Aakash Chopra, Shubman Gill
Aakash Chopra (Image Credit: Twitter)

Former batsman Aakash Chopra opined that Team India needs to score big in their first innings and take a sizeable lead after having bowled England out for 183 on Day 1. Indian pacers tore through England’s middle and lower-middle order as the hosts collapsed losing their last seven wickets for 45 runs.

India’s new opening pair of Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul carefully bunted out the final hour scoring 21 runs in 13 overs, importantly both remained unbeaten and will look to add on their scores of 9 each on Day 2.

Aakash Chopra underlined that batting fourth at Trent Bridge, in what the signs the pitch has shown so far, would be extremely challenging and any target over 125 would have their work cut out. Hence, he feels, the visitors should be determined to make full use of this advantage given to them by their bowlers.

Jasprit Bumrah
Jasprit Bumrah celebrates with his teammates [Image-Twitter]

“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 in his YouTube video.

“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.

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

The 43-year old commentator pointed out that Rohit Sharma will have all eyes on himself as he looks to prove himself a Test player outside India. Sharma got starts in the WTC final also – scored 34 and 30 runs in two innings – but squandered that. He has got himself in facing 40 balls and would be expected to capitalize on it on Day 2.

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Rishabh Pant
Rishabh Pant (Image Credit: Twitter)

“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 be looking to prove his worth as a Test player,” the former opener stated.