselves.

To be honest I don't think it's brave from Australia. if anything I think it's just straight-up stupid, and it looks more stupid now because they were not able to get any wicket.

I think the main win condition for Australia is going to be wickets in the first session the next day. Otherwise, Pakistan is going to win this match is easy without any doubt. I don't think this match is going to end in a draw, either Pakistan is going to be bowled out or they are going to get the runs tomorrow.

[TheGreatPython]

To be honest I don't think it's brave from Australia. if anything I think it's just straight-up stupid, and it looks more stupid now because they were not able to get any wicket.

I think the main win condition for Australia is going to be wickets in the first session the next day. Otherwise, Pakistan is going to win this match is easy without any doubt. I don't think this match is going to end in a draw, either Pakistan is going to be bowled out or they are going to get the runs tomorrow.

I agree with you may be not good enough from Australia but on other side I think you don't know about Pakistan they are world's most unpredictable team in cricket, and they can create problems for themselves as well.

But, still it's a very big gamble from Australia and captain Cummins right now after end of fourth day play I am feeling it's second the worst decision from this new Captain in this tour first at Karachi and now second at Lahore if they lost this test and series then surely there could be many questions about his captaincy even he won The Ashes at home without any problem but playing away and done mistakes like this are surely going to create some big problems for this young and talented player.

[Sithara007]

Really surprised with the aggressive stance taken by Australia. They set a target of 351 runs, which is clearly not enough in batting friendly conditions. And Pakistan has got a good start, and they just need 278 runs more. Right now, I would say that Pakistan are the favorites to win this match (and the series as well). The Australian captain made a mistake here, and he should have also remembered that his spinners are not performing well. And now Pakistan is going to end up with some valuable points in the WTC table.

[Mr.Scott]

Really surprised with the aggressive stance taken by Australia. They set a target of 351 runs, which is clearly not enough in batting friendly conditions. And Pakistan has got a good start, and they just need 278 runs more. Right now, I would say that Pakistan are the favorites to win this match (and the series as well). The Australian captain made a mistake here, and he should have also remembered that his spinners are not performing well. And now Pakistan is going to end up with some valuable points in the WTC table.

It's clear that Australia is taking an aggressive stance. Pakistan now has a realistic chance of winning the match because Australia declared the innings earlier than expected. Throughout the series, Australia dictated Pakistan on their home ground. Isn't that right? On the final day of the decider, Pakistan needs 278 runs.  With Pakistan playing like they did in their last game, they have a better chance. For Australia to win, they need 10 wickets.

[Minor Miner]

Really surprised with the aggressive stance taken by Australia. They set a target of 351 runs, which is clearly not enough in batting friendly conditions. And Pakistan has got a good start, and they just need 278 runs more. Right now, I would say that Pakistan are the favorites to win this match (and the series as well). The Australian captain made a mistake here, and he should have also remembered that his spinners are not performing well. And now Pakistan is going to end up with some valuable points in the WTC table.

It's clear that Australia is taking an aggressive stance. Pakistan now has a realistic chance of winning the match because Australia declared the innings earlier than expected. Throughout the series, Australia dictated Pakistan on their home ground. Isn't that right? On the final day of the decider, Pakistan needs 278 runs.  With Pakistan playing like they did in their last game, they have a better chance. For Australia to win, they need 10 wickets.

Pakistan collected 100 runs, they lost only one wicket. They lost their first and most important wicket by 77 runs. Abdullah Shafique returned with 27 runs on 80 balls. Only 251 runs are needed to win. Pakistan still has a chance to win. However, after watching the first innings, the Pakistani batsmen cannot be relied upon.

[kro55]

Really surprised with the aggressive stance taken by Australia. They set a target of 351 runs, which is clearly not enough in batting friendly conditions. And Pakistan has got a good start, and they just need 278 runs more. Right now, I would say that Pakistan are the favorites to win this match (and the series as well). The Australian captain made a mistake here, and he should have also remembered that his spinners are not performing well. And now Pakistan is going to end up with some valuable points in the WTC table.

It's clear that Australia is taking an aggressive stance. Pakistan now has a realistic chance of winning the match because Australia declared the innings earlier than expected. Throughout the series, Australia dictated Pakistan on their home ground. Isn't that right? On the final day of the decider, Pakistan needs 278 runs.  With Pakistan playing like they did in their last game, they have a better chance. For Australia to win, they need 10 wickets.

Pakistan collected 100 runs, they lost only one wicket. They lost their first and most important wicket by 77 runs. Abdullah Shafique returned with 27 runs on 80 balls. Only 251 runs are needed to win. Pakistan still has a chance to win. However, after watching the first innings, the Pakistani batsmen cannot be relied upon.

Pakistan lost their second wicket. Imam Ul Haque and Babar Azam are in the crease now. If Pakistan wants to win then these two players must build a good partnership. Although I don't think Pakistan will win. Most likely to be drawn. However, it is not surprising that Australia won. The Australian bowlers are very experienced.

[Vaskiy]

Really surprised with the aggressive stance taken by Australia. They set a target of 351 runs, which is clearly not enough in batting friendly conditions. And Pakistan has got a good start, and they just need 278 runs more. Right now, I would say that Pakistan are the favorites to win this match (and the series as well). The Australian captain made a mistake here, and he should have also remembered that his spinners are not performing well. And now Pakistan is going to end up with some valuable points in the WTC table.

It's clear that Australia is taking an aggressive stance. Pakistan now has a realistic chance of winning the match because Australia declared the innings earlier than expected. Throughout the series, Australia dictated Pakistan on their home ground. Isn't that right? On the final day of the decider, Pakistan needs 278 runs.  With Pakistan playing like they did in their last game, they have a better chance. For Australia to win, they need 10 wickets.

Pakistan collected 100 runs, they lost only one wicket. They lost their first and most important wicket by 77 runs. Abdullah Shafique returned with 27 runs on 80 balls. Only 251 runs are needed to win. Pakistan still has a chance to win. However, after watching the first innings, the Pakistani batsmen cannot be relied upon.

Pakistan lost their second wicket. Imam Ul Haque and Babar Azam are in the crease now. If Pakistan wants to win then these two players must build a good partnership. Although I don't think Pakistan will win. Most likely to be drawn. However, it is not surprising that Australia won. The Australian bowlers are very experienced.

End of the first session majority have voted for the match to draw. There is little chance of getting results on this match soon after the second session begins. If Australian bowlers take few wickets, this will pressure the Pakistan batsmen. Same time Pakistan too can give a try, 215 runs out of 61 overs is possible.

[JohnBitCo]

Really surprised with the aggressive stance taken by Australia. They set a target of 351 runs, which is clearly not enough in batting friendly conditions. And Pakistan has got a good start, and they just need 278 runs more. Right now, I would say that Pakistan are the favorites to win this match (and the series as well). The Australian captain made a mistake here, and he should have also remembered that his spinners are not performing well. And now Pakistan is going to end up with some valuable points in the WTC table.

I won't bet it would be a Pakistan win or the Australian win as Pakistan have now lost three wickets and Fawad Alam is surviving dangerously out there.
Two scenarios from here onwards.

1- Fawad Alam gets out anytime and Pakistan batting collapse, having an Australian win

2- Pakistan survives till tea and sees what's the next target to win or they need to bat to draw.

[blatchcorn]

Really surprised with the aggressive stance taken by Australia. They set a target of 351 runs, which is clearly not enough in batting friendly conditions. And Pakistan has got a good start, and they just need 278 runs more. Right now, I would say that Pakistan are the favorites to win this match (and the series as well). The Australian captain made a mistake here, and he should have also remembered that his spinners are not performing well. And now Pakistan is going to end up with some valuable points in the WTC table.

Not a bad move at all by Cummins as they have got 5 wickets so far and surely will get 5 wickets before stumps today. 43 overs still left for todays play. Pakistan will only look to draw this match they won't score 170 more runs in front of strong Aussie bowling. Pakistani team wasn't able to take advantage of this flat pitch.

[noormcs5]

Really surprised with the aggressive stance taken by Australia. They set a target of 351 runs, which is clearly not enough in batting friendly conditions. And Pakistan has got a good start, and they just need 278 runs more. Right now, I would say that Pakistan are the favorites to win this match (and the series as well). The Australian captain made a mistake here, and he should have also remembered that his spinners are not performing well. And now Pakistan is going to end up with some valuable points in the WTC table.

Not a bad move at all by Cummins as they have got 5 wickets so far and surely will get 5 wickets before stumps today. 43 overs still left for todays play. Pakistan will only look to draw this match they won't score 170 more runs in front of strong Aussie bowling. Pakistani team wasn't able to take advantage of this flat pitch.

Draw not going to happen now. Just one wicket left for Pakistan and soon Pakistan will be all out. With this, the Australians will not only win the match but also a test series. How good is it that you visit a country after twenty-four years and succeed in winning the historic moment?

All credit goes to the Australian captain Cummins, who had the faith in his bowling and took a good declaration.

[blatchcorn]

Draw not going to happen now. Just one wicket left for Pakistan and soon Pakistan will be all out. With this, the Australians will not only win the match but also a test series. How good is it that you visit a country after twenty-four years and succeed in winning the historic moment?

All credit goes to the Australian captain Cummins, who had the faith in his bowling and took a good declaration.

Yes the credit for this victory goes to this daring move by Australian captain. Australian have won the 3rd test by 115 runs and with this theory of 'Flat Pitch' also comes to an end. This match will end in a draw if Aussies would have gone for a target of 400 to 450 runs.