Test Cricket Prediction and Discussion Thread [self - mod]

[coinism]

I am not sure whether cricket has lost any of its popularity (at least in the traditional areas). But for sure, cricket has failed to expand to new markets, similar to what other sports such as Rugby and field hockey has managed to. One big reason may be due to the fact that the ICC is being run by businessmen with hardly any connection to cricket, while the other sports bodies such as the FIFA, FIH and FIBA are being managed by former players from these sports. Businessmen think only about short term benefits and not about the popularity of the sport.

In Pakistan, India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka Cricket is still the most popular game, since this area accommodate huge population of the world that's why cricket is among top 5 popular games. Apart from that there is very little popularity of cricket in rest of the world. ICC is run nor by business men neither by former players rather its run by big 3.   

[JSRAW]

Suggestions are coming for Kohli from everywhere due to his poor run of form.  This time piece of advice coming from former head coach.

Everyone raising eyebrows because he's not scoring any century, almost 100 matches across all format (including IPL), having said that despite 2-3 poor years his numbers still look amazing. Tells you lot about his high standards.

[Maidak]

snip

Just because of negative tactics and poor management of ICC time is already run out for test cricket popularity but now with two new short formats we can hope this will do some better in near future but against it's time for some strong management and better tactics which are very important for popularity of this game around the globe.
Currently, we have only 12 test playing nations and from these only eight are in good condition and others are struggling and can collapse any time because they have no infrastructure and finances for managing this even Afghanistan is not able to play test at home, and it's not possible for nearly one more decade which is the worst case for them Zimbabwe is already down and out with Bangladesh, Ireland, Sri Lanka and West Indies are also down in quality which is big problem but no one want to do any positive thing for these countries development which mean we are near dead point for test format.

I see a lot of boards just concentrating on the shorter formats of cricket right now because honestly test cricket has lost its popularity and the increasing popularity of the shorter formats of cricket is certainly not helping that. If we talk about your country like Bangladesh, I think we can see that even though they are not good at all in test cricket they are not even making an effort to get better because they are concentrating more on the shorter formats. Test cricket obviously does not generate good revenues and when the revenues are not going to be good obviously the interest will also not be higher.

I am not sure whether cricket has lost any of its popularity (at least in the traditional areas). But for sure, cricket has failed to expand to new markets, similar to what other sports such as Rugby and field hockey has managed to. One big reason may be due to the fact that the ICC is being run by businessmen with hardly any connection to cricket, while the other sports bodies such as the FIFA, FIH and FIBA are being managed by former players from these sports. Businessmen think only about short term benefits and not about the popularity of the sport.

I am quite sure that cricket has lost a little of its popularity even though it is not very much noticeable. And the way ICC is going on about things I am sure that the situation is not going to improve. And you made a very good point about cricket being run by businessmen because they are only interested in money. They are not at all interested in expanding the game.

[Sithara007]

I am quite sure that cricket has lost a little of its popularity even though it is not very much noticeable. And the way ICC is going on about things I am sure that the situation is not going to improve. And you made a very good point about cricket being run by businessmen because they are only interested in money. They are not at all interested in expanding the game.

Not going to agree with the first part. At least here in India, the IPL remains vastly more popular when compared to the other leagues such as the ISL and pro-Kabaddi league. As such, I have not seen any dip in popularity for cricket in India. The only thing I have noticed is that the younger generations are getting addicted to T20 format, and they almost never watch the test matches. And also, outside cricket activity has reduced to a bare minimum, as open spaces are getting sparse and the people are spending more and more time on their mobiles.

[blatchcorn]

Suggestions are coming for Kohli from everywhere due to his poor run of form.  This time piece of advice coming from former head coach.

Everyone raising eyebrows because he's not scoring any century, almost 100 matches across all format (including IPL), having said that despite 2-3 poor years his numbers still look amazing. Tells you lot about his high standards.

https://i.imgur.com/rLclG4E.jpg
]https://i.imgur.com/OtWrVu6.jpg

Seriously that's a worthy advice of taking break. His stats may be outstanding but we have to admit that he is out of form for quite a while. Sometimes taking a break and returning back helps you alot. I remember inzamam ul haq had a bad patch in 2003, he was given a break and he came back much stronger for rest of his career.

[Juggy777]

Suggestions are coming for Kohli from everywhere due to his poor run of form.  This time piece of advice coming from former head coach.

Everyone raising eyebrows because he's not scoring any century, almost 100 matches across all format (including IPL), having said that despite 2-3 poor years his numbers still look amazing. Tells you lot about his high standards.

https://i.imgur.com/rLclG4E.jpg
]https://i.imgur.com/OtWrVu6.jpg

Seriously that's a worthy advice of taking break. His stats may be outstanding but we have to admit that he is out of form for quite a while. Sometimes taking a break and returning back helps you alot. I remember inzamam ul haq had a bad patch in 2003, he was given a break and he came back much stronger for rest of his career.

@JSRAW I feel that everyone’s out there to get Kohli and the way BCCI striped him of the captaincy isn’t helping either, hence a break may not be a bad idea for him. However having followed his career so far I feel that he likes to play under these circumstances and prove his doubters wrong, but for some reason this time he’s unable to do so hence I too agree that he should take a break and come back stronger.

[pakhitheboss]

I am quite sure that cricket has lost a little of its popularity even though it is not very much noticeable. And the way ICC is going on about things I am sure that the situation is not going to improve. And you made a very good point about cricket being run by businessmen because they are only interested in money. They are not at all interested in expanding the game.

Not going to agree with the first part. At least here in India, the IPL remains vastly more popular when compared to the other leagues such as the ISL and pro-Kabaddi league. As such, I have not seen any dip in popularity for cricket in India. The only thing I have noticed is that the younger generations are getting addicted to T20 format, and they almost never watch the test matches. And also, outside cricket activity has reduced to a bare minimum, as open spaces are getting sparse and the people are spending more and more time on their mobiles.

I agree with Sithara007 cricket has not lost its popularity in India. To date India has the highest viewership of cricket. Indian youth are obsessed with the T20 format and not the test format. Globally too T20 is the most popular format of cricket.

[coinism]

Not going to agree with the first part. At least here in India, the IPL remains vastly more popular when compared to the other leagues such as the ISL and pro-Kabaddi league. As such, I have not seen any dip in popularity for cricket in India. The only thing I have noticed is that the younger generations are getting addicted to T20 format, and they almost never watch the test matches. And also, outside cricket activity has reduced to a bare minimum, as open spaces are getting sparse and the people are spending more and more time on their mobiles.

Indians are crazy for three things Cricket, cinema and Bhagvan. I remember before the advent of T20I, stadiums were filled even in test matches. Its natural that people will love T20 more then ODI or test. Still craze of cricket is at its peak in India.

[Maidak]

I am quite sure that cricket has lost a little of its popularity even though it is not very much noticeable. And the way ICC is going on about things I am sure that the situation is not going to improve. And you made a very good point about cricket being run by businessmen because they are only interested in money. They are not at all interested in expanding the game.

Not going to agree with the first part. At least here in India, the IPL remains vastly more popular when compared to the other leagues such as the ISL and pro-Kabaddi league. As such, I have not seen any dip in popularity for cricket in India. The only thing I have noticed is that the younger generations are getting addicted to T20 format, and they almost never watch the test matches. And also, outside cricket activity has reduced to a bare minimum, as open spaces are getting sparse and the people are spending more and more time on their mobiles.

Actually, there are some reasons why I think cricket is losing a certain amount of its popularity and I think this article sums it up really well.

Cricket Fading Away? Truth Behind The Popular Game

But, obviously, I am not saying that cricket has lost almost 20% of its popularity or anything like that. I certainly think that cricket is not as enjoyable to watch as it was before.
And another thing is there is only so much competition in cricket because of having not enough teams to compete with each other.

snip
I feel that everyone’s out there to get Kohli and the way BCCI striped him of the captaincy isn’t helping either, hence a break may not be a bad idea for him. However having followed his career so far I feel that he likes to play under these circumstances and prove his doubters wrong, but for some reason this time he’s unable to do so hence I too agree that he should take a break and come back stronger.

I think everyone should understand that Cricket being popular only in India is not the same as cricket is popular as a game. yes, you can obviously say that cricket is still the most popular sport in India and it has not lost popularity here. But I think if we can find the right statistics we will see that ultimately cricket has lost popularity.

[CryptoBuds]

Suggestions are coming for Kohli from everywhere due to his poor run of form.  This time piece of advice coming from former head coach.
Everyone raising eyebrows because he's not scoring any century, almost 100 matches across all format (including IPL), having said that despite 2-3 poor years his numbers still look amazing. Tells you lot about his high standards.
https://i.imgur.com/rLclG4E.jpg
]https://i.imgur.com/OtWrVu6.jpg

Seriously that's a worthy advice of taking break. His stats may be outstanding but we have to admit that he is out of form for quite a while. Sometimes taking a break and returning back helps you alot. I remember inzamam ul haq had a bad patch in 2003, he was given a break and he came back much stronger for rest of his career.

@JSRAW I feel that everyone’s out there to get Kohli and the way BCCI striped him of the captaincy isn’t helping either, hence a break may not be a bad idea for him. However having followed his career so far I feel that he likes to play under these circumstances and prove his doubters wrong, but for some reason this time he’s unable to do so hence I too agree that he should take a break and come back stronger.

^ I also agree that it will be better for him if he takes a break right now.  He is not performing up to his standards and obviously, a lot of things are going on in his head right now. 

So a break will be great for him to clear his mind and he will also be able to start fresh. I believe he has a lot to give to the Indian cricket team. So if he takes a break and then comes back he will perform a lot better or at least better than he is doing right now.

[Sithara007]

Actually, there are some reasons why I think cricket is losing a certain amount of its popularity and I think this article sums it up really well.

Cricket Fading Away? Truth Behind The Popular Game

But, obviously, I am not saying that cricket has lost almost 20% of its popularity or anything like that. I certainly think that cricket is not as enjoyable to watch as it was before.
And another thing is there is only so much competition in cricket because of having not enough teams to compete with each other.

Many thanks for posting link to that excellent article. I agree with most of the points given by them. And your point is valid as well. There are just 7-8 regular teams in cricket and all these bilateral tours are becoming repetitive and boring. And in world cup, they have reduced the number of teams from 16 to 10, making it even more boring. And even the surviving teams are transforming from native-dominated to foreign-dominated. Cricket has lost its charm. It has become more of a business than sport.

[wiss19]

Seriously that's a worthy advice of taking break. His stats may be outstanding but we have to admit that he is out of form for quite a while. Sometimes taking a break and returning back helps you alot. I remember inzamam ul haq had a bad patch in 2003, he was given a break and he came back much stronger for rest of his career.

With current form and having criticism he needs some break which could be very helpful for him and his future because age factor is still with Kohli and if he wants to stay for some long time then surely a break can help him in this case.

It's never new for any player because we have a history of bad patches like these and mostly players with having break come back very strongly, so he is also can do this. Now with Shastri is also looking for something like this; hopefully he will take some good decision for his future and fight back with very strong performance, or he can take retirement from one or two formats and just keep playing test matches which is also very good for him and his career because he is still good player for this format.

[JSRAW]

@Maidak @Sithara007 Point 1 and 7 are loaded with 90s -2000s bias..

Suggestions are coming for Kohli from everywhere due to his poor run of form.  This time piece of advice coming from former head coach.

Everyone raising eyebrows because he's not scoring any century, almost 100 matches across all format (including IPL), having said that despite 2-3 poor years his numbers still look amazing. Tells you lot about his high standards.

https://i.imgur.com/rLclG4E.jpg
]https://i.imgur.com/OtWrVu6.jpg

Seriously that's a worthy advice of taking break. His stats may be outstanding but we have to admit that he is out of form for quite a while. Sometimes taking a break and returning back helps you alot. I remember inzamam ul haq had a bad patch in 2003, he was given a break and he came back much stronger for rest of his career.

May be he should play one remaining test against England and take break from the Limited over cricket (every LOI bilateral, not T-20 World cup tho). Focus on 2 test match against Bangbros and 4 test match series against Australia next year.

@Juggy777 Nah bhai, that's not a valid excuse. He failed to deliver in limited overs so it was the right decision. Also when he had the power, Kumble had to resign from the coach position so he knows how power structure works.
 

[Sithara007]

With current form and having criticism he needs some break which could be very helpful for him and his future because age factor is still with Kohli and if he wants to stay for some long time then surely a break can help him in this case.

It's never new for any player because we have a history of bad patches like these and mostly players with having break come back very strongly, so he is also can do this. Now with Shastri is also looking for something like this; hopefully he will take some good decision for his future and fight back with very strong performance, or he can take retirement from one or two formats and just keep playing test matches which is also very good for him and his career because he is still good player for this format.

I really don't think that Kohli want to concentrate on tests. He is a good test player, but why should he detach himself from all the glamor and blitz of T20? Players resigning from other formats to focus on test cricket is a thing of the past. There is too much money available in franchise T20 to make that option really unattractive. On top of that, the popularity of test cricket is going down with every passing year. In the long term, if he concentrate only in test format, Kohli's market value will decrease and his revenue from various endorsements will go down.

[pakhitheboss]

With current form and having criticism he needs some break which could be very helpful for him and his future because age factor is still with Kohli and if he wants to stay for some long time then surely a break can help him in this case.

It's never new for any player because we have a history of bad patches like these and mostly players with having break come back very strongly, so he is also can do this. Now with Shastri is also looking for something like this; hopefully he will take some good decision for his future and fight back with very strong performance, or he can take retirement from one or two formats and just keep playing test matches which is also very good for him and his career because he is still good player for this format.

I really don't think that Kohli want to concentrate on tests. He is a good test player, but why should he detach himself from all the glamor and blitz of T20? Players resigning from other formats to focus on test cricket is a thing of the past. There is too much money available in franchise T20 to make that option really unattractive. On top of that, the popularity of test cricket is going down with every passing year. In the long term, if he concentrate only in test format, Kohli's market value will decrease and his revenue from various endorsements will go down.

T20 format is where the money is in cricket now days. But, test cricket is also important for a batsman like Kohli regardless of its popularity. Test cricket basically test a batsman ability to score runs and also to save his wicket throughout the whole day. It also determines the fitness level of a batsman. In my opinion he should rest from all formats for a couple of month and then make a comeback.

[JSRAW]

~snip~

I really don't think that Kohli want to concentrate on tests. He is a good test player, but why should he detach himself from all the glamor and blitz of T20? Players resigning from other formats to focus on test cricket is a thing of the past. There is too much money available in franchise T20 to make that option really unattractive. On top of that, the popularity of test cricket is going down with every passing year. In the long term, if he concentrate only in test format, Kohli's market value will decrease and his revenue from various endorsements will go down.

Players like Kohli, Smith consider test format as true form of cricket and they would very much like to play test cricket for long.

Virat doesn't need to stop playing limited over cricket completely. All he has to do is avoid unnecessary Bilateral series, he can make himself available for the IPL and ICC tourney or may be 1-2 limited overs bilateral series, mainly Aus. His current annual income is close to $25-27 Million and that's only from the endorsement (additional 3 million from BCCI +IPL contract), yes it would go down but not that much.

[Maidak]

Many thanks for posting link to that excellent article. I agree with most of the points given by them. And your point is valid as well. There are just 7-8 regular teams in cricket and all these bilateral tours are becoming repetitive and boring. And in world cup, they have reduced the number of teams from 16 to 10, making it even more boring. And even the surviving teams are transforming from native-dominated to foreign-dominated. Cricket has lost its charm. It has become more of a business than sport.

You are welcome and if cricket is not turned into a worldwide renowned sport I think cricket is going to lose its popularity slowly but surely.
I really don't see any effort from anyone to make cricket popular in the whole world. there are a lot of countries that are not interested in cricket at all and I believe it is the duty of the ICC to make it popular and interesting to those countries.

@Maidak @Sithara007 Point 1 and 7 are loaded with 90s -2000s bias..

But it is true, right? 

And I know that when making a discussion some people are not agreeable like the others but that doesn't rule away from the obvious facts.

Anyway, I think it is quite evident that cricket is slowly but surely losing its popularity and even though it is not so noticeable right now it will be if nothing changes in a few years.

[JSRAW]

@Maidak @Sithara007 Point 1 and 7 are loaded with 90s -2000s bias..

But it is true, right?  

Let me put it this way. It's like saying that why peeps are not using Nokia anymore in Android and Iphone's era.

Yes, state of global cricket is not healthy (like spreading the game etc) but it's way better than in 2000's and so on.

And I know that when making a discussion some people are not agreeable like the others but that doesn't rule away from the obvious facts.

Disagreement is part of the mutual contract (even in partners), so it's fine. Well not very obvious fact imo, already mentioned my reasoning, talking about 1 and 7 points only. I agree with others points tho.

Anyway, I think it is quite evident that cricket is slowly but surely losing its popularity and even though it is not so noticeable right now it will be if nothing changes in a few years.

IMHO it depends on the perspective.

If i talk about English's perspective then they do think cricket is losing it's charm because of downfall of test cricket in their country.
From Aussie and Indian's point of view they are on peak atm. as old saying goes -follow the money-
Proteas is not doing well financially but interest in test cricket is going up due to recent success.
Pakistan also celebrating due to recent success in PCL and historic Aus's tour.
Kiwis are irrelevant because of their population although they are force to reckon with from Indian perspective.  
Rest of the cricketing world, well they are depressed af.

[blatchcorn]

I really don't think that Kohli want to concentrate on tests. He is a good test player, but why should he detach himself from all the glamor and blitz of T20? Players resigning from other formats to focus on test cricket is a thing of the past. There is too much money available in franchise T20 to make that option really unattractive. On top of that, the popularity of test cricket is going down with every passing year. In the long term, if he concentrate only in test format, Kohli's market value will decrease and his revenue from various endorsements will go down.

Original format of cricket is test but with time people lost interest in test as ODI and now T20 are introduced. I don't think the future of cricket is in test but in T20 as its interesting for people due to its shorter duration and also pays good money to players. Kohli need break from cricket ASAP to gain its form.

[CryptoBuds]

~snip~
I really don't think that Kohli want to concentrate on tests. He is a good test player, but why should he detach himself from all the glamor and blitz of T20? Players resigning from other formats to focus on test cricket is a thing of the past. There is too much money available in franchise T20 to make that option really unattractive. On top of that, the popularity of test cricket is going down with every passing year. In the long term, if he concentrate only in test format, Kohli's market value will decrease and his revenue from various endorsements will go down.

Players like Kohli, Smith considered test format as true form of cricket and they would very much like to play test cricket for long.

Virat doesn't need to stop playing limited over cricket completely. All he has to do is avoid unnecessary Bilateral series, he can make himself available for the IPL and ICC tourney or may be 1-2 limited overs bilateral series, mainly Aus. His current annual income is close to $25-27 Million and that's only from the endorsement (additional 3 million from BCCI +IPL contract), yes it would go down but not that much.

^ Yes, I agree and probably the best solution is going to be taking a break from international cricket. Obviously, he is a great player, and whenever anyone watches him performing like he is doing right now even someone who doesn't understand cricket that much he's going to suggest that he should take a break.

I know that what I am going to say next is not the most popular opinion but I think for a player who is really one of the most seniors on the team I think it is better to not concentrate on the test format.