Ranking the current Indian batsmen by their test average in England

The blockbuster series between India and England is set to commence on August 1. Having traded blows in the T20 and ODI series, both team would be eager to win the ultimate prize. Although it may seem that both teams match strength to strength, a look at the past performances of the current set of Indian batsmen would make it clear who the favourite is to win the coveted Pataudi trophy.

If India are to perform better than they did in 2014, the batsmen have to take responsibility and be prepared to grind it out against the likes of James Anderson and Stuart Broad.

India have gone in with 7 specialist batsmen and 2 wicket-keeper batsmen. While some of them have past experience to rely on, 3 players namely, KL Rahul, Karun Nair and Rishabh Pant will be playing test cricket on English soil for the very first time.

Here's ranking the other 6 batsmen based on their test average in England.

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#6 Virat Kohli

Average 13.4, Runs 134, 100s 0, 50s 0, HS 39

Yes, it's Virat Kohli who has the worst average among the 6 batters! Kohli had a torrid time in his first and only test series in England back in 2014. He repeatedly kept getting out to James Anderson & Co. by poking at deliveries which he should have safely left alone.

Anderson particularly got the better of Kohli on 4 occasions. In the 10 innings that he came out to bat, he could manage only 134 runs at a lowly average of 13. The highest score Kohli could manage was 39!

A lot has changed for the Indian skipper since that disastrous tour in 2014. Kohli has scored runs all-over the world ever since. But if India are to win the test series, it is up to Kohli to conquer the final frontier!

#5 Shikhar Dhawan

Average 20.33, Runs 122, 100s 0, 50s 0, HS 37

Shikhar Dhawan's struggle with the new ball is well known

The destructive Indian opener, much like his skipper, has performed below expectations when it comes to playing on English soil. Back in 2014, when Dhawan opened the innings for India, he could manage only 122 runs at a below-par average of 20. This resulted in him getting dropped after 3 tests.

While Shikhar Dhawan has been brilliant in ODI cricket, having scored runs in England too, it is his trouble with the moving red cherry that is a cause for concern for team India. With KL Rahul waiting in the ranks and boasting of a better batting technique than Dhawan, it should not come as a surprise if Rahul walks-in to bat alongside Murali Vijay come August 1.

#4 Cheteshwar Pujara

Average 22.2, Runs 222, 100s 0, 50s 1, HS 55

Cheteshwar Pujara had a bad tour in 2014

With talks of Cheteshwar Pujara being the next Rahul Dravid not so long ago, one could be astonished to know the batting average of this Saurashtra lad who boasts of a solid defensive game.

With most of the Indian batsmen failing to deliver in 2014, Pujara's failure might have gone unnoticed, but this might just be his last chance to establish himself as a batsman in Dravid's league. India will want their number 3 along with the openers to play for as long as possible so as to keep Kohli and Rahane away from the swinging ball.

#3 Ajinkya Rahane

Average 33.22, Runs 299, 100s 1, 50s 2, HS 103

Ajinkya Rahane has scored a ton at the Mecca of cricket

The Indian vice-captain is one of only 2 players in the current squad to score a test ton in England. He had a decent outing in 2014 and was instrumental in India's win at Lord's scoring a match-winning 103.

Although Rahane has a decent average of 33 on English soil, the Indian team would be expecting more from their number 5 this time around, particularly to tackle the second new ball and take the team to a decent total.

#2 Murali Vijay

Average 40.2, Runs 402, 100s 1, 50s 2, HS 146

Murali Vijay scored a magnificent 146 in the first test in 2014 series

Murali Vijay and the 'art of leaving' were quite synonymous until India's tour of South Africa earlier this year where he repeatedly poked at balls outside his off-stump, thus getting out cheaply.

The Indian opener was the highest run scorer for India in the 2014 series with an average of 40 and scored crucial runs in the first 2 tests including a mammoth 146 in the first test and a magnificent 95 in the Lord's win.

If India are to perform better this time around, then Vijay should do what he does best - grind out the opposition bowling and pave way for the middle order to score big runs.

#1 Dinesh Karthik

Average 43.83, Runs 263, 100s 0, 50s 3, HS 91

Dinesh Karthik has some fond memories of the 2007 tour

A rather surprising name tops the list, but Dinesh Karthik has scored some vital runs for India during the 2007 series, which is the last time Indian won a test series in England. He had opened the batting in all 3 tests and scored a fifty in each of the matches playing against the likes of James Anderson, Ryan Sidebottom and Chris Tremlett.

An average of 43 in English conditions is something that would make most openers proud. A decent batting technique and the experience of English conditions could even make him an outside contender for the opening slot this time around.