The five-Test series between England and India starts at Trent Bridge, Nottingham on Wednesday. India last played the rain-hit World Test Championship final that they lost by eight wickets against New Zealand at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton in June. It will be a fresh start for both Virat Kohli and Joe Root's team in the new WTC cycle. Watch England vs India first Test live from 3:30 PM IST. (More Cricket News)
England will be under pressure having lost the home series 1-0 to New Zealand in June. They will also be eyeing revenge following a 3-1 loss in India in February-March. The hosts' batting line-up has been under fire and the upcoming series could make or break careers of the batsmen who are feeling the heat.
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Captain Joe Root is 22 runs away from becoming England's leading run scorer across formats. Reminded about that milestone, Root added: "I'd be more excited about winning (the first Test). It's a huge series for us. And it's a great opportunity for us to play India, one of the best sides of the world in our own conditions." England will be without the talismanic Ben Stokes, who has taken a break from cricket.
India captain Virat Kohli on Monday said it takes "relentless madness" and single-minded pursuit of excellence to win a Test series in England. For Kohli personally, winning in England is nothing more than winning anywhere else and it is all about the team culture of going for a win. India don't have a great Test record playing in England. In 62 Tests so far, India have won 7, lost 34 and 21 ended in draws.
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Live streaming of the first England vs India Test can be seen on SONYLiv.
Live telecast can be seen on the following channels: Sony Six, Sony Ten 3 and Sony Ten 4.
Pre-match show starts at 2:30 PM IST, toss is at 3 PM and Play starts at 3:30 PM IST.
