5 key battles that will decide the India vs England Test series

3. Cheteshwar Pujara vs Stuart Broad

Stuart Broad remains one of the biggest enigmas of the modern Test Match era. At his best, there are very few bowlers that can match his best spells. His 8/15 spell in the 2015 Ashes, his 6/17 against South Africa at the Wanderers and 6/54 against New Zealand in March this year rank among the greatest spells of the modern era.

The problem? They are also his only five-wicket hauls in the past three years.

The last time that Broad had a dry spell like this was in 2011, when a home series against India rejuvenated his career. He will hoping that another home series against India will do the same trick in 2018.

Broad will be vital to England’s chances of getting Cheteshwar Pujara out. Pujara has struggled in series outside of India, only averaging 35.24 away from home compared to an outstanding 62.42 at home.

Broad is the perfect bowler to trouble Pujara- the Nottinghamshire fast bowler still has the ability to bounce batsmen out. While Pujara doesn’t have a short-ball problem, he does have a tendency to unnecessarily fend balls, especially in away conditions.

If England place a short leg for Pujara against Broad (as many teams have successfully done), then India’s No. 3 could be in trouble.

Moreover if Broad successfully pitches the ball up in swinging conditions, then Pujara’s poke outside off stump could result in easy wickets for the English. On the other hand, Pujara is the type of batsman who can frustrate Broad to no end.

After all, Murali Vijay and Pujara’s partnership in the second innings at Lord’s in 2014 was one that arguably won the match for India. Pujara’s 43 off 126 balls may not seem very impressive but considering the state of the game and the pitch, he managed to frustrate the hosts, allowing India to achieve a 300+ second innings lead.

If he can repeat such performances, India might have a chance.