To begin with, England's record in Edgbaston against all countries is very impressive and especially against Indians, out of 6 test matches, england have won 5 matches and one match was drawn. The top 5 bowling performances in this venue, includes performances from legends like Imran khan, shane warne and muthaiah muralidharan. Chethan Sharma from India has a ten wicket haul in the one and only drawn encounter for India. Bowler's efforts become crucial, if India has to deliver the knock out punch.
The bowling combination becomes key. Kuldeep Yadav would be a definite pick, either Ravindra Jadeja or Ashwin will feature in the playing eleven, depending on the number of left handers to be played in the England playing eleven. Cook, Stokes, Jennings, Malan, Broad, Anderson, Sam curran are all left handers and ideally Ashwin should play ahead of Jadeja. Fast bowlers should be Umesh yadav & Ishant and Hardik Pandya would fit in as a bowling all-rounder. This would ensure that Virat packs the side with much needed seniors, who are familiar with england bowling conditions. Bhuvaneshwar kumar would be missed for sure.
The batting combination is a tricky one. Knowing Virat's selection methodology, he will not mind taking a hard decision of dropping Shikhar Dhawan and Pujara, if need be. K L Rahul has done his part right by performing well in the warm up match against Essex. Dinesh Karthik should play in as a wicket keeper, unless Virat brings in a surprise there too by backing Rishab Pant to fetch him a test cap. Virat Kohli would put high price on his wicket and would want M Vijay and Rahane to build partnerships along with other batsmen. The tail-enders needs to stretch some partnerships and Bhuvaneshwar kumar would be missed here too.
One wishes Kuldeep Yadav and K L Rahul to be the sensations in this test series for Indian team.
England would rely on Alistair cook's experience with the bat and Broad-Anderson duo with the ball. Adil Rashid is a good choice after his performance in the ODIs, but his adaptability to test match is an interesting sight to watch. Joe Root played Indian spinners really well in the ODIs and Bairstow, Butler could be match winners with their contributions. Ben Stokes could be disruptive with his bat rather than with his ball. Moeen Ali's spin tricks could be irritating for Indian test team too. All in all, England is a complete side in their backyard, with hardly any loose ends.
The conditions would be dry and would favor the batting teams and there would not be enough swing. Although Indians could benefit out of the weather conditions, the important question is whether the summer would extend throughout the 5 match series, one needs to wait and watch. The 2nd and 3rd test match is scheduled to be played in Lords and Trent bridge, which are favorite hunting grounds for India and at the end of 3 test matches, if Indians could place themselves in a 2-0 or 2-1 lead, we have a fantastic test series on the cards for Indians creating history.
If Indians bat first, first innings total of 400 and beyond is crucial and we need to restrict england to less than 350 to take control, if we bowl first. Virat Kohli is in right frame of mind to create a record in england, both for himself as well as team India.
