Test Cricket Prediction and Discussion Thread [self - mod]

[Patrol69]

What a comeback for South Africa after only able to score 242 runs in the first innings. They got the Kiwis all out for 211 runs which means they are still trailing by 31 runs. The wicket in this test favored the bowler whereas in the first test, it was batters paradise. This test match is going to be entertaining as tomorrow the South Africans will come to bat and how many runs they can put on board will decide who will win the game. The wicket would be helping the Kiwis and it won't be easy for the batters to get 200 or more runs on the scoreboard. 

South Africa finished the second day of play ahead of New Zealand so far in the second Test after losing the first Test by a big margin to New Zealand. In the first innings of the second test, South Africa scored 242 runs against New Zealand, but South Africa managed to bowl out New Zealand for only 211 runs in the first innings. When South Africa were bowled out for 211 runs, Ampere declared the end of the second day's play. Both the teams have completed their first innings and South Africa are leading New Zealand by 31 runs at the end of the first innings between the two teams. The two teams were almost evenly matched in the first innings so now the second innings will decide the win or loss for both the teams. 

South Africa lead by 31 runs so there is nothing to keep South Africa ahead in this Test match as we all know about New Zealand batsmen they can turn the outcome of any match in any direction.

yeah! New Zealand batters might change the outcome of the game. But not happy with that performance, they need to do better.

This South African's team, even though they don't have much experience, did pretty good. Being ahead by only 31 runs isn't much. South African team needs to score a lot in their second innings of the second test, while New Zealand needs to get them out quickly. It's too soon to say New Zealand lost their control over the game. I think the team that scores the most runs will win. Hopefully, New Zealand's bowlers do well, and have a target that isn't too crazy.

The result of the first match must not be forgotten. In the first match we saw that New Zealand could not score the runs that South Africa scored in 1 innings in 2 innings. It may be that New Zealand did not bat well in the first innings but they will certainly bat well in the second innings. Since South Africa will be batting in the second innings, New Zealand will have a target in front of them and will get a chance to bat according to that target. The way both the teams batted in the first innings, it seems that batting on this wicket is a bit difficult. As both the teams could not score many runs in the first innings, the second innings is going to be tougher for both the teams. It will not be a surprise if South Africa are all out for fewer runs than in the first innings. However, with the current position of the two teams, it seems that the rest of the game will surely be an interesting one.

[noormcs5]

South Africa lead by 31 runs so there is nothing to keep South Africa ahead in this Test match as we all know about New Zealand batsmen they can turn the outcome of any match in any direction.

According to the current situation of the test, we can't say anything because the South African team also played well while the New Zealand team played well at bowling so all the things scraped. New Zealand batsmen Kane Williamson and Rachin Ravindra also didn't play well this time.

In the last match, the South African team lost a test match with New Zealand, and at that time, how good New Zealand batsmen and bowlers played well, but this time all the things went opposite. South African teams are also allowed to play better. If in the next innings or the next day New Zealand team can't play well they should try to draw the match because it is better than losing.

[Mahdirakib]

Who would've thought that Proteas 2nd string team could fight back, looking good right? They have nothing to lose so why not go out and express yourself?

This was completely unexpected there. Looks like the 7th wicket partnership of South Africa will have a significant impact on the result of this test match. This pitch is very difficult for batting, and the highest run chase is only 212 in test match on this field. It could be difficult for New Zealand to win against this weak team if South Africa manage to take a lead of 250 runs.

[rojan]

In the 2nd Test match of New Zealand vs South Africa team, South Africa team came to bat in the 1st Innings and scored 242 runs in 97.2 overs. New Zealand team came to bat today. New Zealand team was all out in 77.3 overs today. So far New Zealand team 31  Running behind. The bowling line of the South Africa team is very good due to which the South Africa team did not allow the batsmen of the New Zealand team to stay on the field.

[Ayers]

Who would've thought that Proteas 2nd string team could fight back, looking good right? They have nothing to lose so why not go out and express yourself?

This was completely unexpected there. Looks like the 7th wicket partnership of South Africa will have a significant impact on the result of this test match. This pitch is very difficult for batting, and the highest run chase is only 212 in test match on this field. It could be difficult for New Zealand to win against this weak team if South Africa manage to take a lead of 250 runs.

The pitch is not batting friendly. However, the South African batsmen batted well. The partnership of Swardt and von Berg in particular was quite good. Due to this pair, South Africa team managed to collect 242 runs.

Dane Piedt's superb bowling meant New Zealand couldn't collect big. New Zealand's innings stopped at 211 runs. Dane Piedt took 5 wickets. Dane Paterson also picked up three wickets. Even though New Zealand is behind by 31 runs, the chances of winning are still equal for both teams. Looking forward to see if the South African batsmen can bat well in the second innings. If the South African team can deliver a target of around 250 then they have a chance to win. But if the target is less than 200, New Zealand will win.

[redsun114]

What the heck is going on with New Zealand? I cannot believe that they are trailing the South Africans by a small margin in their own backyard when they literally decimated them in the previous test.

Piedt was excellent with the ball and this just goes to show that many people including me underestimated this second string South African side.

This is test cricket, and we can expect things like these with South African youngsters done impressive job because after six down on 150 no one were thinking about they can touch figure of 200 but still they have done good job and having decent runs which helps them for keeping their confident level high and after this their bowlers also done good job.

Dane Paterson and Dan Piedt complete the job for their team now we are in interesting situation because if South African batting able to do some good job on third day then surely we can expect good result for them with New Zealand batting is having trouble to score runs in last inning, but I have feeling they needed to score as much they have done in first inning because still we are in third day and most chances fourth day could be last day of this test match.

[wiss19]

South Africa lead by 31 runs so there is nothing to keep South Africa ahead in this Test match as we all know about New Zealand batsmen they can turn the outcome of any match in any direction.

According to the current situation of the test, we can't say anything because the South African team also played well while the New Zealand team played well at bowling so all the things scraped. New Zealand batsmen Kane Williamson and Rachin Ravindra also didn't play well this time.

In the last match, the South African team lost a test match with New Zealand, and at that time, how good New Zealand batsmen and bowlers played well, but this time all the things went opposite. South African teams are also allowed to play better. If in the next innings or the next day New Zealand team can't play well they should try to draw the match because it is better than losing.

I agree, test cricket is never been easy to predict even we have South Africa a completely new side with too many youngsters are into their squad and South African board is not taking this format seriously because they are mostly working on shorter formats but still their youths are doing good job, and we have good fight back from them in this second test match even still New Zealand is hot favourite for the win and having 2–0 chances, but now this could be not easy because South African batting needs to give their best and having good target on board.

Tomorrow we will have third day and most chances pitch will be good for the batting but can South African done good job and have good target which will help their team to restore their chance of win a test match and bring this series at level.

[WatChe]

Tomorrow we will have third day and most chances pitch will be good for the batting but can South African done good job and have good target which will help their team to restore their chance of win a test match and bring this series at level.

Dane Piedt 5 wickets has given South Africa an opening in first inning and now its up to South Africa to take advantage of that 31 runs lead. South Africa lost the first match by a huge margin of 281 runs and there batting failed to produce good runs in first innings but still there bowlers have done a wonderful job by not allowing New Zealand to score a huge total.
South Africa must try to give target of 350 runs otherwise it will be difficult for them to level the series. On last 2 days of them game it will be difficult to bat and that's to me target of 350 will be quite easy to defend.

[ThemePen]

Dane Piedt 5 wickets has given South Africa an opening in first inning and now its up to South Africa to take advantage of that 31 runs lead. South Africa lost the first match by a huge margin of 281 runs and there batting failed to produce good runs in first innings but still there bowlers have done a wonderful job by not allowing New Zealand to score a huge total.
South Africa must try to give target of 350 runs otherwise it will be difficult for them to level the series. On last 2 days of them game it will be difficult to bat and that's to me target of 350 will be quite easy to defend.

Exactly Dane Piedt did a good job by taking 5 wickets for South Africa in the first inning. This has given South Africa a chance to do well. It is very important for South Africa to make the most of the 31 run lead they have and try to increase it. The way South Africa's batsmen played in the first inning was not very good but their bowlers did a great job by stopping New Zealand from scoring too many runs.

[libert19]

Jurel, Sarfraz, Jadeja, Siraj comes in for Bharat, Iyer, Axar and Mukesh

Only one surprise for me there that being Siraj as replacement for Mukesh, I expected Akash Deep there.

For England side, Bashir goes out and Mark Wood is back in.


India won the toss and will be batting first.

[Bitcoin Smith]

Jurel, Sarfraz, Jadeja, Siraj comes in for Bharat, Iyer, Axar and Mukesh

Only one surprise for me there that being Siraj as replacement for Mukesh, I expected Akash Deep there.

For England side, Bashir goes out and Mark Wood is back in.


India won the toss and will be batting first.

I thought Bumrah is going to be rested for this match but due to the inexperienced batting lineup, they have to strengthen their bowling so went with the premium players. Good to see Sarfraz and Jurel got their caps, hope they will make it up to it.

Whenever I watch Jaiswal, he begins with a boundary on the very first ball, just reminding me of Sehwag who revolutionized the test format.

Expected to be a run feast that gives better edge to Englishmen than India in my opinion.

[Sithara007]

Big day for Dhruv Jurel and Sarfaraz Khan, as both of them are making their test debut today. Then we have Rajat Patidar playing his second test match. Overall, the Indian squad looks a little inexperienced IMO. And the Poms are right on the money. They have already taken the wickets of Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill, and now Rohit Sharma and Patidar are trying to settle down things. And surprisingly it was Mark Wood who picked up both the wickets, with James Anderson keeping things very tight from the other end.

[libert19]

India looking in not so good situation right now with 62-3 (Jaiswal, Gill, Patidar gone), Rohit still on crease and Jadeja has come down just after 3rd wicket, which personally I'm not in favor of, whenever someone's original batting position is changed i'm reminded of odiwc where Jadeja came before Surya and well things went downhill

Rohit was dropped by Joe Root, and barely survived LBW, In absence of Rahul, Kohli, Indian score will largely depend on how long Sharmaji stays on crease, he goes and I feel India will be in huge trouble. Sarfraz, Jurel might be a good batters but in absence of experienced player on other side they might give in to pressure.

[Sithara007]

The two debutants are to come next: Sarfaraz Khan and Dhruv Jurel. I was actually surprised to see Ravindra Jadeja coming to bat ahead of Sarfaraz Khan. Sarfaraz doesn't bat so down the order in domestic cricket. In his last first-class match for Mumbai, he batted at no.4 (vs Bihar during Ranji Trophy). And that means that Dhruv Jurel will be at no.7, and Ravichandran Ashwin will be at no.8. So a lot of depth in batting for India. And with Rohit and Jadeja batting cautiously, they will be expecting to reach a competitive total.   

[Bitcoin Smith]

India looking in not so good situation right now with 62-3 (Jaiswal, Gill, Patidar gone), Rohit still on crease and Jadeja has come down just after 3rd wicket, which personally I'm not in favor of, whenever someone's original batting position is changed i'm reminded of odiwc where Jadeja came before Surya and well things went downhill

I am not fan of swapping player's original position either but about this particular move, I feel it's indeed put hold on the wickets column that Jaddu has to came early and it could gone other way if the debutants were put under lot of pressure.

After the initial chaos, Rohit and Jaddu managed to steady the innings for now with 50+ partnership but this match has long way to go because the avg 1st innings score of this venue is above 400 even including the first class matches. India has batting depth upto no.8 on paper but can they deliver?

IND 93/3 at the Lunch Break.

[Sithara007]

South Africa seems to be having an upper hand, in the second test against New Zealand at Seddon Park. In the second innings, they managed a total of 235, with David Bedingham getting his first test century. But apart from him, none of the other batsmen got to a 50. Neil Brand and Keegan Petersen failed to convert the start that they got to good scores. And no one else even got to double digits, as William O’Rourke picked up a 5-wicket haul in his test debut. Kiwis need another 227 runs, with 9 wickets remaining. But I would say that Proteas are going to win this one.

[elevates]

Another game of test cricket and another bad batting by Shubhman Gill. How long will this guy get a chance to play for the Indian cricket team? Getting out for a duck has now become a new normal for him. Patidar again got out cheaply he got this chance to play for the Indian side after so many years and now he is batting as if he is playing for the first time. Rohit won the toss thinking that the Indian team would bat brilliantly looks like now he has to take the burden of scoring runs and not losing his wicket. Two new debutants in this team and let's see whether they are a big fail or they make it big in this test match.

[vennali]

Shubman Gill goes out on a duck again(He did in the 1st test's 2nd innings). He doesn't seem impressive enough to keep his position at the moment honestly (if not for the 100 he scored in the previous innings). The 100 being the only decent score he's got in a fairly long time while his 2nd best score before that was 36. What do you do with Gill? do you keep playing him in hopes that he scores 1 crucial knock in 10 odd innings? or change his batting order or bench him for another reputed opener?

[libert19]

Shubman Gill goes out on a duck again(He did in the 1st test's 2nd innings). He doesn't seem impressive enough to keep his position at the moment honestly (if not for the 100 he scored in the previous innings). The 100 being the only decent score he's got in a fairly long time while his 2nd best score before that was 36. What do you do with Gill? do you keep playing him in hopes that he scores 1 crucial knock in 10 odd innings? or change his batting order or bench him for another reputed opener?

I don't see Gill getting dropped in this test series, but if he does not get his form back he's surely to get dropped from T20 wc squad, as the competition is going to be tough to retain spots there with some proper t20 players returning such as Pandya, Surya and some such as Rinku Singh likely having their spot already guaranteed, plus Jaiswal is already being paired with Rohit which I feel is likely going to continue in t20wc.

[elevates]

100 runs partnership by Rohit and Jadeja, what way to bring up the partnership. When India was in trouble these two batter kept calm, started rotating strike, found the odd boundary and got India out of the trouble. A good comeback by the Indian captain and the Indian team. Rohit is on 73 and Jadeja is on 4, I hope Rohit gets his century to boost his confidence and Jadeja his half century. I guess after hearing that he will be the captain of the T20 squad for the World Cup he is now out of tension. It shows in his batting as he is batting today like he used to in his early days.