IND vs ENG 1st Test: Virat Kohli Vs James Anderson To R Ashwin Vs Joe Root; 5 Key Battles To Watch Out For

A huge series awaits India and England fan with plenty of stars in the mix. Watch out for some exciting battles during the series. (Image: ANI)

Knowing his injury issues, Mark Wood may not play all the five matches in this series but he still remains a key bowler for England. His pace makes him stand out. On his day, he can run through India's batting order. Even on pitches not suited for pace bowling, Wood can be a game changer and provide England crucial breakthroughs during a lull perios on back of sheer pace. Indian batters must play him cautiously. (Image: ANI)

Axar Patel thrives in home conditions. If England find themselves at 20 for 2 in the first ten overs, expec Rohit to bring in Axar quickly. He has the knack of running through the middle order. England do not have great memories of facing Axar the last time they were in India to play Tests. (Image: ANI)

Joe Root went out many times during the tour of India in 2016-17. He was out sweeping the spinners. R Ashwin likes bowling to Joe Root as two top cricketing minds of moder-day cricket will be in a battle for the ages. (Image: ANI)

Jonny Bairstow does not like wrist spin. He gets trapped in air. The only way Bairstow can deal with the wrist spinners is by taking them on. If he starts connecting, Kuldeep will need a hiding. If he does not, Kuldeep should send him back soon. (Image: ANI)

This is the mot-awaited battle. James Anderson has caused much trouble to Virat Kohli in the past. But in completely different conditions of England. Anderson keeps teasing Kohli on the fourth stump line, luring him to drive the ball. But he needs a new set of plans to trouble the India batter on the Indian pitche. Kohli is skipping the first 2 Tests vs England due to personal reasons but once he is back, this mini contest will be exciting to watch. (Image: ANI)