WTC final: Aakash Chopra has a warning for New Zealand ahead of Day 4

Day three of the World Test Championship final between India and New Zealand ended with the Kiwis taking a position of advantage. India started the day with 146 for three but they lost the remaining wickets quickly and could post only 217 runs on the scoreboard in the first innings. This was followed by New Zealand posting 101 while losing just two wickets in the form of Tom Latham and Devon Conway. 

The impressive performance on the third day has put the Blackcaps on advantage but the former Indian cricketer and renowned commentator Aakash Chopra believes that Kane Williamson-led side will be under more pressure than Virat Kohli’s team. Chopra believes that New Zealand can witness a similar collapse of their batting line-up as India on day four.

The veteran is of the view that New Zealand can also falter on Day four and might not be able to take an advantage of the lead. “They (New Zealand) also have to look at where India was. They were 146 for 3, two set batsmen but come next morning, it’s a different world altogether. 

“The ball is moving again, you find the edges, India’s tail hasn’t wagged, the middle-order has collapsed and you haven’t reached where you wanted to reach. Similar things can unfold tomorrow as well,” Chopra told Star Sports after the action of Day 3.

New Zealand know they are not out of the woods: Aakash Chopra

Further in the interaction, Chopra asserted that the playing conditions can play spoilsport for the Kiwis as the Indian bowlers can rattle them with the swing and pace. Also, the Blackcaps need to take a lead of at least 150 runs against a team like India as a 30-40 run lead is insignificant.

“So from a New Zealand point of view, they know they are not out of the woods at all. Keep in mind, the moment you bowl first, you have to bat last and you have to bat the opposition out. So a 30-40 run lead is insignificant. You have to take at least a 150-run lead to make a match of it, seal the advantage of bowling first.

“Things might change, Ashwin has already got a wicket. He is getting a bit of turn. Swing is the only area where Indian bowlers are lagging behind, not the discipline nor the effort. Ishant was the only Indian bowler who was able to swing. Tomorrow is the day where India fast bowlers need to find a swing. If they are able to do that, the match will swing in India’s favor,” Chopra added.