Test Cricket Prediction and Discussion Thread [self - mod]

[Mandoy]

After seeing WIndies batting in first innings, it was expected that they will do good in second innings but we saw once again a typical WIndies batting collapse. After scoring 420 runs in first innings, the whole team surprised everyone by getting out for just 138 runs. Brandon King 67 runs in second innings saved the team from humiliation otherwise the team won't be able to score 100 runs. Openers gave 87 runs stand and not even a single batsmen from middle order was able to score in double figure. Devon Conway was man of the match for scoring centuries in both innings.

This Test was not primarily due to the pitch conditions, especially the match was played on a batting pitch, but unfortunately, the West Indies played defensively in the second innings, but they were all out very quickly. West Indies were all out for 420 in the first innings, so in the second innings, many thought West Indies would draw the match, but a massive batting disaster in 138 prevented a draw. However, one thing that can be appreciated is that West Indies had to bat for almost 80 overs to score 138 runs, and if West Indies had not been all out, the match could have been drawn.

In the test game between New Zealand and the West Indies, New Zealand defeated West Indies by 323 runs. At the end of day 4 West Indies starts its second inning and scores 43 runs without losing any wickets and requires 419 runs to win the game. At the start of the day 5 West indies continued its game from 43 runs without any loss of wickets and Brandon King played a well knock of 67 runs but champbell lost his wicket early on 16  runs and then the West Indies team panicked and wickets continuously started falling and New Zealand bowlers completely dominating in the game and only Tevin Imlach scores 15 runs and also Anderson Philippe scores 10 runs and at the end of the innings West Indies scores 138 runs with great difficulty and New Zealand won the game by 323 runs.

First of all let us talk about the encouragement of the New Zealand and West Indies team, as the West Indies team faced failure in the second and third test matches. In this match, we are talking about the third test match. In the first innings between these two team, the New Zealand team had won while in the second inning, the New Zealand team set a target of 306 runs, which the West Indies team could not achieve and they faced a very bad failure in the third test match. In this, while showing the performance of the players, we tell that the one who performed the most in this match was Devon Conway, who scored 227 runs in the first innings and in the second innings, he scored 100 runs and with him Tom Latham, who was on the opening, scored 101 runs. It is clear that their players fully supported their team members in this match and showed a very good performance in winning this match.

What seemed the most disastrous of this Test was not the pitch or conditions, but the total collapse of the batting of the West Indies in the second innings. With 420 in the book of the first innings it is a major failure to apply and trust the middle order and get bowled out at 138 in a batting-friendly surface. It became hopeful with the opening stand but when the wicket started falling, it was evident that panic took its toll, and credit must be given to New Zealand too, and their stable batting put the West Indies under continual pressure. On the whole, it was a justified and overwhelming victory of New Zealand.

[noormcs5]

Now just 2 matches remaining, after these matches they have enough time to bring changes and have solid strategy for their test format squad, they need good and skilled top order and also have good bowling side which can keep things on level for them in any conditions and not limited to only for English condition.

In the next two days here is the forth test game of Ashes between Australia and England. Already the game is over as the Australia is named as the Ashes winner but still England can do something in the remaining two matches because it would be very bad if they get whitewashed in the entire series.

So far Travis Head being the most high scorer, 379 runs for him and in 2nd number, here is another Australian Alex Carey with 267 runs and then on the number third there is English player finally, Joe Root with 219 runs. Still, the competition is on for the highest scorer in the Ashes.  

[Sithara007]

In the next two days here is the forth test game of Ashes between Australia and England. Already the game is over as the Australia is named as the Ashes winner but still England can do something in the remaining two matches because it would be very bad if they get whitewashed in the entire series.

So far Travis Head being the most high scorer, 379 runs for him and in 2nd number, here is another Australian Alex Carey with 267 runs and then on the number third there is English player finally, Joe Root with 219 runs. Still, the competition is on for the highest scorer in the Ashes.  

Travis Head might have scored more runs when compared to Alex Carey, but the latter's contributions came at crucial times for Australia. For England, the stats tell the story. Joe Root and Ben Stokes have been a bit OK. But other players have been performing pathetically ever since the start of the series. Compared to their bowlers, batsmen have been the main reason for poor performance for the Poms. And for me, this is surprising. Because many of these players do have previous experience in playing in Australia, and also in facing Australian bowlers such as Mitchell Starc.

[vivekdhyani1]

Jofra Archer has been ruled out of England's final two Tests in Australia with a side strain as their desperate Ashes tour goes from bad to worse. Archer, who took six wickets in Australia's 82-run win in Adelaide, will be replaced by Gus Atkinson for the Boxing Day Test at the MCG, with Jacob Bethell coming in for Ollie Pope at No. 3 in England's other change.

https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/jofra-archer-out-of-ashes-tour-jacob-bethell-replaces-ollie-pope-for-boxing-day-test-1516948

[tbterryboy]

Travis Head might have scored more runs when compared to Alex Carey, but the latter's contributions came at crucial times for Australia. For England, the stats tell the story. Joe Root and Ben Stokes have been a bit OK. But other players have been performing pathetically ever since the start of the series. Compared to their bowlers, batsmen have been the main reason for poor performance for the Poms. And for me, this is surprising. Because many of these players do have previous experience in playing in Australia, and also in facing Australian bowlers such as Mitchell Starc.

Travis Head is having the best time of his career as he is leading the table while Alex Carey is always crucial on difficult times, this Australian side was called worst by Stuart Broad, but they have done their job in few days while England is having terrible time on and off the field.

Jofra Archer ruled out for remaining matches while Brendon McCallum is uncertain about his future as England coach with Ben Duckett is under investigation about his too much drinking, no ideal end of this historic series for the Poms as they need good work for their test format if they want to have decent things on their side, but this series is big setback for them, and it's going to bring too many changes in English side for sure.

[JSRAW]

Cummins out, no news on haazelwood's comeback, dodgy opener. England should fancy their chances if pitch turns out to be relatively flat, same as Oval.

Guess, neser should slip in because of his fifer. Jye Richardson is fraud lol, he can only bowl on spicy decks and he'll be in team England if he makes into aus playing XI.

Agreed on Jhye Richardson. Never liked this guy, and I don't know why the selectors pick him again and again. Why not Jason Behrendorff or Spencer Johnson? Also, Brendan Doggett and Michael Neser did a good job so far in this series and they need to be included in the XI. So where are they going to accommodate Richardson? Anyway, I have a feeling that the Australian selectors simply doesn't care. England can't win, no matter who plays for Australia. The morale is down, and team bonding is in tatters. And this is a worrying signal for the test cricket. Even matches between pig-3 teams are getting one-sided. 

I mean I've IPL -t-20 biases against him, in red ball he's good but only on spicy deck but burden when it's on flatter side and another problem with him is he's kinda fragile, not Nehra ji type fragile but still he has tendency of breaking down in red ball cricket.

Lyon is out as well due to injury, i guess? And speaking of spin, poor bashir didn't get a single game.

[Compromise me]

First of all let us talk about the encouragement of the New Zealand and West Indies team, as the West Indies team faced failure in the second and third test matches. In this match, we are talking about the third test match. In the first innings between these two team, the New Zealand team had won while in the second inning, the New Zealand team set a target of 306 runs, which the West Indies team could not achieve and they faced a very bad failure in the third test match. In this, while showing the performance of the players, we tell that the one who performed the most in this match was Devon Conway, who scored 227 runs in the first innings and in the second innings, he scored 100 runs and with him Tom Latham, who was on the opening, scored 101 runs. It is clear that their players fully supported their team members in this match and showed a very good performance in winning this match.

What seemed the most disastrous of this Test was not the pitch or conditions, but the total collapse of the batting of the West Indies in the second innings. With 420 in the book of the first innings it is a major failure to apply and trust the middle order and get bowled out at 138 in a batting-friendly surface. It became hopeful with the opening stand but when the wicket started falling, it was evident that panic took its toll, and credit must be given to New Zealand too, and their stable batting put the West Indies under continual pressure. On the whole, it was a justified and overwhelming victory of New Zealand.

We saw first draw match and after that we saw back to back win of New Zealand International cricket team because they played very well in this series. Latham performance was excellent in the last match because he hit 2 centuries in this match. Latham made 137 runs in the first inning of the match and he gave good start to his team and after that we saw good pressure in this match. Conway made double century in the first inning of the match because he was in form Player and he made 227 runs in this match and we saw good effort in the second inning and he made century in this match. West Indies cricket team performance was very bad because they could not chase the target and all team out at just 138 runs. West Indies is very weak team because that is not a nation and no player have love for the country.

[WatChe]

Jofra Archer has been ruled out of England's final two Tests in Australia with a side strain as their desperate Ashes tour goes from bad to worse. Archer, who took six wickets in Australia's 82-run win in Adelaide, will be replaced by Gus Atkinson for the Boxing Day Test at the MCG, with Jacob Bethell coming in for Ollie Pope at No. 3 in England's other change.

https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/jofra-archer-out-of-ashes-tour-jacob-bethell-replaces-ollie-pope-for-boxing-day-test-1516948

England team need to win both tests to end this Ashes with 3-2 but it look looks difficult to beat the inform Australians in rest of two games. Ben Duckett has to face an investigation from ECB after his over drunk video emerged, he is lucky to retain his place in forth test despite being poor with bat in this Ashes. Meanwhile Australia must be looking to end this Ashes with 5-0. England likely to make two changes for boxing test while Australia likely to play boxing day test with 3 changes. 

[|MINER|]

England team need to win both tests to end this Ashes with 3-2 but it look looks difficult to beat the inform Australians in rest of two games. Ben Duckett has to face an investigation from ECB after his over drunk video emerged, he is lucky to retain his place in forth test despite being poor with bat in this Ashes. Meanwhile Australia must be looking to end this Ashes with 5-0. England likely to make two changes for boxing test while Australia likely to play boxing day test with 3 changes. 

Now, there is no benifit of the England team if they are going to winning the remaining two matches, at least in this series, because the Australian team has already won the series with two matches left in hand, having defeated them in three matches.
And considering the form the Australian team is in, I also think that the Australian team will beat the English team in these remaining two matches and they will whitewash the English team in this entire series.  I didn't know about Ben Duckett but I don't think the ECB will take any tough action against him because he is an important batsman for the England team.

[MFahad]

England team need to win both tests to end this Ashes with 3-2 but it look looks difficult to beat the inform Australians in rest of two games. Ben Duckett has to face an investigation from ECB after his over drunk video emerged, he is lucky to retain his place in forth test despite being poor with bat in this Ashes. Meanwhile Australia must be looking to end this Ashes with 5-0. England likely to make two changes for boxing test while Australia likely to play boxing day test with 3 changes. 

Now, there is no benifit of the England team if they are going to winning the remaining two matches, at least in this series, because the Australian team has already won the series with two matches left in hand, having defeated them in three matches.
And considering the form the Australian team is in, I also think that the Australian team will beat the English team in these remaining two matches and they will whitewash the English team in this entire series.  I didn't know about Ben Duckett but I don't think the ECB will take any tough action against him because he is an important batsman for the England team.

Australia’s captain has already made it clear that the job is done after winning thrid test match and their focus is on winning the fourth Test as well, where Australia look to have a very strong chance given their dominance performance. England are under huge pressure because winning the remaining Tests is absolutely necessary if they want to avoid whitewash and ben stokes surely make some changes. Australia controlling most phases of the series and England struggling for consistency, the momentum is clearly if England continue to play under pressure then they will lose it. Australia also have a great opportunity to maintain a strong position at the top of the World Test Championship standings.

[HelliumZ]

In the fourth Ashes Test, England won the toss and elected to field, and this decision was the right one, especially since Australia lost three consecutive wickets early on and are now under batting pressure. England's Gus Atkinson got things started early with the wicket of Travis Head and later Jos Tongue took the wickets of two more batsmen, Weatherald and Marnus Labuchange, causing further havoc. However, at the moment, two Australian batsmen, experienced batsmen Steve Smith and Usman Khawaja, are trying to form a partnership.

[Sithara007]

In the fourth Ashes Test, England won the toss and elected to field, and this decision was the right one, especially since Australia lost three consecutive wickets early on and are now under batting pressure. England's Gus Atkinson got things started early with the wicket of Travis Head and later Jos Tongue took the wickets of two more batsmen, Weatherald and Marnus Labuchange, causing further havoc. However, at the moment, two Australian batsmen, experienced batsmen Steve Smith and Usman Khawaja, are trying to form a partnership.

They are four down now. Steven Smith is now back in the pavillion after being dismissed by Josh Tongue. This was not unexpected through. The curator created a green and bouncy track at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, and even a first innings total of 200 would be very competitive. For England, Jofra Archer is missing out. Therefore the pace duties are being handled by the quartet of Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse, Josh Tongue and Ben Stokes. Similarly, Australia has also gone for 4 pacers - Starc, Boland, Neser and Jhye Richardson. In all probability, this will be a low scoring match and is going to last for less than 3 days.

[noormcs5]

In the fourth Ashes Test, England won the toss and elected to field, and this decision was the right one, especially since Australia lost three consecutive wickets early on and are now under batting pressure. England's Gus Atkinson got things started early with the wicket of Travis Head and later Jos Tongue took the wickets of two more batsmen, Weatherald and Marnus Labuchange, causing further havoc. However, at the moment, two Australian batsmen, experienced batsmen Steve Smith and Usman Khawaja, are trying to form a partnership.

This time England is looking a bit stronger, but at the same time I think that this game might be drawn. However it is the first day so we cannot predict like this but still if you think in different terms so you may realize that Australia losing wickets but they are also maintaining the runs.

In about 35 overs, they reached 120 runs in the loss of 6 wickets and their lower middle order was also trying to have some runs. In the previous games when England lost the wickets early, they just wasted the balls then. Even 10 overs without any runs and just like this they got themselves under pressure.

[cozytrade]

In the fourth Ashes Test, England won the toss and elected to field, and this decision was the right one, especially since Australia lost three consecutive wickets early on and are now under batting pressure. England's Gus Atkinson got things started early with the wicket of Travis Head and later Jos Tongue took the wickets of two more batsmen, Weatherald and Marnus Labuchange, causing further havoc. However, at the moment, two Australian batsmen, experienced batsmen Steve Smith and Usman Khawaja, are trying to form a partnership.

They are four down now. Steven Smith is now back in the pavillion after being dismissed by Josh Tongue. This was not unexpected through. The curator created a green and bouncy track at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, and even a first innings total of 200 would be very competitive. For England, Jofra Archer is missing out. Therefore the pace duties are being handled by the quartet of Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse, Josh Tongue and Ben Stokes. Similarly, Australia has also gone for 4 pacers - Starc, Boland, Neser and Jhye Richardson. In all probability, this will be a low scoring match and is going to last for less than 3 days.

England appears to have the best decision by playing on the field, as the early wickets put Australia in stress. The MCG pitch is bouncy with a green hue and even 200 runs will be a good score. Josh Tongue has been exemplary and terminating Smith prematurely is a massive blow to Australia. Even without Archer, the pace attack of England is becoming a good sort, with Atkinson, Carse, Tongue and Stokes. It is a very difficult task presented to the middle order of Australia and Khawaja has to rise to the occasion. It is as though it was a below-average game that might be finished in less than three days, and bowlers were in control.

[UmerIdrees]

In the fourth Ashes Test, England won the toss and elected to field, and this decision was the right one, especially since Australia lost three consecutive wickets early on and are now under batting pressure. England's Gus Atkinson got things started early with the wicket of Travis Head and later Jos Tongue took the wickets of two more batsmen, Weatherald and Marnus Labuchange, causing further havoc. However, at the moment, two Australian batsmen, experienced batsmen Steve Smith and Usman Khawaja, are trying to form a partnership.

This time England is looking a bit stronger, but at the same time I think that this game might be drawn. However it is the first day so we cannot predict like this but still if you think in different terms so you may realize that Australia losing wickets but they are also maintaining the runs.

In about 35 overs, they reached 120 runs in the loss of 6 wickets and their lower middle order was also trying to have some runs. In the previous games when England lost the wickets early, they just wasted the balls then. Even 10 overs without any runs and just like this they got themselves under pressure.

Finally this time we found England team in a much better position but now the series has been decided and it is too late when they understand the pitch condition and how to play against Australia, I hope they would understand it before but still now their fans are supporting to them as we can see huge number of people with England flag at MCG and this is good to support your team in every style and condition. It is a Boxing Day test match and finally England have a good spell. 

[JSRAW]

2 innings and 20 wickets done n dusted on first day and they still got one over in a bank to wrap up day one lol.

Feel for the fans who bought tickets for the 4th-5th day, even 3rd day looks dicey if they are not trimming the grass. Would be so much fun if they don't.

[vivekdhyani1]

2 innings and 20 wickets done n dusted on first day and they still got one over in a bank to wrap up day one lol.

Feel for the fans who bought tickets for the 4th-5th day, even 3rd day looks dicey if they are not trimming the grass. Would be so much fun if they don't.

Absolute sh*t tip & i'm loving it ...we need more two day test match especially if poms getting pumped   nothing is more idiotic than brook charging to starc on his first ball when his team is at 8 for 3

Btw today's crowd of 94,199 is the highest recorded attendance for a cricket match at the MCG, surpassing 93,013 at the 2015 World Cup final ..well done to fans but this series isn't breaking overall attendance of last year's BGT coz matching getting finished in 3 days.

[JSRAW]

2 innings and 20 wickets done n dusted on first day and they still got one over in a bank to wrap up day one lol.

Feel for the fans who bought tickets for the 4th-5th day, even 3rd day looks dicey if they are not trimming the grass. Would be so much fun if they don't.

Absolute sh*t tip & i'm loving it ...we need more two day test match especially if poms getting pumped   nothing is more idiotic than brook charging to starc on his first ball when his team is at 8 for 3

Btw today's crowd of 94,199 is the highest recorded attendance for a cricket match at the MCG, surpassing 93,013 at the 2015 World Cup final ..well done to fans but this series isn't breaking overall attendance of last year's BGT coz matching getting finished in 3 days.

The kind of shithousery all the batters showed on spicy pitch, I'd say everyone on the stands and telly had their paisa wasool moments.

Brook has 2 digit IQ but this is the kind of pitch his batting is suited for. On such pitches and low scoring games you need brainless batters who knows how to swing.

Comms were mildly critical of pitch, they didn't use the key word " lottery wicket" tho. Broadcasters are going to be pissed af if its wrapped up by tomorrow haha. I am genuinely hoping that curator skip the trimming tomorrow and stick with the heavy roller.

[noormcs5]

England appears to have the best decision by playing on the field, as the early wickets put Australia in stress. The MCG pitch is bouncy with a green hue and even 200 runs will be a good score. Josh Tongue has been exemplary and terminating Smith prematurely is a massive blow to Australia. Even without Archer, the pace attack of England is becoming a good sort, with Atkinson, Carse, Tongue and Stokes. It is a very difficult task presented to the middle order of Australia and Khawaja has to rise to the occasion. It is as though it was a below-average game that might be finished in less than three days, and bowlers were in control.

When Travis Head was gone in the sixth over, it was the first wicket that England had taken today when Australia were at 27. He was playing very good that already he smashed couple of boundaries. He went for another boundary, looked up for cut short but the ball swung, actually it was less bounce as Travis Head placed his bat to go for four.

At the end, Travis Head had an inside edge and he lost his wicket. This was the moment where I think the momentum shifted to the England team because the remaining top order and other middle order were struggling to stay at the wicket.

[Smack That Ace]

When Travis Head was gone in the sixth over, it was the first wicket that England had taken today when Australia were at 27. He was playing very good that already he smashed couple of boundaries. He went for another boundary, looked up for cut short but the ball swung, actually it was less bounce as Travis Head placed his bat to go for four.

At the end, Travis Head had an inside edge and he lost his wicket. This was the moment where I think the momentum shifted to the England team because the remaining top order and other middle order were struggling to stay at the wicket.

We saw some strange batting from both the teams. And it seems that england will face defeat in this match too. England team  lost the first three matches  of the series. And the main reason  for their defeat was bad batting.

Australia could only score 152 runs in  the first innings. I did not have high expectations from England. Even then I thought they would be able to take the lead and score close to  200. But England team scored only  110 runs in the first innings. They were behind by 42 runs.
Pitch bowling friendly. So England still has a chance to win. But their batsmen  are not in good form. England will probably  lose this match too. England's overall  performance has deteriorated badly.