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

Fast Bowlers

Umesh Yadav

Umesh Yadav appealing for a wicket

Even though Umesh Yadav went for runs in the T20 and ODI series, he took wickets and troubled the English batsmen with his pace. He was also India's most successful bowler in the practice game with four wickets to his name. If Yadav can work on bowling consistently on a good line and length, he can be dangerous for the batsmen.

Mohammed Shami

Shami's fitness will be keenly observed

Mohammed Shami will be making a comeback to the Indian team after failing in the mandatory YoYo test before the one-off Test against Afghanistan. Shami has struggled with form and fitness recently and will be keen to get back in full flow in the first Test.

He has shown in the past that when in rhythm, he can destroy any batting line-up in the world. India will be banking on Shami to do well against England.

Ishant Sharma

Ishant will be

lead

the Indian bowling-attack

The responsibility of leading the bowling-attack will be on the shoulders of Ishant Sharma. In the absence of Bumrah and Bhuvneshwar, Ishant's performance will be vital for India's chances in the series.

Ishant has played a lot of cricket, both international and county, in English conditions and his relentless bowling can cause problems for England's experienced batting line-up.