India will play England in the first Test at Edgbaston from August 1 in the five-Test series. Currently, they are dueling with Essex in the three-day practice game, their only one, at Chelmsford.

In worrying news for India, premier off-spinner R Ashwin injured his bowling hand during the nets session before the start of the second day’s play. To avoid any further damage, Ashwin decided not to bowl, bat or field. And he didn’t take the field for Team India.

Team India physio took a look at the injury and termed it a minor one. Ashwin was back bowling in the nets during the lunch break. India was all out for 395 in 100.2 overs with Dinesh Karthik top-scoring for the visitors with his 82-run knock.

R Ashwin, with his experience and ability to bat as well, will be a vital player for India, if they wish to win their first series against England in England after 2007.

(with inputs from newindianexpress.com)