Test Cricket Prediction and Discussion Thread [self - mod]

[Naficopa]

Don't get distracted by recent development in South African cricket. In the last 3 test series in Australia, they came as victorious every single time against an extremely strong Australian side. Actually, both sides were good and they used to put up a good show for the spectators when they visit each other for bilateral.

IMO Current sides are a pale imitation when compared to previous teams but still, we can expect a good contest

As far as I am concerned, South Africa versus Australia games are always very competitive and enjoyable to watch since both teams have a lot of experience and have faced each other enough times to know what their opponents are capable of. These two teams have played some very good cricket in this series, especially the South African team, which won the series 3-0. But I have to say that the last match was quite interesting because they won with only 9 both in hand.

Yeah, they compete and fight hard whenever they tour each other's territory. Mainly because the majority of pitches are pace friendly (except if we leave SCG alone) and they do have a pace bowling culture.

Also, their rivalry is a bit tough as they always come up with new controversies but for some weird reasons, it goes unnoticed in the cricketing world.

The match is going to be held in the Gabba. So obviously Australia is going to have some advantages. But I don't think the differences are going to be heaven and hell.

Whenever Australia is facing off against South Africa in a test match we know that we are in for a treat. I am expecting some good action in this match. Good quality pace bowling and some ferocious bounce bowling. These are the types of matches that catch the eye of spectators. And I hope there is not going to be any controversy in this series. Want to see a good quality test(but not gonna watch any test match from the beginning till the end anyway though)

Australia is one of the best teams. They give their best wherever they go.
So be it Gabba or any other destination - we cannot doubt the performance of Australian team.

[1714845016]

1714845016

[1714845016]

1714845016

[Sithara007]

The series was originally comprised of 3 test matches and 3 ODIs. South Africans forfeited the ODI series, because the franchise T20 league in their country was having an overlap with this series. Ideally they should have reduced the test series to two matches and squeezed in the ODI matches somehow. But the writing on the wall seems to be clear. ODI is losing its relevance. Test cricket is being propped up by the ICC, but no such favors are being done to the ODI format. Anyway, still three months to go for the first test and South Africa will try hard to remain at the top of the WTC points table (currently they are in second position).

[kro55]

The series was originally comprised of 3 test matches and 3 ODIs. South Africans forfeited the ODI series, because the franchise T20 league in their country was having an overlap with this series. Ideally they should have reduced the test series to two matches and squeezed in the ODI matches somehow. But the writing on the wall seems to be clear. ODI is losing its relevance. Test cricket is being propped up by the ICC, but no such favors are being done to the ODI format. Anyway, still three months to go for the first test and South Africa will try hard to remain at the top of the WTC points table (currently they are in second position).

Despite the fact that South Africa did not participate in any one-day international matches in a series, I don't think we can say that one-day internationals are losing their relevance.

In no way am I claiming that one-day international matches are the most ideal format of the game of cricket. Despite this, I am also not stating that it has become absolutely relevant at the moment, either.

The cause of this problem, in my opinion, is just the result of some unfortunate circumstances. Aside from that, South Africa had no problem participating in the ODIs. Currently, the South African cricket team is performing well in almost all the formats in which the game is played. As a result, it could have been an excellent series if they actually played the ODI matches as well.

[BobK71]

International One Day and Test matches are under big threat due to various franchise leagues. But it cannot be said that this change will happen soon. But in the long run the demand for these will start to decrease further. To save these two formats of cricket, ICC needs to come up with appropriate rules and implement them.

South Africa have good effort in test cricket. Currently they hold the 3rd position with having 104 ratings where Australia belongs to the top  and India get the second position in current test cricket.

[Sithara007]

South Africa have good effort in test cricket. Currently they hold the 3rd position with having 104 ratings where Australia belongs to the top  and India get the second position in current test cricket.

The ICC test ranking is different from the ICC World Test Championship 2021-2023 Points Table. South Africa is in second place as far as WTC is concerned, but they are in 3rd position in the ICC Men's Test Team Rankings. Anyway, in both the tables they are ahead of England. That is no mean achievement. The abolishment of Kolpak system seems to have helped the South Africans. Now the players who want to emigrate are having fewer options. Also, opportunities within South Africa are increasing, with players getting auctioned for big amounts in the upcoming SA20 league. 

[JSRAW]

Yeah, they compete and fight hard whenever they tour each other's territory. Mainly because the majority of pitches are pace friendly (except if we leave SCG alone) and they do have a pace bowling culture.

Also, their rivalry is a bit tough as they always come up with new controversies but for some weird reasons, it goes unnoticed in the cricketing world.

The match is going to be held in the Gabba. So obviously Australia is going to have some advantages. But I don't think the differences are going to be heaven and hell.

Whenever Australia is facing off against South Africa in a test match we know that we are in for a treat. I am expecting some good action in this match. Good quality pace bowling and some ferocious bounce bowling. These are the types of matches that catch the eye of spectators. And I hope there is not going to be any controversy in this series. Want to see a good quality test(but not gonna watch any test match from the beginning till the end anyway though)

In Australia, venues do matter but I didn't check the list yet but sure it won't be a surprise if they are keeping 1 test at Gabba. After all it's their fortress, although it has been already breached by inexperienced Indian kids in 2021.

Winning there is a difficult task indeed but not impossible.

[TheGreatPython]

The match is going to be held in the Gabba. So obviously Australia is going to have some advantages. But I don't think the differences are going to be heaven and hell.

Whenever Australia is facing off against South Africa in a test match we know that we are in for a treat. I am expecting some good action in this match. Good quality pace bowling and some ferocious bounce bowling. These are the types of matches that catch the eye of spectators. And I hope there is not going to be any controversy in this series. Want to see a good quality test(but not gonna watch any test match from the beginning till the end anyway though)

In Australia, venues do matter but I didn't check the list yet but sure it won't be a surprise if they are keeping 1 test at Gabba. After all it's their fortress, although it has been already breached by inexperienced Indian kids in 2021.

Winning there is a difficult task indeed but not impossible.

After the World Cup in Australia we have two test match series first is West indies is going to play against them with first test match is going to play at Perth from 30 November to 4 December, and then we have second test match which is going to play at Adelaide, from 8 December to 12 December this is Day/Night match.

After this series we have another one of the most interesting series with Australia is going to face South Africa first test match is going to be played at Brisbane from 17 December to 21 December after this we have Boxing Day match which is surely going to play at Melbourne, from 26 December to 30 December and then last test match which is going to play at Sydney from 4 January to 8 January this is complete schedule for these seasons in Australia.

I agree about this it's not mission impossible but surely a difficult task for South Africans because they are having issues in England and can face same in this country Australia.

[Sithara007]

In Australia, venues do matter but I didn't check the list yet but sure it won't be a surprise if they are keeping 1 test at Gabba. After all it's their fortress, although it has been already breached by inexperienced Indian kids in 2021.

Winning there is a difficult task indeed but not impossible.

After the World Cup in Australia we have two test match series first is West indies is going to play against them with first test match is going to play at Perth from 30 November to 4 December, and then we have second test match which is going to play at Adelaide, from 8 December to 12 December this is Day/Night match.
~~~

Two decades ago, the pitch at Perth (WACA ground) used to be the most pace-supportive one anywhere in the world. But as cricket moved towards a more batsmen-dominated phase, the curators were forced to make them more flatter. In the old days, getting a total of 200 in any of the innings used to be a tough task at WACA. On the other hand, grounds in Eastern Australia, such as SCG and MCG used to be more supportive for the batsmen as well as the spinners. While WACA lost it's original identity, the other grounds have mostly held on to theirs. 

[Juggy777]

In Australia, venues do matter but I didn't check the list yet but sure it won't be a surprise if they are keeping 1 test at Gabba. After all it's their fortress, although it has been already breached by inexperienced Indian kids in 2021.

Winning there is a difficult task indeed but not impossible.

After the World Cup in Australia we have two test match series first is West indies is going to play against them with first test match is going to play at Perth from 30 November to 4 December, and then we have second test match which is going to play at Adelaide, from 8 December to 12 December this is Day/Night match.
~~~

Two decades ago, the pitch at Perth (WACA ground) used to be the most pace-supportive one anywhere in the world. But as cricket moved towards a more batsmen-dominated phase, the curators were forced to make them more flatter. In the old days, getting a total of 200 in any of the innings used to be a tough task at WACA. On the other hand, grounds in Eastern Australia, such as SCG and MCG used to be more supportive for the batsmen as well as the spinners. While WACA lost it's original identity, the other grounds have mostly held on to theirs. 

@JSRAW team Australia will easily defeat West Indies because of two reasons i.e. 1) due to the home advantage, and secondly because this is a weak WI side which I feel won’t be able to last for long against the mighty Australian side. Lastly I’m looking forward to South Africa vs Australia matches as that series should be more entertaining, and if SA bowler’s can exploit the swing conditions in Australia then it’s quiet possible that they may be able to beat Australia.

[Sithara007]

@JSRAW team Australia will easily defeat West Indies because of two reasons i.e. 1) due to the home advantage, and secondly because this is a weak WI side which I feel won’t be able to last for long against the mighty Australian side. Lastly I’m looking forward to South Africa vs Australia matches as that series should be more entertaining, and if SA bowler’s can exploit the swing conditions in Australia then it’s quiet possible that they may be able to beat Australia.

Your points are right, but West Indies may be somewhat competitive. Australian squad right now is a mere shadow of what they were in the 1990s and early 2000s. You can't even compare the current bowlers to legends such as McGrath, Lee and Johnson. And in the spin department Shane Warne will blast out of his grave if someone compares him with Nathan Lyon. But luckily for them, West Indies is also a shadow of what they were previously. And now coming to South Africa, their pace attack looks extremely strong (Nortje, Jansen, Rabada, Ngidi.etc).

[BobK71]

In Australia, venues do matter but I didn't check the list yet but sure it won't be a surprise if they are keeping 1 test at Gabba. After all it's their fortress, although it has been already breached by inexperienced Indian kids in 2021.

Winning there is a difficult task indeed but not impossible.

After the World Cup in Australia we have two test match series first is West indies is going to play against them with first test match is going to play at Perth from 30 November to 4 December, and then we have second test match which is going to play at Adelaide, from 8 December to 12 December this is Day/Night match.
~~~

Two decades ago, the pitch at Perth (WACA ground) used to be the most pace-supportive one anywhere in the world. But as cricket moved towards a more batsmen-dominated phase, the curators were forced to make them more flatter. In the old days, getting a total of 200 in any of the innings used to be a tough task at WACA. On the other hand, grounds in Eastern Australia, such as SCG and MCG used to be more supportive for the batsmen as well as the spinners. While WACA lost it's original identity, the other grounds have mostly held on to theirs. 

@JSRAW team Australia will easily defeat West Indies because of two reasons i.e. 1) due to the home advantage, and secondly because this is a weak WI side which I feel won’t be able to last for long against the mighty Australian side. Lastly I’m looking forward to South Africa vs Australia matches as that series should be more entertaining, and if SA bowler’s can exploit the swing conditions in Australia then it’s quiet possible that they may be able to beat Australia.

Yes, WI cricket is like a storm. Which does not always come. They have no control over the game. I have no confidence in the current West Indies team. Currently they are not well positioned in any format in ICC ranking. Their position in Tests ranking -8th ODI- 9th and T20- 7th. but many old players of their team are still a symbol of trust in the hearts of billions of viewers.

[Rigon]

In Australia, venues do matter but I didn't check the list yet but sure it won't be a surprise if they are keeping 1 test at Gabba. After all it's their fortress, although it has been already breached by inexperienced Indian kids in 2021.

Winning there is a difficult task indeed but not impossible.

After the World Cup in Australia we have two test match series first is West indies is going to play against them with first test match is going to play at Perth from 30 November to 4 December, and then we have second test match which is going to play at Adelaide, from 8 December to 12 December this is Day/Night match.
~~~

Two decades ago, the pitch at Perth (WACA ground) used to be the most pace-supportive one anywhere in the world. But as cricket moved towards a more batsmen-dominated phase, the curators were forced to make them more flatter. In the old days, getting a total of 200 in any of the innings used to be a tough task at WACA. On the other hand, grounds in Eastern Australia, such as SCG and MCG used to be more supportive for the batsmen as well as the spinners. While WACA lost it's original identity, the other grounds have mostly held on to theirs. 

@JSRAW team Australia will easily defeat West Indies because of two reasons i.e. 1) due to the home advantage, and secondly because this is a weak WI side which I feel won’t be able to last for long against the mighty Australian side. Lastly I’m looking forward to South Africa vs Australia matches as that series should be more entertaining, and if SA bowler’s can exploit the swing conditions in Australia then it’s quiet possible that they may be able to beat Australia.

Yes, WI cricket is like a storm. Which does not always come. They have no control over the game. I have no confidence in the current West Indies team. Currently they are not well positioned in any format in ICC ranking. Their position in Tests ranking -8th ODI- 9th and T20- 7th. but many old players of their team are still a symbol of trust in the hearts of billions of viewers.

Yes indeed West Indies cricket game is like the speed of storm.Each of their players is still remembered by people around the world.Currently, the West Indies team is far away from various places due to its poor performance.At one time they were in a good format in the ICC rankings but currently they are not in any format.Chris Gayle,Even Lewis,Bravo, Kraigg Brathwaite,All these players will be really popular all over the world.

[Sithara007]

Yes, WI cricket is like a storm. Which does not always come. They have no control over the game. I have no confidence in the current West Indies team. Currently they are not well positioned in any format in ICC ranking. Their position in Tests ranking -8th ODI- 9th and T20- 7th. but many old players of their team are still a symbol of trust in the hearts of billions of viewers.

The problem with West Indies is that they are unable to win matches, despite the presence of so many heavyweights in the team. There is simply no stability in the team, as the composition changes so often. Main players always put franchise leagues above national duty and they are not available for most of the international matches. We can't blame the players as well, as they are also dependent on the salaries from these leagues. Ideally the WICB should increase the contract values, but they have so far refrained from doing so.

[Minecache]

The match is going to be held in the Gabba. So obviously Australia is going to have some advantages. But I don't think the differences are going to be heaven and hell.

Whenever Australia is facing off against South Africa in a test match we know that we are in for a treat. I am expecting some good action in this match. Good quality pace bowling and some ferocious bounce bowling. These are the types of matches that catch the eye of spectators. And I hope there is not going to be any controversy in this series. Want to see a good quality test(but not gonna watch any test match from the beginning till the end anyway though)

In Australia, venues do matter but I didn't check the list yet but sure it won't be a surprise if they are keeping 1 test at Gabba. After all it's their fortress, although it has been already breached by inexperienced Indian kids in 2021.
Winning there is a difficult task indeed but not impossible.

South Africa does have some relevant experience of playing in the Gabba. I feel like this is not going to be a big problem for them. But at the same time, I also feel like the home advantage is always going to be with Australia no matter what. South Africa has been a reliable test-cricketing country for quite a long time. I believe that they have what it takes to win against Australia even though the odds are not in favor of them. But winning is going to be challenging. I will not be surprised if we see a few draws.

After the World Cup in Australia we have two test match series first is West indies is going to play against them with first test match is going to play at Perth from 30 November to 4 December, and then we have second test match which is going to play at Adelaide, from 8 December to 12 December this is Day/Night match.

After this series we have another one of the most interesting series with Australia is going to face South Africa first test match is going to be played at Brisbane from 17 December to 21 December after this we have Boxing Day match which is surely going to play at Melbourne, from 26 December to 30 December and then last test match which is going to play at Sydney from 4 January to 8 January this is complete schedule for these seasons in Australia.

I agree about this it's not mission impossible but surely a difficult task for South Africans because they are having issues in England and can face same in this country Australia.

The biggest problem with South Africa is going to be being consistent. South Africa can be quite inconsistent in its approach. And at times when it feels like they have the momentum, suddenly they take some weird and stupid decisions and through away the match and also the series. So Australia should be confident going against South Africa.

Against West Indies, Australia is going to be the hot favorite. I don't think Australia is going to have any problems against the West Indies.

[romero121]

Yes, WI cricket is like a storm. Which does not always come. They have no control over the game. I have no confidence in the current West Indies team. Currently they are not well positioned in any format in ICC ranking. Their position in Tests ranking -8th ODI- 9th and T20- 7th. but many old players of their team are still a symbol of trust in the hearts of billions of viewers.

The problem with West Indies is that they are unable to win matches, despite the presence of so many heavyweights in the team. There is simply no stability in the team, as the composition changes so often. Main players always put franchise leagues above national duty and they are not available for most of the international matches. We can't blame the players as well, as they are also dependent on the salaries from these leagues. Ideally the WICB should increase the contract values, but they have so far refrained from doing so.

In most of the cricket board the salary issue keeps players away from the country team. The board too wasn't able to restrict the players towards the leagues. Most of the players from West Indies are of high demand which makes them prioritise leagues. Amidst all this problem, the West Indies players used to perform well. Sometimes they underperform losing matches that have got very easy target. This makes the West Indies team an unpredictable performer.

[savetheFORUM]

West Indies may be somewhat competitive. Australian squad right now is a mere shadow of what they were in the 1990s and early 2000s. You can't even compare the current bowlers to legends such as McGrath, Lee and Johnson. And in the spin department Shane Warne will blast out of his grave if someone compares him with Nathan Lyon. But luckily for them, West Indies is also a shadow of what they were previously. And now coming to South Africa, their pace attack looks extremely strong (Nortje, Jansen, Rabada, Ngidi.etc).

Here I am not agree with you about Australia vs West Indies because I am feeling they are not competitive specially in Australia here if Australia going to play with their "B" or "C" teams they can beat West Indies current team easily because their performance is completely down in test format, and they have no enough players too which can give them some hopes for having better results.

But, surely we will be having some entertaining series between Australia vs South Africa because both teams having good pace bowlers those are capable of thrashing any batting side and with batting concerns for both teams because both are having issues recently and Australians are not doing good, but hopefully things could be better and test series will be not one-sided as both are strong contenders for having spot into final of WTC 2023.

[Sithara007]

Here I am not agree with you about Australia vs West Indies because I am feeling they are not competitive specially in Australia here if Australia going to play with their "B" or "C" teams they can beat West Indies current team easily because their performance is completely down in test format, and they have no enough players too which can give them some hopes for having better results.

But, surely we will be having some entertaining series between Australia vs South Africa because both teams having good pace bowlers those are capable of thrashing any batting side and with batting concerns for both teams because both are having issues recently and Australians are not doing good, but hopefully things could be better and test series will be not one-sided as both are strong contenders for having spot into final of WTC 2023.

I am not going to deny the fact that Australia has an advantage over West Indies in the test format. But I would still argue that the series may be competitive. Now coming to the series between Australia and South Africa, it is essentially going to be a battle between the Australian batsmen and South African pacers. The Australians have some of the best test batsmen, such as Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne. And the Proteas have some of the best pacers in Anrich Nortje, Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen.

[BobK71]

In most of the cricket board the salary issue keeps players away from the country team. The board too wasn't able to restrict the players towards the leagues. Most of the players from West Indies are of high demand which makes them prioritise leagues.

It is simple that when a particular player from a country can earn more money from franchise team in a foreign country, he no longer wants to play for the national team. It is not only West Indies but also many other countries players do this kind of behavior. No cricket board can retain them on salary. It can be said that this is a problem whose solution has not been found yet. At this stage many player wants to retire form the national team very early due to play for franchise teams.

[Naficopa]

In most of the cricket board the salary issue keeps players away from the country team. The board too wasn't able to restrict the players towards the leagues. Most of the players from West Indies are of high demand which makes them prioritise leagues.

It is simple that when a particular player from a country can earn more money from franchise team in a foreign country, he no longer wants to play for the national team. It is not only West Indies but also many other countries players do this kind of behavior. No cricket board can retain them on salary. It can be said that this is a problem whose solution has not been found yet. At this stage many player wants to retire form the national team very early due to play for franchise teams.

I think attitude is what make a man credible - if the sportsman will show such kind of attitude what will the ordinary person do
They look up to their fans for most of the things

[Marvell1]

Here I am not agree with you about Australia vs West Indies because I am feeling they are not competitive specially in Australia here if Australia going to play with their "B" or "C" teams they can beat West Indies current team easily because their performance is completely down in test format, and they have no enough players too which can give them some hopes for having better results.

But, surely we will be having some entertaining series between Australia vs South Africa because both teams having good pace bowlers those are capable of thrashing any batting side and with batting concerns for both teams because both are having issues recently and Australians are not doing good, but hopefully things could be better and test series will be not one-sided as both are strong contenders for having spot into final of WTC 2023.

I am not going to deny the fact that Australia has an advantage over West Indies in the test format. But I would still argue that the series may be competitive. Now coming to the series between Australia and South Africa, it is essentially going to be a battle between the Australian batsmen and South African pacers. The Australians have some of the best test batsmen, such as Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne. And the Proteas have some of the best pacers in Anrich Nortje, Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen.

If we were talking about the T20 format, I would have said that Australia is going to be given a stiff fight by the West Indies. But since we are talking about test cricket, I don't think Australia is going to be having a competitive series with the West Indies. There is no doubt that Australia is a better team. However, if I remember correctly, the West Indies did quite well against England a few days ago. So I believe that Westindies might actually give Australia a good fight. But the match is going to be played in Australia. That's what makes me think that Australia is going to win for sure.

With regard to the Australia versus South Africa matchup, this is more of a close contest than anything else. I think this is going to be a battle of fast bowling between both teams. I am quite interested to see how fast the pitches are going to be.