The much anticipated first Test between India and England begins on February 5 (Friday) at the Chepauk Stadium in Chennai. Ahead of the big test match we bring you all the fantasy Tips, Predicted XI, Top fantasy picks, and much more.
Match Timings: 9:30 am IST
Venue: Chepauk, Chennai
Match Preview
Both India and England are coming on the back of historic wins in Australia and Sri Lanka respectively. The Asian giants defied the odds and won the series by 2-1 Down under whereas England whitewashed Sri Lanka. It is expected to be a mouth-watering contest when the two sides clash in Chennai.
Head To Head
Overall- 122 matches
England won- 26
India won- 47
Weather Forecast
Typical bright and sunny conditions will greet the players during all 5 days of the Test at Chennai.
Average First Innings
Around 300 runs-350 runs
Injury and Availability News
Virat Kohli is all set to return after a break along with Ishant Sharma and Hardik Pandya for the Test series against England.
For England, Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer are also making a comeback after being rested for the Sri Lanka series.
India vs England- Fantasy Tips
Predicted XI
India: Shubman Gill, Rohit Sharma, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli ©, Ajinkya Rahane, Rishabh Pant, Washington Sundar, Ravi Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah, Ishant Sharma and Mohammed Siraj/ Kuldeep Yadav
England: Rory Burns, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Dan Lawrence, Jos Buttler (WK), Ben Stokes, Moeen Ali, James Anderson/ Stuart Broad, Jofra Archer, Jake Leech, Dom Bess
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India vs England – Top Fantasy Picks
Joe Root: The England series had a dream series with the bat against Sri Lanka and is again expected to score runs in similar conditions. Root is a must in your fantasy side as he is in ominous touch and loves batting in the subcontinent.
Ben Stokes: The star all-rounder of England returns for the big series against India. Stokes is a game-changer with both bat and ball which is why he should be one of the first picks in your fantasy side.
Ravichandran Ashwin: The great off-spinner will be played at his hometown which will surely intimidate the England side. He looked in brilliant rhythm against Australia and will be now aiming to pick heaps of wickets again in home conditions.
Rohit Sharma: The Indian opening batsman hardly puts a foot wrong when he bats in Tests in home conditions. Rohit has a stellar record at home which he will be aiming to continue in the big Test series against England.
Also Read: Top 5 Run-Scorers In India-England Tests in India
Captain and Vice-Captain Picks
Captain: R. Ashwin
Vice-Captain: Joe Root
Fantasy 11 Team
Wicket-Keeper – Rishabh Pant, Jos Buttler
Batsmen –Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Joe Root, Virat Kohli
All-Rounders – Ben Stokes
Bowlers –R. Ashwin, Jake Leech, Anderson, Bumrah
Also Read: Gautam Gambhir Picks His India Playing XI For First Test vs England