WTC final: Ramiz Raja backs India to make a 'grand comeback' despite New Zealand being ahead after day three

Ahead of day four of the ICC World Test Championship final, India is in a position of worry. At 101 for 2, New Zealand just trails by 116 runs in the first innings and they have Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor at the crease. On day three, India bowled 49 overs but was only able to take two wickets, the second of which came moments before stumps were called. 

Despite being behind in the game, former Pakistan cricketer Ramiz Raja has backed the Indian team to make a grand comeback. He spoke about India’s performance and said that it is quite important for them to keep the pressure up and ensure that the Blackcaps don’t get a huge lead. Earlier on day three, India was bowled for just 217 after being at 146 for 3 at the start of that day. 

India will be better served because they have two spinners: Ramiz Raja

“India should ensure that New Zealand doesn’t have a big lead. They need to keep up the pressure and take wickets at regular intervals backed by good catching. Virat Kohli needs to have a straight and simple game plan and everyone should be on the same page with defined roles,” Ramiz said while speaking on his Youtube channel. “It will be tough, there will be pressure but is not impossible and India can make a grand comeback. All is not lost for India and they need to play competitive cricket to make a comeback,” he added.

The cricketer turned-commentator noted that India can turn around this match with the help of their spinners. He also praised India’s overall bowling unit saying that was one of the reasons why India has been successful in Test cricket. “Going forward, I feel India will be better served because they have two spinners in Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja if the wickets get dry,” he said.

The pitch in Southampton offered a lot of assistance to the Blackcaps seamers. Raja also made a point that their attack was suited for the first innings while indirectly saying that the lack of a genuine spinner might hurt them.” New Zealand, on the other hand, is a one-dimensional attack and the bowling attack is best suited for first innings,” he concluded.