England vs India 1st Test: Preview, head-to-head, probable playing XI
Fans will have plenty to look forward to when India and England face each other in the first Test match, starting August 1 at Birmingham. A crucial challenge will be on the cards for both the sides. England will want to give a better account of themselves after recent disappointments. But what to expect from the first test, let's have a look.
Both sides keen to address problems and build on
As of now, both India and England don't have any injury concerns. India had a difficult time against Essex in the warm-up game and have plenty of issues to address. But they know that England have loopholes in their side. Kohli and his boys would try to expose those chinks. England have won 1 out of the previous 9 Tests.
Conditions, schedule and TV listing
Day 1 of the first Test is expected to go smoothly with no signs of rain, as per reports. The match will be held at Edgbaston in Birmingham and is scheduled for 3:30 PM IST start. The Test will be telecast live on the Sony TEN network. It can also be streamed live on the Sony LIV app.
Head-to-head between England and India in Tests
The two sides have met each other 117 times in 5-day format. England have won on 43 occasions to India's 25. In England, the sides have locked horns 57 times, with India winning 6 Tests and the hosts managing 30 victories.
Player focus: England vs India, 1st Test
Virat Kohli, India: The Indian skipper is the side's main asset in the middle-order, which looks a bit short on confidence at the moment. Kohli is Team India's main bet as far runs are concerned and his captaincy skills will come handy. James Anderson, England: The veteran fast bowler is the one who can stop Kohli from scoring. Anderson vs Kohli battle is key.
Probable Playing XI
England probable playing XI: Alastair Cook, Keaton Jennings, Joe Root (captain), Dawid Malan, Jos Buttler, Jonny Bairstow (wicket-keeper), Moeen Ali, Ben Stokes, Adil Rashid, Stuart Broad and James Anderson. India probable playing XI: Shikhar Dhawan, Murali Vijay, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli (captain), Dinesh Karthik (wicket-keeper), Ajinkya Rahane, Hardik Pandya, Ravichandran Ashwin, Mohammed Shami, Umesh Yadav and Ishant Sharma.
