Jonathan Agnew
BBC Test Match Special

Haseeb Hameed's family are over here and there was a family wedding this week, which he wasn't allowed to attend.

Umpire Kumar Dharmasena had a bit of a difficult time in Bangladesh with the review system, but he is in charge again here with Chris Gaffaney from New Zealand. We're all set for play.

Time for the anthems. The India super fan with his body covered by the colours of India, waves his flag exuberantly.

Geoffrey Boycott
Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special

It's good for the youngster Hameed that he can get out there and bat first. The pitches are slow, they don't bounce too high and that gives you time to adapt your shot. As a batsman, you fancy it but as the game goes on it turns. 

Jonathan Agnew
BBC Test Match Special

To win the toss and bat first is the best possible scenario for England.

Captain Cook moves ahead of Mike Atherton today for the most number of Tests as skipper - 55. But he has suggested that the rigours of leading the English cricket team are taking their toll and he might be relinquishing the reins sooner rather than later.

This is the first Test played in Rajkot so we have no previous records to compare, but Alastair Cook is confident it has plenty of runs in the wicket. Ideally for his side.

The weather is not likely to be an issue, there is not a cloud in the sky and there is not one expected for the entire five days.

India: M Vijay, G Gambhir, C Pujara, V Kohli, A Rahane, R Jadeja, R Ashwin, H Pandya, W Saha, M Shami, U Yadav.  

England: A Cook, H Hameed, J Root, B Duckett, M Ali, B Stokes, J Bairstow, C Woakes, A Rashid, Z Ansari, S Broad.

Stuart Broad, rested for that defeat in Bangladesh, returns to make his 100th Test appearance for England and he has been presented with a decorative plaque by England supremo Andrew Strauss. Broad is listed at number 11 in the batting order so will be hoping to have a quiet day today. Let's see what transpires.

Image source, AP

England captain Alastair Cook: "It looks a good cricket wicket. As the game goes on, it will dry out. The stats from state games show that the first innings is crucial. It's going to be a great challenge, and one we can't wait for. We're inexperienced but that's what is exciting about a side."

India captain Virat Kohli: "It looks like a good wicket. It should be good for both batsmen and bowlers. We're looking forward to getting the game on in the first session."

So three spinners for England, with Surrey slow left-armer Zafar Ansari retaining his place, one of six left-handed batsmen in the England side.

Despite the doom and gloom from the pundits, England have won the toss at least and they will bat.

Michael Vaughan
Ex-England captain on BBC Radio 5 live, earlier in the week

I don't think they have a chance. I hope in six weeks time I am proven wrong. We have real talent that on their day can take the game to the opposition but my real concern is for batting a long period of time. If they are going to compete and take the game deep, in the first innings they have to bat a long period of time.