Test Cricket Prediction and Discussion Thread [self - mod]

[Compromise me]

The surprising fact is that Australia was in control for 80% of the time. They even had the upper hand when England started the fourth innings. But then there was a slight momentum shift once Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett managed to put up a 51-run first wicket partnership in just 7 overs. Then it was the role of Jacob Bethell to stabilize the innings and capitalize on the start. Jhye Richardson and Scott Boland bowled beautifully. But this time Michael Neser, and to an extent Mitchell Starc failed with the ball. Anyway, this win is a huge morale booster for the Poms.

Australian cricket works like this, when they are in control. They always encourage their opponents, they are already leading 3–0 with few injuries and their batting is also not good throughout series, just Travis Head and Alex Carey doing all the business.

England were also not good enough, but they were lucky in second inning as their batting, which helped them grabbing the chance of consolation win in this match and end their tour on high note now last game is going to be played at Sydney, this is also going to be interesting because here again England can go for another win. This will give them good confidence, even many careers are already on stake of losing their chance from continuing for England.

Australia International cricket team was all out at just 132 runs in the second inning because their performance was very bad in this match. Travis was the the only person who played well in this match and gave good strength to his team and he made 46 runs in this match. England International cricket team performance was very bad in the first inning because they were all out at just 110 and players could not play well in this match but in the second inning, many players of that team did brilliant in this match . Crawley and Duckett performance was good in this match and we saw good partnership between these two players. Starc tried to take wickets in this match but we saw brilliant performance by England team.

[ThemePen]

Australia International cricket team was all out at just 132 runs in the second inning because their performance was very bad in this match. Travis was the the only person who played well in this match and gave good strength to his team and he made 46 runs in this match. England International cricket team performance was very bad in the first inning because they were all out at just 110 and players could not play well in this match but in the second inning, many players of that team did brilliant in this match . Crawley and Duckett performance was good in this match and we saw good partnership between these two players. Starc tried to take wickets in this match but we saw brilliant performance by England team.

Yes second innings of Australia was huge disappointment as they were all out at low score of 132 with only Travis Head performing well. His 46 runs were very important since, without them, target would have been much easier for England. Although England had slow start by scoring 110, they played better in second half. Crawley and Duckett were great pair that helped them to remain calm against Mitchell Starc and win in match. This shows that in cricket, it is end that matters other than beginning. England is now more respected as they prepare for final match in Sydney.

[Sithara007]

Yes second innings of Australia was huge disappointment as they were all out at low score of 132 with only Travis Head performing well. His 46 runs were very important since, without them, target would have been much easier for England. Although England had slow start by scoring 110, they played better in second half. Crawley and Duckett were great pair that helped them to remain calm against Mitchell Starc and win in match. This shows that in cricket, it is end that matters other than beginning. England is now more respected as they prepare for final match in Sydney.

I would blame Travis Head as well. Although he scored 46, he got out in a rash manner, and that too when the team needed him to stay there. Anyway, Australian morale is still quite high, as they have already won the series. At the moment, they are up by 3-1. Poms would try hard to win the next match and make it 3-2. If they can do that, then they will be able to hold their heads high. Remember that several of their key players are out injured, including Mark Wood and Jofra Archer. Given this, bowling out the Aussies for 152 and 132 is definitely a superhuman effort from them.

[Compromise me]

Yes second innings of Australia was huge disappointment as they were all out at low score of 132 with only Travis Head performing well. His 46 runs were very important since, without them, target would have been much easier for England. Although England had slow start by scoring 110, they played better in second half. Crawley and Duckett were great pair that helped them to remain calm against Mitchell Starc and win in match. This shows that in cricket, it is end that matters other than beginning. England is now more respected as they prepare for final match in Sydney.

I would blame Travis Head as well. Although he scored 46, he got out in a rash manner, and that too when the team needed him to stay there. Anyway, Australian morale is still quite high, as they have already won the series. At the moment, they are up by 3-1. Poms would try hard to win the next match and make it 3-2. If they can do that, then they will be able to hold their heads high. Remember that several of their key players are out injured, including Mark Wood and Jofra Archer. Given this, bowling out the Aussies for 152 and 132 is definitely a superhuman effort from them.

England International cricket team is very angry because they could not do well in the first 3 matches of the series and we saw one sided game in the 3 matches and they won the series easily.  Travis head was a person who was on top because he made score in every match and he is in form batter and other players of that team are doing but openers always try to give target to the opponent team. We have expectations from England International cricket team because they have capability to play well against Australia International cricket team. Australia team will try to win next match but we want competition in the next match. Travis head made many centuries in this series because he has confidence to play against that team. Ben Stokes should try to play well in the next match because he has good potential and he could play well in big match as we saw in the past.

[Mandoy]

Yes second innings of Australia was huge disappointment as they were all out at low score of 132 with only Travis Head performing well. His 46 runs were very important since, without them, target would have been much easier for England. Although England had slow start by scoring 110, they played better in second half. Crawley and Duckett were great pair that helped them to remain calm against Mitchell Starc and win in match. This shows that in cricket, it is end that matters other than beginning. England is now more respected as they prepare for final match in Sydney.

I would blame Travis Head as well. Although he scored 46, he got out in a rash manner, and that too when the team needed him to stay there. Anyway, Australian morale is still quite high, as they have already won the series. At the moment, they are up by 3-1. Poms would try hard to win the next match and make it 3-2. If they can do that, then they will be able to hold their heads high. Remember that several of their key players are out injured, including Mark Wood and Jofra Archer. Given this, bowling out the Aussies for 152 and 132 is definitely a superhuman effort from them.

England International cricket team is very angry because they could not do well in the first 3 matches of the series and we saw one sided game in the 3 matches and they won the series easily.  Travis head was a person who was on top because he made score in every match and he is in form batter and other players of that team are doing but openers always try to give target to the opponent team. We have expectations from England International cricket team because they have capability to play well against Australia International cricket team. Australia team will try to win next match but we want competition in the next match. Travis head made many centuries in this series because he has confidence to play against that team. Ben Stokes should try to play well in the next match because he has good potential and he could play well in big match as we saw in the past.

I think both points are fair. The second innings performance of Australia was low, and although Travis Head was the top scorer, again, his downfall was untimely when the team required stability rather than scoring fast. Nevertheless, it is a credit of England that they bowled and remained patient despite the absence of key fast bowlers. That is no small feat that Bowling Australia completed two times with such low totals. England did not bat very well, but the openers were calm and completed the task. The last game is more of pride as the series has already been resolved. Hopefully, there would be a toughly contested match and the likes of Stokes would stand up.

[vivekdhyani1]

Australian Test Legend Damien Martyn is in a Queensland hospital suffering from meningitis.

Martyn, 54, was taken ill on Boxing Day with news emerging on Tuesday evening of his condition, with details confirmed to ESPNcricinfo. Martyn is currently in an induced coma.

https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/former-australia-batter-damien-martyn-hospitalised-with-meningitis-1517591

[Publictalk792]

England International cricket team is very angry because they could not do well in the first 3 matches of the series and we saw one sided game in the 3 matches and they won the series easily.  Travis head was a person who was on top because he made score in every match and he is in form batter and other players of that team are doing but openers always try to give target to the opponent team. We have expectations from England International cricket team because they have capability to play well against Australia International cricket team. Australia team will try to win next match but we want competition in the next match. Travis head made many centuries in this series because he has confidence to play against that team. Ben Stokes should try to play well in the next match because he has good potential and he could play well in big match as we saw in the past.

Exactly England team has been very frustrated and beaten as first three games have not been close which is difficult to spirit of any team against enemy such as Australia. Biggest problem at moment is Travis Head since he is playing with such confidence and hitting so many centuries that bowlers of England are already struggling after first ball. Australian openers are playing so fast as you said, that England is on back foot at once. Ben Stokes has fame of playing his best when it matters most and England really needs him to play well at moment to end winning streak of Australia. Although Australia would like to win all games but fans would like to see England give Australia good fight.

[noormcs5]

Although Australia would like to win all games but fans would like to see England give Australia good fight.

There are still few days for the last game of Ashes and some how thankfully to the England team is save this test and not to be whitewashed in this series. It is very unique that every test game finishes in just two days, so it almost finishes the excitement of seeing the test match, tip and tip for the five days.

In the two-day test game, we found a bit of aggressive gameplay that truly never suits the test matches. At the same time, the Australian Cricket Board is also not happy with this two days game that we can see in their latest news, so the solution is to make pitches that are balanced for the batters and bowlers.

[Rustam Meraj]

There are still few days for the last game of Ashes and some how thankfully to the England team is save this test and not to be whitewashed in this series. It is very unique that every test game finishes in just two days, so it almost finishes the excitement of seeing the test match, tip and tip for the five days.

In the two-day test game, we found a bit of aggressive gameplay that truly never suits the test matches. At the same time, the Australian Cricket Board is also not happy with this two days game that we can see in their latest news, so the solution is to make pitches that are balanced for the batters and bowlers.

I completely agree that fact that Test matches are over within two days is not good to sport since most interesting part of game of cricket is to see five day war where players are required to show much of patience and talent. Games ended so early are more of messy short game than test and though there is nothing like fun with fast and aggressive batting, it must not replace careful planning that makes this format unique.
To my mind, game should be marathon of slow play in which defensive play is as important as hitting hard. Pitches should be made friendly for both bowling and batting. Lack of this balance reduces importance of series such as the Ashes, and we must go back to game where it is difficult and takes much of time to score hundred runs.

[Sithara007]

I completely agree that fact that Test matches are over within two days is not good to sport since most interesting part of game of cricket is to see five day war where players are required to show much of patience and talent. Games ended so early are more of messy short game than test and though there is nothing like fun with fast and aggressive batting, it must not replace careful planning that makes this format unique.
To my mind, game should be marathon of slow play in which defensive play is as important as hitting hard. Pitches should be made friendly for both bowling and batting. Lack of this balance reduces importance of series such as the Ashes, and we must go back to game where it is difficult and takes much of time to score hundred runs.

Ideally we should avoid both the extremes. Flat pitches that leads to totals of 600 or 700 also need to be blamed. Dust-bowls, especially in countries such as Sri Lanka and Bangladesh results in boring matches. Compared to these two, tracks with greenery and uneven bounce are relatively rare. Melbourne track was a bad one by any means, but I don't want to pick on any single curator. The next match will take place at the Sydney Cricket Ground in around three days time. The track at SCG always supports the batsmen. And this should return the momentum back to Australia.

[MinMan]

Ideally we should avoid both the extremes. Flat pitches that leads to totals of 600 or 700 also need to be blamed. Dust-bowls, especially in countries such as Sri Lanka and Bangladesh results in boring matches. Compared to these two, tracks with greenery and uneven bounce are relatively rare. Melbourne track was a bad one by any means, but I don't want to pick on any single curator. The next match will take place at the Sydney Cricket Ground in around three days time. The track at SCG always supports the batsmen. And this should return the momentum back to Australia.

Franchise league popularity and green and uneven pitches bring new level of popularity for test matches in these conditions I am enjoying this stuff and want ICC bring some changes because having 4 days test matches with conditions and pitches like these have good chance of giving good results.

With this experiment now Sri Lanka and Bangladesh also needed to have brought changes because this will give them better results as well SCG is having spinners friendly track but as things are going, I am expecting this match is also going to be end in just 3 to 4 days because both teams are having good depth in quick runs and their bowlers are also having good time.

[Sithara007]

Franchise league popularity and green and uneven pitches bring new level of popularity for test matches in these conditions I am enjoying this stuff and want ICC bring some changes because having 4 days test matches with conditions and pitches like these have good chance of giving good results.

With this experiment now Sri Lanka and Bangladesh also needed to have brought changes because this will give them better results as well SCG is having spinners friendly track but as things are going, I am expecting this match is also going to be end in just 3 to 4 days because both teams are having good depth in quick runs and their bowlers are also having good time.

The track at Sydney Cricket Ground is both spinner friendly as well as batsman friendly. And given the debacle at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, the SCG curator will try hard to make sure that the match lasts for at least 4-5 days. My issue is that a lot of people posted against the MCG pitch, but hardly anyone criticize Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, when they prepare dustbowls. India also tried to do the same, but ended up losing the home series to South Africa. Doctored tracks are becoming increasingly common in test cricket, unlike the case 10-20 years ago.

[noormcs5]

I completely agree that fact that Test matches are over within two days is not good to sport since most interesting part of game of cricket is to see five day war where players are required to show much of patience and talent. Games ended so early are more of messy short game than test and though there is nothing like fun with fast and aggressive batting, it must not replace careful planning that makes this format unique.
To my mind, game should be marathon of slow play in which defensive play is as important as hitting hard. Pitches should be made friendly for both bowling and batting. Lack of this balance reduces importance of series such as the Ashes, and we must go back to game where it is difficult and takes much of time to score hundred runs.

Still three days to go, and it will be the end of the Ashes. The way it start back on about two months ago, there was s big hype for it but the results is in front of us, nothing surprising back to back wins for Australia in the first three games and later on if we talk about the forth match, England somehow win this game but still they cannot achieve their motive and the tag of losers cannot be removed from them.

Ben Stokes is happy as captain because his team is not to be whitewashed at least. Ideally, they will want to end up 2-3 and not 1-4.

[tbterryboy]

As expected classy left-handed batsman Usman Khawaja announces his retirement from international cricket after Sydney test which is going to start in two day. In last few matches his performance was not good in shape and injury also having impact on his physical fitness and because of all of these, this announcement was expected.

Played 87 test matches for Australia with the remarkable average of 43 and in 40 ODI matches his average is also 42, he is the first Pakistan origin player who plays for Australia and have good performance throughout his career. Currently, having 43 first class centuries with most chances this 39 years old run machine will keep playing for his state in first class games, but he is ending his international career on high note in my view.

[Sithara007]

As expected classy left-handed batsman Usman Khawaja announces his retirement from international cricket after Sydney test which is going to start in two day. In last few matches his performance was not good in shape and injury also having impact on his physical fitness and because of all of these, this announcement was expected.

Played 87 test matches for Australia with the remarkable average of 43 and in 40 ODI matches his average is also 42, he is the first Pakistan origin player who plays for Australia and have good performance throughout his career. Currently, having 43 first class centuries with most chances this 39 years old run machine will keep playing for his state in first class games, but he is ending his international career on high note in my view.

Test average of 43.39, and ODI average of 42.00 is definitely below par, considering the fact that he is representing one of the strongest teams in cricket. But that is fine. He made his call at the age of 39, although I thought it should have been done at least 2 years back. Young openers are coming through and Travis Head is quite strong at the other end. What I don't like is the fact that during the announcement media meeting, he whined about racial discrimination and all that shit. Australians gave him preferential treatment during all these years, and despite that he is now complaining about discrimination. 

[Publictalk792]

Test average of 43.39, and ODI average of 42.00 is definitely below par, considering the fact that he is representing one of the strongest teams in cricket. But that is fine. He made his call at the age of 39, although I thought it should have been done at least 2 years back. Young openers are coming through and Travis Head is quite strong at the other end. What I don't like is the fact that during the announcement media meeting, he whined about racial discrimination and all that shit. Australians gave him preferential treatment during all these years, and despite that he is now complaining about discrimination. 

In my opinion he is unsure about his retirement time. On the one hand it is fair to retire at the age of 39 as it is clear that there are still younger opportunities to open in Australia and team should plan future other than just use experience. I do not believe that his career is failure in itself. It is not bad but not that old in very competitive age. Point at which I agree with you is that reference to racial unfairness at retirement announcement was not needed and bad timing. Even when personal experiences are involved, their mention at that stage shifts discussion of topic to not about cricket but other contentious. Personally I feel that such heavy statements can be addressed through right channels and at different time as opposed to goodbye that ought to be concerned with performance history and future of team.

[JSRAW]

As expected classy left-handed batsman Usman Khawaja announces his retirement from international cricket after Sydney test which is going to start in two day. In last few matches his performance was not good in shape and injury also having impact on his physical fitness and because of all of these, this announcement was expected.

Played 87 test matches for Australia with the remarkable average of 43 and in 40 ODI matches his average is also 42, he is the first Pakistan origin player who plays for Australia and have good performance throughout his career. Currently, having 43 first class centuries with most chances this 39 years old run machine will keep playing for his state in first class games, but he is ending his international career on high note in my view.

Test average of 43.39, and ODI average of 42.00 is definitely below par, considering the fact that he is representing one of the strongest teams in cricket. But that is fine. He made his call at the age of 39, although I thought it should have been done at least 2 years back. Young openers are coming through and Travis Head is quite strong at the other end. What I don't like is the fact that during the announcement media meeting, he whined about racial discrimination and all that shit. Australians gave him preferential treatment during all these years, and despite that he is now complaining about discrimination. 

He rightly mentioned subtle systematic racism tho but he shouldn't played muslim card in this context and portrayed himself as victim. No sane mind will support his views and rightly so.

I mean he went gaga over inclusivity despite the fact that, he played 88 tests, his teammates almost dropped their champagne celebration so that his religious sentiments are not hurt and went over their way just to accommodate his halal food habits, married white chick and converted her and made a successful life in Australia. You need to be bigoted and hypocrite person to lecture them in inclusivity and slipping his pakistani identity and values in the same topic.

Every time you get dropped from the team or getting criticised on media, you just can't play your muslim card and unfortunately that's what he did in his later part of his career. He was chugging beers and fucking around when he was young player.

[Mandoy]

Test average of 43.39, and ODI average of 42.00 is definitely below par, considering the fact that he is representing one of the strongest teams in cricket. But that is fine. He made his call at the age of 39, although I thought it should have been done at least 2 years back. Young openers are coming through and Travis Head is quite strong at the other end. What I don't like is the fact that during the announcement media meeting, he whined about racial discrimination and all that shit. Australians gave him preferential treatment during all these years, and despite that he is now complaining about discrimination. 

In my opinion he is unsure about his retirement time. On the one hand it is fair to retire at the age of 39 as it is clear that there are still younger opportunities to open in Australia and team should plan future other than just use experience. I do not believe that his career is failure in itself. It is not bad but not that old in very competitive age. Point at which I agree with you is that reference to racial unfairness at retirement announcement was not needed and bad timing. Even when personal experiences are involved, their mention at that stage shifts discussion of topic to not about cricket but other contentious. Personally I feel that such heavy statements can be addressed through right channels and at different time as opposed to goodbye that ought to be concerned with performance history and future of team.

I do concur with the general evaluation. His averages are fair but not as good as you would have liked to see in a long established opener in a powerful Australian team. The age of 39 to retire is feasible, and the retirement of the players is necessary because there are younger players who are willing to occupy the vacant positions, and the team has to prepare in advance. His career was neither a failure, nor actually very great. The disillusionment was the retirement press conference, which felt the need to raise racial discrimination unnecessarily and untimely and changed the topic to cricket and team future.

[MusaPk]

In my opinion he is unsure about his retirement time. On the one hand it is fair to retire at the age of 39 as it is clear that there are still younger opportunities to open in Australia and team should plan future other than just use experience. I do not believe that his career is failure in itself. It is not bad but not that old in very competitive age. Point at which I agree with you is that reference to racial unfairness at retirement announcement was not needed and bad timing. Even when personal experiences are involved, their mention at that stage shifts discussion of topic to not about cricket but other contentious. Personally I feel that such heavy statements can be addressed through right channels and at different time as opposed to goodbye that ought to be concerned with performance history and future of team.

Time was running out for Usman Khawaja to announce retirement and he did the right move by announcing retirement. If you are 39 years then  selectors would not consider you for playing 11 because their preference will be young players. Keeping his concerns about racism aside, Cricket Australia gave him fair opportunity that's why he represented Australian cricket team in 87 test and 40 ODIs. He will play his last test tomorrow and what's inspiring about him is that he proved that an immigrant can also play for Australian cricket team for long period.       

[Haunebu]

Test average of 43.39, and ODI average of 42.00 is definitely below par, considering the fact that he is representing one of the strongest teams in cricket. But that is fine. He made his call at the age of 39, although I thought it should have been done at least 2 years back. Young openers are coming through and Travis Head is quite strong at the other end. What I don't like is the fact that during the announcement media meeting, he whined about racial discrimination and all that shit. Australians gave him preferential treatment during all these years, and despite that he is now complaining about discrimination. 

42 and 43 below par? What a load of crap. Those are clearly above average stats especially in the test format. Dude played really well for his country and achieved a lot, but he is way too vocal for his own good which is something that I agree on here.

Every time you get dropped from the team or getting criticised on media, you just can't play your muslim card and unfortunately that's what he did in his later part of his career. He was chugging beers and fucking around when he was young player.

Yeah. He definitely gives crybaby vibes, but he definitely behaved more professionally based on what I have seen when playing the game itself.