All you need to know about the first India-England Test at Rajkot

#1 England’s batting depth under focus

Ben Stokes could pose a threat with both bat and ball

Capable of tormenting the opposition in tandem, India’s spin duo of Ashwin and Jadeja hold the aces against a batting lineup which showed signs of capitulating to the turning ball at home (in the Pakistan series) as well as in Bangladesh.

If picked, Amit Mishra can be expected to play a pivotal role seeing the visitor’s struggles against wrist-spin.

The onus will be on England’s top-order to get them off to solid starts and reduce the effect of impending collapses. Armed with a rapidly improving ability to generate reverse-swing as well as a batting style which allows him to score quickly, all rounder Ben Stokes has all the makings of becoming a genuine game-changer even on the turning subcontinental pitches.