ENG vs IND 2021: “Not A Typical English Wicket” – Aakash Chopra Sets Target India Would Want To Chase

Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra believes the wicket used for the first Test between India and England at Trent Bridge is not a typical English wicket. The visitors were on the driver’s seat at the end of the day’s play leaving the ground unscathed, still trailing by 162 runs.

Indian bowlers produced an outstanding effort after being asked to bowl first. Jasprit Bumrah returned with four wickets while Mohammed Shami picked three and Shardul Thakur chipped in two as Virat Kohli & Co restricted England for 183 runs.

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Speaking on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra stressed that India need to take a healthy first-innings lead to put the hosts under pressure.

“Team India are in a good position. As it is always said, the first hour will be very important (on Day 2). India will need to bat well in the first innings because they have to bat last in this Test match. They will thus need to gain a significant lead and only then they will be able to put pressure on England. A slender lead of 35-40 runs is not a lead at all,” Aakash Chopra said. 

“Team India will have to bat fourth on a surface that is not like a typical English surface. There are some cracks and there is variable bounce as well. At times, the ball is even stopping at the batsman. Team India do not want to chase more than 100-125 in the last innings. That is why they need to bat really well in the first innings and put up a big score,” he added. 

India openers Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul looked in good touch and batted well in the last hour of the day’s play to keep their wickets intact. The Asian Giants, who trail by 162 runs will look to start day 2s play on a positive note.

Rohit Sharma will be looking to prove his worth as a Test batsman: Aakash Chopra

Ever since he was promoted to the top-order, Rohit has looked in outstanding form and sealed the opener’s berth. However, his real challenge lies in the five-match Test series and Aakash Chopra reckons the Mumbai opener has looked fluent so far.

“Rohit Sharma is looking fluent out in the middle. Even if he bats for two sessions, he can put India in a good position. He has the ability and he has a great chance to stamp his class at the start in a series where he will looking to prove him worth as a Test player,” he added.