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

1. Virat Kohli vs James Anderson

No matter whatever Virat Kohli has achieved in Test cricket over the past four years, 13.40 has been used as a caveat against him by critics. That was of course his average in England in the 2014 test series.

His detractors have used that statistic to point out that Kohli cannot play quality swing or pace bowling- a silly argument considering his success in tests in Australia, South Africa and New Zealand, not to mention his limited overs performances.

However, if Kohli wants to be recognized as an all-time great test batsman, then he needs a great series against England. Since 2014, Kohli has corrected his technique significantly and is far better poised to handle swinging conditions.

However, his defensive prod continues to be an issue especially early in his innings (he got out to that same shot against South Africa on multiple occasions).

Moreover, the man that troubled Kohli so much in 2014 (taking his wicket on four occasions) remains one of the World’s best swing bowlers: James Anderson. Anderson has enjoyed a late career renaissance at home as he has taken 78 wickets over the past three summers at an incredible bowling average of 15.12.

Without an iota of doubt, England target Kohli with Anderson’s swing and seam, bringing him on as soon as Kohli arrives at the crease.

On one hand, Anderson could get into Kohli’s head and exploit any potential technical weaknesses. On the other hand, this could help Kohli banish the demons of 2014 and show the entire world that swing bowling is no longer a weakness for him.

The mind games have already begun between these two, but it is on the field that we will get to see one of the great test matches battles of our generation.