Test Cricket Prediction and Discussion Thread [self - mod]

[BobK71]

Next destination for Ireland is Srilanka and looking at their performance against Bangladesh. I think they will give some tough time to Srilanka too. This team has a bright future. I guess in some years they would be unstoppable.

Sri Lanka is far better than Bangladesh in test format. But Ireland is an unpredictable team at this moment. No one knows how Irish players will perform in the upcoming test matches. Some of them have played pretty well against Bangladesh even though it was their first test match. Paul Stirling may join in the second test match which will bring some hope for them.

Sri Lanka is good test cricket team. No doubt in it, and we can't underestimate the potential of the Ireland team. The experience surely matters. Based on what I've understood after the Bangladesh vs Ireland match, the team is good to give tough fight amidst the team against which the Ireland team plays. There is no second second match between Bangladesh and Ireland. The upcoming test match for Ireland is against Sri Lanka.

In this case most of us certainly know Sri Lanka will be leading position because in terms of playing experience, Sri Lanka is a much more experienced team than Ireland. They just finished a tour of New Zealand where they had no good results. They will be keen to get off to a good start with the two-match Test series against Ireland. Ireland also performed well against Bangladesh as newcomers. Anything can happen if they give their best. The 1st Test between these two teams will start from next 16th April.

[JSRAW]

Next destination for Ireland is Srilanka and looking at their performance against Bangladesh. I think they will give some tough time to Srilanka too. This team has a bright future. I guess in some years they would be unstoppable.

Sri Lanka is far better than Bangladesh in test format. But Ireland is an unpredictable team at this moment. No one knows how Irish players will perform in the upcoming test matches. Some of them have played pretty well against Bangladesh even though it was their first test match. Paul Stirling may join in the second test match which will bring some hope for them.

If they are playing at Galle and the Lankans manage to introduce traditional dustbowl pitches for the series, similar to the series against Australia. Then pitch would spit cobra from day one and Irish batters would run like a headless chicken.

Also hoping SL would go with full strength squad and not take this as any practice series. If the Irish team wins from here then props to them.

[fuguebtc]

Ireland's team cannot be called weak in ODI and T20 formats. They have a very stable team. Despite losing the T20 series against Bangladesh, they made a great comeback in the last match. And Bangladesh pulled off a fairly easy win against them. This shows that this team has the capability. At the same time, although Bangladesh completely dominated the first two days of the Test match, Ireland's batsmen dominated the third day. The match turned out to be very competitive. If this team gets a chance to play more Test matches then the team will become more experienced and stronger. And will be able to defeat teams like Bangladesh, Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka in future Test matches.

In the end, everything depends on the availability of the players. If Paul Stirling and Josh Little are unavailable, then they will be overdependent on the younger players, who haven't rose to the occasion yet. And I guess for the Irish cricket board, qualifying for the 2023 ODI Word Cup is more important when compared to these one-off test matches. They can't ask players such as Stirling and Little to play all the international matches. So they maybe holding them back for the world cup qualifiers and for the remaining matches of the ODI Super League.

@laurenB7742 I honestly believe that no team is actually weak in the T20 format. Because that is one format, where a game can change in a matter of even a few balls, let alone overs. But when it comes to ODI, it is a little predictable. Because in ODI a team, needs to have a good experience. Only power-hitting is not enough. In the upcoming ODI World Cup, it is going to be an achievement for them if Ireland can actually beat a bigger opponent.

@Sithara007 Ireland is certainly not consistent enough as a team. They have one or two players who can perform really well here and there. But they need to perform consistently as a team. And they are certainly not capable of that in ODI.

[jaberwock]

If they are playing at Galle and the Lankans manage to introduce traditional dustbowl pitches for the series, similar to the series against Australia. Then pitch would spit cobra from day one and Irish batters would run like a headless chicken.

Also hoping SL would go with full strength squad and not take this as any practice series. If the Irish team wins from here then props to them.

We are going to have both matches at Galle with there was just one test match and two ODI's but after having suggestion from Irish board Sri Lankan give them some respect and switch two ODI's into one test match which is good decision because after having test cap in 2018 now first time they are going to play three test matches in one month which is good for their players and also having positive change into their way.

After watching their performance against Bangladesh in one test match I have no positive hopes for them against Sri Lanka because they will not allow them to perform like this with they will have pitches for their own bowlers which will be not easy for the Irish batsmen because at home they are surely amazing.

[Unknown Op]

Ireland's team cannot be called weak in ODI and T20 formats. They have a very stable team. Despite losing the T20 series against Bangladesh, they made a great comeback in the last match. And Bangladesh pulled off a fairly easy win against them. This shows that this team has the capability. At the same time, although Bangladesh completely dominated the first two days of the Test match, Ireland's batsmen dominated the third day. The match turned out to be very competitive. If this team gets a chance to play more Test matches then the team will become more experienced and stronger. And will be able to defeat teams like Bangladesh, Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka in future Test matches.

It is inspiring to see Ireland's cricket squad hold their own against challenging opponents like Bangladesh. They have demonstrated that they have the abilities and will to compete at the highest level despite some setbacks. With greater chances to participate in Test matches they'll definitely gain priceless experience and keep becoming better. It is thrilling to imagine what this team can accomplish in the future and how they might wow their adversaries with their ability and perseverance. We should all be supporting them and anticipating what lies ahead.

[Sithara007]

@Sithara007 Ireland is certainly not consistent enough as a team. They have one or two players who can perform really well here and there. But they need to perform consistently as a team. And they are certainly not capable of that in ODI.

Ireland has been performing in an inconsistent manner ever since their senior players retired (I am talking about Kevin O'Brien, Boyd Rankin, William Porterfield and Tim Murtagh). Their younger players are unable to fill the vacuum left by these players and that is the reason why they have been in a state of flux ever since. Irish cricket board has invested heavily in domestic cricket. But it will take a lot of time, before they get the results. They have been a full member of the ICC ever since 2019. With additional funding, their performance will only improve from here onwards.

[pakhitheboss]

If they are playing at Galle and the Lankans manage to introduce traditional dustbowl pitches for the series, similar to the series against Australia. Then pitch would spit cobra from day one and Irish batters would run like a headless chicken.

Both test matches will be played in Galle. Expecting the Irish batters to run like headless chicken. Home team advantage cannot be ignored. Just to improve their stats in test cricket Srilanka will go for those kind of pitches.

I am also expecting them to underestimate the Irish team. That might be a drawback for them. Srilanka is better than Bangladesh team in test format. I don't think it would be easy for the Irish team to challenge Srilankan bowlers or batters.

[WatChe]

Ireland has been performing in an inconsistent manner ever since their senior players retired (I am talking about Kevin O'Brien, Boyd Rankin, William Porterfield and Tim Murtagh). Their younger players are unable to fill the vacuum left by these players and that is the reason why they have been in a state of flux ever since. Irish cricket board has invested heavily in domestic cricket. But it will take a lot of time, before they get the results. They have been a full member of the ICC ever since 2019. With additional funding, their performance will only improve from here onwards.

This happens with every team that is making his debut in international cricket. If there is craze of cricket in a country then new talent replace the retiring ones. Ireland first impact in international cricket was back in 2007 when the defeated Pakistan in ODI world cup match.
Ireland has not played much test cricket, so there performance analysis in test cannot be done based on 4 or 5 test matches they have played. The way they played there last test strongly recommend that they deserve few more chances to play the test.

[mm2543363580]

If they are playing at Galle and the Lankans manage to introduce traditional dustbowl pitches for the series, similar to the series against Australia. Then pitch would spit cobra from day one and Irish batters would run like a headless chicken.

Both test matches will be played in Galle. Expecting the Irish batters to run like headless chicken. Home team advantage cannot be ignored. Just to improve their stats in test cricket Srilanka will go for those kind of pitches.

I am also expecting them to underestimate the Irish team. That might be a drawback for them. Srilanka is better than Bangladesh team in test format. I don't think it would be easy for the Irish team to challenge Srilankan bowlers or batters.

There is going to be a tough match between Sirlanka and Ireland specially after Ireland performance in last match . They are getting the concept of test format and they  can surprise everyone with their good performance.

[BobK71]

Ireland's team cannot be called weak in ODI and T20 formats. They have a very stable team. Despite losing the T20 series against Bangladesh, they made a great comeback in the last match. And Bangladesh pulled off a fairly easy win against them. This shows that this team has the capability. At the same time, although Bangladesh completely dominated the first two days of the Test match, Ireland's batsmen dominated the third day. The match turned out to be very competitive. If this team gets a chance to play more Test matches then the team will become more experienced and stronger. And will be able to defeat teams like Bangladesh, Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka in future Test matches.

It is inspiring to see Ireland's cricket squad hold their own against challenging opponents like Bangladesh. They have demonstrated that they have the abilities and will to compete at the highest level despite some setbacks. With greater chances to participate in Test matches they'll definitely gain priceless experience and keep becoming better. It is thrilling to imagine what this team can accomplish in the future and how they might wow their adversaries with their ability and perseverance. We should all be supporting them and anticipating what lies ahead.

Although Ireland did not do well in other formats of cricket, they showed a glimmer of hope in Test cricket. Especially they had a test match against Bangladesh where almost everyone was new. There have been several player debuts such as Lorcan Tucker, Graham Hume, Benjamin White, Murray Commins, Harry Tector and Curtis Campher. Their debut match performance certainly bodes well. I expect them to improve in Test cricket.

[lixer]

Although Ireland did not do well in other formats of cricket, they showed a glimmer of hope in Test cricket. Especially they had a test match against Bangladesh where almost everyone was new. There have been several player debuts such as Lorcan Tucker, Graham Hume, Benjamin White, Murray Commins, Harry Tector and Curtis Campher. Their debut match performance certainly bodes well. I expect them to improve in Test cricket.

After having test cap in 2018 Ireland play 4 test matches and all lost so how can you say they are better in this format they need good practice and more matches if we want better results from them because with these current figures we can't expect better results from this or any team they are lack of experience and practice which is the main problem for them right now with their domestic setup is also not ideal, and we have no good number of cricket lovers in this country as well because most popular game is soccer after this rugby, and then we have this game which mean its never been easy task for relative authorities.

Mostly their domestic setup is depended on England which is another problem but still things can improve but need good support from ICC and other boards as well which help them for improving their skills and technique right now it's not ideal situation.

[fuguebtc]

Although Ireland did not do well in other formats of cricket, they showed a glimmer of hope in Test cricket. Especially they had a test match against Bangladesh where almost everyone was new. There have been several player debuts such as Lorcan Tucker, Graham Hume, Benjamin White, Murray Commins, Harry Tector and Curtis Campher. Their debut match performance certainly bodes well. I expect them to improve in Test cricket.

I think more than this test match showing how well Ireland performed, it actually showed how bad Bangladesh can be in test cricket. I am sure that Bangladesh would have somehow created a chance to lose if this was any other team. But I have to give credit to Ireland for making the test match interesting even after the situation that they were in. Bangladesh should also be careful about taking things easy when things are going their way. 100 more runs on the board by Ireland and Bangladesh could very easily lose the match.

[WatChe]

I think more than this test match showing how well Ireland performed, it actually showed how bad Bangladesh can be in test cricket. I am sure that Bangladesh would have somehow created a chance to lose if this was any other team. But I have to give credit to Ireland for making the test match interesting even after the situation that they were in. Bangladesh should also be careful about taking things easy when things are going their way. 100 more runs on the board by Ireland and Bangladesh could very easily lose the match.

Bangladesh performance at there home ground is always competitive. They recently whitewashed England at home in T20 series and then winning every game against Ireland. This is not the case when they play abroad and this is something which BCB need to focus on.
Bangladesh never have an impressive performance in ICC event's. They are playing test cricket for more then 20 years yet they fail to produce a quality team that can play abroad. Ireland need few more chances to play Test since that's the only way they can learn lengthy format.

[Sithara007]

Bangladesh performance at there home ground is always competitive. They recently whitewashed England at home in T20 series and then winning every game against Ireland. This is not the case when they play abroad and this is something which BCB need to focus on.
Bangladesh never have an impressive performance in ICC event's. They are playing test cricket for more then 20 years yet they fail to produce a quality team that can play abroad. Ireland need few more chances to play Test since that's the only way they can learn lengthy format.

Bangladesh has performed decently in the ODI and T20I format, and the management should be proud about that. Test cricket is very difficult because it requires a good 4-day domestic setup and huge investment in players. In lower tier cricket nations, the players mostly concentrate on limited overs cricket, because it is where the money is. As per the current setup, only the pig-4 can afford to play test cricket. Even teams such as Pakistan and South Africa are struggling in this format. T20 is the way to move forward and by now the boards should know that.

[BobK71]

I think more than this test match showing how well Ireland performed, it actually showed how bad Bangladesh can be in test cricket. I am sure that Bangladesh would have somehow created a chance to lose if this was any other team. But I have to give credit to Ireland for making the test match interesting even after the situation that they were in. Bangladesh should also be careful about taking things easy when things are going their way. 100 more runs on the board by Ireland and Bangladesh could very easily lose the match.

Bangladesh performance at there home ground is always competitive. They recently whitewashed England at home in T20 series and then winning every game against Ireland. This is not the case when they play abroad and this is something which BCB need to focus on.
Bangladesh never have an impressive performance in ICC event's. They are playing test cricket for more then 20 years yet they fail to produce a quality team that can play abroad. Ireland need few more chances to play Test since that's the only way they can learn lengthy format.

The captaincy of Mashrafe Bin Mortaza can be called the golden times of Bangladesh cricket. When he was regular in the team, the performance of the Bangladesh team was good. Although it is true that Bangladesh does not perform well in any event of ICC World Cup. But they behave like tigers in their own country. Despite their good reputation in the short format, this team has failed to achieve that reputation in Tests. Moreover, nowadays players who get a chance in the team have their first choice only in short format of cricket. Despite the reluctance of many players in Test cricket, they have to participate there under the pressure of the board. Bangladesh cannot progress in test cricket without solving such problems.

[fullhdpixel]

Bangladesh performance at there home ground is always competitive. They recently whitewashed England at home in T20 series and then winning every game against Ireland. This is not the case when they play abroad and this is something which BCB need to focus on.
Bangladesh never have an impressive performance in ICC event's. They are playing test cricket for more then 20 years yet they fail to produce a quality team that can play abroad. Ireland need few more chances to play Test since that's the only way they can learn lengthy format.

Bangladesh has performed decently in the ODI and T20I format, and the management should be proud about that. Test cricket is very difficult because it requires a good 4-day domestic setup and huge investment in players. In lower tier cricket nations, the players mostly concentrate on limited overs cricket, because it is where the money is. As per the current setup, only the pig-4 can afford to play test cricket. Even teams such as Pakistan and South Africa are struggling in this format. T20 is the way to move forward and by now the boards should know that.

Agreed about this all with most chances things could be more difficult for few countries in near future because ICC is not interested to bring any solid strategy for having better results in this format which is surely big concern even I still believe if they are able to have things with 2 tier system this could be brought better result because now they have two years WTC which can adjust good number of matches for all teams, but they need to work on for all 12 test playing countries not only for the big-4.

Like they can allow 3 or 4 test matches series for all top six and 2 test matches series for lower ranks, but we must have 8 to 12 test matches for all countries this will bring good change and better quality as well here tier 2 teams will play more with each and with tier 1 they need to be also have some which will also bring balance for all countries.

[Sithara007]

Agreed about this all with most chances things could be more difficult for few countries in near future because ICC is not interested to bring any solid strategy for having better results in this format which is surely big concern even I still believe if they are able to have things with 2 tier system this could be brought better result because now they have two years WTC which can adjust good number of matches for all teams, but they need to work on for all 12 test playing countries not only for the big-4.

Like they can allow 3 or 4 test matches series for all top six and 2 test matches series for lower ranks, but we must have 8 to 12 test matches for all countries this will bring good change and better quality as well here tier 2 teams will play more with each and with tier 1 they need to be also have some which will also bring balance for all countries.

The tiered system is what test cricket needs badly. But due to pressure from lower ranking test nations, the board has never been able to implement these suggestions. And I don't believe that playing 8-12 test matches per year is viable, with the influx of franchise T20 leagues. Key players are not available for selection and hosting test matches can be a very tedious affair with lots of expenses. And the return is very low, compared to limited overs cricket. And more importantly, nowadays we don't have a lot of players who are capable of playing test cricket.

[Juggy777]

Agreed about this all with most chances things could be more difficult for few countries in near future because ICC is not interested to bring any solid strategy for having better results in this format which is surely big concern even I still believe if they are able to have things with 2 tier system this could be brought better result because now they have two years WTC which can adjust good number of matches for all teams, but they need to work on for all 12 test playing countries not only for the big-4.

Like they can allow 3 or 4 test matches series for all top six and 2 test matches series for lower ranks, but we must have 8 to 12 test matches for all countries this will bring good change and better quality as well here tier 2 teams will play more with each and with tier 1 they need to be also have some which will also bring balance for all countries.

The tiered system is what test cricket needs badly. But due to pressure from lower ranking test nations, the board has never been able to implement these suggestions. And I don't believe that playing 8-12 test matches per year is viable, with the influx of franchise T20 leagues. Key players are not available for selection and hosting test matches can be a very tedious affair with lots of expenses. And the return is very low, compared to limited overs cricket. And more importantly, nowadays we don't have a lot of players who are capable of playing test cricket.

@Sithara007 the only way to revive test matches is to play them all in day and night format, and secondly play them when it’s not a rainy season as many fan’s get upset to see test matches scheduled during rainy season.

Also @fullhixel is right arranging so many test matches won’t be possible as the ICC calendar is already full, and even test specialists like Pujara or Rahane are failing in this format which shows that player’s no longer prepare well for Test matches.

[JSRAW]

@Sithara007 the only way to revive test matches is to play them all in day and night format, and secondly play them when it’s not a rainy season as many fan’s get upset to see test matches scheduled during rainy season.

The day-Night setting for Test cricket should be an obvious choice, especially in the Indian sub-continent due to the hot climate but not many countries host D/N tests here. Only BCCI hosted 2 D/N tests and they are still struggling with ball quality and trying to find the balance.

Ideally, ICC should make a rule that if there is a 3 or more matches series then 1 match should be D/N. ICC could also relax its rating system for pitches in D/N matches as it's going through a lot of testing, which is related to Pink balls.

[Sithara007]

The day-Night setting for Test cricket should be an obvious choice, especially in the Indian sub-continent due to the hot climate but not many countries host D/N tests here. Only BCCI hosted 2 D/N tests and they are still struggling with ball quality and trying to find the balance.

Ideally, ICC should make a rule that if there is a 3 or more matches series then 1 match should be D/N. ICC could also relax its rating system for pitches in D/N matches as it's going through a lot of testing, which is related to Pink balls.

I like the idea of D/N test matches. But if these matches are being staged in India, then the opponents should be from pig-4. Matches against really weak sides such as Sri Lanka and Bangladesh doesn't make any sense, as the gap between these teams and India is too huge. Such matches will only benefit the individual players, in the form of improving their career stats. Even Pakistan and South Africa are OK, but other teams (including West Indies) can't remain competitive against the Indians, especially in the test format.