Test Cricket Prediction and Discussion Thread [self - mod]

[Haunebu]

What will happen if Duckett gets out early tomorrow? None of the other English batsmen looked comfortable out there, including Zak Crawley, Ollie Pope and Joe Root. Duckett on the other hand started attacking the bowlers from the very first ball and continued with Bazball style till the end of day's play. Neither the pacers, nor the spinners were effective against him.

Duckett is on a roll and he might end up scoring 200 too unless one of the Indian bowlers outfox him properly. England seems over-dependent on him right now which is why him getting out quickly could mess up their winning chances.

And more worryingly for India, Jasprit Bumrah showed signs of unease. If this guy gets broken down every now and then, I don't know how he can be a regular in the team.  

True. I hope his fitness improves because he is the key pacer in the Indian test bowling lineup currently.

[JSRAW]

Poms are sprinting and deserve a lot of credit for such positive batting and it'd be no surprise if they manage to wipe out all deficits in the next 50 overs.

Having said that, the last 5 overs showed a bit of sign that this attacking beast can be tamed. Rohit just needs to be proactive with their field settings and bowlers must follow the instruction.

Rohit took a page from Stoke's playbook and set a heavy leg side field and Siraj went with the short ball tactics and in the same over they managed to manufacture a wicket, similar to what England did. India needs more of that, even if they go for runs.

Until Duckett is there, none of these tactics are going to work. At no point of time, he looked lacking confidence. Tomorrow's first session is going to be very crucial. If Duckett survives it, then he may even take England to a first-innings lead. Else, Root and Ben Stokes need to build a partnership to stabilize the innings. BTW, I am not really sure whether Jasprit Bumrah will be available for extended spells tomorrow. He was showing some signs of discomfort during the last session today. And I would still say that selecting two pacers for this match was a blunder by the Indian selectors.

Don't care much if orthodox tactics fail, traditional tactics of test cricket is not working anymore so won't mind if India try new things, even if back fires or maybe they can mix things up because Indian seamers do know things or two about reversing the ball. So far it's been a flat track so going with 2 seamers is not a bad decision IMO.

One thing is for sure we'll have a cracking 3rd day and the match usually moves quickly when Poms are batting, bet it runs or mini collapse.

[MusaPk]

Yesterday, New Zealand needed 227 runs to win against South Africa and I said then that runs will not matter to New Zealand if they build a good partnership. New Zealand started the fourth day well and their team captain secured the victory. Williamson was unbeaten on 133 runs. New Zealand batsmen did not perform well in the first innings but in the second innings they managed to play an important innings and that important innings helped them win. In Test matches, one cannot expect to win only one innings well, instead of just one innings, one should try to perform two consecutive innings, but the victory will likely come in favor of that team. Congratulations to the New Zealand team.

It was an opportunity missed by SA to level the series. SA were right on top when NZ team got out on 211 runs in first innings but then again SA batting failed to deliver and got out on 235 runs. In second innings, NZ team made no mistake in chasing the target of 266 runs. Kane Williamson and Young both had a partnership of 152 runs. Kane Williamson was man of the series because of his 403 run in 2 tests.

[wiss19]

Yesterday, New Zealand needed 227 runs to win against South Africa and I said then that runs will not matter to New Zealand if they build a good partnership. New Zealand started the fourth day well and their team captain secured the victory. Williamson was unbeaten on 133 runs. New Zealand batsmen did not perform well in the first innings but in the second innings they managed to play an important innings and that important innings helped them win. In Test matches, one cannot expect to win only one innings well, instead of just one innings, one should try to perform two consecutive innings, but the victory will likely come in favor of that team. Congratulations to the New Zealand team.

It was an opportunity missed by SA to level the series. SA were right on top when NZ team got out on 211 runs in first innings but then again SA batting failed to deliver and got out on 235 runs. In second innings, NZ team made no mistake in chasing the target of 266 runs. Kane Williamson and Young both had a partnership of 152 runs. Kane Williamson was man of the series because of his 403 run in 2 tests.

Even we have improved performance from the South Africa but still I am not agreed about this they lost opportunity to level the series because New Zealand is much better in quality at home, and they were playing with their all available best players which perform good even they failed in first inning but still they have done good job in second inning and bring the win for their team with this win now they are at the top of WTC table for some time because now after 4 matches they won 3 and lost 1 Australia is at the second spot and India third which can take top spot if they are able to beat England at home.

Kane Williamson and Young play impressive inning while they were chasing target of 269 and from 117 to 270 were achieved and Williamson score another hundred and Young having fifty which give good big win South African need to check their strategy and policies if they want to have better results in coming matches.

[hafiztalha]

Yesterday, New Zealand needed 227 runs to win against South Africa and I said then that runs will not matter to New Zealand if they build a good partnership. New Zealand started the fourth day well and their team captain secured the victory. Williamson was unbeaten on 133 runs. New Zealand batsmen did not perform well in the first innings but in the second innings they managed to play an important innings and that important innings helped them win. In Test matches, one cannot expect to win only one innings well, instead of just one innings, one should try to perform two consecutive innings, but the victory will likely come in favor of that team. Congratulations to the New Zealand team.

This series was ended now and both games of this series was won New Zealand team with full of great effort in all lineups. In 1 st Inning, South Africa team effort was brilliant in bat or bowl both, South Africa team made 242 runs in 1 st Inning and opponent side, New Zealand team scored 211 runs and South Africa team trail by 31 runs but in 2 nd inning, South Africa team put low effort and lost this game by 7 wickets. The player of series award goes to K.Williamson batsman because in both game his batting effort was outstanding and in this 2 nd game, K.Williamson made 133 runs in 260 balls and he hitted twelve 4s and two 6s. In 1 st Inning, same K.Williamson also scored 43 runs in 108 balls. D. Piedt bowler bowled out 5 wickets in 1 st Inning and in 2 nd inning, D.Piedt also dismissed 3 wickets that's why, this player got a player of game award.

[FinePoine0]

The England team is back to its past performance, the best performance in recent Test matches. So far the team is on a winning percentage of 60%, England player Ben Duckett is likely to score a double century if he performs well today. Meanwhile, if Root can provide support as a partnership, then the England team will definitely be able to fulfill the target of 445 runs in this match. As Ben Duckett got enough rest today he will prepare himself to perform all day today.

[Bitcoin_people]

On Day 2, England lost two wickets to meet the target set by India. However, their current score looks likely to meet the target and they currently have enough wickets in hand. England batsman Ben Drackett managed to score a brilliant century and is still unbeaten on 133 runs. If England can complete the rest of the 238 runs by batting on the third day, then there will certainly be a chance to give a huge lead later on. If the England team collects good runs in today's match then it will definitely be possible to win against India. The batting performance of England batsmen is quite good at present so it is expected that they will definitely score a good score if they stay till the end. How well England's batsmen do today on the third day will depend on him to meet their target. If India's batting performance on the second day is anything like then it will definitely be difficult for England to meet the Indian team target.

[Publictalk792]

The England team is back to its past performance, the best performance in recent Test matches. So far the team is on a winning percentage of 60%, England player Ben Duckett is likely to score a double century if he performs well today. Meanwhile, if Root can provide support as a partnership, then the England team will definitely be able to fulfill the target of 445 runs in this match. As Ben Duckett got enough rest today he will prepare himself to perform all day today.

Yes you are right. The England team has been doing really well in recent Test matches and their winning percentage of 60% shows that they have improved. You mentioned Ben Duckett, he is playing really well and could score a lot of runs in this match and has made 133 runs. It's also important for Joe Root to support him so they can do well together and try to reach the target of 445 runs. Ben Duckett has had enough rest and is ready for today's match so he will probably play really well. Overall the England team is in a good position and has a good chance of reaching their target in this match and can give good lead may be.

[Patrol69]

Yesterday, New Zealand needed 227 runs to win against South Africa and I said then that runs will not matter to New Zealand if they build a good partnership. New Zealand started the fourth day well and their team captain secured the victory. Williamson was unbeaten on 133 runs. New Zealand batsmen did not perform well in the first innings but in the second innings they managed to play an important innings and that important innings helped them win. In Test matches, one cannot expect to win only one innings well, instead of just one innings, one should try to perform two consecutive innings, but the victory will likely come in favor of that team. Congratulations to the New Zealand team.

It was an opportunity missed by SA to level the series. SA were right on top when NZ team got out on 211 runs in first innings but then again SA batting failed to deliver and got out on 235 runs. In second innings, NZ team made no mistake in chasing the target of 266 runs. Kane Williamson and Young both had a partnership of 152 runs. Kane Williamson was man of the series because of his 403 run in 2 tests.

The South African team came to New Zealand to play only two test matches, but South Africa could not win any of the two matches against New Zealand. South Africa lost to New Zealand by a big margin in the first test match, but in the second test match, South Africa had a chance to turn the series around, but in the second innings, South Africa did not perform well at all, as a result of which, despite creating opportunities, South Africa failed to level the series. South Africa are whitewashed in the two-Test series against New Zealand after losing the second match. New Zealand did well in the first match, but compared to the first match, New Zealand performed a little better in the second match because New Zealand was under some batting pressure in the second match, but the New Zealand batsmen were able to win the team from that pressure.

[elevates]

The danger batter Ben Duckett out of an extraordinary ball by Kuldeep Yadav. He never expected that he would get caught in such a manner. India is back again already taking 3 wickets in the first cricket session and suddenly Rohit now has more attacking field. Two wickets were taken by Kuldeep and one by Bhumrah and Kuldeep is getting good spin from the pitch. Runs have dried down as Indian bowlers are not allowing the English batter to settle down both Stokes and Floakes are new batters. I am expecting a few more wickets by the spinners and I think Rohit should bring back Ashwin to the bowling attack.

[JSRAW]

The danger batter Ben Duckett out of an extraordinary ball by Kuldeep Yadav. He never expected that he would get caught in such a manner. India is back again already taking 3 wickets in the first cricket session and suddenly Rohit now has more attacking field. Two wickets were taken by Kuldeep and one by Bhumrah and Kuldeep is getting good spin from the pitch. Runs have dried down as Indian bowlers are not allowing the English batter to settle down both Stokes and Floakes are new batters. I am expecting a few more wickets by the spinners and I think Rohit should bring back Ashwin to the bowling attack.

With all due respect to Kulli, that ball was utter rubbish lol. 9 out of 10 times any batter could've pushed that ball for a single or left alone and even hit for boundaries so it was a lucky break.

India is fighting back and it's so pleasing to see because their back was against the wall as Poms did get a breathtaking start and mind you Ashwin is not available to ball today or might not play this test match due to some medical emergency (his mother) so Indians are 1 bowler short (Also 1 batter because he did score runs). Hope everything goes well in his family and he comes back soon.

[libert19]

Duckett is on a roll and he might end up scoring 200 too unless one of the Indian bowlers outfox him properly. England seems over-dependent on him right now which is why him getting out quickly could mess up their winning chances.

No needed to outfox Duckett, he handed over his wicket. Duckett be like I have made 150, I'm pleased  

Disappointment on his own face, Stokes face and Dressing room was obvious, they be like c'mon bruh?

England will be happy if they can finish the trail, which they are likely to.

The danger batter Ben Duckett out of an extraordinary ball by Kuldeep Yadav.

Extraordinary!? It was average delivery that should have been left alone, Dukett chasing it made him hand over his wicket.

I am expecting a few more wickets by the spinners and I think Rohit should bring back Ashwin to the bowling attack.

Ashwin has withdrawn from match due to family emergency.

[Haunebu]

No needed to outfox Duckett, he handed over his wicket. Duckett be like I have made 150, I'm pleased  

Disappointment on his own face, Stokes face and Dressing room was obvious, they be like c'mon bruh?

England will be happy if they can finish the trail, which they are likely to.

Yeah. That's the con of the Bazball approach where batsmen try and hit bad balls too instead of leaving them alone.

I don't think they will give the Indians a lead anymore, but will probably end up scoring something close to 400 and trailing by 40-50 runs. Ashwin+Bumrah runs were critical for India in the first innings.

[elevates]

Stokes as usual again playing the captain's knock, he has now changed his approach from defensive to agressive. The pitch gave some help earlier but now it is easier for the batters to play against spinners. While writing this reply, Stokes out as he was looking for a big one and got caught by Bhumrah. England in trouble now as now they don't have any known batters left, they have lost 7 wickets and still trail by good runs. Folkes gone too caught by Rohit Sharma, India on a roll now. They are back into the game and have now taken control of the game.

[kro55]

The danger batter Ben Duckett out of an extraordinary ball by Kuldeep Yadav. He never expected that he would get caught in such a manner. India is back again already taking 3 wickets in the first cricket session and suddenly Rohit now has more attacking field. Two wickets were taken by Kuldeep and one by Bhumrah and Kuldeep is getting good spin from the pitch. Runs have dried down as Indian bowlers are not allowing the English batter to settle down both Stokes and Floakes are new batters. I am expecting a few more wickets by the spinners and I think Rohit should bring back Ashwin to the bowling attack.

Experienced players like Joe Root and Bairstow could not bat well. After the loss of Duckett's wicket, it has become difficult for England to take the lead in this match. England's batsmen should have batted more carefully. England lost their seventh batsman for 299 runs. The England team is still behind by a big margin of 146 runs. And it is not an easy task for England's batsmen to collect 46 runs at the moment. I think England will be trailing by around 100 runs at the end of the first innings. Indian bowlers are bowling very controlled now. It is difficult for England's batsmen to survive at the crease. There is no experienced batsman at the crease now.

[WatChe]

Experienced players like Joe Root and Bairstow could not bat well. After the loss of Duckett's wicket, it has become difficult for England to take the lead in this match. England's batsmen should have batted more carefully. England lost their seventh batsman for 299 runs. The England team is still behind by a big margin of 146 runs. And it is not an easy task for England's batsmen to collect 46 runs at the moment. I think England will be trailing by around 100 runs at the end of the first innings. Indian bowlers are bowling very controlled now. It is difficult for England's batsmen to survive at the crease. There is no experienced batsman at the crease now.

England defiantly not in good position at the moment, 7 wickets down and still 141 to level India first innings total. If India can take a lead of 100 runs in first innings then it will be difficult for England to avoid another defeat in a row. Ben Duckett with 153 and Ben Stokes with 41 are two prominent scorers of England first innings. Impressive bowling from Siraj and kuldeep, they both got 2 wickets and rest of 3 bowlers got one wicket each.

[JSRAW]

Bloody hell 126 runs lead after last night's butchering! Simply amazing.

Being honest here, when i heard Ashwin had to leave I wasn't expecting a close to 3 figure lead but all 4 bowlers did the job beautifully. England would be mighty disappointed with this effort, now Indian batters need to step up and take responsibility.

[elevates]

126 runs lead and now India is in full control unless they mess up the batting in the second innings. All they need to do is add an extra 300 runs to the lead and they will be in a comfortable position to win the third test. My eyes will be on Gill to see whether he can repeat his first innings performance or perhaps he again comes out and get a 100, which is very rare of him now days. Jaiswal would try to not bat the way he did earlier and Khan this time should make another impact. Patidar batting has not been good and this time he too needs to get runs for his own benefit.

[Bitcoin Smith]

Bloody hell 126 runs lead after last night's butchering! Simply amazing.

Being honest here, when i heard Ashwin had to leave I wasn't expecting a close to 3 figure lead but all 4 bowlers did the job beautifully. England would be mighty disappointed with this effort, now Indian batters need to step up and take responsibility.

Afternoon is the best time to score runs and India did amazing to wrap the tail in no time that we don't see much often.

After that good start, India did pretty good and as expected the proactive thinking paid off against the bazball so now India has to bat deep and I see Jaiswal is taking his time and normally he scores big of he do that and Rohit looks solid too. Exciting remaining day and by the end of the day we might get probable idea of which side the match is going.

[AirtelBuzz]

126 runs lead and now India is in full control unless they mess up the batting in the second innings. All they need to do is add an extra 300 runs to the lead and they will be in a comfortable position to win the third test. My eyes will be on Gill to see whether he can repeat his first innings performance or perhaps he again comes out and get a 100, which is very rare of him now days. Jaiswal would try to not bat the way he did earlier and Khan this time should make another impact. Patidar batting has not been good and this time he too needs to get runs for his own benefit.

India are now 170 runs ahead of England. The Indian team has already started batting in their second innings and they have lost one wicket in 44 runs.Rohit Sharma was dismissed for just 19 runs in the second innings while Rohit Sharma completed his century in the first innings. Shubman Gill, who got out for zero runs in the first innings, will see how well he can bat in the second innings today. Indians still have a chance to score more runs if they can bat well in the second innings and give England a target of 400 plus runs then India will surely win this match.