SERIES LEVELLED 1-1

Australia leveled the series (1-1), and with that loss, the so-called cricketing experts were ready with the 4-1 predictions. Our readers know that the first and second tests were the toughest to win, but we still managed to win the first test, so there is nothing to worry about. Yes, we made a lot of mistakes which resulted us the match but that’s what gives you learning for the upcoming matches. Before moving forward make sure to follow cricketanalyst_ak on Instagram.

 

WHAT WENT WRONG FOR INDIA?

First of all, we won the toss and chose to bat first, it was a bad decision to bat first. Rohit said that the pitch had a bit of grass covering (6 mm) but it was a dry wicket. I agree with him but the effect of grass is seen in the first 2 days of the match, so batting first wasn’t a good choice. The wicket was expected to perform better as the match went on and it did perform exactly as expected.

 Batting was always a concern for us in the test cricket after Pujara and Rahane so will not waste your time ranting about our batting, I am personally not worrying about our batting very much. Talking about the fielding performance it was not up to the mark, especially from Rishabh Pant. But again these are some minor mistakes which can be improved over time.

 The main concern in our test match cricket is the captaincy of Rohit Sharma, yes I know the World Cup-winning captain and all but his test match captaincy is quite questionable. He lost a home series against New Zealand, and New Zealand lost their home series against England. It’s ok to lose the matches but the real concern is his field placement in test match cricket, he never has a plan B in test matches he just gives up instantly. Rohit offers singles and doubles easily to the opposition which helps the batters to score easily. Rohit needs to be more aggressive with his field placement.

 

3^rd TEST PREDICTIONS:

I think Bumrah has to rest, he was having some issues with the groin so it is better to let him warm the bench in the 3^rd test. So who will come in? It is Akashdeep I wanted him to play in Adelaide too but never mind. Prasidh may get a chance in the place of Harshit (if Bumrah doesn’t play).

MY PREDICTED 11:

1) Rahul

2) Jaiswal

3) Gill

4) Kohli

5) Pant

6) Rohit

7) Nitish

8) Washi

9) Akash deep

10) Siraj

11) Bumrah/Prasidh

1    We haven’t seen the Gabba pitch yet so too early to predict this 11 but will update the 11 if there are any changes according to the conditions. If it’s the typical Gabba Pitch then I will be tempted to play Harshit but his performance in the 2^nd test may make him sit out, Prasidh isn’t a bad option either. If Bumrah plays it’s good for us. Expecting a fighting performance from the Indian team in the Gabba. We will be back on the 14^th now till then follow me on Instagram for more cricket-related content.

T   THANK YOU,

      ADVAIT KADAM

      (Certified Cricket Analyst)

ADELAIDE TEST PREVIEW

 India humiliated the host in the Perth, now it's time for the Pink ball test in the Adelaide Oval. Aussies haven't lost a single Pink ball test before but India has a great history in conquering Aussies in their own backyard. Who has the upper hand in the 2nd test match? Let's find out..

PITCH REPORT:

The Adelaide Oval pitch for the second Test is set to feature 6 millimeters of grass, according to Damian Hough, the head curator. The pitch is expected to favor the pacers initially, with pitch offering bounce and movement. (Source: sportingnews) 

When the ball gets older, batting could become easier, hence I want India to bowl first. Yeah, it would be a risky choice to chase in the fourth innings but the risk is worth taking. However, batting will get a bit difficult under light and ball might swing a bit more as compare to the morning session, batters must play accordingly and should consider this factor. Hough even said that the surface is prepared to provide an even contest between bat and ball.

In this ground batting first team has won 41 times whereas, bowling first team has only 24 times. I don't believe on the historical data to be honest, historically almost every match played here was red ball except last 2-3 matches. Hence, I want India to bowl first and take the help from the pitch early on. 

PLAYING 11:

1) KL Rahul

2) Yashasvi Jaiswal

3) Gill

4) Kohli

5) Rohit (C)

6) Pant (WK)

7) Washi 

8) Nitish 

9) Bumrah 

10) Akashdeep 

11) Siraj

3 changes expected in the winning combination, not sure if Rohit should bat at no.5 or not. If Rohit is thinking of retiring from the test cricket soon then its a good decision, but in the longer perspective I think it would just damage the team combination. Gill comes in automatically and the 3rd change I am expecting is Akashdeep in for Harshit, I mean common you have to play Akash the pink ball test. Yes, Harshit was not bad but according to the surface Akash deserves a place here. Rest will retain their places. Batting line-up is looking a bit more experienced now with the return of Rohit and Gill.

MY PREDICTIONS:

India is going to the 2nd test with a lot of confidence and their also some rift in between Aussies dressing room. So India holds slight upper hand but due to the pink ball factor I feel the contest is evenly poised. On start of day 4 Hazlewood was directly blaming the batters and said we are looking towards the next game now even though the game wasn't over yet. I think that's what Australian mentality is!!

Expecting another stellar performance from our pace trio (whoever is the third pacer) once again, if Akashdeep plays I would not be surprised if he gets a fifer there. In terms of batting I am expecting a classy performance from our top order. The team is looking settled now with every player in form. I said before the Perth test that if we win the first 2 test we will guaranteedly play the WTC Finals, fingers crossed!!

THANK YOU,

ADVAIT KADAM

(Certified Cricket Analyst) 

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