India's predicted starting XI against England in first test match

Wicketkeeper and All-rounder: Dinesh Karthik and Hardik Pandya

Hardik Pandya has become one of India's most valued assets in cricket

Dinesh Karthik is definitely India's journeyman and made his India debut in 2004. He has only played 24 test matches since 14 years and only recently made a comeback to the team due to, Saha's injury.

He played in the historic test match against Afghanistan. He has scored 1004 runs in 38 innings at an average of 27.13. At England, he has scored 263 runs in 6 innings at an average of 43.83.

Hardik Pandya has become one of India's most valued assets in cricket. He provides all three facets of the game- explosive batsman, wicket-taking bowler and a superb fielder. He is a newcomer in the test arena and has only played seven test matches.

He has batted 10 times and scored 368 runs at an average of 36.8. He has also picked up seven wickets and will look to score runs and pick up crucial wickets.