Former Indian opener Aakash Chopra believes New Zealand is a little more under pressure than India, despite betting 101 for 2 after bowling Virat Kohli’s men on day three of the World Test Championship Final in Southampton for 217.
Aakash Chopra said New Zealand needs around 150 runs ahead if it is to take advantage of it after deciding to bow first in the historic singles finals at the Ageas Bowl. Chopra said New Zealand will know that despite a dominant performance with both the racket and ball on Sunday, they are not out of the woods, considering they will have to hit last in the Test.
WTC Final, India vs. New Zealand, Day 3: Highlights
After giving up the game on the first day without a ball, India managed to put on a good batting show on Saturday with captain Kohli leading from the front. On a stop-start day, India managed to focus and drove 146 for 3 to Stumps. However, on a cloudy Sunday morning, things changed dramatically.
India lost to Kohli at 44 after the skipper failed to add to his nightly record. Kyle Jamieson took the big wicket and shook India up early with the wicket of Rishabh Pant (4). After Ajiinkya Rahane ditched his wicket for 49, India slipped all-out from 149 for 3 to 217. Jamieson ran through the Indian punch unit with numbers from 5 for 31.
In response, India failed to find as much momentum as New Zealand but kept the flow of the river in check. However, openers Devon Conway and Tom Latham added 70 runs before R hit Ashwin in the 35th to remove the latter for 30. Captain Kane Williamson offered good support to Conway, who scored his 3rd over 50 points in tests.
India ended the day with reason to cheer, however, when Ishant defeated Shamra Conway at 54 before poor light forced early stumps.
“New Zsealand not yet out of the forest”
“You (New Zealand) also have to look where India was. You were 146 for 3, two set batsmen, but come on the next morning, it’s a whole different world. The ball is moving again, you find the edges, India Tail has I didn’t wag, the middle order has collapsed and you haven’t achieved what you wanted to achieve. Similar things may develop tomorrow, “Aakash Chopra told Star Sports.
“So from a New Zealand point of view they know they are not out of the woods at all. Remember that the moment you bowl first, you have to hit last and get the opponent out of the way. So a 30- 40-run lead is insignificant, you have to take at least a 150-run lead to make it a game, seal the bowling advantage first.
“I feel like New Zealand is pressuring more than India. India will support itself.
India’s fast bowlers need to find momentum: Chopra
However, Aakash Chopra pointed out that Indian fast bowlers must be able to find momentum on day four to ensure they disrupt the high quality New Zealand middle class. He added that Ashwin could prove to be a major threat with the ball considering how much help he got off the pitch on Sunday.
“Things could change, Ashwin already has a wicket. It is being turned a bit. Swing is the only area Indian bowlers lag in, not discipline or exertion. Ishant was the only Indian bowler who was able to to swing.
“Tomorrow is the day India’s fast bowlers need to find some momentum. If they can do that, the game will be in India’s favor,” added Chopra.
The WTC final goes into the reserve day if no result is achieved within the first 5 days.
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