5 players with a big chance to prove themselves in Test Cricket

England Test Series is a big assignment for the Indian Cricket Team. Not only will it test India’s skills to adapt to playing conditions of a different kind, Virat Kohli’s skills both as a captain and as a player will also be tested.

5-match Test Series in an away Tour is always a demanding task, one that will test the players physically. Even the slightest of vulnerabilities will be exposed against a top quality side.

The margin for error is very minute and players should make the most of every opportunity that comes their way to represent their team in Test Cricket - the real test of skill, endurance, and ability.

In the Test series against England, here are 5 players who have a big chance to prove themselves in Test Cricket.

#5. Jasprit Bumrah

Bumrah would look to take his limited-overs success to the longest format of the game

One of the best-limited overs death bowlers for India at present, Bumrah is a vital cog of the limited overs set-up. However, when it comes to Test Cricket, Bumrah has still a few boxes unticked and this could be his chance to prove his worth in the longest format of the game and become a regular member of the Indian squad in all three forms of the game.

Although Bumrah has played 3 Tests for India against South Africa and picked up 14 wickets to his credit, including a 5 wicket haul. England will be a different challenge altogether and he might have to bowl at a different length to pose threat to the opponent batsmen. A good Test Series in England will keep Bumrah well in course of a successful Test Career ahead.

#4. Karun Nair

India's triple centurion finds himself in and out of the squad

An average of 62 and yet not a regular member of the Indian Test side, Karun Nair being in and out of the side is an outcome of his own performances. His average of 62.33 is only because of his maiden ton, which he went on to convert into a triple hundred, becoming India’s second Test Triple Centurion.

However, that remains his only innings of significant contribution in the 6 Tests. In his remaining 6 innings, Nair has failed to cross even the 50 run mark and thus has been dropped from the team.

However, this could be a big chance for the Karnataka batsman. Runs against England in England would suggest that he has the technique and skills to play any opposition under any condition. Hopefully, Nair will deliver against England and silence his critics.

#3. Shardul Thakur

Thakur's performances in International Cricket have been average, to say the least

The Mumbai bowler is yet to do justice to his potential in International Cricket. With 6 wickets in 4 ODIs and 8 wickets in 7 T20Is, Thakur’s performances have been average, to say the least.

However, for those who have followed his domestic career, he is capable of much more than that. Seamer friendly conditions and the red ball might help produce a career-changing series.

Wickets against a top side in their home conditions is enough reason to boost a bowler’s performance. And, if Shardul manages to pick up a bunch of wickets in England that might just be the booster he needs to put his International Career on track.

#2. Kuldeep Yadav

His success against England in ODIs might have been a major reason for his inclusion in the Tests

Although Kuldeep has played a couple of Tests for India, doing reasonably well and picking as many as 9 wickets, he is largely seen as India’s limited overs weapon.

However, with him being able to trouble the English batsmen in the ODI series, the selectors have drafted him into the Test Side and the probability of him featuring in the Playing XI is really high.

A successful Test Series here might help him play for India in all the three forms of the game. A reward for the dedication and commitment shown by the left arm leggie.

#1. Rishabh Pant

Pant has been rewarded for his consistency in domestic leagues and an outstanding IPL

A lot has been talked about Rishabh Pant. However, in the limited opportunities given to him in the national squad, the southpaw has failed to deliver at the highest level of cricket.

Pant though has been consistent in the domestic circuit and had an amazing season in the Indian Premier League. Perhaps as a reward to his fantastic run in domestic cricket, Pant has been named in the Test squad against England.

He would be looking to make amends here and score a lot of runs to be in the scene of a national call-up for ODIs and T20Is in the future. Add to that, Pant is a decent bet behind the stumps.