Test Cricket Prediction and Discussion Thread [self - mod]

[Sithara007]

So, a terror attack happened and everybody just stopped sending their team to Pakistan because of security issues. Let's just drop the bullshit and cut to the chase.

Pakistan was treated like that just because it is a Muslim majority country. In any other country, if something like this happened, it wouldn't have been so severe punishment. And in one or two years people probably would have forgotten about that. Just because Pakistan is a Muslim country, and the Western media has already put the terrorist tag on Muslims,  people were very quick to jump to conclusions even though Pakistan Reassured people that they can send their team and will be given the highest security they were not sending their teams. But right now I really like what Pakistan is doing. they are basically saying that they don't care about anyone and they are going to move forward from here on.

This is complete rubbish.

Pakistan was not allowed to host international matches, because SENA nations assessed that the security situation was not safe enough to conduct tours. Religion didn't had any role in this decision. If that was the case, then why some of the SENA nations refused to play in Kenya during the 2003 ODI World Cup? And Bangladesh is also a Muslim country, but they never faced the same issue as Pakistan. Some deadly terror attacks happened in Bangladesh as well, but the government stepped in quickly and made sure that concerns from the western nations are addressed. Pakistani government never did the same.

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[GigaBit]

So, a terror attack happened and everybody just stopped sending their team to Pakistan because of security issues. Let's just drop the bullshit and cut to the chase.

Pakistan was treated like that just because it is a Muslim majority country. In any other country, if something like this happened, it wouldn't have been so severe punishment. And in one or two years people probably would have forgotten about that. Just because Pakistan is a Muslim country, and the Western media has already put the terrorist tag on Muslims,  people were very quick to jump to conclusions even though Pakistan Reassured people that they can send their team and will be given the highest security they were not sending their teams. But right now I really like what Pakistan is doing. they are basically saying that they don't care about anyone and they are going to move forward from here on.

This is complete rubbish.

Pakistan was not allowed to host international matches, because SENA nations assessed that the security situation was not safe enough to conduct tours. Religion didn't had any role in this decision. If that was the case, then why some of the SENA nations refused to play in Kenya during the 2003 ODI World Cup? And Bangladesh is also a Muslim country, but they never faced the same issue as Pakistan. Some deadly terror attacks happened in Bangladesh as well, but the government stepped in quickly and made sure that concerns from the western nations are addressed. Pakistani government never did the same.

Foreign cricketers are given more security in Bangladesh than the Pakistan. We know how the Sri Lankan team was attacked in Pakistan in 2009. Two security forces and civilians also lost their lives. Bangladesh can really control such type of situation. As far i know in Bangladesh many times Bangladesh Army take the responsibility of security. They never underestimate about the security reason.

If there was no attack on cricketers in Pakistan then such a ban would not be given. The biggest issue is that if a player goes to play Pakistan and his life is threatened then who would want to play in that country.

[JSRAW]

Many of the players already do exactly this. We all know populated States like UP has only 1 team, where will young players will go and build up their career? Not everyone is equipped to go abroad and play for another country like Unmukt chand etc so the best these young players can do is to migrate other states.

Yes, current state board system has it flaws but two wrongs don't make one right.

First and foremost, a first-class domestic system can never be effective if there are a total of 38 teams. 38 teams means around 500 first class players and the standard get automatically diluted as a result. Even in England, they have only 18 first class teams, although these county sides have been playing for hundreds of years. For me, my argument will be exactly the opposite. Rather then good players opting to play for smaller states, the system is encouraging below average players to leach off the BCCI funds. 

I agree with overall sentiment behind your comment

But at the same time the kind of results India produced in last 5-6 years,especially in Tests (despite choking in WC). One could argue that first class system (Ranji) just doing fine. There is a reason India has won Test Mace 5 times in a row in last 6-7 years, they were only dethroned when they lost to kiwis in WTC final.

[rugrats]

So, a terror attack happened and everybody just stopped sending their team to Pakistan because of security issues. Let's just drop the bullshit and cut to the chase.
Pakistan was treated like that just because it is a Muslim majority country. In any other country, if something like this happened, it wouldn't have been so severe punishment. And in one or two years people probably would have forgotten about that. Just because Pakistan is a Muslim country, and the Western media has already put the terrorist tag on Muslims,  people were very quick to jump to conclusions even though Pakistan Reassured people that they can send their team and will be given the highest security they were not sending their teams. But right now I really like what Pakistan is doing. they are basically saying that they don't care about anyone and they are going to move forward from here on.

Pakistan was not allowed to host international matches, because SENA nations assessed that the security situation was not safe enough to conduct tours. Religion didn't had any role in this decision. If that was the case, then why some of the SENA nations refused to play in Kenya during the 2003 ODI World Cup? And Bangladesh is also a Muslim country, but they never faced the same issue as Pakistan. Some deadly terror attacks happened in Bangladesh as well, but the government stepped in quickly and made sure that concerns from the western nations are addressed. Pakistani government never did the same.

In Bangladesh, it was possible because there were no media from other powerful countries trying to make more problems for them. But that was not the case in Pakistan. Media from a lot of countries always tried to show Pakistan as a country full of terrorists. And if we are actually going into the political side of things, I would like for you to know that bangladesh did not face too many problems because of having friendly relations with India. Otherwise, Bangladesh also could have been in deep trouble.

[SATWAT]

So, a terror attack happened and everybody just stopped sending their team to Pakistan because of security issues. Let's just drop the bullshit and cut to the chase.

Pakistan was treated like that just because it is a Muslim majority country. In any other country, if something like this happened, it wouldn't have been so severe punishment. And in one or two years people probably would have forgotten about that. Just because Pakistan is a Muslim country, and the Western media has already put the terrorist tag on Muslims,  people were very quick to jump to conclusions even though Pakistan Reassured people that they can send their team and will be given the highest security they were not sending their teams. But right now I really like what Pakistan is doing. they are basically saying that they don't care about anyone and they are going to move forward from here on.

This is complete rubbish.

Pakistan was not allowed to host international matches, because SENA nations assessed that the security situation was not safe enough to conduct tours. Religion didn't had any role in this decision. If that was the case, then why some of the SENA nations refused to play in Kenya during the 2003 ODI World Cup? And Bangladesh is also a Muslim country, but they never faced the same issue as Pakistan. Some deadly terror attacks happened in Bangladesh as well, but the government stepped in quickly and made sure that concerns from the western nations are addressed. Pakistani government never did the same.

This is not rubbish a complete picture of hypocrisy by these dual face countries most of the time they are ignoring Pakistan just because of Indian pressure as they have some good benefits from them, and they are now also big market with IPL profit is also helping them recently we have terrorist attack on Bangladesh team in New Zealand and no one having any problem because these B-4 are not going against each other and India is also having no issue, but these all are having issues with Pakistan specially Indian authorities just because of this they never miss any opportunity when they are going attack on Pakistan. 2009 attack was also backed by Indian based terrorist groups, but sadly things are never been favorable for Pakistan, so they are suffering badly in last few decades.

[Sithara007]

In Bangladesh, it was possible because there were no media from other powerful countries trying to make more problems for them. But that was not the case in Pakistan. Media from a lot of countries always tried to show Pakistan as a country full of terrorists. And if we are actually going into the political side of things, I would like for you to know that bangladesh did not face too many problems because of having friendly relations with India. Otherwise, Bangladesh also could have been in deep trouble.

The media didn't tried to portray Pakistan as a "country full of terrorists". They actually highlighted the frequent incidents of terrorism happening in that country. And the cricket boards never took media reports in to account while cancelling their tours to Pakistan. Their decision was always based on what the government intelligence agencies informed them. For example, last year New Zealand decided to pull out from their tour, after a warning from the government that a terror attack was highly probable in the next few months.

[GigaBit]

In Bangladesh, it was possible because there were no media from other powerful countries trying to make more problems for them. But that was not the case in Pakistan. Media from a lot of countries always tried to show Pakistan as a country full of terrorists. And if we are actually going into the political side of things, I would like for you to know that bangladesh did not face too many problems because of having friendly relations with India. Otherwise, Bangladesh also could have been in deep trouble.

The media didn't tried to portray Pakistan as a "country full of terrorists". They actually highlighted the frequent incidents of terrorism happening in that country. And the cricket boards never took media reports in to account while cancelling their tours to Pakistan. Their decision was always based on what the government intelligence agencies informed them. For example, last year New Zealand decided to pull out from their tour, after a warning from the government that a terror attack was highly probable in the next few months.

All types of media, including local media, are exposed when terrorist attacks occur. Where the country's government fails to deal with such terrorist activities, the confidence of foreigners will go down naturally. At times there are suicide bombing incidents in religious institutions. Such type of attack is the cause of great concern.

[JSRAW]

~snip~

Arey yaar why are you wasting your breathe on convincing anyone on well known facts, which is well documented in recent times. We all have been there from time to time here in this thread and it's completely useless imo.

So please don't entertain any response in such topic continuously as it will derailed the cricketing thread, just ignore it.

[Sithara007]

Did anyone noticed that South Africa is currently at the top of the ICC World Test Championship 2021-2023 points table? That may change after the test series between England and South Africa, which is about to start next week. At least on paper, England is stronger. And given the poor form of South African pacers (Nortje, Rabada.etc), I don't think that they will be able to win any of the matches. Their batsmen are in good form though.

~snip~

Arey yaar why are you wasting your breathe on convincing anyone on well known facts, which is well documented in recent times. We all have been there from time to time here in this thread and it's completely useless imo.

So please don't entertain any response in such topic continuously as it will derailed the cricketing thread, just ignore it.

Yes.. you are right.

[JSRAW]

Did anyone noticed that South Africa is currently at the top of the ICC World Test Championship 2021-2023 points table? That may change after the test series between England and South Africa, which is about to start next week. At least on paper, England is stronger. And given the poor form of South African pacers (Nortje, Rabada.etc), I don't think that they will be able to win any of the matches. Their batsmen are in good form though.

Yeah but expect them to go down soon as they have tough away series lined up with 2 inform England and Australia outfits, unless they perform ridiculously well like they already do in Australia most of the time but here against Poms my money is on poms due to their recent success.

Having said that Dean Elgar is one of the decorated opener in the modern cricket and some new guys are also chipping for the proteas here n there so it should be a good contest.

[pakhitheboss]

Did anyone noticed that South Africa is currently at the top of the ICC World Test Championship 2021-2023 points table? That may change after the test series between England and South Africa, which is about to start next week. At least on paper, England is stronger. And given the poor form of South African pacers (Nortje, Rabada.etc), I don't think that they will be able to win any of the matches. Their batsmen are in good form though.

Yeah but expect them to go down soon as they have tough away series lined up with 2 inform England and Australia outfits, unless they perform ridiculously well like they already do in Australia most of the time but here against Poms my money is on poms due to their recent success.

Having said that Dean Elgar is one of the decorated opener in the modern cricket and some new guys are also chipping for the proteas here n there so it should be a good contest.

Thanks for pointing this out @Sithara007. I am sure they won't be able to hold that position for a long time. The first test match between England and South Africa starts on the 17th of this month and looking back on the way this new English side played in the previous test match it won't be easy for the South African team to win. They will be playing three test matches and lets see how well the South African team performs in these matches.

[Webetcoins]

I am sure they won't be able to hold that position for a long time. The first test match between England and South Africa starts on the 17th of this month and looking back on the way this new English side played in the previous test match it won't be easy for the South African team to win. They will be playing three test matches and lets see how well the South African team performs in these matches.

Yeah, they have done good work and have no 1 spot which is not easy for any team in current situation but sadly now they have two very tough challenges which are going to give them big setbacks but if they can deliver something special then surely they are going to be at top or second spot which need extraordinary performance from them in England and after this in Australia otherwise they can drop with most chances India vs Australia final is having most chances and India could be second time in final after losing first against New Zealand.

If Pakistan wants to go into the final then they have to deliver very good at home against England and New Zealand, but with their unpredictable nature and England's form it's looking not easy for them.

[Sithara007]

Thanks for pointing this out @Sithara007. I am sure they won't be able to hold that position for a long time. The first test match between England and South Africa starts on the 17th of this month and looking back on the way this new English side played in the previous test match it won't be easy for the South African team to win. They will be playing three test matches and lets see how well the South African team performs in these matches.

Nothing is guaranteed as of now. There is no doubt that England is one of the top test teams as of now, but South Africa do have some very good players. Most of their batsmen and spin bowlers are in form. If their pace bowlers can also support them, then there is a good chance of upset. And now coming to England, although they had a good series against New Zealand, some of their vulnerabilities are out in the open. In the pace bowling department, they remain overdependent on James Anderson, and to a some extent also on Stuart Broad.

[Naficopa]

Thanks for pointing this out @Sithara007. I am sure they won't be able to hold that position for a long time. The first test match between England and South Africa starts on the 17th of this month and looking back on the way this new English side played in the previous test match it won't be easy for the South African team to win. They will be playing three test matches and lets see how well the South African team performs in these matches.

Nothing is guaranteed as of now. There is no doubt that England is one of the top test teams as of now, but South Africa do have some very good players. Most of their batsmen and spin bowlers are in form. If their pace bowlers can also support them, then there is a good chance of upset. And now coming to England, although they had a good series against New Zealand, some of their vulnerabilities are out in the open. In the pace bowling department, they remain overdependent on James Anderson, and to a some extent also on Stuart Broad.

South African is in good form and so is England.
All these white teams are very dedicated to their performance. However We have yet to see how this turns out to be. .

[Sithara007]

Out of the three tests, I am expecting James Anderson to play in at least two of the matches. At this point, he has 657 test wickets. If he gets another 10-12 in this series, he will move closer to the much hyped 700 test wicket milestone. Right now he is at #3 spot, behind Muttiah Muralitharan (800 wickets) and Shane Warne (708). And he is the top-wicket taker among pace bowlers. There is a huge gap with second placed Glenn McGrath (563) and third placed Stuart Broad (552). Just hoping that ECB won't mistreat Anderson by refusing to include him in the squad.

[wiss19]

Out of the three tests, I am expecting James Anderson to play in at least two of the matches. At this point, he has 657 test wickets. If he gets another 10-12 in this series, he will move closer to the much hyped 700 test wicket milestone. Right now he is at #3 spot, behind Muttiah Muralitharan (800 wickets) and Shane Warne (708). And he is the top-wicket taker among pace bowlers. There is a huge gap with second placed Glenn McGrath (563) and third placed Stuart Broad (552). Just hoping that ECB won't mistreat Anderson by refusing to include him in the squad.

James Anderson is surely one of the best cricketer in recent time at the age of 40 he is still doing amazing job for his country currently he is at sixth spot in test bowler ranking which is also having great achievement for him at this age with this all most chances he will stay at second number in all time wicket takers and first in fast bowlers list and second record which is he going to achieve and ECB will allow him after watching his fitness and performance is that currently he is second in most test played list and need 28 more test matches to go with Sachin Tendulkar for me, he also can achieve this as well because he is the best bowler for England, and they need him for next few years as well with this performance and fitness.

[pakhitheboss]

Thanks for pointing this out @Sithara007. I am sure they won't be able to hold that position for a long time. The first test match between England and South Africa starts on the 17th of this month and looking back on the way this new English side played in the previous test match it won't be easy for the South African team to win. They will be playing three test matches and lets see how well the South African team performs in these matches.

Nothing is guaranteed as of now. There is no doubt that England is one of the top test teams as of now, but South Africa do have some very good players. Most of their batsmen and spin bowlers are in form. If their pace bowlers can also support them, then there is a good chance of upset. And now coming to England, although they had a good series against New Zealand, some of their vulnerabilities are out in the open. In the pace bowling department, they remain overdependent on James Anderson, and to a some extent also on Stuart Broad.

In general English pitch are more suitable for pacers. I doubt whether South African spinners will be that effective on those pitch. South African have a good batting depth but they lag it in bowling. On the other hand England has both as proven in previous test match played by them in their homeground earlier this year.

[JSRAW]

~snip~
In general English pitch are more suitable for pacers. I doubt whether South African spinners will be that effective on those pitch. South African have a good batting depth but they lag it in bowling. On the other hand England has both as proven in previous test match played by them in their homeground earlier this year.

I would also point out the recent trajectory of pitches and ball in last 4 tests in England. 

Pitches are becoming an absolute road after 2 days of play and less we talk about the balls the better (hope new batch of balls get better). If these 2 factors remains the same then i think chasing won't be that tough in last inning for both teams.

[Sithara007]

I would also point out the recent trajectory of pitches and ball in last 4 tests in England. 

Pitches are becoming an absolute road after 2 days of play and less we talk about the balls the better (hope new batch of balls get better). If these 2 factors remains the same then i think chasing won't be that tough in last inning for both teams.

For both the teams (England and South Africa), currently the batsmen are in good form, and the pacers are not doing that great. England has struggled to find good replacements for James Anderson and Stuart Broad. Robinson, Wood and Woakes doesn't have the ability to perform consistently. South Africa on the other hand is facing issues due to the poor form of their strike bowlers (Rabada and Nortje). Spinners (Shamsi and Maharaj) have been in great form, but I don't know how effective they can be in English pitches. We can expect run-fest during this series.

[JSRAW]

I would also point out the recent trajectory of pitches and ball in last 4 tests in England. 

Pitches are becoming an absolute road after 2 days of play and less we talk about the balls the better (hope new batch of balls get better). If these 2 factors remains the same then i think chasing won't be that tough in last inning for both teams.

For both the teams (England and South Africa), currently the batsmen are in good form, and the pacers are not doing that great. England has struggled to find good replacements for James Anderson and Stuart Broad. Robinson, Wood and Woakes doesn't have the ability to perform consistently. South Africa on the other hand is facing issues due to the poor form of their strike bowlers (Rabada and Nortje). Spinners (Shamsi and Maharaj) have been in great form, but I don't know how effective they can be in English pitches. We can expect run-fest during this series.

Woakes gets into god mode when he plays in England with the bat and ball, he's shit away from home. He and Wood are injured and out of the team anyway. New guys Potts seems good for English conditions and having a good run so far. So i think bowling is covered for them.

This is their squad