Indian Test team vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane appeared in the press conference ahead of the first Test between India and England. He talked about some hot topics which press and fans are eager to know. Rahane also answered about the possibility of chinaman Kuldeep Yadav's selection over R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja.

Yadav's couple of excellent performance in the recently concluded limited-over series had sparked the speculation of him getting a chance in the Indian Test side. Rahane too agrees that the left-arm leggie can be India's X-factor but at the same time they should not forget Ashwin and Jadeja who are their first pick.

"Kuldeep is the X-factor in our team. We will have to see how the wicket will be like tomorrow and the day after but we don't have to forget about Ashwin and Jadeja.

"Ashwin and Jadeja have been doing really well for us; Ashwin especially with his batting as well as his bowling," Rahane told the media.

Shikhar Dhawan and Cheteshwar Pujara's inability to score in the foreign conditions has been a real headache for team India. But Rahane cleared the team isn't stressing too much about it. "We are not at all worried. Both are quality batsmen. It takes you one innings to get back in form. We all back them. But ultimately, the coach and captain will take the final decision," he said.

Talking about England's team selection for Test, Adil Rashid's inclusion in the side was controversial. He hasn't played red-ball cricket for long and even cricket experts like Michael Vaughan had called his selection ridiculous. But India's middle-order batsman Rahane isn't surprised. "I am not surprised with Adil Rashid's selection - he is a very good bowler. Right now, playing in England is like playing in Mumbai or Chennai. We should back our abilities and focus on our skills."

The Mumbai batsman is happy with the time they got to practice before the first encounter. They had cut short their practice game by one day to reach Birmingham a day early. But the rain didn't allow them to practice anyway.

"We had decent practice in Essex before and during the match. It is important to focus on the mindset especially in England - how quickly you adjust to the conditions. It will be a test of our mind and character here.

"Playing in England is always a challenge, It is important to play some good cricket, rather than thinking of the result. Guys are in good shape. (We need to) enjoy the challenge of playing overseas. Really looking forward to that."