"Without Virat, England have great chance to win", former speedster Broad

Stuart Broad

Former pacer Stuart Broad says the ongoing India-England Test series is the most evenly-matched contest that he has seen between the two sides but the visitors have a strong chance of emerging triumphant as the "fire, passion and competitiveness" of Virat Kohli is missing from the home team's arsenal.

Speaking to PTI on the sidelines of the just-concluded SA20, where he was a commentator, Broad said the absence of Kohli due to personal reasons is a downer.

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The five-match series is locked 1-1 and the two teams will now square off in the third game in Rajkot, beginning February 15. "[The] first two matches were very competitive and it is one of the most exciting India-England Test series that I have seen. It is the most level series," he said.

"India won the last Test but England's playing style [Bazball] is quite effective in India. With Virat not in the team, it is a great opportunity for the England team," he added.

"The battle between Virat and England bowlers had been great in the past. [James] Anderson and Kohli's battles are quite famous. It's a shame for the series and the sport that he will be missing," he observed.

"...Virat adds to the quality of any contest because he is such a wonderful player who brings fire, passion, competitiveness and great fan following to the sport. But personal matters always take preference over cricketing matters," he said.

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