Another man in focus in this Test match is Rahul Dravid, whose form is rocky but whose place in the XI is safe, at least till India are winning. Dravid will be determined to get back among the runs here on a dry pitch that might well be on the slower side.

But there will still be ample opportunities for the bowlers on this track because of the cold weather, and the theory of bowling cross-seam — for that early reverse swing that undid Australia — can be safely thrown out of the window because the early nip is likely to assist conventional swing in the first two hours on each day.

‘Light’ worry for England

With an attack made up predominantly of seamers, Pietersen might be left in a spot of bother to get the overs completed in regulation time with the light expected to dip sharply after 4.15 pm local time. The hosts have a distinct advantage on that front with spinners Harbhajan Singh and Amit Mishra, and even Sehwag, as great options.

England are looking to play an extra pacer in Stuart Broad in place of Monty Panesar, while Ian Bell is also likely to lose his place to Owais Shah. That’s a call that Pietersen will take Friday morning. But his most important decision will come if he wins the toss: Does he bat first to make India chase again?