Edgbaston test : Day by day prediction and discussion

[Sooda]

Weve got a tour game on Aug 5, three days after the 2nd test at Nottingham ends. Just wondering how useful a mid-series tour match is? A good oppo for potentially out of form players (or say Sehwag just coming back from injury) for more 'in the middle' time. And hopefully there will not be any out of form-ers. Useful way for in form players to stay in rhythm? Or just a tiring and pointless encounter in an already hectic schedule where a break would have been great...? :hmmm: A pre series match to get into form and used to the conditions is understandable but how useful have such matches been historically, for other touring sides too?

[Cricket Tragic]

The main players won't play unless they're out of form. The counties were desperate to get India to play as many side games as possible since it is an opportunity to make money. 3 side games before the ODI series as well I think.

[Cricketics]

I remember how selectors released a 30 man probable list of players for tour to Australia in in 07-08 series. Sehwag name wasn't in the 30 man squad but when final team was picked, Anil Kumble especially asked selectors to pick him in the squad since he had done well on 03 tour. He was picked and then wasn't played the first 2 test. Then there was this tour match against AC x1 and Sehwag smacked a fantastic century and was picked rite away. Jaffer's failure to score runs also went in Sehwag's favor but that game really turned Kumble's mind to finally pick him. I think our bats have done well and there won't be much change in batting order after 2nd test. It's our bowlers who will be looking to surprise Dhoni and gain place in 11. Hard to change the batting line up. There will be lot of competition for that 3rd seamer slot.

[cowboysfan]

I dont know how ueful this match is going to be,they should have scheduled it before the first test.

[Sachinism]

If certain players are out of touch, it will give them a chance to regain form also try out the other options.

[Trichromatic]

Such matches can help in chosing players for second test. Say Raina gets a chance in first test and dismissed with short-pitched deliveries in both innings. Indian batting doesn't perfom well, then in that case if Yuvraj and Raina both play in the tour match. If Yuvraj scores a century with Raina still struggling, then Yuvi can get a chance. Just giving an example. Same can work other way. First match, players and especially batsman might not have much idea of the grounds. Tour matches can help them to get used to it.

[Trichromatic]

Two days ago, I watching a show about Ganguly. He was telling about his first test series experience. India had already lost 1st test match and were under lot of pressure. Batsmen were not doing well. There was a tour match with Derby. India lost even that 3 day match. In that match Ganguly scored a half century in second innings. Ganguly told in the show that after that match Azhar informed him that he will definitely play the second test. Manjrekar was dropped and Ganguly was brought in. He went to scored a century on debut and helped India to draw the test match. :)

[Karan114]

Not really that useful to most of the guys, though if one of the key players is really struggling for form, can be useful to get some game time away from the spotlight and try and work on the problems.

[Pagalpanti]

I'd have preferred them to have this before 1st test instead. Mid-tour practice games don't really help in my view. Because by 2nd test most of the players would be acclimatized with the conditions.

[Midfielder]

Two days ago' date=' I watching a show about Ganguly. He was telling about his first test series experience. India had already lost 1st test match and were under lot of pressure. Batsmen were not doing well. There was a tour match with Derby. India lost even that 3 day match. In that match Ganguly scored a half century in second innings. Ganguly told in the show that after that match Azhar informed him that he will definitely play the second test. Manjrekar was dropped and Ganguly was brought in. He went to scored a century on debut and helped India to draw the test match. :)[/quote'] Gangulys debut was absolutely fantastic. His game was simple but he could definitely dominate the opposition. Coming back to this match no front line bowler should play but all the batsman should get a chance. No Sharma,Zaheer and the third pace bowler. Harbhajan maybe but the batting order should be intact.

[Sooda]

Yes, I suppose if player are struggling after tests one and two this will be a good oppo. Plus with a largeish squad fringe players can get a chance to play keeping them in shape if they are needed in an emergency. Im sure none of the big names will play

[Holysmoke]

When was the last time India played a test with an all pace attack? Never? I don't remember that happening.

[kabira]

pre Kumble era..I would say Perth test match in Australia. But they had Shastri as a allrounder. they had Kapil, Srinath, Prabhakar and I think S. Bannerjee

[vamos_rafa]

Kumble was at times faster than Venkatest Prasad.

[Sachinism]

Inshallah Trent Bridge

[NareshK]

Kumble was at times faster than Venkatest Prasad.

:hehe:

[Blue Panther]

Msd would not risk of having 4 pacers when he is already blamed for slower over rate.

[Trichromatic]

Msd would not risk of having 4 pacers when he is already blamed for slower over rate.

Most likely Yuvraj will play tomorrow. Dhoni might take his chances and try to manage with them.

[Midfielder]

Yuvraj spin is not at that level. It can be milked.

[Rahul Dravid]

Kumble was at times faster than Venkatest Prasad.

:hysterical: