Test Cricket Prediction and Discussion Thread [self - mod]

[onecall123]

Sri Lanka and Pakistan played an interesting first test, with Pakistani batters displaying good resilience. Now we're moving on to the second test. There is no Shaheen Shah Afridi to lead Pakistan in the crucial second SLvPAK Test. Shaheen will be missed as he destroyed SL in the first inning and bowled only seven overs in the second inning due to an injury. Considering the pitch does not offer anything for fast bowlers, his miss won't be costly for Pakistan.

[kro55]

Although Pakistan won this 1st test but it was a great comparative match between the two. Both teams played well and both had chances as well to win. Actually audience enjoyed the game very well. Viewer usually expect to watch such type of competitive game. Anyway they will appear again in the next match where each team will try to adopt a new strategy.

This test match was watchable, because of the fightback from Pakistan during the 4th and 5th days. Usually I skip matches that are played on dust bowls, such as the ones in Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. Test match surfaces need to be neutral. But teams such as Sri Lanka are preparing the pitches that provide undue support for their players. And when they tour the SENA nations, their batsmen are completely unprepared and even in pitches that offer equal support to both bowlers and the batsmen, they fail to perform.

I skipped the whole match as I cannot sit infront of the screen whole day. I do agree that the match did generate excitement from second innings onwards. The last day was the most interesting day of the match. I did check the score regularly on that day and watched the highlights the next day.

Every day of this match was exciting. Pakistan batted very badly in the first innings. However, due to Babar Azam's extraordinary innings, Pakistan managed to collect more than 200. And I would say Pakistan won because of this innings. If they were behind by 70/80 runs, it would have been difficult for them to win this match. At the same time, Shafique's batting in the second innings was very commendable.

[Rigon]

Sri Lanka and Pakistan played an interesting first test, with Pakistani batters displaying good resilience. Now we're moving on to the second test. There is no Shaheen Shah Afridi to lead Pakistan in the crucial second SLvPAK Test. Shaheen will be missed as he destroyed SL in the first inning and bowled only seven overs in the second inning due to an injury. Considering the pitch does not offer anything for fast bowlers, his miss won't be costly for Pakistan.

Pakistan Pakistan is a perfect team for Test matches.Pakistan is perfect not only for Tests but also for all three series.Pakistan won the Test match between Sri Lanka and Pakistan.Pakistan's first phase was a bit weak but later they played very strong and won.

[Marvell1]

You know that this pitch does not offer much to the fast bowlers. However, Shaheen Shah Afridi was still a great performer and an instrumental part of Pakistan's bowling attack. Now Pakistan should not miss him too much. Obviously, that's considering the situation on the field. But that will surely be a thing that Pakistan is obliged to keep in mind and the question I have is, will Pakistan be able to manage without him?

I hope they don’t feel any psychological disadvantage because of that. They will be at a certain disadvantage no doubt. But they should be able to manage.

Sri Lanka and Pakistan played an interesting first test, with Pakistani batters displaying good resilience. Now we're moving on to the second test. There is no Shaheen Shah Afridi to lead Pakistan in the crucial second SLvPAK Test. Shaheen will be missed as he destroyed SL in the first inning and bowled only seven overs in the second inning due to an injury. Considering the pitch does not offer anything for fast bowlers, his miss won't be costly for Pakistan.

[Sithara007]

You know that this pitch does not offer much to the fast bowlers. However, Shaheen Shah Afridi was still a great performer and an instrumental part of Pakistan's bowling attack. Now Pakistan should not miss him too much. Obviously, that's considering the situation on the field. But that will surely be a thing that Pakistan is obliged to keep in mind and the question I have is, will Pakistan be able to manage without him?

I hope they don’t feel any psychological disadvantage because of that. They will be at a certain disadvantage no doubt. But they should be able to manage.

Shaheen Shah Afridi has all the ingredients that can make him a legendary fast bowler, in the league of Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis and Shoaib Akhtar. And it is difficult to believe that he is just 22 years old. We have been watching him for so long, and it is almost impossible to admit that he's in his early 20s. He just need to be careful about his fitness and he can continue to play for another 15 years or so. Already he has close to 100 test wickets. I won't be surprised if he finishes ahead of James Anderson.

[noormcs5]

This Pakistani team has every ingredient to succeed there tho. Historically they are good in England so Aus + NZ + SA should be their priority.

Hasan-Afridi already gained fair amount of experience now. Afridi in particular is future star, Naseem is new so he'll learn the art. I'm sure Pak also have fair amount of back up seamers.

Spin should be covered by Yasir Ali but they need his back up soon as he's getting old. It would be amazing if they can also find solid spin all rounder, may be 2 so that they can do bit of batting as well. Abdullah Shafique is looking promising opener but his next test would be against seamers when playing away so we have to wait for more. With Azhar Ali and Babar middle order seems safe, yeah Ali failed in the last test but he's amazing number 3 so not worry about him much. I just hope that they give some chance to Fawad Alam too when playing in seaming conditions.

Pakistan has all the ingredients except one. Their spin bowling looks really weak. I would say that it has remained that way ever since Saqlain Mushtaq and Mushtaq Ahmed retired almost two decades ago. Yasir Ali doesn't look impressive and he is inconsistent. I am amazed to see the inability of Pakistani selectors in finding new emerging spinners within their country. And this is the country from where Imran Tahir and Fawad Ahmed had to emigrate, because it was impossible for them to find a spot in the playing XI.

I remember that once Pakistan side was known for its spin bowlers but now it is not the case. Pakistan team always had a good spin and fast bowlers but they lacked in consistent batting performances. However, the current team under the leadership of Baber Azam has improved a lot in the batting department.

Any idea of how many more test matches they (pakistan) have to win in order to be in the top 2 of the international test championship?

[JSRAW]

Any idea of how many more test matches they (pakistan) have to win in order to be in the top 2 of the international test championship?

If my memory serves me well then they have 6 more tests in this WTC cycle

1 Against SL
3 against Eng
2 against NZ

- Winning all of em would be amazing but it's tough for any team even in home conditions.
- They need at least 68-ish points to secure their seat and have to win 4 tests +1 draw and they can afford only 1 loss. They should also hope that India and SA are not winning their all remaning match (especially India) as they are playing against 2 matches against Bangladesh at away series and 4 against Aus at home (this is very tough nut to crack for India).


Pakistan should try to clean sweep SL, it would be very helpful for them.

[Sithara007]

I remember that once Pakistan side was known for its spin bowlers but now it is not the case. Pakistan team always had a good spin and fast bowlers but they lacked in consistent batting performances. However, the current team under the leadership of Baber Azam has improved a lot in the batting department.

Any idea of how many more test matches they (pakistan) have to win in order to be in the top 2 of the international test championship?

That is surprising, because Pakistan was dominated by fast bowlers since the time of Imran Khan (90s). They had some quality spinners such as Saqlain, but at no point of time during the last three decades Pakistan relied on these bowlers more than the pacers. Also one of the reasons is that the presence of fast bowlers gave them dominance over the other South Asian nations (especially India and Sri Lanka) until very recently. During the 90s and early 2000s, the Indian batsmen used to struggle against the raw pace of Shoaib Akhtar and Wasim Akram.

[pakhitheboss]

I remember that once Pakistan side was known for its spin bowlers but now it is not the case. Pakistan team always had a good spin and fast bowlers but they lacked in consistent batting performances. However, the current team under the leadership of Baber Azam has improved a lot in the batting department.

Any idea of how many more test matches they (pakistan) have to win in order to be in the top 2 of the international test championship?

That is surprising, because Pakistan was dominated by fast bowlers since the time of Imran Khan (90s). They had some quality spinners such as Saqlain, but at no point of time during the last three decades Pakistan relied on these bowlers more than the pacers. Also one of the reasons is that the presence of fast bowlers gave them dominance over the other South Asian nations (especially India and Sri Lanka) until very recently. During the 90s and early 2000s, the Indian batsmen used to struggle against the raw pace of Shoaib Akhtar and Wasim Akram.

I still remember the competition between Sachin Tendulkar and Shoaib Akhtar till to date. In my opinion Shaheen Afridi is a great bowler in modern day cricket for Pakistan and as a batter it will be Babar Azam. They still need another good bowler and couple of good all rounder to balance the team. Abdullah Shafique's performance in the last test match looks quite promising. Now he needs to repeat it in the next test match to make a name for himself.

[rojan]

This Pakistani team has every ingredient to succeed there tho. Historically they are good in England so Aus + NZ + SA should be their priority.

Hasan-Afridi already gained fair amount of experience now. Afridi in particular is future star, Naseem is new so he'll learn the art. I'm sure Pak also have fair amount of back up seamers.

Spin should be covered by Yasir Ali but they need his back up soon as he's getting old. It would be amazing if they can also find solid spin all rounder, may be 2 so that they can do bit of batting as well. Abdullah Shafique is looking promising opener but his next test would be against seamers when playing away so we have to wait for more. With Azhar Ali and Babar middle order seems safe, yeah Ali failed in the last test but he's amazing number 3 so not worry about him much. I just hope that they give some chance to Fawad Alam too when playing in seaming conditions.

Pakistan has all the ingredients except one. Their spin bowling looks really weak. I would say that it has remained that way ever since Saqlain Mushtaq and Mushtaq Ahmed retired almost two decades ago. Yasir Ali doesn't look impressive and he is inconsistent. I am amazed to see the inability of Pakistani selectors in finding new emerging spinners within their country. And this is the country from where Imran Tahir and Fawad Ahmed had to emigrate, because it was impossible for them to find a spot in the playing XI.

I remember that once Pakistan side was known for its spin bowlers but now it is not the case. Pakistan team always had a good spin and fast bowlers but they lacked in consistent batting performances. However, the current team under the leadership of Baber Azam has improved a lot in the batting department.

Any idea of how many more test matches they (pakistan) have to win in order to be in the top 2 of the international test championship?

Pakistan team used to be very strong, Pakistan has a lot of strong spin to talk about, but now I don't see if there is any strong spin to talk like before. But now we see some strong batting from Pakistan. But they play a lot of balls in every match. Pakistan team would have been much stronger if they had strong spin like before. But I don't know. I don't know how many matches they have to play to be at the top of the International Test Championship.

[Sithara007]

I still remember the competition between Sachin Tendulkar and Shoaib Akhtar till to date. In my opinion Shaheen Afridi is a great bowler in modern day cricket for Pakistan and as a batter it will be Babar Azam. They still need another good bowler and couple of good all rounder to balance the team. Abdullah Shafique's performance in the last test match looks quite promising. Now he needs to repeat it in the next test match to make a name for himself.

Yeah.. I remember Pakistani team touring India sometime in late 1990s. It was Shoiab Akhtar's first tour of India and he wrecked havoc. Indian batsmen (including Ganguly, Tendulkar, Sachin and Laxman) were complaining that he was so fast that they can't even see the ball. And India didn't had bowlers with that much pace. Javagal Srinath used to hit 90mph once in a while, but the other bowlers such as Debashish Mohanty, Ajit Agarkar and Ashish Nehra used to bowl in low 70s, or early 80s. LOL.. back then test cricket was entertaining.

[virasog]

I still remember the competition between Sachin Tendulkar and Shoaib Akhtar till to date. In my opinion Shaheen Afridi is a great bowler in modern day cricket for Pakistan and as a batter it will be Babar Azam. They still need another good bowler and couple of good all rounder to balance the team. Abdullah Shafique's performance in the last test match looks quite promising. Now he needs to repeat it in the next test match to make a name for himself.

Yeah.. I remember Pakistani team touring India sometime in late 1990s. It was Shoiab Akhtar's first tour of India and he wrecked havoc. Indian batsmen (including Ganguly, Tendulkar, Sachin and Laxman) were complaining that he was so fast that they can't even see the ball. And India didn't had bowlers with that much pace. Javagal Srinath used to hit 90mph once in a while, but the other bowlers such as Debashish Mohanty, Ajit Agarkar and Ashish Nehra used to bowl in low 70s, or early 80s. LOL.. back then test cricket was entertaining.

Yes, Shoaib Akhtar was the fastest and perhaps the one who set this trend but then Brett Lee, Mitchell Starc, and Shaun Tait also were considered the fastest and more consistent fast bowlers as compared to Shoaib Akhtar.

However, among all the bowlers, the Shoaib Akhtar action was the most furious and devastating. No one could be compared to him in this department.

[posi]

I still remember the competition between Sachin Tendulkar and Shoaib Akhtar till to date. In my opinion Shaheen Afridi is a great bowler in modern day cricket for Pakistan and as a batter it will be Babar Azam. They still need another good bowler and couple of good all rounder to balance the team. Abdullah Shafique's performance in the last test match looks quite promising. Now he needs to repeat it in the next test match to make a name for himself.

Yeah.. I remember Pakistani team touring India sometime in late 1990s. It was Shoiab Akhtar's first tour of India and he wrecked havoc. Indian batsmen (including Ganguly, Tendulkar, Sachin and Laxman) were complaining that he was so fast that they can't even see the ball. And India didn't had bowlers with that much pace. Javagal Srinath used to hit 90mph once in a while, but the other bowlers such as Debashish Mohanty, Ajit Agarkar and Ashish Nehra used to bowl in low 70s, or early 80s. LOL.. back then test cricket was entertaining.

I still remember that first time Sachin Tendulkar was bowled by Shoaib Akhtar. I believe it was the first time Sachin Tendulkar was facing Shoaib Akhtar. Honestly, when Sachin Tendulkar walked out in the field it felt like he did not have any respect for the pace of Shoaib Akhtar. But the ball was swinging and Shoaib Akhtar got a really sharp yorker in on the first ball and got the wicket of Sachin Tendulkar.

At that time the lineup of Shoaib Akhtar, Imran Khan, and Wasim Akram was the most effective bowling lineup cricket has ever produced, in my opinion. And Pakistan was heavily dependent on these players. In my memories, Pakistan always liked to bowl second because they could defend almost anything.

[tomos81]

Who played a test match between India and Pakistan? A game in which a Pakistani player participated Sachin Tendulka , Shoaib Akhtar and other players of the 90s played this match. that match It was Saiyab Akhtar's first tour of India.
The Pakistani players had the fastest bowling which the Indian team did not have the pace which made it so Mach famous even today.

[Naficopa]

Fortunately for Pakistan, despite the loss of two quick wickets, their star batsman Babar Azam is still there. Both Azam and Azhar Ali are playing very cautiously, as they should against the Lankan spinners. The run rate as of now stands at just 1.33. Prabath Jayasuriya has already picked up one wicket, and Maheesh Theekshana is also looking very threatening. Actually I am more concerned about the 4th innings. It is going to be a very tough task for the Pakistani batsmen, to come out and face the spinners on the 4th and 5th days of this match.

Babar Azam is a rock star - he always comes up to the expectation.
Babar is in full form these days. Congratulations to team Pakistan. And good luck for the coming up matches.

[jostorres]

I still remember that first time Sachin Tendulkar was bowled by Shoaib Akhtar. I believe it was the first time Sachin Tendulkar was facing Shoaib Akhtar. Honestly, when Sachin Tendulkar walked out in the field it felt like he did not have any respect for the pace of Shoaib Akhtar. But the ball was swinging and Shoaib Akhtar got a really sharp yorker in on the first ball and got the wicket of Sachin Tendulkar.

At that time the lineup of Shoaib Akhtar, Imran Khan, and Wasim Akram was the most effective bowling lineup cricket has ever produced, in my opinion. And Pakistan was heavily dependent on these players. In my memories, Pakistan always liked to bowl second because they could defend almost anything.

There is no doubt Pakistan cricket history if full of few legendary fast bowlers, those still remembered as they were few decades back just because of their bowling patience and accuracy and having great wins for their country. But sadly they are also having many issues on and off the field which bring too many controversies and other aspects as well with the arrival of Shaheen Afridi, Harris Rauf and Mohammad Hasnain we are feeling this golden era is coming back.

@posi Can you give me any test match detail where you have Shoaib Akhtar, Wasim Akram and Imran Khan because I never have these players in test match with Imran Khan retired from test cricket in 1992 and Shoaib Akhter was having test cap in 1997.

[Sithara007]

There is no doubt Pakistan cricket history if full of few legendary fast bowlers, those still remembered as they were few decades back just because of their bowling patience and accuracy and having great wins for their country. But sadly they are also having many issues on and off the field which bring too many controversies and other aspects as well with the arrival of Shaheen Afridi, Harris Rauf and Mohammad Hasnain we are feeling this golden era is coming back.

@posi Can you give me any test match detail where you have Shoaib Akhtar, Wasim Akram and Imran Khan because I never have these players in test match with Imran Khan retired from test cricket in 1992 and Shoaib Akhter was having test cap in 1997.

Interesting that you mentioned Mohammad Hasnain. I have doubt about the future of his career, as he was reported for suspect bowling action. He managed to clear his action later and right now is representing Worcestershire in England county cricket. Haris Rauf is a good bowler, but I would rate Hasan Ali ahead of him. Anyway, there is no shortage of fast bowling talent in Pakistan. New players are emerging, such as Shahnawaz Dahani, Mohammad Wasim (North Waziristan), Zaman Khan (Mirpur) and Mohammad Imran (Swat).

[YinShuiSiYuan]

Interesting that you mentioned Mohammad Hasnain. I have doubt about the future of his career, as he was reported for suspect bowling action. He managed to clear his action later and right now is representing Worcestershire in England county cricket. Haris Rauf is a good bowler, but I would rate Hasan Ali ahead of him. Anyway, there is no shortage of fast bowling talent in Pakistan. New players are emerging, such as Shahnawaz Dahani, Mohammad Wasim (North Waziristan), Zaman Khan (Mirpur) and Mohammad Imran (Swat).

You have great insight of Pakistan cricket. There are so many fast bowlers but only one quality fast bowler which is shaheen. Hassan  Ali is what kohli is for India. Hasnain has cleared action, again I would say just give some time to prove himself.

[pakhitheboss]

I still remember the competition between Sachin Tendulkar and Shoaib Akhtar till to date. In my opinion Shaheen Afridi is a great bowler in modern day cricket for Pakistan and as a batter it will be Babar Azam. They still need another good bowler and couple of good all rounder to balance the team. Abdullah Shafique's performance in the last test match looks quite promising. Now he needs to repeat it in the next test match to make a name for himself.

Yeah.. I remember Pakistani team touring India sometime in late 1990s. It was Shoiab Akhtar's first tour of India and he wrecked havoc. Indian batsmen (including Ganguly, Tendulkar, Sachin and Laxman) were complaining that he was so fast that they can't even see the ball. And India didn't had bowlers with that much pace. Javagal Srinath used to hit 90mph once in a while, but the other bowlers such as Debashish Mohanty, Ajit Agarkar and Ashish Nehra used to bowl in low 70s, or early 80s. LOL.. back then test cricket was entertaining.

Yes, Shoaib Akhtar was the fastest and perhaps the one who set this trend but then Brett Lee, Mitchell Starc, and Shaun Tait also were considered the fastest and more consistent fast bowlers as compared to Shoaib Akhtar.

However, among all the bowlers, the Shoaib Akhtar action was the most furious and devastating. No one could be compared to him in this department.

He had brilliant follow through action and great build up for a fast bowler. I still remember watching him half mile to start his run-up. Another bowler who etech havoc was in test cricket was South African bowler Alan Donald. We cannot ignor him when were are discussing about fast bowler. Many bowlers treid to copy his follow through but no one was able to succed.

[UmerIdrees]

Srilanka is looking solid in the 2nd test as they survived the early spell from the pakistani pacers. Hassan Ali and Naseem Shah are unable to put any sort of pressure on the Srilankan batsmen and they are playing freely at a good run rate of 4.5 / over. 
No matter how good the pitch is for the test match, the team chasing the big score will always come under pressure.