Virat Kohli took over the reins as India's full-time Test captain in 2015, since then he had led the team 33 wins. These wins make him the most successful Test captain for India.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/england-skipper-joe-root-becomes-first-batsman-to-score-double-ton-in-100th-test-361769">England's Joe Root becomes first batsman to score double ton in 100th Test</a>

Team India's head coach Ravi Shastri, who has been managing the team since 2014, hailed Virat Kohli's evolution as the captain of the team.&nbsp;

“Just seeing the way he has evolved, you knew that there was an uncut diamond there when I took over in 2014, but just to see him evolve… It takes time, everything doesn’t happen in a hurry,” Shastri said on Star Sports show Cricket Live.

“You got to have the ups, the downs, you know, you got to feel the heat, you got to have your successes and failures, to be able to get up and move on in life. I think he has handled that beautifully and I’m sure he will handle fatherhood as well in that similar manner.”

Shastri went to talk about the busy 2021 and suggested a two-week-long break for their players post the upcoming IPL season.&nbsp;

"You know, this team takes, like I said, pride in performance. They take it one step at a time. Every game is important, every format is important, and you look at it in that way and we’ve got the volume of players. You know, at the moment, the bench strength is there to... for you to accommodate them, across formats," Shastri added.

"So, I think the hunger will be there, you’ll have to perform game after game, but I do believe, you need a break as well, from the international arena. So, I think, hopefully, after this series. Yes, they go into the IPL, but that’s a shorter format, but then again, after the IPL, I think, a couple of weeks off is a must. With these quarantines, these bubbles, it is mentally very, very draining. You're a human at the end of it all."

Virat Kohli took over the reins as India's full-time Test captain in 2015, since then he had led the team 33 wins. These wins make him the most successful Test captain for India.

Virat Kohli took over the reins as India's full-time Test captain in 2015, since then he had led the team 33 wins. These wins make him the most successful Test captain for India. ALSO READ: England's Joe Root becomes first batsman to score double ton in 100th Test Team India's head coach Ravi Shastri, who has been managing the team since 2014, hailed Virat Kohli's evolution as the captain of the team. “Just seeing the way he has evolved, you knew that there was an uncut diamond there when I took over in 2014, but just to see him evolve… It takes time, everything doesn’t happen in a hurry,” Shastri said on Star Sports show Cricket Live. “You got to have the ups, the downs, you know, you got to feel the heat, you got to have your successes and failures, to be able to get up and move on in life. I think he has handled that beautifully and I’m sure he will handle fatherhood as well in that similar manner.” Shastri went to talk about the busy 2021 and suggested a two-week-long break for their players post the upcoming IPL season. "You know, this team takes, like I said, pride in performance. They take it one step at a time. Every game is important, every format is important, and you look at it in that way and we’ve got the volume of players. You know, at the moment, the bench strength is there to... for you to accommodate them, across formats," Shastri added. "So, I think the hunger will be there, you’ll have to perform game after game, but I do believe, you need a break as well, from the international arena. So, I think, hopefully, after this series. Yes, they go into the IPL, but that’s a shorter format, but then again, after the IPL, I think, a couple of weeks off is a must. With these quarantines, these bubbles, it is mentally very, very draining. You're a human at the end of it all."

'Just seeing the way he has evolved': Ravi Shastri hails Virat Kohli as the captain

Former Indian batsman VVS Laxman on Friday was surprised by Team India's tactic of not giving Ashwin the ball for first 20 overs after tea on the Day 1 of the first Test against India.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-eng-1st-test-day-1-root-scores-3rd-consecutive-ton-england-take-upper-hand-361577" hreflang="en">Ind vs Eng 1st Test, Day 1: Root scores 3rd consecutive ton, England take upper hand</a>

According to Laxman, the Chennai-based off-spinner should have been given the ball earlier to remove in-form Joe Root.&nbsp;

While speaking to Star Sports Network, Laxman said, “I was a little bit surprised that after Tea for almost 20-21 overs Ashwin did not bowl and that is something which you don't expect when you know Joe Root is their main batsman and you want to get his wicket as soon as possible.”

Laxman even talked about the importance of the new ball and how India can capitalise on Day 2.&nbsp;

“I think, first use the new ball. This one is just 10 overs old, Bumrah and Ishant will have to be spot-on early on, especially with the new batsman coming in, the first 30-40 minutes will set the tone and then Ashwin has to be your primary bowler who will put pressure on the batsmen,” Laxman added.

"As far as [Shahbaz] Nadeem and Washington Sundar is concerned, even though they are not getting wicket they need to play the restrictive role, not give away easy boundaries because if they leak run, a lot of pressure will come on experienced India bowlers.”

On Day 2, a 92-run stand between skipper Joe Root and Ben Stokes has powered England to 355/3 before lunch. Root looks comfortable on 156, whereas, Stokes' 63 in 98 balls has been troubling the Indian bowlers.&nbsp;

Former Indian batsman VVS Laxman on Friday was surprised by Team India's tactic of not giving Ashwin the ball for first 20 overs after tea on the Day 1 of the first Test against India.

Former Indian batsman VVS Laxman on Friday was surprised by Team India's tactic of not giving Ashwin the ball for first 20 overs after tea on the Day 1 of the first Test against India. ALSO READ: Ind vs Eng 1st Test, Day 1: Root scores 3rd consecutive ton, England take upper hand According to Laxman, the Chennai-based off-spinner should have been given the ball earlier to remove in-form Joe Root. While speaking to Star Sports Network, Laxman said, “I was a little bit surprised that after Tea for almost 20-21 overs Ashwin did not bowl and that is something which you don't expect when you know Joe Root is their main batsman and you want to get his wicket as soon as possible.” Laxman even talked about the importance of the new ball and how India can capitalise on Day 2. “I think, first use the new ball. This one is just 10 overs old, Bumrah and Ishant will have to be spot-on early on, especially with the new batsman coming in, the first 30-40 minutes will set the tone and then Ashwin has to be your primary bowler who will put pressure on the batsmen,” Laxman added. "As far as [Shahbaz] Nadeem and Washington Sundar is concerned, even though they are not getting wicket they need to play the restrictive role, not give away easy boundaries because if they leak run, a lot of pressure will come on experienced India bowlers.” On Day 2, a 92-run stand between skipper Joe Root and Ben Stokes has powered England to 355/3 before lunch. Root looks comfortable on 156, whereas, Stokes' 63 in 98 balls has been troubling the Indian bowlers.

'I was a little bit surprised': VVS Laxman on India's tactic after Tea on Day 1

England captain Joe Root became the first batsman to smash a double-hundred in his 100th test, crafting a massive 218 runs to put his team in charge of the opening match against India in Chennai on Saturday. 
 
The 30-year-old registered his second double-century in three matches as England amassed 555-8 on a flat wicket at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. 
 
At the end of Day Two, Dom Bess was batting on 28 with Jack Leach on six at the other end. 
 
Root was seen battling cramps in the final overs on Friday but returned to hound India`s bowlers when England resumed on 263-3. 
 
The right-hander looked typically solid against an Indian attack which could manage only a couple of half-hearted lbw appeals against him in the first two sessions. 
 
Root was more than happy to let Ben Stokes dominate their 124-run collaboration for the fourth wicket as the boundaries flowed, while the latter praised his captain`s performance later. 
 
"It`s a bit frightening when you`re at the other end and he`s playing like that and how easy he makes the game look," Stokes said. 
 
"At the moment he`s in incredible form and to play the way he has done in such tough conditions, so alien to us as England batsmen, is incredible." 
 
Playing his first test since August, Stokes smashed 10 boundaries and three sixes in a typically entertaining 82. 
 
Test cricket`s top all-rounder asserted himself early, hitting off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin over his head for a six. 
 
India`s desperation for a breakthrough showed when they blew back-to-back reviews after lbw appeals against Stokes and Root had been turned down. 
 
The home side did not look sharp on the field either. Ravichandran Ashwin dropped a return catch from Stokes, then on 31, and in the next over, the all-rounder`s slog-sweep brushed a diving Cheteshwar Pujara`s fingers at midwicket. 
 
Pujara later made amends by taking a juggling catch after Stokes had played a slog-sweep against left-arm spinner Shahbaz Nadeem. 
 
Root prevailed in a duel with Ravichandran Ashwin, hitting the off-spinner for six to bring up his fifth test double-hundred. 
 
For England, only Wally Hammond on seven has more double-centuries than Root, who also scored a double-hundred and a century in his last two tests in Sri Lanka. 
 
Nadeem eventually ended Root`s nearly nine-hour vigil by trapping him lbw, which the batsman immediately reviewed unsuccessfully. 
 
Ishant Sharma gave India a boost late in the day, dismissing Jos Buttler and Jofra Archer in successive deliveries, although Leach denied him a hat-trick. 
 
"On such a docile track, those back-to-back wickets really lifted our morale," Nadeem told reporters. 
 
"The pitch is still very good for batting, and I`m sure our batsmen will also put up a big total."

England captain Joe Root became the first batsman to smash a double-hundred in his 100th test, crafting a massive 218 runs to put his team in charge of the opening match against India in Chennai on Saturday.

England captain Joe Root became the first batsman to smash a double-hundred in his 100th test, crafting a massive 218 runs to put his team in charge of the opening match against India in Chennai on Saturday. The 30-year-old registered his second double-century in three matches as England amassed 555-8 on a flat wicket at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. At the end of Day Two, Dom Bess was batting on 28 with Jack Leach on six at the other end. Root was seen battling cramps in the final overs on Friday but returned to hound India`s bowlers when England resumed on 263-3. The right-hander looked typically solid against an Indian attack which could manage only a couple of half-hearted lbw appeals against him in the first two sessions. Root was more than happy to let Ben Stokes dominate their 124-run collaboration for the fourth wicket as the boundaries flowed, while the latter praised his captain`s performance later. "It`s a bit frightening when you`re at the other end and he`s playing like that and how easy he makes the game look," Stokes said. "At the moment he`s in incredible form and to play the way he has done in such tough conditions, so alien to us as England batsmen, is incredible." Playing his first test since August, Stokes smashed 10 boundaries and three sixes in a typically entertaining 82. Test cricket`s top all-rounder asserted himself early, hitting off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin over his head for a six. India`s desperation for a breakthrough showed when they blew back-to-back reviews after lbw appeals against Stokes and Root had been turned down. The home side did not look sharp on the field either. Ravichandran Ashwin dropped a return catch from Stokes, then on 31, and in the next over, the all-rounder`s slog-sweep brushed a diving Cheteshwar Pujara`s fingers at midwicket. Pujara later made amends by taking a juggling catch after Stokes had played a slog-sweep against left-arm spinner Shahbaz Nadeem. Root prevailed in a duel with Ravichandran Ashwin, hitting the off-spinner for six to bring up his fifth test double-hundred. For England, only Wally Hammond on seven has more double-centuries than Root, who also scored a double-hundred and a century in his last two tests in Sri Lanka. Nadeem eventually ended Root`s nearly nine-hour vigil by trapping him lbw, which the batsman immediately reviewed unsuccessfully. Ishant Sharma gave India a boost late in the day, dismissing Jos Buttler and Jofra Archer in successive deliveries, although Leach denied him a hat-trick. "On such a docile track, those back-to-back wickets really lifted our morale," Nadeem told reporters. "The pitch is still very good for batting, and I`m sure our batsmen will also put up a big total."

Ind vs Eng, Day 2: Root's double-century in 100th test puts England in control versus India

England skipper Joe Root on Saturday became the first cricketer to smash a double ton in his 100th Test. The visiting captain came on to the crease when England were down to 64/2 on Day 1 of the first Test against India at the MA Chidambaram stadium.

England skipper Joe Root on Saturday became the first cricketer to smash a double ton in his 100th Test. The visiting captain came on to the crease when England were down to 64/2 on Day 1 of the first Test against India at the MA Chidambaram stadium. ALSO READ: 'Not a great sign for his confidence': Harbhajan Singh on Kuldeep Yadav's omission Joe Root brought up his double ton in style as he smashed Ashwin's delivery out of the park. England have been dominant in the first two days of the Test match as the visitors have crossed the 450-mark by tea on Day 2. First batsman in the history of Test cricket to score a double century in his 100th Test – JOE ROOT 👏 Sensational innings from the England skipper!#INDvENG | https://t.co/gnj5x4GOos pic.twitter.com/IiSpElgvrH — ICC (@ICC) February 6, 2021 × Root has been comfortable despite lethal deliveries from India's bowling attack. Yesterday, the English skipper became the first cricketer to smash a ton in his 98th, 99th, 100th Test match. At the tea of Day 2, Root remains unbeaten on 209 runs, along with Ollie Pope has scored 24 runs for England in this match. The duo has stitched a partnership of 67 runs powering England to 454/4 at tea on Day 2. ALSO READ: 'I was a little bit surprised': VVS Laxman on India's tactic after Tea on Day 1 Jadeja's absence was felt by Indian squad on a flat pitch like this. Indian bowlers have found it difficult to get wickets in such tough conditions. Ben Stokes' quickfire 82 runs troubled the bowlers too. However, the star all-rounder was dismissed after playing a loose shot off Nadeem's delivery giving an easy catch Cheteshwar Pujara. BRIEF SCORE- England: 457/4 (147.2) CRR: 3.1; Joe Root: 211 runs off 357 balls, Ollie Pope 24 runs 74 balls

England skipper Joe Root becomes first batsman to score double ton in 100th Test

Indian all-rounder Axar Patel has been ruled out of the first Test against England in Chennai due to knee injury, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed on Friday.&nbsp;

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On Thursday, Axar Patel complained of pain in his left knee during a training session. BCCI released a statement on the 27-year-old's injury.&nbsp;

"He is being monitored by the BCCI medical team and while his detailed reports are awaited, he will not be available for selection for the opening match," the board said in a statement.

Shahbaz Nadeem and Rahul Chahar have been added to the squad before the first Test match kicked off on Friday at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.&nbsp;

Shahbaz Nadeem replaced the Gujrat-based player in the first Test.&nbsp;

England won the toss and chose to bat. Opening pair of Rory Burns and Dom Sibley have given the visitors a good start with a 50-run stand.

Indian all-rounder Axar Patel has been ruled out of the first Test against England in Chennai due to knee injury, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed on Friday.

Indian all-rounder Axar Patel has been ruled out of the first Test against England in Chennai due to knee injury, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed on Friday. ALSO READ: Will Marnus Labuschagne play in IPL 2021? The Aussie responds On Thursday, Axar Patel complained of pain in his left knee during a training session. BCCI released a statement on the 27-year-old's injury. "He is being monitored by the BCCI medical team and while his detailed reports are awaited, he will not be available for selection for the opening match," the board said in a statement. Shahbaz Nadeem and Rahul Chahar have been added to the squad before the first Test match kicked off on Friday at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. Shahbaz Nadeem replaced the Gujrat-based player in the first Test. England won the toss and chose to bat. Opening pair of Rory Burns and Dom Sibley have given the visitors a good start with a 50-run stand.

Axar Patel ruled out of first Test due to knee injury: BCCI

England captain Joe Root`s third consecutive Test century (128 batting) and his 200-run stand for the third wicket with opener Dom Sibley helped the visitors reach 263 for three wickets at stumps on the first day of their first Test against India at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium on Friday. 
 
Root became the ninth batsman to slam a century in his 100th Test. 
 
Fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah dismissed Sibley on 87 off the last ball of the day to help India end it on a positive note for themselves. However, Sibley and Root`s partnership, coupled with a 63-run opening stand between the former and Rory Burns helped England take the upper hand on the first day of the Test. 
 
England won the toss and chose to bat at the Chepauk Stadium. India opted to play three spinners in Ravichandran Ashwin, Washington Sundar and Shahbaz Nadeem along with two fast bowlers Ishant Sharma and Bumrah. 
 
Burns and Sibley almost saw England through to lunch without losing a wicket in an attritional first session of the match. However, Ashwin got the breakthrough for the hosts as Burns mistimed a reverse sweep off the spinner. The ball lobed up into the air and wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant completed a simple catch. 
 
Just two overs later, Bumrah dismissed Dan Lawrence, who came in at one down, on a duck to force Root to walk in for the last over of the session. 
 
Root and Sibley then ensured that England did not lose a wicket in the next session and almost repeated that in the final session of the day. However, Bumrah trapped Sibley in front of his leg stump with a delivery that was pitched high. The umpire raised his finger and Sibley reviewed the decision, only for it to be confirmed by the replays. The umpires called stumps with the fall of that wicket. 
 
Root walked back to the pavilion having scored his 20th Test century. He had scored 186 and 228 in England`s last two Tests against Sri Lanka. He has hit 14 fours and one six thus far in the innings. 
 
Brief scores: England 263/3 (Joe Root 128 batting, Dom Sibley 87; Jasprit Bumrah 2/40) vs India.

England captain Joe Root`s third consecutive Test century (128 batting) and his 200-run stand for the third wicket with opener Dom Sibley helped the visitors reach 263 for three wickets at stumps on the first day of their first Test against India at the M.

England captain Joe Root`s third consecutive Test century (128 batting) and his 200-run stand for the third wicket with opener Dom Sibley helped the visitors reach 263 for three wickets at stumps on the first day of their first Test against India at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium on Friday. Root became the ninth batsman to slam a century in his 100th Test. Fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah dismissed Sibley on 87 off the last ball of the day to help India end it on a positive note for themselves. However, Sibley and Root`s partnership, coupled with a 63-run opening stand between the former and Rory Burns helped England take the upper hand on the first day of the Test. England won the toss and chose to bat at the Chepauk Stadium. India opted to play three spinners in Ravichandran Ashwin, Washington Sundar and Shahbaz Nadeem along with two fast bowlers Ishant Sharma and Bumrah. Burns and Sibley almost saw England through to lunch without losing a wicket in an attritional first session of the match. However, Ashwin got the breakthrough for the hosts as Burns mistimed a reverse sweep off the spinner. The ball lobed up into the air and wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant completed a simple catch. Just two overs later, Bumrah dismissed Dan Lawrence, who came in at one down, on a duck to force Root to walk in for the last over of the session. Root and Sibley then ensured that England did not lose a wicket in the next session and almost repeated that in the final session of the day. However, Bumrah trapped Sibley in front of his leg stump with a delivery that was pitched high. The umpire raised his finger and Sibley reviewed the decision, only for it to be confirmed by the replays. The umpires called stumps with the fall of that wicket. Root walked back to the pavilion having scored his 20th Test century. He had scored 186 and 228 in England`s last two Tests against Sri Lanka. He has hit 14 fours and one six thus far in the innings. Brief scores: England 263/3 (Joe Root 128 batting, Dom Sibley 87; Jasprit Bumrah 2/40) vs India.

Ind vs Eng 1st Test, Day 1: Root scores 3rd consecutive ton, England take upper hand

England batsman Zak Crawley has been ruled out of the first two Tests against India with a jarred wrist, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed on Thursday. Crawley, 23, had slipped on a marble floor outside the dressing room during training ahead of the first Test against India in Chennai, starting from Friday.

Crawley, with the slip, sprained the joint which led to local inflammation. The England medical team will continue to assess Crawley's progress over the next few weeks.&nbsp;

"Scan results have confirmed that Crawley has jarred his right wrist, which has sprained the joint and led to local inflammation," the England and Wales Cricket Board said in a statement.

"It's really frustrating and frustrating for Zak in particular," Joe Root, the England captain, told reporters during a virtual press conference on the eve of the first Test in Chennai.

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"It was a freak accident, walking out of the change room and slipped over and landed on his wrist. Hope it's the last one," he said.

However, Root didn't reveal who would replace the Kent batsman, who smashed 267 runs for his maiden Test century against Pakistan at Southampton in August.

When asked whether Root would promote himself up at number three in the batting line-up, the England Test captain said: "There are a different number of things we have got. We have got some brilliant players, different options to choose from. We will look at the balance of the side but we will discuss it over today's course."

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India and England will play four Test matches with the first two scheduled to be played in Chennai and the remaining two in world's largest cricket stadium - Sardar Patel Stadium - in Ahmedabad.&nbsp;

The Virat Kohli-led outfit will look to continue their domination on home soil. India last lost a Test match in home conditions in the year 2016 and last Test series in 2012.

&nbsp;

England batsman Zak Crawley has been ruled out of the first two Tests against India with a jarred wrist, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed on Thursday.

England batsman Zak Crawley has been ruled out of the first two Tests against India with a jarred wrist, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed on Thursday. Crawley, 23, had slipped on a marble floor outside the dressing room during training ahead of the first Test against India in Chennai, starting from Friday. Crawley, with the slip, sprained the joint which led to local inflammation. The England medical team will continue to assess Crawley's progress over the next few weeks. "Scan results have confirmed that Crawley has jarred his right wrist, which has sprained the joint and led to local inflammation," the England and Wales Cricket Board said in a statement. "It's really frustrating and frustrating for Zak in particular," Joe Root, the England captain, told reporters during a virtual press conference on the eve of the first Test in Chennai. ALSO READ: New Zealand deserve to be in WTC final, India focused on England series: Ajinkya Rahane "It was a freak accident, walking out of the change room and slipped over and landed on his wrist. Hope it's the last one," he said. However, Root didn't reveal who would replace the Kent batsman, who smashed 267 runs for his maiden Test century against Pakistan at Southampton in August. When asked whether Root would promote himself up at number three in the batting line-up, the England Test captain said: "There are a different number of things we have got. We have got some brilliant players, different options to choose from. We will look at the balance of the side but we will discuss it over today's course." ALSO READ: Joe Root eyes illustrious records in Chennai Test against India India and England will play four Test matches with the first two scheduled to be played in Chennai and the remaining two in world's largest cricket stadium - Sardar Patel Stadium - in Ahmedabad. The Virat Kohli-led outfit will look to continue their domination on home soil. India last lost a Test match in home conditions in the year 2016 and last Test series in 2012.

England's Zak Crawley ruled out of first two Tests vs India

Team India are set to lock horns with Joe Root's England in the first Test match of the four-match series as International cricket returns to India. ALSO READ: Indian skipper Virat Kohli reveals the greatest moment of his life Virat Kohli will be back leading the team after missing the last three Tests against Australia to be with his wife on the birth of their first child.

Team India are set to lock horns with Joe Root's England in the first Test match of the four-match series as International cricket returns to India. ALSO READ: Indian skipper Virat Kohli reveals the greatest moment of his life Virat Kohli will be back leading the team after missing the last three Tests against Australia to be with his wife on the birth of their first child. Ajinkya Rahane, in Kohli's absence, led the Indian team impeccably well as India won the series 2-1. England too won an away series against Sri Lanka. Both teams will be filling the finals spot of World Test Championship to face New Zealand. When and what time will India vs England 1st Test begin? India vs English 1st Test will start at 9:30 AM IST. The toss will take place at 9:00 AM IST. Where will India vs England 1st Test take place? India vs England 1st Test match will be held at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai. Which channel will telecast India vs England 1st Test in India? India vs England 1st Test will be live on Star Sports Network. How to watch the live streaming of India vs England 1st Test? Other than the Star Sports Network's platforms, the India vs England 1st Test match will be streamed on Jio TV and Airtel TV. What are the squads for India vs England 1st Test? India squad: Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli(c), Ajinkya Rahane, Rishabh Pant(w), Washington Sundar, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, KL Rahul, Shardul Thakur, Kuldeep Yadav, Mayank Agarwal, Wriddhiman Saha. England squad: Rory Burns, Dominic Sibley, Daniel Lawrence, Joe Root(c), Ben Stokes, Ollie Pope, Jos Buttler(w), Moeen Ali, Jofra Archer, Jack Leach, Stuart Broad, James Anderson, Chris Woakes, Ben Foakes, Olly Stone, Dominic Bess.

Ind vs Eng Live streaming: When and where to watch India vs England 1st Test?

India and England are set to kick-start the four-Test series with the opener scheduled to be played at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai from Friday. Both India and England are&nbsp;heading into the series on the back of a series wins against Australia and Sri Lanka respectively. While the series promises to be a cracking contest with both England and India boasting some world-class players, fans are eagerly waiting to witness the clash of giants.&nbsp;

India have almost a fully-fit squad with a couple of players missing the Test series due to injuries suffered in the tour of Australia. The likes of Hanuma Vihari, Ravindra Jadeja and Mohammed Shami are missing but the hosts still boast a strong squad which might&nbsp;lead to selection headaches in the Indian camp.&nbsp;

While the batting order looks almost set with the likes of Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane, all eyes will be on the bowling combination of the Indian attack as the match will be played in Chennai, which has assisted spinners&nbsp;over the years.&nbsp;

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However, with two back-to-back Test matches scheduled and a debutant curator V Ramesh Kumar taking charge of the proceedings, the MA Chidambaram Stadium could&nbsp;play equal field for both pacers and spinners early on. But India&nbsp;are&nbsp;likely to go with three spinners given England's recent struggle against spin bowling.&nbsp;

India last lost a home Test series back in the year 2012 – against England – and has since lost only one Test match, in 2016, on home soil. Given India's sheer domination at home, the Virat Kohli-led outfit starts as heavy&nbsp;favourites&nbsp;to not only win the first Test but also to win the series.&nbsp;

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India predicted playing XI:&nbsp;Rohit&nbsp;Sharma,&nbsp;Shubman&nbsp;Gill, Cheteshwar&nbsp;Pujara, Virat&nbsp;Kohli,&nbsp;Ajinkya Rahane, Rishabh Pant, Ravichandran Ashwin, Washington Sundar/Axar&nbsp;Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit&nbsp;Bumrah, Ishant Sharma&nbsp;

India and England are set to kick-start the four-Test series with the opener scheduled to be played at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai from Friday. Both India and England are heading into the series on the back of a series wins against Australia and Sri Lanka respectively.

India and England are set to kick-start the four-Test series with the opener scheduled to be played at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai from Friday. Both India and England are heading into the series on the back of a series wins against Australia and Sri Lanka respectively. While the series promises to be a cracking contest with both England and India boasting some world-class players, fans are eagerly waiting to witness the clash of giants. India have almost a fully-fit squad with a couple of players missing the Test series due to injuries suffered in the tour of Australia. The likes of Hanuma Vihari, Ravindra Jadeja and Mohammed Shami are missing but the hosts still boast a strong squad which might lead to selection headaches in the Indian camp. While the batting order looks almost set with the likes of Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane, all eyes will be on the bowling combination of the Indian attack as the match will be played in Chennai, which has assisted spinners over the years. ALSO READ: Virat Kohli tops celebrity brand valuation study for fourth consecutive year However, with two back-to-back Test matches scheduled and a debutant curator V Ramesh Kumar taking charge of the proceedings, the MA Chidambaram Stadium could play equal field for both pacers and spinners early on. But India are likely to go with three spinners given England's recent struggle against spin bowling. India last lost a home Test series back in the year 2012 – against England – and has since lost only one Test match, in 2016, on home soil. Given India's sheer domination at home, the Virat Kohli-led outfit starts as heavy favourites to not only win the first Test but also to win the series. ALSO READ: England's Zak Crawley ruled out of first two Tests vs India India predicted playing XI: Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, Rishabh Pant, Ravichandran Ashwin, Washington Sundar/Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Ishant Sharma

3 spinners and 2 pacers? Team India's predicted playing XI vs England for 1st Test

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