Trent Boult and the other Kiwi pacers, according to Aakash Chopra, will pose a threat to David Warner in the Australia-New Zealand World Cup match in 2023.
This Saturday, October 28, the two long-standing rivals from across the Tasman Sea will meet in Dharamsala for a daytime face-off. The Black Caps are entering the game with a recent loss at this same venue against India under their belt. On the other hand, the Aussies are riding a wave of success with a winning streak of three consecutive matches.
In a video on his YouTube channel previewing the game, Chopra expressed his belief that Warner’s scoring streak might come to an end against New Zealand. He explained:
“Trent Boult will be a danger for David Warner, there is no doubt about that. He has struck two successive centuries, a failure is due. So there is a very good chance that Boult, Matt Henry or Lockie Ferguson dismiss him in this match because Lockie Ferguson is also bowling rockets.”
Aakash Chopra
The former India opener believes Australia may face a problem in including Travis Head in their starting lineup. He elaborated:
“They are seriously thinking about playing Travis Head but they are thinking for whom can they play him. That clarity has not yet come, because if Head comes, they will have to remove Mitchell Marsh from opening. Head will open and everyone’s batting order will change slightly.”
Aakash Chopra
Chopra believes Mitchell Starc will be at his best against the Kiwis. He stated:
“Who will go out will also be a question. Batting has finally gathered pace, so it is a dangerous team. In bowling, Mitchell Starc hasn’t got his rhythm thus far but he generally gets the rhythm against New Zealand.”
Aakash Chopra
In Australia’s five matches, Starc has taken seven wickets at an economy rate of 5.48. He is their second-highest wicket-taker, trailing only Adam Zampa, who has 13 dismissals to his name.
Aakash Chopra’s Advice for Devon Conway: “He will have to score a few runs”
While noting that New Zealand may contemplate bringing in Jimmy Neesham in place of Mark Chapman, Chopra stated that Devon Conway has to regain his run-scoring form. He said:
“New Zealand, on the other hand – can Jimmy Neesham be played instead of Mark Chapman because he has not been able to do much? Daryl Mitchell struck a century the last time he played on this ground against India. Rachin Ravindra is playing well in any case. Devon Conway has gone a little cold. He will have to score a few runs.”
Aakash Chopra
The former cricketer-turned-commentator named Australia as the game’s small favorite. He stated:
“Mitchell Santner is playing well. Glenn Phillips does his job. Tom Latham is a good player. I feel it’s a fantastic contest. May the best team win but Australia are looking marginally ahead just because of the momentum and the record. This team has a mighty record.”
Aakash Chopra
Aakash Chopra also questioned why a high-profile match between Australia and New Zealand was scheduled as a day game. Despite the fact that it is a Saturday, he believes the broadcaster is still unhappy.