Issues which England need to fix before the Test series
England are in a spot of bother when it comes to Test format, given that they have won once in last nine attempts. Joe Root's England haven't won a single series and in May, they even struggled against Pakistan at home. After the ODI series win, England might have the momentum but they need to fix several key issues. Here's more!
Who should open with Alastair Cook?
England need to find the best player who can partner Alastair Cook. Is Keaton Jennings the best option? Or should Jonny Bairstow be given the license to open with Cook? These are the questions which England management will need to think and select the Playing XI on that basis. England need runs atop which has been a serious issue for them.
Root needs to convert starts into big hundreds
Joe Root has been amongst the runs in Tests, but the issue for him lies in not converting his starts. In last nine Tests since the start of Ashes, Root has managed 8 half-centuries and is England's highest scorer. But he often got dismissed in crunch situations. England need a big innings from their best batsman but Root hasn't quite managed that.
England's middle-order needs to click
England's middle-order needs to click and for that the management has to get the selection right. The likes of Dawid Malan and James Vince should be backed. Jos Buttler at number 6 or 7 is a good option to have. All-rounders Ben Stokes and Chris Woakes have to step up with the bat. Indian bowlers will come hard, and England need to be ready.
Anderson the best bet but what about Broad?
James Anderson remains the best bet. The fast bowler can, once again, be lethal with the new ball in swinging conditions. Anderson has been superb for England since the series against West Indies. He was top notch against Virat Kohli, last time around, and is the in-form bowler. But Broad's form remains a concern? England don't have a back-up plan.
England: Probable Playing XI
England likely playing XI for 1st Test: Alastair Cook, Jonny Bairstow, James Vince, Joe Root (captain), David Malan, Jos Buttler, Ben Stokes, Chris Woakes, Dominic Bess, Stuart Broad, James Anderson.
