Two former No. 1s come head to head in a test series as India’s home season gets underway with the first test match starting on Wednesday.
The tour is considered as England’s test case for success in subcontinent - a region where they have not had much success.
England toppled India from the No. 1 spot in ICC test rankings when the two teams met in England last year.
Since then, times have changed as India have slumped further to fifth spot. England suffered a series loss to South Africa this summer and hence conceded their title. While this series is no longer the battle for supremacy, it will nevertheless be a test of England’s character.
Indian players have been vocal about expecting turning wickets to retaliate for the seaming tracks they have received in foreign conditions. England’s camp is upbeat about facing the challenge too, with Matt Prior stating the team is feeling comfortable and united.
In the warm-ups, England have had a good work out with all three matches ending in draws.
In team news, England will be without Steven Finn who limped off the field during the first warm-up against India A. Stuart Broad has also had troubles but is likely to take the field.
Monty Panesar’s return looks delayed yet again after Samit Patel’s impressive show in the build up to the test. With the bat, the team will rely heavily on Jonathan Trott and Alastair Cook who have been amongst the runs in India.
India have handed comebacks to the two Singhs - Yuvraj and Harbhajan. Yuvraj played well in the Ranji trophy to earn a recall and edged out Suresh Raina in the process. With spin likely to be heavily in India’s plans, there are also Pragyan Ojha and Ravi Aswhin in the squad.
The match will be played at Ahmedabad.