South Africa vs India 2018: 5 player battles to look out for in SA-IND Test series

#3 Vernon Philander vs Murali Vijay

Vijay's judgment outside the off-stump is superb.

Murali Vijay has been one of the best players of the new ball in this Indian team over the last 2-3 years. He has performed well on most of the overseas tours. His strength has been his judgement outside the off-stump. There’s no doubt that he is one of the most elegant stroke-players, but the way he leaves the ball outside the off-stump is just as beautiful as his cover-drive. Hence, he will be very crucial against the South African new ball attack.

Vernon Philander along with Morne Morkel will lead South Africa’s charge with the new ball. And Philander is one of the best exponents of the moving ball. He can run in all-day and bowl in one particular spot. Also, he looked in a good rhythm against Zimbabwe (in the Boxing Day Test) after missing the Test series against Bangladesh due to a back niggle.

Hence, at one end we have the patience of Murali Vijay and at the other end, we have the consistency of Vernon Philander. It is certainly one of the battles to watch out for in the Test series.