By: Tarish Bhatt
India managed to reach a commanding position, courtesy Virat Kohli’s double century, and Ravichandran Ashwin’s hundred. But, to win the 1st Test, the visitors have a long way to go in Antigua.
The visitors did manage to get a wicket before the close of play, but claiming 19 more wickets is not going to be easy. Kohli’s men will have to push hard for getting the likes of Darren Bravo, Marlon Samuels and others.
“I think it’s a good batting wicket and you’ll have to earn every wicket,” Ravichandran Ashwin said. “You’ll have to prise them out. Kraigg Brathwaite and the likes of Darren Bravo.”
“They bat pretty deep as well,” he added. “We’ll have to prise each and every wicket and see if we can actually go the distance and maintain the intensity for every hour.”
Ashwin said that the team needs to create pressure over the Windies. He, however, pointed out that the surface is going to help the spinners. The Antigua pitch is likely to offer some turn from the fourth day onwards.
“From here on, we have posted a score and we need to get them out twice,” the Indian off-spinner said. “It’s about trying and retaining the intensity and going after every wicket time after time.”
