England fast bowler Stuart Broad says that even groundsmen don’t have much idea how Edgbaston wicket will play between England vs India 2018. In fact, it is one of the hottest summers in England. Therefore, it is difficult to gauge the conditions.
The pitch is expected to be dry because of the weather conditions. Consequently, the spinners can be licking their lips for the first time before the red ball series in England.
Broad went on to add that an interesting series is on the cards given the fact that both teams are unaware how the pitch will fare out.
“It will be a really exciting series as both teams don’t know what the pitch will do neither the groundsmen really know because probably they haven’t experienced this sort of weather in England for a long time. The lack of moisture that has been around, players will have to adapt,” Broad told ESPNCricinfo ahead of the first Test, starting August 1.
Adding further, Broad said that the bowling team that will adapt quickly will benefit more. Therefore, it is going to be pivotal to know how to adjust to the track accordingly during the course of the match.
“The bowling side that can quickly adapt will have more success. (Need to) realize what’s the threat. Is it spin, reverse swing, or knee roll seam? We will be discussing all the way through”
Stuart Broad who has scalped 417 wickets for England says that every track is different from the other. The lanky fast bowler went on to add that the Lord’s pitch will provide more assistance to the spin battery.
“Each ground will be different. Trent Bridge might be very different from Lord’s. Lord’s (track) traditionally in the last couple of years have spun quite a lot. Bowlers like Yasir Shah, Moeen Ali have got 10-fers. At Trent Bridge, it doesn’t turn that much. So we need to use different skills for different grounds for sure,” said the 32-year-old.
Adding further, the veteran fast bowler added that it is going to be hard-fought series. As there will be five Test matches, the team that will show more consistency during the course of the long series, will have a better chance of winning it.
“It’s going to be a hard-fought series. What I really enjoy is a five-Test series. Generally, your best players win you five-match series. Let’s hope, we come out on top. It is nice to have the longevity in the series. Generally, the team that adapts and plays the best cricket has longevity through the series will win it,” Broad said.
There is no doubt that it is going to be an enthralling series between the two heavyweights. England will definitely hold the home advantage whereas India will like to fire at all cylinders.