England vs India 2018: India's predicted playing XI for the first test against England

#3 Wicket keeper, All-rounder and Spinner

Dinesh Karthik, Hardik Pandya and Kuldeep Yadav

Kuldeep Yadav might be picked ahead of Ashwin and Jadeja for the first test.

An injury to Wriddhiman Saha means that India have gone with two wicketkeepers Dinesh Karthik and young Rishabh Pant for the first 3 tests. Between Karthik and Pant, Karthik is most probably going to play the first test against England at Edgbaston considering Karthik's experience of having previously played test matches in England.

Also, this might be Dinesh Karthik's best chance of establishing himself as a permanent wicket keeping batsmen in the Indian test team, as Dinesh Karthik is technically much better batsman compared to Wriddhiman Saha.

Being the only pace bowling all-rounder in the squad, Hardik Pandya is guaranteed to be picked for the first test against England. But, Hardik Pandya's batting, as well as bowling, leaves a lot to be desired. However, due to lack of quality all-rounders in the domestic circuit, Hardik Pandya's place in the Indian cricket team is certain for time being in all the formats.

Considering the way English batsmen struggled against his mystery spin bowling, The 23-year-old Chinaman bowler Kuldeep Yadav might get a nod to play the first test against England ahead celebrated spin duo of R. Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, as even skipper Virat Kohli recently hinting that he might be tempted to play Kuldeep in the test matches against England.