Test Cricket Prediction and Discussion Thread [self - mod]

[JSRAW]

I know many people will blame IPL for this, some people will blame captaincy for this. But truth is these things do happen. Australia will always have an upper hand while playing in English pitches as the pitches are more similar to Australia as compared to sub continent. Also it's still not over to be honest, we saw Smith and Head doing a good partnership to save the Aussies, if Rahane and Bharath can do the same it's still game on for India.

Yeah, IPL is an easy target and i also don't usually entertain this idea completely.

Having said that, the scheduling of IPL does have some part in it and for this so I do blame the management for their planning. The last 2 WTC finals just came after IPL with a maximum 2 week break for the Indian team, it's not enough time to adjust when you are playing in SENA countries, you definitely need some match practice or at least fresh legs as far as seam bowlers are concerned.

Ofc English conditions will suit every SENA country but everyone knew the Venue before WTC kicked in so here preparation becomes important. The last time NZ team played a 3 match series against England before appearing in the Finals, it wasn't the case with the Indian team. Also, this very same Australian team has lost 4 back to back series against India (Home and away both) so it's not like they are a superior team and we are shit, it's just they are better prepared and fresh when compared to the Indian team.

[Vaskiy]

What a great performance from Australia. It is truly unbelievable how much pressure they put on a team like India. Australia set a target of 469 runs against India.

Really impressive piece of performance shown by the Australian batter as they smashed indian top bowler in this crutial full of pressure final, they way indian bolwer start by taking early on wicket I taught they will grab them but long partnership of smith and head runied the momentum which Carry on by indian pacer.

Australia performance in the WTC23 final has indeed been commendable applying immense pressure on India. While India may have lost 5 wickets for 151 runs it's crucial to remember that cricket is a game of unpredictability. The match is far from over and India still has an opportunity to regroup and mount a strong comeback. Despite the absence of their best batsman and the early dismissal of Gill and kholiOther talented players in the Indian team who can rise to the occasion. With determination and strategic play India can bridge the trail of 318 runs. Its remain optimistic and eagerly await the exciting cricket that lies ahead in this final.

I know many people will blame IPL for this, some people will blame captaincy for this. But truth is these things do happen. Australia will always have an upper hand while playing in English pitches as the pitches are more similar to Australia as compared to sub continent. Also it's still not over to be honest, we saw Smith and Head doing a good partnership to save the Aussies, if Rahane and Bharath can do the same it's still game on for India.

How far this could happen is a question. Rahane got lucky to be on the pitch, through the review could've been lost the no ball favoured. Rahane and Jadeja partnership were really good, in between the wicket of Jadeja that happened during the last overs of the day is really bad. To the max India could score 250 - 300 runs. As said the pitch conditions were similar to home pitch and they're at their best in bowling.

[Mahdirakib]

When Australia batted it felt like a batting-friendly pitch. But now the performance of the Indian batsmen seems to be a completely bowling-friendly pitch. India lost their fifth wicket for 142 runs. It was completely unexpected that India's experienced top-order batsmen would perform so poorly. But Ajinkia Rahane is still at the crease.

India had also taken the first three wickets of Australia in 76 runs. But their bowlers were unable to create pressure on Travis Head and Smith. They made a huge partnership on the 4th wicket. Gill and Pujara sacrificed their wickets with poor decision today. Kohli also got out by playing a poor shot. Indian top order batsmen didn't play with responsibility. Everything will depend on Rahane and Shardul Thakur now. The probability is very low for India to turn the game in their favour.

[Sithara007]

For the second consecutive day, the Indians have performed poorly. They did a decent job by bowling out Australia for a total of less than 500. But then, in a pitch that supports batting, they are 151/5 at the end of second day's play. And don't forget the fact that this time their playing XI contains three genuine tailenders - Umesh Yadav, Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj. So a lot will depend on Ajinkya Rahane and Srikar Bharat, and also on Shardul Thakur who is about to come next. India still need another 118 runs to avoid the follow on.

[MusaPk]

For the second consecutive day, the Indians have performed poorly. They did a decent job by bowling out Australia for a total of less than 500. But then, in a pitch that supports batting, they are 151/5 at the end of second day's play. And don't forget the fact that this time their playing XI contains three genuine tailenders - Umesh Yadav, Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj. So a lot will depend on Ajinkya Rahane and Srikar Bharat, and also on Shardul Thakur who is about to come next. India still need another 118 runs to avoid the follow on.

Not a good start by Indian batsmen half of the team is back on 151 and still 318 runs more to go. Ravindra Jadeja is the highest run scorer with 48 runs on 51 balls. Australia in a very strong position at the moment and India need some exceptional batting performance from there tail. Indian bowling was good but its 300 runs partnership between Smith and Travis Head that has done the damage.

[2Pizza410000BTC]

For the second consecutive day, the Indians have performed poorly. They did a decent job by bowling out Australia for a total of less than 500. But then, in a pitch that supports batting, they are 151/5 at the end of second day's play. And don't forget the fact that this time their playing XI contains three genuine tailenders - Umesh Yadav, Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj. So a lot will depend on Ajinkya Rahane and Srikar Bharat, and also on Shardul Thakur who is about to come next. India still need another 118 runs to avoid the follow on.

Not a good start by Indian batsmen half of the team is back on 151 and still 318 runs more to go. Ravindra Jadeja is the highest run scorer with 48 runs on 51 balls. Australia in a very strong position at the moment and India need some exceptional batting performance from there tail. Indian bowling was good but its 300 runs partnership between Smith and Travis Head that has done the damage.

Indian top order batsmen are all out Ajinkya Rahane and Srikar Bharat if these two batsmen are out today at the beginning of the day then it cannot be said for sure whether India can get 250 runs. But at the start of the day both the fast bowlers and the spinners department will get a great advantage. It is not possible to say whether India can take 250 runs.

[Sithara007]

Indian top order batsmen are all out Ajinkya Rahane and Srikar Bharat if these two batsmen are out today at the beginning of the day then it cannot be said for sure whether India can get 250 runs. But at the start of the day both the fast bowlers and the spinners department will get a great advantage. It is not possible to say whether India can take 250 runs.

It bamboozles me when I think that none of the top-4 Indian batsmen could make a score of more than 15, in a flat track. And at the start, both Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins were looking pretty wayward. It was the introduction of Scott Boland which swung the momentum in favor of the Australians again. And yesterday he looked like the best bowler out there. Starc and Cummins picked up one wicket each, but they never looked that threatening. Also, Cameron Green and Nathan Lyon bowled really well. The ball that got Cheteshwar Pujara clean bowled was an absolute gem.

Don't have much to say about the Indian performance. Unless the oldies like Kohli and Rohit are removed from the team, I don't think that India will ever again win any of the ICC tournaments.

[pakhitheboss]

What a disaster! Again the top order and the middle order batting collapsed. Australia domination continues on the second day as well. I have as of now zero hopes from Indian batters. Travis Head by the way has recorded his name in the history books. He became the first batter to score a century in World Test Championship followed by Smith. The third day would be crucial as we will be able to know where this match is headed. At the moment the road looks very bumpy and steep for India.

[kro55]

What a disaster! Again the top order and the middle order batting collapsed. Australia domination continues on the second day as well. I have as of now zero hopes from Indian batters. Travis Head by the way has recorded his name in the history books. He became the first batter to score a century in World Test Championship followed by Smith. The third day would be crucial as we will be able to know where this match is headed. At the moment the road looks very bumpy and steep for India.

On the first day, we saw the dominance of Australia's batsmen. And on the second day too we saw the dominance of Australian bowlers. The IPL ended a few days ago. I thought Indian batsmen can play with responsibility in this match. Kohli has played very well in IPL. But no top-order batsman can collect more than 15 runs. Such poor batting was not expected from India's experienced top-order players. The Indian team is still behind by 318 runs. If Rahane doesn't play big innings I would say India will definitely lose this match.

[Sithara007]

On the first day, we saw the dominance of Australia's batsmen. And on the second day too we saw the dominance of Australian bowlers. The IPL ended a few days ago. I thought Indian batsmen can play with responsibility in this match. Kohli has played very well in IPL. But no top-order batsman can collect more than 15 runs. Such poor batting was not expected from India's experienced top-order players. The Indian team is still behind by 318 runs. If Rahane doesn't play big innings I would say India will definitely lose this match.

Rahane may make some runs, but he needs support from the other end. After Bharath and Shardul, India is down to the tail and tailend. This is where Ashwin would have been valuable. Numerous times he rescued India in the past, with significant knocks down the order. And I don't think that avoiding the follow on will be a priority for India. Australia is unlikely to implement the follow on even if they get a lead of 200 plus. Because they don't want to bat on 4th and 5th day, as Jadeja really troubled some of the Australian batsmen in the first innings. Once they get Indian batsmen out, Australia is likely to bat again irrespective of the lead.

[romero121]

What a disaster! Again the top order and the middle order batting collapsed. Australia domination continues on the second day as well. I have as of now zero hopes from Indian batters. Travis Head by the way has recorded his name in the history books. He became the first batter to score a century in World Test Championship followed by Smith. The third day would be crucial as we will be able to know where this match is headed. At the moment the road looks very bumpy and steep for India.

On the first day, we saw the dominance of Australia's batsmen. And on the second day too we saw the dominance of Australian bowlers. The IPL ended a few days ago. I thought Indian batsmen can play with responsibility in this match. Kohli has played very well in IPL. But no top-order batsman can collect more than 15 runs. Such poor batting was not expected from India's experienced top-order players. The Indian team is still behind by 318 runs. If Rahane doesn't play big innings I would say India will definitely lose this match.

The dominance of Australia continues. Even today the same will continue, India have already lost the top order. We can't expect IPL to make a big impact on the test match. Indian batsmen weren't able to perform, atleast they should've lost the wickets after scoring same as playing a T20 match. If so, the score might've reached atleast 250 runs. Mohammed Siraj have recorded his 50^th wicket in test Matches and holds a five wicket haul against Australia.

[MusaPk]

What a disaster! Again the top order and the middle order batting collapsed. Australia domination continues on the second day as well. I have as of now zero hopes from Indian batters. Travis Head by the way has recorded his name in the history books. He became the first batter to score a century in World Test Championship followed by Smith. The third day would be crucial as we will be able to know where this match is headed. At the moment the road looks very bumpy and steep for India.

Though its too early to say but things are in favor of Aussies thanks to Smith and Head magnificent batting. Australia are good in all format since there are always batsmen and bowlers who can rescue in time of crisis. Australia were 3 for 76 on day 1 before Smith and Head stepped in. Indian team just came back after playing IPL and may be that's the reason there batsmen are unable to cope with test format requirement. India need to score 300 runs at least in first innings to remain in the game.

[YinShuiSiYuan]

What a disaster! Again the top order and the middle order batting collapsed. Australia domination continues on the second day as well. I have as of now zero hopes from Indian batters. Travis Head by the way has recorded his name in the history books. He became the first batter to score a century in World Test Championship followed by Smith. The third day would be crucial as we will be able to know where this match is headed. At the moment the road looks very bumpy and steep for India.

Though its too early to say but things are in favor of Aussies thanks to Smith and Head magnificent batting. Australia are good in all format since there are always batsmen and bowlers who can rescue in time of crisis. Australia were 3 for 76 on day 1 before Smith and Head stepped in. Indian team just came back after playing IPL and may be that's the reason there batsmen are unable to cope with test format requirement. India need to score 300 runs at least in first innings to remain in the game.

Today is an important day for India as they need to do something to lift up their team for this final ,they still have 5 wickets in hand and they can do good with just a strong partnership.
Australians definitely have their morale high they will come with high spirits to nail day 3.

[LDL]

Don't have much to say about the Indian performance. Unless the oldies like Kohli and Rohit are removed from the team, I don't think that India will ever again win any of the ICC tournaments.

Such a failure of the Indian top order batsmen in a Test match like the final proves that some changes are definitely needed in the Indian team squad. Rohit (15), Gill (13), Pujara (14), Virat Kohli (14) except Shubman Gill, the other three are definitely older and more experienced in the Indian team. However, such a bad performance in the Indian first innings in tomorrow's match will certainly show the need for several changes in the Indian team. Unfortunately, if India loses this final test, captain Rohit Sharma will have to answer to the Indian team management. But only the batting department should be held accountable. The bowling department has performed fairly well.

[YinShuiSiYuan]

Don't have much to say about the Indian performance. Unless the oldies like Kohli and Rohit are removed from the team, I don't think that India will ever again win any of the ICC tournaments.

Such a failure of the Indian top order batsmen in a Test match like the final proves that some changes are definitely needed in the Indian team squad. Rohit (15), Gill (13), Pujara (14), Virat Kohli (14) except Shubman Gill, the other three are definitely older and more experienced in the Indian team. However, such a bad performance in the Indian first innings in tomorrow's match will certainly show the need for several changes in the Indian team. Unfortunately, if India loses this final test, captain Rohit Sharma will have to answer to the Indian team management. But only the batting department should be held accountable. The bowling department has performed fairly well.

The way India started batting aggressively was their mistake in a test match there is no need to rush for making runs.  Instead of that first of all settle on crease understand batting conditions and then start scoring they lost 5 wickets in this aggression .
Now today will decide how Indians will stand again or Australia will continue to dominate this test .

[Sithara007]

LOL.. Scot Boland is just unplayable. And there is a lot of uneven bounce in the pitch. It was a gem of a delivery that got him the wicket of KS Bharat. Now India is down to 152/6, and the last recognized batting pair (Ajinkya Rahane - Shardul Thakur) is at crease. Again, India made the blunder by including Umesh Yadav in the place of Ashwin. If Ashwin was there, then he could have added some runs down the order. And for Boland, his test bowling average as of now remains at 13.53 (he has taken 30 wickets till now and he is playing his 8th test match).

[LDL]

Scott Boland's first ball of the first session of the third day took a single run off Ajinkya Rahane and gave Srikar Bharat a strike but unfortunately Scott Boland's second ball of the first over of the day was Srikar Bharat's first ball where he faced a direct clean ball. Which is sad for India.

Can India collect 200+?

[JSRAW]

India is still way too behind and chasing the game miserably. Needed a repeat of the Laxman-Dravid type of partnership but it's a pipe dream atm but they are scoring runs at a very good run rate. Which is a positive, right? lol 

Anyway what's the proposed schedule for the next WTC cycle, did it already come out?

[YinShuiSiYuan]

So apparently Ajinkaye Rahane is the man who can save India from miserable defeat he right now is the most important wicket for Australia.  He's going good so far but he needs to play carefully because after him there are no more batsmen for India.

[mm2543363580]

Scott Boland's first ball of the first session of the third day took a single run off Ajinkya Rahane and gave Srikar Bharat a strike but unfortunately Scott Boland's second ball of the first over of the day was Srikar Bharat's first ball where he faced a direct clean ball. Which is sad for India.

Can India collect 200+?

Ajinkaye Rahane and Shardul Thakur partnership can make a difference in India's scoreboard , till now they're going good and stable.  Like Steven Smith and travis head they can change the entire game for their team.
Day 3 is the most important one for both teams for their finals .