Former India player turned veteran commentator Aakash Chopra added that the West Indies can put India under pressure if they prepare a slightly greenish surface for the second Test as well. The final match of the two-match series will be played at Port of Spain in Trinidad from Thursday, July 20. Notably, India won the first Test by an innings and 141 runs in Dominica.
In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Chopra said: “Can West Indies challenge India? They can, such that instead of the three days, the match goes to the fourth or fifth day. You will have to alter the pitch if you have to challenge India.”
READ MORE: Harbhajan Singh says Australia have the upperhand in the WTC final
He further added: “If you give a slightly greenish surface, which can be given in Trinidad, you can put grass anywhere, the surface underneath will remain slow, don’t expect a pacy bouncy pitch, but there will be slightly more help for the fast bowlers. In such a case, you can put pressure on the slightly undercooked Indian fast-bowling attack.”
However, Aakash Chopra feels the hosts will be outclassed if the second Test takes place on a surface similar to the first one.
He stated: “If you give the pitch that was there in Dominica, then forget it. Firstly our spinners are world-class, one of the finest in Test cricket at the moment, secondly our batters will play your spin much better than yours, and thirdly your batters don’t play spin as well as they might play fast bowling.”
READ MORE: Sanjay Manjrekar dissects Virat Kohli’s poor show in WTC Final
However, Aakash Chopra doesn’t feel the host can beat India in a Test match irrespective of the surface as well. However, they last won a Test match against India in May 2002.
“Can they beat India? At the outset, I would say no. I don’t think this West Indies team will be able to beat the Indian team in a Test match. Things can change in an ODI or a T20I but the scales are heavily tilted in favor of India in a Test match. It might take a little more time but I have no doubt that the result will come in India’s favor,” he concluded.
