India vs England, 2019: India's probable XI for the 1st Test against England

India has a daunting task ahead of them as they get ready to face England in a five-match Test series in England. The current Indian Test side has improved leaps and bounds which saw them rise to the top of the ICC Test rankings. However, their away record has always been the topic of discussion and they will try to answer their critics by winning the upcoming 5 test match series.

India didn’t have the most ideal start to their streak of away tours, as they ended up losing the test series 2-1 against South Africa. Despite the series loss, India came out victorious in the final test at Johannesburg under very challenging conditions which would’ve given a huge confidence to the side.

England are a very strong team, especially playing in their home conditions. So, in order to beat England in their own backyard, India will have to be on the top of their game throughout the series. Let us have a look at the players, who could make it to the playing XI against England.

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#1. Openers: Murali Vijay and Shikhar Dhawan

Murali Vijay

Opening the innings, that too in English conditions can be a very challenging task because the new ball seams and swings a lot. The onus will once again be on Murali Vijay to lay the foundation for India to put up a good score on the board. He is, without a doubt, one of the best players against the swinging ball, not only in India, but also in the world. He is India's red ball specialist and a proven performer in overseas conditions.

Shikhar Dhawan, on the other hand, has an aggressive and flamboyant batting style which serves as an ideal foil to the controlled and calm batting style of Murali Vijay. He has the talent to score briskly and take the game away from the opposition in a session.He is a match-winner in any format he plays in and can, therefore, be a vital cog for India in the upcoming series.

#2. Middle Order: Virat Kohli, Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane

Virat Kohli and Chesteshwar Pujara

The middle order scoring runs is a huge boon to any side. While Ajinkya Rahane had a pretty good series the previous time, unfortunately the same can't be said about Virat Kohli and Chesteshwar Pujara.

Virat Kohli had a series to forget the previous time, when India visited England. He scored just 134 runs in 10 innings at an average of 13.4. However, this time around Indian fans would be hoping that he would lead from the front, just as he did against Australia in 2014.

Chesteshwar Pujara has been an important weapon in India's armory. He has had a tremendous home season and has amassed huge amount of runs. But, his away form hasn't been as impressive as his home form. However, opting to play county cricket for Yorkshire and getting acclimatized to the conditions earlier will definitely be advantageous for him and India.

Ajinkya Rahane has been one of the most consistent Indian players in test matches outside India. He would be having the fond memories of England as he scored a brilliant century at Lord's in his previous visit. His ability to attack and defend by playing normal cricketing shots makes him stand out from the rest of his counterparts especially in foreign conditions. His positive experience from the previous visit will come in handy for India.

#3. Wicket-keeper and All-rounder: Wriddhiman Saha and Hardik Pandya

Wriddhiman Saha

Wriddhiman Saha is one of the finest wicket-keepers in the world when it comes to wicket-keeping skills. When it comes to his batting,time and time again he has scored crucial runs for India. England will be no different, his ball collection skills, catching skills and batting skills etc. will be put to test once again in the challenging English conditions. India would hope that he will enhance his reputation even further as a world class keeper batsman post this series with England.

Hardik Pandya is still emerging as an All-rounder when it comes to the red ball cricket.However, India will be hoping that he comes good with the bat and ball both thereby providing the much-needed stability to the side.

#4. Spinner: Kuldeep Yadav

Kuldeep Yadav

The left arm Chinaman bowler has been on a roll,causing huge problems to the English batsman in the T20Is and ODIs. Their inability to read Kuldeep Yadav from the hand,reduces their run scoring options. Even though Kuldeep may not appear to be the first choice when it comes to to the test matches but his inclusion in the staring XI will definitely provide an extra edge to the Indian bowling attack.

#5. Fast Bowlers: Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah and Ishant Sharma

Bhuvneshwar Kumar

The pace battery of Bhuvneshwar Kumar,Jasprit Bumrah and Ishant Sharma forms a formidable attack. The South Africa tour showed us that how lethal and potent this pace battery can be.

The biggest weapon which Bhuvneshwar Kumar has is that he can swing the ball both ways with great control which is ideal for English conditions. This makes him a certainty in the starting XI provided he his fully fit.

Ishant Sharma on the other hand is someone who can bowl good,nagging lines consistently. His experience of having previously bowled in England and his county stint with Sussesx will provide much needed experience and consistency to the Indian attack.

Jasprit Bumrah's natural pace,unique arm action,accuracy etc. makes him a match winner. Bumrah will play a key role in deceiving top order batsmen with his skiddy pace, and will look to get the better of the tailenders with his impeccable yorkers.