England vs India 2018: 3 players whose red-ball career hangs in the balance ahead of the first Test 

Yes, the day has finally arrived. The much-awaited ‘Marquee’ series of 2018 is about to begin in a few hours time. India started their summer tour of England by winning the 3-match T20I series 2-1. England bounced back handsomely to clinch the 3-match ODI series 2-1.

Despite the unavailability of their premier swing bowlers (Bumrah and Bhuvi), India enter the series opener as favourites. The warmer weather conditions in England means the Indian spinners should get extra purchase.

Irrespective of the weather though, playing at home will definitively be an extra advantage to England. Thus, England will pose a tougher challenge for the no.1 ranked Test nation.

With only a few hours left before the first game, let us look at three players for whom a failure in the first Test match will land them at the crossroads:

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#3 Shikhar Dhawan

Dhawan scored a first session century against Afghanistan

Shikhar Dhawan is a guaranteed starter in the limited overs format. However, in the longer format of the game, his position is still under scrutiny. He can put the best of attacks to the sword in one game while at the same time capitulate like nine pins in the next.

Only a month ago, he scored a record century in the first session against Afghanistan. On the contrary, in the practice match against Essex, he recorded a ‘pair.’

In foreign conditions, Dhawan’s technique is always vulnerable when the ball moves in the air. With the pace bowling duo of Anderson and Broad hungrier than ever, the first match will be very crucial for ‘Gabbar.’

Besides, Lokesh Rahul is in good form, and his technique is much better than that of Dhawan. Therefore, a failure in the first game will eventually force Dhawan to sit out for the next set of games. Besides, If Rahul grabs his opportunity, then it will become difficult for Dhawan to regain his place.

#2 Keaton Jennings

Jennings scored a century in his debut Test match against India

Jennings made his Test debut against the same opponent that he is going to face tomorrow. He became the 101st player to score a century on Test debut. His poor returns in the subsequent series forced the selectors to drop him for good measure. His former opening partner at Durham, Mark Stoneman was his replacement.

If the no.4 spot is a big headache for India in the limited overs format, then the opening partner for Cook in the longer format is a massive headache for the English Test team. Ever since the retirement of Andrew Strauss, more than ten different players have participated in this musical chair competition. None have thus far emerged as the winner.

Stoneman’s failure paved the way for Jennings to return to the Test arena. Rory Burns, who captained the England Lions against India A, a few days ago, scored his third Championship century for Surrey in the current round of matches. With Burns knocking the door for selection, Jennings is under immense pressure to perform well in the opening game.

#1 Adil Rashid

Rashid played his last Test match against the same opponent India on December 2016

For a Test loving nation like England, it is impossible to imagine a scenario where the selectors pick a player in a Test squad, who stops playing red-ball cricket to focus on his white-ball format. However, Ed Smith & Co. have shattered this ‘taboo’ in England Cricket history.

Because of the warm weather conditions, pitches in England are expected to remain dry throughout the day. Thus, the spinners are expected to play a huge role in the upcoming series. To boost their squad, the selectors have decided to recall Rashid for the first Test. Rashid’s terrific form in the shorter format and a lack of quality alternatives in the domestic circuit has forced the selector's hand.

His selection caused a huge uproar from all the quarters of England. Even the fans and the chief executive at his county, Yorkshire, are not happy with the selector’s decision to recall Rashid. In case of a failure in the first match, the selectors will face the wrath of the English fans.