World Test Championship 2021/23: Pakistan Can Get A Lot Of Points If They Are Slightly Brave - Aakash Chopra

Cricketer-turned-commentator Aakash Chopra said the Babar Azam-led Pakistan team needs to pick enough points from the home Test series in the new cycle of the World Test Championship 2021/23.

Pakistan are currently placed second on the points table with 40 points and a win percentage of 66.66 behind Australia, against whom they drew the first Test in Rawalpindi.  Both teams witnessed a run-fest in a game where the visitors played their first international game in Pakistan after a hiatus of 24 years. A total of 1187 runs were scored for just 14 wickets across three innings in the first Test.

It will be a problem if you make a road: Aakash Chopra on Pakistan making flat pitches for Test match

Chopra is of the opinion that Pakistan will aim to collect maximum points in the matches played on their home soil as the commentator feels that England and New Zealand, who are likely to visit Pakistan later this year, won’t be able to defeat Babar Azam & co.

Chopra also termed the pitch at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium as road and alerted that it could be a hindrance in Pakistan’s path to victory.

“Pakistan are currently playing a series against Australia. You have drawn one match. It will be a problem if you make a road but otherwise – Australia, England and New Zealand – these are their home encounters. They can get a lot of points if they are slightly brave,” Chopra said on his YouTube channel. 

“England will not be able to beat Pakistan in Pakistan, nor will New Zealand. I don’t think even Australia can beat them. So take a chance, if they do that, they have a good chance. They have already won against Bangladesh and have to play two Tests against Sri Lanka in Sri Lanka. You can defeat them there,” he added. 

Australia is looking really good: Aakash Chopra

Australia came into the Pakistan series after thrashing England 4-0 in the Ashes in January. Analysing the roadmap of the Australians in the current WTC cycle, Chopra believes Australia will also play their best cricket Down Under.

“Australia is No. 1 but they also have many series left. They have three Test matches against South Africa at home, it will not be easy but it is at home. Against West Indies at home, they will get full points and they will win the series against South Africa as well,” Chopra commented.

“They have four away Test matches against India. When they come here, we will beat them. They have two Test matches against Sri Lanka in Sri Lanka. They can defeat them there. Australia is looking really good although they have played only one series and were playing on a road in Pakistan,” he added. 

The second Test between Pakistan and Australia will be played at the National Stadium in Karachi, the match begins on March 12.

Also Read: PAK vs AUS: I Thought They’d Have A Positive Impact On Day 2: Shahid Afridi Criticises Pakistan’s Strategy