ENG v IND 2021: "A lot would depend on how they start," Kamran Akmal says Rohit and Pujara's partnership crucial for India

India are chasing 209 in the first Test at the Trent Bridge and they are 52/1 going into fifth day.

By - 08 Aug, 2021

The first Test between England and India has moved to Day 5 and the visitors need 157 runs to win the match with 9 wickets in hand. India, who stood at 52/1 at the end of Day 4, has a good chance to go 1-0 up in the five-match Test series.

Pakistan's veteran cricketer Kamran Akmal feels the partnership between Rohit Sharma and Cheteshwar Pujara, who were in the middle at the end of the day's play, would play a crucial role in deciding the outcome. He said India has a good chance to win the match and they would need both Rohit and Pujara to add around 40 or 50 runs.

ALSO READ:  ENG v IND 2021: "My man through thick and skin," Ben Stokes's message after Joe Root's 109

“Team India have a good chance of chasing and winning the Test. A lot depends on Rohit Sharma and Cheteshwar Pujara’s partnership. They need to bat for as long as possible. Rohit and Pujara and both currently batting on 12 each. This partnership is extremely crucial for Team India. Even if they add 40 or 50, it could be a match-winning partnership," he said.

India still has the likes of Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane to come but Akmal said they are currently out of form and can't be trusted much. "One must also remember that the batters to come are not in great form. Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane have not got big runs of late.

"They are great players but as of now they are just not in rhythm. So I would reiterate that a lot would depend on how Rohit and Pujara start. Team India needs a partnership from them," he added.

Opener KL Rahul was in very good touch but India lost him relatively early in the chase for 26 to a brilliant delivery by James Anderson. He had scored 84 runs in the first innings; India's top scorer in the match so far. 

“KL Rahul was looking confident again the way he played his shots. He had scored 84 runs in the first innings so that definitely made a difference. He was unlucky as he got a brilliant delivery to be dismissed," Akmal said.

By - 08 Aug, 2021

TAGS