India's Predicted Playing XI for the first Test againt England

Wicket-Keeper and All-rounders

Dinesh Karthik

Karthik played the 2007 tour of England as an opener

Even though Dinesh Karthik will get a chance in the playing XI because of Wriddhiman Saha's injury, nothing can be taken away from Karthik who has continuously performed well in domestic cricket and deserves a place in the Indian side.

Karthik has been in rich vein of form and was the highest scorer in the practice game against Essex and will be keen to grab this opportunity.

Hardik Pandya

Pandya can take the attack to the opposition

India will have the luxury of having a fast bowling all-rounder in the squad, something that was missing in the last few tours of England. Pandya has the ability to play aggressive cricket and take the game away from the opposition in a session.

His unorthodox style of batting can unsettle the English bowlers. Pandya has been improving as a bowler too and will provide an extra option to Kohli.

Ravichandran Ashwin

Ashwin will be key to India's chances in the series

England's weakness to spin bowling was exposed to a certain extent by Kuldeep Yadav earlier in the tour and Ravi Ashwin will look to exploit this weakness further. The experienced off-spinner will fancy his chances against the not-so-certain England batsmen.

Also, England has a lot of left-handers in the side and Ashwin will be a big threat to them. His batting lower down the order will also be crucial.