After drawing level in the two limited overs series with India winning the T20I series and England claiming honors in the ODI series; the rivalry moves on to Test matches, as England and India will clash in the five-Test series with the first Test starting on August 1 at Edgbaston.

England has been on a high since pulling one back in the ODI series. Last two-Test series against India has been highly in favor of England with them winning 4-0 in 2011 and 3-1 in 2014. Now, despite India being the no.1 Test team; England has been given the upper hand in the series by the experts.

Indian captain Virat Kohli has an abysmal record in England, while Alastair Cook and Joe Root will be the batting mainstays for England and both of them have done well for England against India. Cook, who is looking in ominous touch will hope to keep his run going.

ECB’s new national selectors Ed Smith and James Taylor will have a tough time to select a formidable team to take on the mighty no.1 ranked Indian team.

The squad saw the return of leg-spinner Adil Rashid after good performances in limited overs against Australia and India in recent times. Only new face was Essex's fast bowler Jamie Porter.

National Selector Ed Smith, said, “The selection panel felt that Chris Woakes needed a little more time to regain full form. We are keen to avoid rushing him back from injury too soon. Chris will combine playing for Warwickshire in T20s alongside building up red ball fitness and workload with the England coaches."

England squad for the first Test against India:
Joe Root (C), Moeen Ali, James Anderson, Jonny Bairstow (WK), Stuart Broad, Jos Buttler (WK), Alastair Cook, Sam Curran, Keaton Jennings, Dawid Malan, Jamie Porter, Adil Rashid and Ben Stokes