Eng vs Ind 1st Test: 4 expected changes for India from the last playing XI vs Afghanistan

#3. Mohammed Shami in for Hardik Pandya

A fit Mohammed Shami will be a boost for the Indian team

Mohammed Shami was the leading wicket-taker of the series in India's tour of South Africa. Shami picked up 15 crucial wickets in 3 matches. His 5-wicket haul in the second innings of the Johannesburg Test inspired the Indian team for a historic test win in the dead rubber.

Shami has been India's major strike bowler in test format with 110 wickets in just 30 matches. He was picked in the Indian squad for Afghanistan Test but unfortunately missed out due to a failure in Yo-Yo test. As Shami proved his fitness by clearing it on the second chance, he was included in the squad for England Tests.

With Bumrah nursing a thumb injury and perceived to be match-fit for the 2nd test, Shami will be the key bowler for India in the first test. Since the conditions are expected to be dry, the team management will be looking to manage bowler's workload by dropping Pandya and have five proper bowlers in the side.