KEY CLASHES

A look at five key player battles which could go on to determine the outcome of the Freedom Series VIRAT KOHLI V DALE STEYN One of the greatest fast bowlers of his age, Steyn, who is returning from injury, may not play the first Test but is expected to play a key role in the series. Kohli had a memorable year in 2017 --- scoring 1059 runs from 10 Tests at a staggering average of 75.64 and is certainly India’s best batsman. A fully-fit Steyn is capable of demolishing any batting lineup and would look to dismiss Kohli early to put India under pressure. MURALI VIJAY V VERNON PHILANDER Vijay, who is nicknamed ‘the Monk’ for his ability to bat for long periods, has played some superb innings overseas and would look to do the same in this series. Philander, in the absence of Steyn, has established himself as South Africa’s first-choice pacer and his ability to swing the ball makes him deadly at the start of the innings. CHETESHWAR PUJARA V KAGISO RABADA Pujara was in terrific form in 2017 as he finished as the second-highest run-getter with a tally of 1140 runs at an average of 67.05. Rabada was the most successful South African bowler last year with a tally of 57 wickets from 11 matches at an average of 20.28. While Rabada will try to unsettle Pujara with his raw pace, Pujara will look to blunt him. DEAN ELGAR V MOHAMMED SHAMI Elgar was the most successful South African batsman in 2017, scoring 1128 runs at an average of 53.71 in 12 Tests. India would want his wicket to make inroads into South Africa’s batting. Shami, who has established himself as India’s premier new-ball bowler, would look to get him early AB DE VILLIERS V R ASHWIN Ashwin, who recently became the fastest to reach 300 wickets in Tests, would look to better his away record in South Africa. His duel with AB de Villiers, who is returning from injury, would be interesting. De Villiers can take the game away from rival teams in a short span of time but Ashwin can be trusted to use his guile to fox the ace batsman.