Test Cricket Prediction and Discussion Thread [self - mod]

[Sithara007]

In absence of Iyer, Shubman Gill is likely to bat in the middle order as he scored a ton in Bangladesh.

I guess the problem is who should be dropped from the team if some new guy comes in. Atm there are 2 nonperforming players at the Top 6 (KL Rahul and Virat), apart from them every one is scoring runs and management can't drop these 2 guys as the former is VC and the latter is undroppable.

I think Sarfraz should replace SKY in the squad but it's unfortunate that management backing SKY only because of his T-20 form.

Easwaran and Agarwal are both openers and we already have 3 openers in the team, 2 of them (Gill, Rohit) are in good form. I really like Agarwal but he's having a bad time with his form.

The first test between India and Australia will start next week, at Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur. This is the venue where India piled up a 600+ total against Sri Lanka back in 2017/18. Australia played against India here only once, and that was in 2008 (India won by 172 runs).

Out of the 5 bowlers who took 5-wicket test hauls in this stadium, four have been spinners (Jason Krejza in 2008, Ravichandran Ashwin two times in 2015 and Imran Tahir also in 2015). Dale Steyn is the only pacer to do so in Nagpur. Ashwin is included in the squad this time, although I am not sure whether he will play or not. I have noticed somethign interesting. Touring spinners do have a good track record at Nagpur. but the problem for Australia is that they don't have any quality spin bowlers.

[YinShuiSiYuan]

In absence of Iyer, Shubman Gill is likely to bat in the middle order as he scored a ton in Bangladesh.

I guess the problem is who should be dropped from the team if some new guy comes in. Atm there are 2 nonperforming players at the Top 6 (KL Rahul and Virat), apart from them every one is scoring runs and management can't drop these 2 guys as the former is VC and the latter is undroppable.

I think Sarfraz should replace SKY in the squad but it's unfortunate that management backing SKY only because of his T-20 form.

Easwaran and Agarwal are both openers and we already have 3 openers in the team, 2 of them (Gill, Rohit) are in good form. I really like Agarwal but he's having a bad time with his form.

The first test between India and Australia will start next week, at Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur. This is the venue where India piled up a 600+ total against Sri Lanka back in 2017/18. Australia played against India here only once, and that was in 2008 (India won by 172 runs).

Out of the 5 bowlers who took 5-wicket test hauls in this stadium, four have been spinners (Jason Krejza in 2008, Ravichandran Ashwin two times in 2015 and Imran Tahir also in 2015). Dale Steyn is the only pacer to do so in Nagpur. Ashwin is included in the squad this time, although I am not sure whether he will play or not. I have noticed somethign interesting. Touring spinners do have a good track record at Nagpur. but the problem for Australia is that they don't have any quality spin bowlers.

India is at best time of thier game either its any format test, ODI and T20 . They were unbeaten most of the times ,now let's see how things will be with Australia as they are stronger like India and there is going to be a tough match between these two teams.

[BobK71]

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is reportedly gearing up to appoint Mickey Arthur as the 'online coach' of their senior men's national team. It has been reported that Arthur will be available on-site only for limited assignments while parallely working as the full-time coach for Derbyshire County Cricket Club. The decision from PCB has invited mixed reactions from fans while former captain Shahid Afridi also remains skeptical of Arthur's return, that too as an 'online coach'.

There is too much noise about this appointment because now things are going from bad to worse in Pakistan after change of Chairman they fail to hire any full time coach and now having services like this is surely creating more mess up with many former cricketers are also criticizing this decision from the Najam Sethi but right now taking anything about this is also not fair, but I'm personally feeling now Pakistan cricket is again going down for some years as we have few years back.

Shahid Afridi is also now have some concerns about few things but most chances no one can stop Najam Sethi from his experiments even in past he has good results but now how things will happen nothing is clear and overall Pakistan situation is also going to be more down with Peshawar Masjid Bomb attack.

Pakistan's economy is in crisis. The impact of inflation is one evident. In addition to increasing unemployment, various types of unpleasant events are now being heard almost every day, so I do not think it will be possible to get a good coach for Pakistan team in the current situation. As far as I know, they are waiting for the loan to the IMF. As long as they get it, everyone is assuming that their situation will not be changed. The hostile condition of the global economy and the flood in Pakistan are creating a major crisis. As a result, they will not be able to overcome this situation very soon.

[JSRAW]

Ashwin is included in the squad this time, although I am not sure whether he will play or not. I have noticed somethign interesting. Touring spinners do have a good track record at Nagpur. but the problem for Australia is that they don't have any quality spin bowlers.

Ashwin's spot in the playing XI is in danger? Why would you think that?

He has 5 test tons and 449 wickets under his belt and singlehandedly won countless matches for India and its home series. Jaddu-Ashwin-Axar trio should be the first pick for the selectors and you could also throw kuldeep in the mix if by any chance Axar or Jaddu is out of form.

[SirLancelot]

Ashwin's spot in the playing XI is in danger? Why would you think that?

He has 5 test tons and 449 wickets under his belt and singlehandedly won countless matches for India and its home series. Jaddu-Ashwin-Axar trio should be the first pick for the selectors and you could also throw kuldeep in the mix if by any chance Axar or Jaddu is out of form.

Here I am also feeling Ashwin could be their first choice for the test spot with Jaddu and Axar because he is still key player and can give good performance for team single-handedly with batting is plus point for him with his 5 test centuries and experience is also important.

But if team have any issue then surely they can drop anyone from Jaddu or Axar for having Kuldeep into team, but this all depends on pitch and match day what strategy they will adopt for having good results against Australia, touring party is also doing their homework, and surely they will give some surprises during match as they are famous for this all and their experience to play against Pakistan and Sri Lanka is surely going to help them even India is the toughest place for them in this series.

[jaberwock]

Pakistan's economy is in crisis. The impact of inflation is one evident. In addition to increasing unemployment, various types of unpleasant events are now being heard almost every day, so I do not think it will be possible to get a good coach for Pakistan team in the current situation. As far as I know, they are waiting for the loan to the IMF. As long as they get it, everyone is assuming that their situation will not be changed. The hostile condition of the global economy and the flood in Pakistan are creating a major crisis. As a result, they will not be able to overcome this situation very soon.

It's not all about economy and crisis Pakistan has never been ideal place for foreigners to go and do coaching job because if in next few months we have changes in government then surely things could be change and new management will quickly sack them just because of this many big names never try to have any role in this country for providing services because recently I was reading they contact with few big names, but all rejected their offer their board is having political influence, and they have never been having ideal sports environment which is also for the better results.

Too many allegations about selection and have parchi system is also common, so things are not ideal with now in coming days we have PSL2023 which is also had few issues with few players are already in teams even they have allegations of spot fixing and other issues as well which is never been good for the spirit of the game.

[Minecache]

Ashwin's spot in the playing XI is in danger? Why would you think that?
He has 5 test tons and 449 wickets under his belt and singlehandedly won countless matches for India and its home series. Jaddu-Ashwin-Axar trio should be the first pick for the selectors and you could also throw kuldeep in the mix if by any chance Axar or Jaddu is out of form.

Here I am also feeling Ashwin could be their first choice for the test spot with Jaddu and Axar because he is still key player and can give good performance for team single-handedly with batting is plus point for him with his 5 test centuries and experience is also important.

But if team have any issue then surely they can drop anyone from Jaddu or Axar for having Kuldeep into team, but this all depends on pitch and match day what strategy they will adopt for having good results against Australia, touring party is also doing their homework, and surely they will give some surprises during match as they are famous for this all and their experience to play against Pakistan and Sri Lanka is surely going to help them even India is the toughest place for them in this series.

I think in any other format Ashwin is not a very good choice. But especially in test format, I think Ashwin is better than most other choices that India has right now.

So, I think they are actually going to play Ashwin.

Kuldeep is a good bowler. But I think he is most useful at T20. He is not very well when it comes to the test format in my opinion. So, I think they will be making the right choice if they do go with Ashwin.

[posi]

Pakistan's economy is in crisis. The impact of inflation is one evident. In addition to increasing unemployment, various types of unpleasant events are now being heard almost every day, so I do not think it will be possible to get a good coach for Pakistan team in the current situation. As far as I know, they are waiting for the loan to the IMF. As long as they get it, everyone is assuming that their situation will not be changed. The hostile condition of the global economy and the flood in Pakistan are creating a major crisis. As a result, they will not be able to overcome this situation very soon.

It's not all about economy and crisis Pakistan has never been ideal place for foreigners to go and do coaching job because if in next few months we have changes in government then surely things could be change and new management will quickly sack them just because of this many big names never try to have any role in this country for providing services because recently I was reading they contact with few big names, but all rejected their offer their board is having political influence, and they have never been having ideal sports environment which is also for the better results.]
Too many allegations about selection and have parchi system is also common, so things are not ideal with now in coming days we have PSL2023 which is also had few issues with few players are already in teams even they have allegations of spot fixing and other issues as well which is never been good for the spirit of the game.

I know that I have always been someone who has been a supporter of Pakistan cricket. But I think this time it is actually Pakistan that should fix their problems first. I think it is only right to change the venue if there are actually some big problems with politics. it is generally hard to host a big tournament after so many allegations.

But I am actually happy that Pakistan is showing the courage that they are ready to do it. I honestly think that the situation in Pakistan is not going to be so bad If somehow Pakistan and India can't start working together.

[Sithara007]

Ashwin is included in the squad this time, although I am not sure whether he will play or not. I have noticed somethign interesting. Touring spinners do have a good track record at Nagpur. but the problem for Australia is that they don't have any quality spin bowlers.

Ashwin's spot in the playing XI is in danger? Why would you think that?

He has 5 test tons and 449 wickets under his belt and singlehandedly won countless matches for India and its home series. Jaddu-Ashwin-Axar trio should be the first pick for the selectors and you could also throw kuldeep in the mix if by any chance Axar or Jaddu is out of form.

OK.. my bad. For now, let's assume that Ashwin will lead the spin attack for India, along with Jadeja and Axar. Jadeja has been out of action for sometime, but he performed well recently in one of the Ranji trophy matches. Regarding Kuldeep Yadav, he has a terrific test record (bowling average of 21.55) but unfortunately he is not going to be the first pick for the selectors. And most of his wickets have come against weak teams such as Bangladesh. On the other hand, Australia are going to struggle with their spin options. Nathan Lyon is the only experienced spin bowler in their squad.

[JSRAW]

Ashwin is included in the squad this time, although I am not sure whether he will play or not. I have noticed somethign interesting. Touring spinners do have a good track record at Nagpur. but the problem for Australia is that they don't have any quality spin bowlers.

Ashwin's spot in the playing XI is in danger? Why would you think that?

He has 5 test tons and 449 wickets under his belt and singlehandedly won countless matches for India and its home series. Jaddu-Ashwin-Axar trio should be the first pick for the selectors and you could also throw kuldeep in the mix if by any chance Axar or Jaddu is out of form.

OK.. my bad. For now, let's assume that Ashwin will lead the spin attack for India, along with Jadeja and Axar. Jadeja has been out of action for sometime, but he performed well recently in one of the Ranji trophy matches. Regarding Kuldeep Yadav, he has a terrific test record (bowling average of 21.55) but unfortunately he is not going to be the first pick for the selectors. And most of his wickets have come against weak teams such as Bangladesh. On the other hand, Australia are going to struggle with their spin options. Nathan Lyon is the only experienced spin bowler in their squad.

Kuldeep is a fine leg spinner and has taken a fair amount of Aussie wickets in red-ball cricket including 5fer. Taking a bag of Bong's wickets is just a recent thing.

If we look only from a bowling perspective then he should play ahead of Axar (it doesn't mean he's better or worse than Axar). It's just Axar and Jadeja are both left-hand off spinners and Kuldeep can provide more variety in your bowling attack.

Having said that, Pant and Iyer are not available in the middle order so Axar's batting at 9 can be very handy as he's a superior batter in comparison to Kuldeep, latter is okay too but the former can play attacking cricket as well. 

Aussie hired a lot of local Indian spinners for net practice, which include a carbon copy of Ashwin in terms of bowling action and variation, their batters look really serious.

[MusaPk]

Seeing Zimbabwe playing a test match after a long time. The first test between Zimbabwe and West Indies is in progress at Bulawayo. West Indies have a slow start as they have made 54 runs in 27 overs (going with just 2 runs per over).
Tagenarine Chanderpaul son of legend S Chanderpaul is opening from West Indies side. He has played 2 test matches and we have yet to see century from him. It's a good chance for him to score century.

[JSRAW]

Seeing Zimbabwe playing a test match after a long time. The first test between Zimbabwe and West Indies is in progress at Bulawayo. West Indies have a slow start as they have made 54 runs in 27 overs (going with just 2 runs per over).
Tagenarine Chanderpaul son of legend S Chanderpaul is opening from West Indies side. He has played 2 test matches and we have yet to see century from him. It's a good chance for him to score century.

Is this part of the World Test Championship? Can't find anything regarding this.

Anyway good to know Zimbawae is getting some game time in the red ball. Chaderpaul Junior is a good bat, he scored a fair amount of runs on his last Australian tour and impressed many.

[YinShuiSiYuan]

Seeing Zimbabwe playing a test match after a long time. The first test between Zimbabwe and West Indies is in progress at Bulawayo. West Indies have a slow start as they have made 54 runs in 27 overs (going with just 2 runs per over).
Tagenarine Chanderpaul son of legend S Chanderpaul is opening from West Indies side. He has played 2 test matches and we have yet to see century from him. It's a good chance for him to score century.

Is this part of the World Test Championship? Can't find anything regarding this.

Anyway good to know Zimbawae is getting some game time in the red ball. Chaderpaul Junior is a good bat, he scored a fair amount of runs on his last Australian tour and impressed many.

A good start from west Indies and their openers are will playing , after 48 overs they have made 103 runs which is slow but a good start.
Zimbabwe on other hand is struggling with the balling .

[elevates]

UPDATE - KL Rahul ruled out of BGT as he is planning a movie or might be busy with his new wife .In the meantime, Australians are in a gun-blazing mode. A lot of media coverage and mind games are being done. Found out that they have hired Mahesh Pithiya who does not looks like Ashwin but has an action similar to him. I have never seen them so serious about the Ashes as they are for BGT. In the meantime, ICT is busy chilling and is least bothered with anything related to BGT.

[JSRAW]

UPDATE - KL Rahul ruled out of BGT as he is planning a movie or might be busy with his new wife

Not sure if it's true as i didn't notice any news but if it's true then it's advantageous to India. This depressing dude is out of form and became a walking wicket.

In the meantime, Australians are in a gun-blazing mode. A lot of media coverage and mind games are being done. Found out that they have hired Mahesh Pithiya who does not looks like Ashwin but has an action similar to him. I have never seen them so serious about the Ashes as they are for BGT. In the meantime, ICT is busy chilling and is least bothered with anything related to BGT.

Chadwin Anna living in their brain rent free.

They take him very seriously and rightly so. They were trying similar things last time as well but Jaddu-Kuldeep-Umesh came out of the syllabus.

[MusaPk]

Seeing Zimbabwe playing a test match after a long time. The first test between Zimbabwe and West Indies is in progress at Bulawayo. West Indies have a slow start as they have made 54 runs in 27 overs (going with just 2 runs per over).
Tagenarine Chanderpaul son of legend S Chanderpaul is opening from West Indies side. He has played 2 test matches and we have yet to see century from him. It's a good chance for him to score century.

Is this part of the World Test Championship? Can't find anything regarding this.

Anyway good to know Zimbawae is getting some game time in the red ball. Chaderpaul Junior is a good bat, he scored a fair amount of runs on his last Australian tour and impressed many.

Zimbabwe is not in icc test championship 2021-23 nine teams, so definitely, this series is not part of it.
Tagenarine Chanderpaul has scored 160 runs in his 4 innings so far with one fifty only. Let's wait for few more of his innings to see whether he is like his father or not.
Meanwhile West Indies are going too slow, scored 112 runs in 51 overs. Tagenarine Chanderpaul has got his second fifty but he need to accelerate his speed of scoring runs.

[pakhitheboss]

UPDATE - KL Rahul ruled out of BGT as he is planning a movie or might be busy with his new wife .In the meantime, Australians are in a gun-blazing mode. A lot of media coverage and mind games are being done. Found out that they have hired Mahesh Pithiya who does not looks like Ashwin but has an action similar to him. I have never seen them so serious about the Ashes as they are for BGT. In the meantime, ICT is busy chilling and is least bothered with anything related to BGT.

There are some things that are intimate! If possible do not go to that extreme where you can discuss a player's personal life. I mean let him be as he wants it to be. We only discuss here what we like or dislike about cricket, and players and also try to predict the future of cricket.

Anyways KL Rahul was not performing to his utmost best and if he is out I am not going to get panicked. We will have someone who might be better than him and new. It would be an awesome opportunity for that player to display his capabilities and outperform Rahul.

[eaLiTy]

~
A good start from west Indies and their openers are will playing , after 48 overs they have made 103 runs which is slow but a good start.
Zimbabwe on other hand is struggling with the balling .

Zimbabwe failed to pick any wickets but they are bowling tight line and length and West Indies is playing a real Test match as the scoreboard is not moving much either . Rain interrupted majority of the day's play and expecting the same weather throughout the match and hence expecting a draw.

Zimbabwe is not in icc test championship 2021-23 nine teams, so definitely, this series is not part of it.

They do not even have DRS in this series.

[S A KHAIR]

Seeing Zimbabwe playing a test match after a long time. The first test between Zimbabwe and West Indies is in progress at Bulawayo. West Indies have a slow start as they have made 54 runs in 27 overs (going with just 2 runs per over).
Tagenarine Chanderpaul son of legend S Chanderpaul is opening from West Indies side. He has played 2 test matches and we have yet to see century from him. It's a good chance for him to score century.

Is this part of the World Test Championship? Can't find anything regarding this.

Anyway good to know Zimbawae is getting some game time in the red ball. Chaderpaul Junior is a good bat, he scored a fair amount of runs on his last Australian tour and impressed many.

Zimbabwe is not in icc test championship 2021-23 nine teams, so definitely, this series is not part of it.
Tagenarine Chanderpaul has scored 160 runs in his 4 innings so far with one fifty only. Let's wait for few more of his innings to see whether he is like his father or not.
Meanwhile West Indies are going too slow, scored 112 runs in 51 overs. Tagenarine Chanderpaul has got his second fifty but he need to accelerate his speed of scoring runs.

Chanderpaul and Brathwaite batted very responsibly from the beginning of the innings. Both have collected more than 50 and are still unbeaten. West Indies performance is excellent. Although I know that Zimbabwe is not a strong team. Zimbabwe has a relatively weak squad. The way West Indies started their innings. I think this match will be completely dominated by West Indies players. I don't think Zimbabwe has any chance of winning. Even the chances of the match being a draw are very low.

[mm2543363580]

A good start from west Indies and their openers are will playing , after 48 overs they have made 103 runs which is slow but a good start.
Zimbabwe on other hand is struggling with the balling .

Zimbabwe failed to pick any wickets but they are bowling tight line and length and West Indies is playing a real Test match as the scoreboard is not moving much either . Rain interrupted majority of the day's play and expecting the same weather throughout the match and hence expecting a draw.
[/quote]

Only 50 overs of play today and rest was rain. Zimbabwe weren't able to pick any wicket today and must be under pressure when they come tomorrow. West Indies will be happy as both there openers are on the crease well set. It will be difficult to say which team is favorite at the moment.