India, the World No 1 team, boasts a terrific batting line-up led by the swashbuckling Virat Kohli and his deputy, the ever-consistent Ajinkya Rahane.

There are also rocks at the top of the order: Openers Murali Vijay and Gautam Gambhir with Cheteshwar Pujara, coming in at one drop.

The bowling will be again India's forte, with spin wizard Ravichandran Ashwin leading the way and Ravindra Jadeja playing the supporting role to perfection. The experienced Amit Mishra too can be a handful in helpful conditions.

Mohammed Shami, Ishant Sharma and Umesh Yadav form a formidable pace attack for the hosts.

Ahead of the first Test between India and England in Rajkot, Rajneesh Gupta looks at the two teams and their numbers.