India vs England: India's possible playing XI to face England

The final line-up

Pandya impressed in the recently concluded ODI series

A lot depends on the team combination in choosing the 11 to place against England on the first Test. Nine out of the 11 spots are already occupied, with Karun Nair, Ishant Sharma, Hardik Pandya and Amit Mishra fighting for the remaining two spots.

After a decent ODI series against the Kiwis, it will be unfair on the team management not to pick Pandya. He also provides the team a much-needed stability as he is capable of scoring runs down the order and can give the captain few bowlers to bowl when needed. Pandya’s inclusion also allows the team management to go in with Amit Mishra as the third spinner.

Probable Playing XI: Gautam Gambhir, Murali Vijay, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli (c), Ajinkya Rahane, R Ashwin, Wriddhiman Saha, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Amit Mishra and Mohammad Shami.